Reacting to Gamerant's "Top 16 Scariest Games of All Time"

[@MrLalabai]

Btw, as a guy who watched John for almost a decade, his scariest game is the one where a co-worker tells you hes gonna get you and then calls you constantly to check where you are by phone ringing I remember john had to make an elaboration video or something where he explained that yes, home invasion type horror games are the scariest for him

[@alexyz9430]

ahh yes, Nighttime Visitor!! I also remember watching him get really uncomfortable with that game before realizing what Alex is

[@callistra9]

That was Emily Wants to Play for me. It really nails a specific type of fear for me and every time I revisit a playthrough I have trouble sleeping the subsequent nights

[@eldrichnemo9312]

THIS. One of his most memorable videos, an excellent example of how horror is subjective.

[@qaqbqc1005]

@@alexyz9430yeah and I got unsettled later on bc of John’s reaction

[@maskedmildew5437]

absolutely LOVED his video of this. what a blast, i should rewatch it

[@paytvn]

I'm so disappointed Soma wasn't on this list. That game fills me such dread and existential horror and it's fantastic

[@cupid3890]

@@nephatrine I mean when you're being stalked by the librarian, yeah, shit's terrifying

[@whoIsV]

Conceptually and storywise it was great but the gameplay was average at best. It had its few moments of enemy encounters but only that's it.

[@melly470]

​@@nephatrinethe anglerfish 😭

[@theotv5522]

Many games should be on that list instead. I mean, no Cry of Fear? Afraid of Monsters? Total Chaos? It Steals? Slender? Dredge?

[@SpaceClown404]

Bro the whole point is that the list sucks so of course soma isnt there

[@BasementDweller_]

I’m not even sure how Doki Doki Literature Club got on the list. I was more sad than scared.

[@user-os7ec4dm8x]

That and until Dawn aren't scary at all, it's how you know the list as with all ' definitive lists' are absolutely pointless, because the list only mattters and is true to the person who compiled it.

[@hexywesky]

Whoever wrote this has only played 16 scary games

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

I would rate Doki Doki Literature Club number 1 every time! I usually hate horror but DDLC is so cool and unique in how it breaks the 4th wall and messes with your computer that it transcends traditional horror with jumpscares or whatever and feels WAY more real! The realness of it is why it's a horror game I actually like and of course something messing with your computer is terrifying! Some even thought it was a virus! That mixed with the real disturbing self harm stuff as well I guess.

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

DDLC is one of the most iconic yet still niche and absolutely unique and horrifying games. Most are just "scary monsters in the dark" bullcrap but Doki Doki Literature Club is so unique and messes with your computer and everything to make it so much more terrifying yet intriguing as well!🤯❤️

[@FabricatedPheonix]

​​​@@fuzzyotterpaws4395Bro are you just glazing on the game every comment you can? Lol it's not scary in the slightest. Also sorry to burst your bubble, but messing with game files isn't unique and DDLC isn't the first and won't be the last to do it

[@JerseyDevilJerseyGirl]

I’m really, really digging this 2nd channel & the way in which your 1st is going. Your content always cheers me up. Tbh It initially took my mind off a detox from Hell. I’m celebrating 6 years clean today, & I appreciate your channel just as much as I did back then.

[@chillcreep4926]

Congrats! 🎉

[@CrisR82]

I'm pretty sure these lists are specifically made as partial rage-bait to generate discussion around them and lead to more engagement/people commenting them (driving more attention that way).

[@theoriginaldash]

I'm not a Doki Doki hater. I enjoyed it, despite really not liking VNs. However, it definitely does not belong on this list, lol.

[@ItsHaisho]

Agreed. I think Doki Doki Literature club is a good game for what it is, but one of the scariest games of all time? I'd classify it more as, "messed up," than, "scary," and even then, it definitely doesn't belong on a list like this lol

[@AshChiCupcak]

​@@ItsHaishoYea, it was a neat game for what it was with the whole hidden codes on your computer thing but I wouldn't say at any point was it "scary". If it was less dating sim and more meta horror, it would have been better.

[@VioPLayable]

Doki Doki is amazing but it is NOT scary. I don't understand how anyone in their right mind would put Doki Doki on a "Scariest games of all time" list.

[@thereaversden6847]

I would have put Simulacra in DDLC place as a whole personally speaking.

[@DevenThaDude-xb2tm]

I think it could only apply if you’re playing it for the first time, day one and have absolutely no idea what’s coming. Maybe only for the shock factor alone. Now everyone knows what the game is so it’s kinda just a meta horror game.

[@thefailbender]

Until Dawn being listed as scarier than P.T. is a fucking choice and a half. And just realized FNAF is not on here, which is really shocking.

[@ItsHaisho]

@thefailbender FNAF isn't scary. It's full of jumpscares, yes, but actually scary? There's a huge difference.

[@AngeliqueStP]

Yeah.., I can only surmise they were drunk AF to put Dawn over P.T. I mean, come ON.

[@JohnTwolfe]

FNAF1 is scary due to its atmosphere, not due to jumpscares. Common misconception tbh. It could be a top 16 choice IMO

[@ItsHaisho]

@JohnTwolfe For me FNAF quickly loses its effect once you get used to it, since it's pretty much the same thing over, and over, just harder as the nights go on. I can maybe give it to the first game, but for me personally it'd be low down on the list. And the games following after definitely don't have the same effect since, again, they just feel like the same thing over, and over.

[@derangedberger]

@@ItsHaisho We gotta recognize that having jumpscares does not immediately mean any horror in the game is invalidated. Yeah, the game had jumpscares and all the big youtube clips were of markiplier and others going WAUHGHGHG and flying out of their chair. That doesn't invalidate the totally oppressive and genuinely unsettling atmosphere the game had.

[@guyputtinghandonshoulder]

As someone who came across Doki Doki Literature Club day/week one completely unaware it was a horror game and decided to download it on a whim, I feel like I should say something about it. English isn't my first language, so for anyone reading, I hope you can bear with me. I want to start off saying my gaming knowledge was mostly made up of FPS titles and Visual Novels, and I had only played a few (mainstream) horror games, which I always abandoned early in my playthrough (Outlast, Amnesia and Fnaf are the first that come to mind). I played for a while without thinking about it too much, actually having a decent time. When it came to the act 1 end scene (and its build up), I was pretty shocked/terrified. I decided to close my laptop and give it a break, I didn't feel like I was in the right mind to go through an experience like that. But that feeling stuck with me for some time. After a couple months, I was curious and decided to try and finish it. I'll admit I enjoyed having it as my first completion of a horror game. But for my opinion on it years later: When you look back at it, it's clear it was aimed at Visual Novel/Anime fans rather than Horror fans. The game relies on the player being completely oblivious about what they're actually playing, and it falls flat if someone knows about the horror aspect. Because of that, and the fact that it was THE game that got me to like horror games as much as I do now, I can't stop myself from looking back at it 'fondly'. It's a matter of perspective. I doubt any Horror enthusiast like John enjoyed it as much as somebody like me did. Also, as far as I'm aware, it was the first horror game that disguised itself as something completely innocent, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I've spent too much time commenting about the first six minutes of the video. Hope somebody got to enjoy reading this!

[@Cerise4697]

You said you weren’t familiar with the VN genre, so you’d be forgiven for not knowing that DDLC is a sort of “spiritual successor” to another, lesser known Japanese VN called Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koi (often shortened to Totono). I’m always a little peeved that most Western discussions of DDLC completely leave out this influence, since DDLC pretty directly lifted a lot of its elements from that game, but in any case DDLC is far from the only horror game to hide its nature (Totono itself and even many Western indie titles have done this; check out The Open House for example) and owes its novelty to the fact that most English-speaking audiences are just less familiar with the genre as a whole.

[@JohnSimpsonism]

I knew nothing about DDLC before playing it and it was a legitimately effective, unique, and creepy experience. I figured something was up because of the disclaimer (“this game is not suitable…”) so I wasn’t necessarily surprised that it became a horror game, but the way that it did become one was clever. It’s not terrifying like parts of RE7 or Amnesia were to me, but having that unspoiled experience with DDLC was such a cool thing to play through and I will always give it props for that. Funnily enough it reminded me a lot of a platform game called Eversion that had a very similar disclaimer at the start and also started out cute and innocent before turning horrific. I don’t see too many people talking about that game these days, but I can’t help thinking that it was somewhat of an influence on DDLC.

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

I would rate Doki Doki Literature Club number 1 every time! I usually hate horror but DDLC is so cool and unique in how it breaks the 4th wall and messes with your computer that it transcends traditional horror with jumpscares or whatever and feels WAY more real! The realness of it is why it's a horror game I actually like and of course something messing with your computer is terrifying! Some even thought it was a virus! That mixed with the real disturbing self harm stuff as well I guess.

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

DDLC is one of the most iconic yet still niche and absolutely unique and horrifying games. Most are just "scary monsters in the dark" bullcrap but Doki Doki Literature Club is so unique and messes with your computer and everything to make it so much more terrifying yet intriguing as well!🤯❤️

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

​@@Cerise4697I've played Doki Doki Literature Club for years and never heard of whatever that is😂 DDLC is a really unique concept.

[@fadetonat]

Revisiting PT would be sick. I’m sure my fellow shareholders would agree.

[@MIR-bu1ft]

Soma's ending still haunts me to this day and the fact it wasn't on this list is insane to me

[@adamdubigames]

S.O.M.A. should be at least in the top 5. A horror game shouldn't only be scary cause of the jumpscares and the gore. The existential dread that story had was life changing, and it was pure horror.

[@Maplecakes1221]

Thought Soma would've made the list

[@mlcoffey2]

Soma needs to be on there.

[@tayharvey1297]

Agreed

[@WynneL]

Would've made a good list

[@theotv5522]

So many other games should be on that list instead. I mean, no Cry of Fear? Afraid of Monsters? Total Chaos? It Steals? Slender? Dredge?

[@TheBasedGreeg]

Most GameRant articles feel AI generated lol, but I will say that Doki Doki came out when I was a teen, and I found it incredibly scary at the time. But also I played it right before it really exploded, so I didn’t really know about the horror stuff. Not sure if it’s in the top 16, but I definitely think it deserves props for it’s creativity and scariness tbh

[@TheDeadDandy]

Last I was aware, this website/all similar websites as they are owned by the same parent company will not tolerate AI writing I don’t know if that makes it better or worse lmao, but it does add a more interesting human confusion element for Whatever That’s Worth

[@wildboar67]

@@TheBasedGreeg If you look at the addendum comment at the top of the page (the one that mentions Buckshot Roulette), you can tell it is 100% AI-written. You can see that the prompt confused "scariest" horror games with "funniest." This crap is all AI

[@JHawkLR]

I use a Google app to get "suggested" news stories, and I've blacklisted GameRant entirely. It's garbage.

[@floofzykitty5072]

I never understood how people didn't know about the horror stuff. The download page tells you it's a horror game. When you start up the game, it gives you a trigger warning that basically tells you it's a horror game. I also played it before it got big, and I remember seeing the warning at the start of the game and thinking "why would a dating sim have these content warnings?"

[@TheBasedGreeg]

@@floofzykitty5072 I wasn’t fully aware of what I was getting into. Most of the people I’d seen talk about it mainly just said something vague like it was “fucked up.” That combined with the content warning just made me think that the rug pull would be that the game looks cute but the characters are actually struggling with abuse, depression, maybe suicide, etc. I thought it was just going to delve into heavy subject matter, not that it would turn into a horror game.

[@EdinMike]

I have no mouth, and I must scream! Doesn’t get the props it deserves! It’s not your typical jump scares, however it is just psychologically mind melting !

[@AngeliqueStP]

Definitely groundbreaking IMO. ...I mean back then, who would have thought to take a Harlan Ellison story and make a *game* out of it, especially THAT one!

[@bungiecrimes7247]

Still... not really scary tho. Mostly just depressing.

[@AngeliqueStP]

@@bungiecrimes7247 Can't agree. Horror is Subjective. As a woman, I think being locked in a room with the guy who r**ed you qualifies as terrifying.

[@BillyButterwater-lp8fv]

​@@AngeliqueStP Can't agree. Everything on planet earth is subjective. As a dude, I think being locking in a room with the girl I just tickled qualifies as terrifying.

[@AngeliqueStP]

@@BillyButterwater-lp8fv Ah. I see. You're just a brain-rotted, creeper s*x pest that thinks SA is just some big joke. Well it's a good thing you don't have any women in your life that would need to be warned about you. Now. Crawl back to your hole, Smeagol. Everyone who ever loved you was mistaken. ...And thanks for the easy mute.

[@NivenHedinger]

31:34 - this is the reason why I've been watching your content for over a decade now. The horror genre is indeed so subjective and with your horror playthroughs and content in general, I've learned to pay more attention to the details, subtle elements, which made the games better and how those elements are used in horror, looping hallways, color red, sewer levels, etc. I do agree about P.T. being scarier than most games and definitely had a huge impact. You also mentioned "The Complex: Found Footage" and it would be interesting to hear your thoughts about if Backrooms had the same effect as P.T. did on indie games, because of the clone games that were made after that. Great video!

[@Zero-fd5ob]

Everyone seems to forget Mortuary Assistant it seems. A recent game yet quite the scary game due to it's uncomfortable atmosphere, and honestly, well placed scares.

[@smortonmedia]

Yeah definitely good call out, had some of the best placed jump scares that didn't feel cheesy

[@gnolex86]

Granny is scarier than half of the game on their list.

[@awholelotofbees]

so no Granny?? 🤳🛹

[@callistra9]

Absolutely true LOL

[@theotv5522]

Granny doing Fortnite dances triumphs all horror characters ever made.

[@tristanwatson641]

My top pick would be Subnautica which for a lot of people isn't even that scary of a game. For me I'm filled with pants shitting fear each time I go in the water. What people find scary is very subjective

[@JB-cd8eb]

Oh hell yeah didn't even think of that but i agree

[@UberSolus]

Gotta agree with PT, I played it in VR and my god I didn't even want to move at times

[@ericcornish3773]

Until Dawn should not be in front of Silent hill 2

[@szechuon6971]

Nor PT, RE7, Alien Isolation. It's scary if you don't play horror games, but if youa re a fan of the genre, it belongs wayyyyy lower on the list.

[@ericcornish3773]

​@@szechuon6971I agree

[@FoxyGuyHere]

@@szechuon6971 RE7 isn't scary at all but I still agree

[@sierrajohn7967]

not a silent hill hater but i never really did find any of those games scary, prolly becuz it lacks jumpscares but yeah, staunch defender of until dawn here lol

[@FluffyThieves]

So, Silent Hill 2 is my favorite game ever made. I never found it scary though. On the flipside, my hands were drenched in sweat and my anxiety was through the roof at the end of Until Dawn.

[@GolemCC]

As one such Darkwood fanatic, I was really glad for that video you did on it back then. I understand you'll almost certainly not come back to it, and that's fine, but it was cool that you gave it a shot and got a taste.

[@allagancat]

10000% agree on undertale, chara genuinely scared me with the reset jumpscare (I played pure pacifist and watched a playthrough of genocide route because i was hyperfixated on undertale so i needed to consume all), that would rank much higher to me than DDLC, that shouldn’t be on this list at all lol

[@flyingsnail_art9170]

Saaame

[@ginnyclaire]

Visage actually terrified me lol. Idk why but it was much scarier than PT for me. Outlast also really scared me when it came out

[@darrylefurlow]

I would like to see a few more indie games like Chila Arts and Puppet Combo

[@theotv5522]

Chilla's Art would be more successful if they refine their game. Hard to feel scared when I see an NPC moonwalks out of my view and noclip through a wall. They're pumping out games like rabbits breeding season.

[@nynaeve]

The thing about Outlast is that it’s so linear that it loses a lot of its scariness on a second playthrough, stuff like the scripted jumpscares/cutscenes where your character will never die pretty much lose all effectiveness when you know what’s going to happen. Even some of the chaser sections can be run through pretty quickly if you know how the AI works. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing because I like linear games but it does affect its Scary Rating imho

[@whoIsV]

Most scary games have replayability as an issue, and its not just enemy encounters either. I guess except Alien Isolation but that too starts slow, reaches peak mid-game then fizzles out from second half. Quite difficult to make randomness scary without it getting repetitive and more annoying.

[@chrisprime7767]

I feel like with these tense "chase me" games, you get caught once or twice and it loses its magic completely.

[@theotv5522]

Because the first playthrough you immerse yourself in the world. The 2nd playthrough you begin to dissect it's mechanics and see it on a technical level, rather than something you should be afraid of. It's like seeing magic shows, and is why magicians have a code to not perform the same tricks twice, because then the audience will not focus on enjoying the show anymore, rather they will start to finding out how the "tricks" work.

[@szechuon6971]

Doki Doki I think was well for when it came out. But I must be honest - i would not have played it without already knowing it would turn into a horror game lol! I also think it takes waaaaaay to long to get to the big punch. So, if you're trying to trick your friend into playing it, that won't happen. But! One of my favorite playthroughs on KZbin is the Game Grumps going through Doki Doki - it's hilarious!

[@bungiecrimes7247]

I came for the horror but stayed for the characters.

[@oxuderces1313]

DDLC wasn't even the first dating sim to do the meta horror twist thing. YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story did that in 2013 but because it wasn't translated into English until 2020 it doesn't get the credit.

[@handtomouth4690]

So only whoever does it first should matter?

[@bungiecrimes7247]

​@@handtomouth4690I guess... weird logic 😅

[@bungiecrimes7247]

Simpsons did it! Simpsons did it!

[@ralarasha]

I’m surprised there was no mention of FNAF, simply just because of the size of the franchise

[@evoluna7893]

Yeah I thought the same thing, pretty scary too, def should have made the list over some of the mentions.

[@theotv5522]

Imo horror games should build tension and atmosphere, with only a few jumpscares spreaded throughout. FNAF is basically jumpscare galore.

[@MausiPokemoncek]

Just finished catching up with Crow Country when this popped up 👌

[@Emily-xk2du]

I love the continued rivalry of John vs. Gamerant lmao. John should make a Top 10 Worst Gamerant Articles.

[@RahulkumarMak]

15:27 agree with Jules here, Subnautica should be in the list. Its more of a scary experience with leavthians than cute anime girls.

[@princessfetus]

Shocked not ONE single rpg maker horror game.

[@JohnTwolfe]

Personally I wouldn't put any RPGmaker horror game in even a top 20 or 30. but I also recognize I'm a registered hater

[@LAURA---]

They’re probably not that scary now but I remember back in the day The Crooked Man game scared me so much I would have nightmares about it 😂

[@LeCoinCMoi]

I'd definitely put Fear and Hunger somewhere on the list

[@Ihatemyson3000]

(Editing this reply because the og was wayyy too harsh) those games aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

[@mikewade777]

The Jeff the Killer rpg maker horror games were some of the best horror games of all time, because they were so well written.

[@TicTatToe]

Soma is high up there even among just all games. I'll randomly think about it from time to time even now and that alone says so much. The combination of fear and fascination it brings up in me is something else.

[@AshChiCupcak]

You mentioned wanting to play P.T. again and i just saw an article talking about a P.T. remake just going up on the PS5. Just thought I'd say that in case anyone else is curious and wants to check it out.

[@celloafterdark4173]

This looks interesting!

[@DarkAttackYT]

Isn't that a game made in Dreams?

[@AshChiCupcak]

@@DarkAttackYT Admittedly, I only saw the article title, I didn't have a chance to actually read it lol. So I have no idea. I just figured it was worth mentioning since some ppl never got a chance to play the original before it was taken off the PS store.

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

DDLC is one of the most iconic yet still niche and absolutely unique and horrifying games. Most are just "scary monsters in the dark" bullcrap but Doki Doki Literature Club is so unique and messes with your computer and everything to make it so much more terrifying yet intriguing as well!🤯❤️

[@AStrawberryHedgehog]

The Princess Bride reference is on point.

[@rebeccabarnet6746]

I came to the comments looking for this ha ha 😂 loved that reference

[@Whatlander]

I think DDLC is fine for what it is, but if you're making an "of all time" list, it's openly a love letter to a pre-existing meta-horror visual novel, "You and Me and Her." (18+ not for youths) Also It _still_ bothers me that they establish one character as a collector of ornamental knives, but when a knife shows up, it's a stock footage-ass kitchen knife. The asset isn't used anywhere else; the dev/artist simply didn't bother to draw a more interesting knife for the one character who's super into collecting fancy knives.

[@JohnSimpsonism]

That’s an interesting point about the knife. I hadn’t thought of that before. I’m surprised because the game has generally great attention to detail. But that does seem like a kind of oversight.

[@chrisprime7767]

Damn, no Soma or Still wakes the deep is crazy.

[@paytvn]

Right! Soma just fills me with a certain type of dread I can't quite explain

[@chrisprime7767]

Soma is a masterpiece. Maybe a bit boring for certain people that can't put themselves in the protagonists shoes, but it should at least be top 10 imo. That ending is just a gem!

[@wildboar67]

@@chrisprime7767 still wakes the deep is pretty underwhelming as far as the horror aspect goes - plenty of other games do it a lot better (Amnesia is one of them). But the story is phenomenal.

[@chrisprime7767]

​@@wildboar67people experience horror differently to be fair. I thought the sound design (especially in the boiler room early on) was outstanding. The atmosphere was so good too, if you ask me, horror game of the year. There is so much love in that game, from graphics to the voice acting.

[@RubexQewb]

I wanted to mention Still Wakes The Deep but cuz it’s still so new , I didn’t know if it would count for this list . But yes , that game is phenomenal and really unnerving . That level when you first go outside after the incident happens and your mutated coworker is walking around saying “ WHY IS EVERYONE RUNNING AWAY FROM ME “ has still has stuck with me to this day .

[@ShyGuyPal102]

Cry of Fear and Fatal Frame 1 would make my list. I had to keep taking breaks from the fear and anxiety both games gave me. The Gamerant list is interesting because it had some great picks among strange choices. The order also seemed random. Also surprised SH2 made the list but SH3 didn't. I'd put SH3 way above SH2 in terms of scare factor.

[@fuzzyotterpaws4395]

I would rate Doki Doki Literature Club number 1 every time! I usually hate horror but DDLC is so cool and unique in how it breaks the 4th wall and messes with your computer that it transcends traditional horror with jumpscares or whatever and feels WAY more real! The realness of it is why it's a horror game I actually like and of course something messing with your computer is terrifying! Some even thought it was a virus! That mixed with the real disturbing self harm stuff as well I guess.

[@richwalk3954]

Siren / Forbidden Siren 1 is my personal choice as one of the scariest games I've played. It's not to everyone's taste, but the Siren series will always have a special place in my heart. Until Dawn being ranked second place on this list is...interesting. Above Fatal Frame 2, Silent Hill 2, Alien: Isolation, and PT?

[@marystark3293]

Siren is by far the scariest franchise I've ever played, the whole sightjack mechanic is the most unique horror element in a game I've ever seen

[@bluemooninthedaylight8073]

Socket-jacking, only to see yourself from the perspective of a shambling killer is terrifying.

[@Tinlion09]

Siren is the shit. Shame it's so difficult. I think that turns a lot of people off; you finish a loop, look up a guide, read about the hand towel-piggy bank puzzle, and give up in frustration.

[@theotv5522]

I have tons of horror games I can list on the top of my head and sadly none of them are in here or even mentioned by John. Thinking of Cry of Fear, Afraid of Monsters, Total Chaos, It Steals, Slender, Dredge, Alice: Madness returns, Faith?, Ao Oni, Mad Father, Mogeko castle, Cat in the Box, Ib, the list goes on. Or maybe the reason these aren't in there is because they aren't popular and I've been playing games in a cave?

[@Whatlander]

Unpopular opinion (I'm already disagreeing with myself) but I feel like they could've thrown a courtesy FNAF in there, if only because it's the scariest thing a lot of young players have access to. I think a horror franchise made to be accessible to children is worth a slot, if they're going to have DDLC and Until Dawn taking up space. Majora's Mask, too. Include at least one all-ages title.

[@HaloOfSun]

I still remember when PT came out and the hype around it was INCREDIBLE. Some people missed out on just how dang clever and exciting the reveal was.

[@PlatinumLP]

Fatal frame 2 is overated imo like you said lol. It removed a ton of random encounters that made the first game keep you on your toes. Mostly predictable scripted events and lots of backtracking with nothing new in between. Fatal frame 3 fixed a lot of those issues and is my fave probably

[@PlatinumLP]

They are good to play in order though. 3 references the first two games a lot

[@rabidpotatoify]

I keep thinking the name is Gamer Ant.

[@flyingsnail_art9170]

lol I prefer that name tbh

[@tropezando]

I feel like I don't even know what scary means any more. People use the word to mean so many different things. As I get older, the world is less mysterious and little shocking or surprising. The only things that scare me are things that actually threaten my survival, or flashbacks of those experiences, and I can't suspend my disbelief with most fiction enough anymore to get that feeling. The horror I like tends to have a lot in common with drama and tragedy, because I guess I see people fighting loved ones and aspirations being smacked down by an unavoidable fate to be the scariest possible turn of events on a personal level

[@d0cf0x4]

Condemned: Criminal Origins for sure for me. Phasmaphonia some people might not find scary, but the first I played it going in blind the mechanics really unnerved me since the ghosts somewhat intelligent.

[@thomasgrieve1924]

Condemned should be in the top 5 for sure That goddamn mannequin level is amazing

[@theotv5522]

I was so disappointed not a single horror RPG games was on that list or mentioned by John. I mean Faith? Cat in the Box? Mad Father? Ao Oni? Mogeko castle? Ib? The witch's house? Or maybe the reason these aren't in there is because they aren't popular?

[@_Shadoh_]

Gotta make a comment about my all-time favourite scary game which is never on any list: SCRATCHES. That one moment with the mask is the most I got ever scared by any game, love it till this day and hope that it's predecessor, Asylum, will be released at some point.

[@StarsailorX000]

@_Shadoh_ I heard about that game. I regretted not playing it, cause I used to have a disc of it.l and I don’t know what happened to it. I wonder if there’s another way to play it

[@darrylefurlow]

Hot Take Silent Hill 1 is scarier than Silent Hill 2. The fact FNAF was nowhere to be seen is odd. I have to agree with John that I fear games that just have fear scenarios more than just stick around for like 30 minutes

[@theotv5522]

@@nephatrine I agree. FNAF abuse too much jumpscare it lost the impact. The first few times you get jumpscared you'll go "OMG that scared me" and after a while it just "Oh piss off let me finish the night". It's similar to magic shows. First view you're focused on enjoying the magic, and the 2nd viewing you're more focused on dissecting the "tricks" and not enjoying the show anymore.

[@darrylefurlow]

@@theotv5522 well I haven't played any games in the series outside of the first one and Security Breach so I thought there might have been one to really go through a much more fear factor throughout a series with like 20 something games

[@marmiteghost]

anytime a publication makes a list like this, i'm convinced at least 50% of it is purely ragebait. these lists don't really exist for genuine recommendations, they exist for engagement.

[@blackosprey2940]

I got introduced to this channel in 2011 when I went looking for Amnesia Dark Descent playthroughs. Been enjoying the ride ever since. :)

[@anastasiathundercat6268]

Soma was the fist playthrough of John's that i watched, so every time he mentions it, i get nostalgic )) I remember he played a Game jam game about a guy being a fire watcher and something being out there that gradually got closer with each call, that was one of the scariest games i remember.

[@sagitariusjupiter9685]

I would switch Until Dawn with Silent Hill 4 the Room possibly the scariest and hardest game in the franchise .😮

[@thacobell4700]

Its always interesting to see how people rank games. John comparing every game to how it stacks up now is very different from how I'd do it. For example. Him separating "scary" from "good to play" is a also a great take that I hardly ever see.

[@softlymeowgical7609]

I feel that John could potentially check out The Tartarus Key. The humor style and puzzle difficultly would fit well with his personality.

[@scytherpunk6]

i second this! good game

[@roxannefranklin3364]

I played Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly growing up and I think it’s soooo good, it’s got a great story. It reminded me a lot of Silent Hill, with the ritual and cult elements, and that’s all I’ll say cause I don’t wanna spoil it. Anyone who hasn’t played it should definitely check it out. I think some of the ghosts in it are also really cool.

[@tgxp]

I'm not sure if I would label DDLC as scary, but maybe creepy and unnerving when it gets down to it? I mean, I've never played it, but I can see why people enjoy the game so much. As someone who found out about DDLC and watched YT videos of it before I even heard of Pony Island or watched Undertale gameplay, it kind of fascinated me.

[@nicholaslake5937]

RE 4 had some creepy moments.....the set designs were great, and the sounds....I can still remember the sound of the chainsaw firing up, the regenerator raspy breathing, the stabbing sounds from those invisible things, the chanting of the monks......there were parts of it were I hesitated to keep going because I was trying to figure out what was coming next. Some good quick-time and scripted events as well.

[@anoneemus6097]

Would you consider any of Chilla's Art games and any episode from Fears to Fathom in your scariest video games list?

[@roramoya]

They should've made this a Top 100 instead. Also, where is Clock Tower? Death Mark? Fear & Hunger? Yomawari? I'm definitely surprised I didn't see The Last of Us on here. I can't help but feel RE Zero should be here as well, but I could reason (with a better list) wanting to limit your picks to one game per franchise. Game Rant definitely (perhaps predictably) fell short with this one, which is just unfortunate.

[@StarsailorX000]

@roramoya Speaking of Clock Tower, I’m interested in checking out the Clock Tower Rewind that will be coming out later this year.

[@naffiekinz]

This was one of the most fun streams I’ve ever been in, hands down. Ps. Every morning I wake up and think about Tetris at #3 🙃

[@imcherylynn]

I know a lot of these “best of” lists are opinion and vote based. I never take them personally…generally speaking. Like I LOVE both RE7 and Until Dawn, but RE7 is for sure the scarier game. I understand Amnesia maybe being on top because it was a catalyst indie horror game and it was played by MANY. For a while, it was what dominated the “let’s play” genre on KZbin. I can’t say I agree with its placement on this list, but I do understand it if it was put to a vote.

[@theotv5522]

Not gonna all these games aren't as scary as may RPG horror games I've played. See Faith, Mad Father, Ib, OFF, Cat in the Box, The witch's house, etc. I would argue the ending of Cat in the Box and OFF alone beats all these games listed.

[@imcherylynn]

@@theotv5522 I mean…it’s all subjective in the end - comes down to personal preference. John says off this list P.T. is the scariest for him, and personally for me I don’t find it nearly as scary (after 10 years) as some of the others in this list or even what you’ve listed. Which is why if I see any of these lists, I take it with a pinch of salt.

[@theotv5522]

@@imcherylynn PT is scary because when it came out, other horror games let you have weapons or some means to defend yourself. PT and only a select few took that away and was why they're so successful. Hell, look at Slender. The thing is a glorified walking sim and it was phenomenal when it came out.

[@Wasserliliensee]

Im so glad someone in chat mentioned thief 3... that zombie boat and the cradle still creep me out so much

[@alixjones7460]

Honestly, with DDLC, it felt like more of a tragedy than a horror game.

[@moonunit7417]

I think the Deadspace franchise (1&2 & remake) are pretty scary, but for me the isolation and lack of other survivors works against it. The way the necromorphs so effectively cut through everyone else and there are basically no survivors who don't have plot armor drives home how different Isaac is from them. It makes him into too much of a DoomGuy, so you never feel that worried that he will share the horrific fate of those around him. I think showing more humans having some success fighting back and more survivor holdouts at first might make the necromorphs seem not as individually dangerous, but would help reinforce the idea that they will eventually wear Isaac down and make him feel more vulnerable by mitigating the contrast that highlights his plot armor.

[@theotv5522]

So many other games should be on that list instead. I mean, no Cry of Fear? Afraid of Monsters? Total Chaos? It Steals? Slender? Dredge? Alice: Madness returns? Faith? Or maybe the reason these aren't in there is because they aren't popular?

[@tribalstyle138]

Anatomy was great!!

[@secretxxstars]

31:07 this is such a great point and example, using Anatomy. it's kinda like the same way that some people find grabbing something from their basement completely mundane and nonchalant, while for others it's pretty scary. and I've known people scared to go into their completely finished basement with full lighting, and I've known people who don't even flinch going into their old unfinished basement in the dark, so it's not even necessarily its specific characteristics that can cause people to hate going down there. but for whatever reason, some people find their basement scary. and what are you gonna say to that person, that it's not? because it is, to them. so it always seemed kinda odd to try to make a definitive list of media that is "actually scary" for that reason. even worse is when people try to decide if a piece of media belongs in the horror genre based on whether they personally found it scary and cannot comprehend that there's more elements than that for what makes something horror -- that there *has* to be, since "stuff that's scary" is so subjective.

[@Gxmwp]

I think the core of your opinion on DDLC is that you don't like the normal visual novels that's mostly just you following a main character in a normal setting. Which is completely fine. Slice of life isn't for everyone so you being bored by the part of the game that's made to directly emulate it makes sense to me. I think too many people hype up the meta aspect of the game and are quick to recommend it without thinking about whether the person they're telling to play it actually likes or even tolerates those kind of VN's.

[@taytay4743]

I just want people to stop pretending like doki doki literature club was the first visual novel to do that stuff 🤷🏽‍♀️ there are others out there that did the same thing but way better🤷🏽‍♀️ (irisu syndrome) also just look at literally any other dating sim/otome and you’ll still find this type of horror but better

[@3Diana]

To me personally, Diablo 1 is one of the scariest games of all time. The atmosphere is rotten, demonic, liminal, stomach churning. I played it as an adult and it's still scary. Something about that setting, similarly to 40k has an incredible effect on me. Cosmic sacral horror, it really hits, feels so oppressive and disgusting in a visceral way. Makes you feel helpless.

[@Maurrokh]

Oh there's definitely something very rotten and grimy about Diablo 1. I wouldn't call it scary but it can make my skin crawl. For me Doom 1 & 2, Fear and Hunger, and Vermis give off similar vibes.

[@3Diana]

@@Maurrokh ooh, yes, actually surprised fear and hunger wasn't on the list especially

[@flyingsnail_art9170]

@@Maurrokhdarkwood also gives me a very similar vibe. In fact I would personally say it unnerves me even more than Fear and Hunger (and I love fear and hunger - and Termina). Probably because it just builds up insane tension. Sorry for rambling on your comment, I very much agree

[@exeidan]

Worth mentioning since John brought up the topic of horror sequences in non-horror games: the school mission on Ghostwire Tokyo. Man, I'm not afraid of mannequins but that thing freaked me out. And it was very effective for the reasons he lists: short and impactful.

[@temetyly]

Really appreciate your avoiding spoilers John

[@baronobeefdip8075]

DDLC felt a bit like an entry-level meta-horror to me, like it's supposed to pique your interest so that you start looking for more games like it. Also happy to hear Anatomy mentioned. I even have your playthrough of it bookmarked just so I can re-watch/listen to it randomly.

[@Athior]

Amnesia has got that Seinfeld effect where it was foundational in developing a genre. But because a lot of other horror games build their frame on top of it long after its heyday, they naturally end up inheriting amnesia’s characteristics and make them ubiquitous and no longer unique.

[@aettic]

Soma is fantastic. That's one that someone told me to play, and I didn't know anything about it. Just jumped right in, and that game kept me on my toes pretty much the whole time. I remember for me, the scariest moment was after you get past the Abyss into the facility, and it's quiet, but you hear the banging noises in the distance. You go to open the door, and it's the slowest door opening ever, then on the other side there's this diving suit waiting there in the distance, and it runs after you. I booked it into the other room and closed the door, then hid in the corner, and this monster just started banging on the door and screaming. My camera was going all chromatic aberration on these little white lights on the wall, which I remember so viscerally. That was - for me - one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever had in a game, and the only time I've literally paused, saved, and quit the game, saying "I can't do this right now, I'll come back to it tomorrow". Soma remains one of my favorite games of all time, from a psychological and philosophical perspective, from a horror game perspective, the atmosphere, the writing and voice acting, everything is just excellent.

[@Hiparu]

Him bringing up Anatomy by KittyHorrorShow. That's like, top 3 favorite, scariest games John has played on his channel. I loved it, I loved the vibe, I felt actual dread while watching, and I almost never get scared like that during games. But he's so right! It's so subjective!

[@szechuon6971]

Resident Evil 7 is by far the scariest RE game. There were moments that left me shook!

[@Art_911]

Wow, there were so many not on this list, and some very questionable ones on it (as you commented). These lists are so subjective anyway. But fun watching you react to them LOL

[@narkedandafraid]

Your reaction to #2 was so accurate I laughed out loud. I also adore that game but it didn’t scare me at all.

[@uneasyspider]

The great thing about this list analysis is it makes us realize the influence of certain games on the genre. There should be a list of most influencially-scary games, which PT and Amnesia would top, as historical genre setters. What else?

[@EternaRogue]

The Princess Bride reference when booing DDLC being on the list made me laugh so hard, made this video worth it for me alone.

[@victorian_ghost4977]

Why play DDLC when we have Slay the Princess

[@cupid3890]

daily reminder for John to play slay the princess LOL

[@theotv5522]

@@cupid3890 Daily reminder for John to finish the Rusty Lake franchise.

[@tezza000111]

PT gave birth to resident evil 7

[@JWildberry]

I gotta admit...I started watching your Doki Doki playthrough back in the day, but not even your commentary could save it for me.

[@ArchieDude]

While I wouldn't say that it's one of the scariest games, If I could add on to this list I'd say Eternal Darkness is a pretty good contender since it had some really unique 4th wall breaking sanity effects like turning off your tv, muting the sound, a fake out that looks like your save file gets deleted, accidentally killing yourself reloading your guns, etc. But I also feel like that's what's missing in a lot of modern horror, allowing you the time to get uncomfortable. Because a lot of horror now boils down to gross out gore, or jumpscares that ruin any tension that was ever built up. I'd say indie developers are definitely shaking things up the most with the creativity (as long as they're not making KZbin bait games, you know the ones)

[@9vz9nm9jk-iy6fp]

Do you think Welcome to the game should be anywhere on this list? I feel like out of all the playthroughs I've watched from you, that one seemed to have some of the biggest scares. It would honestly be really cool to see you make your own top 20 list of scariest horror games, with all the deep cuts you know.

[@Xirpzy]

Did you play Bramble, the mountain king? Not really scary but such a good game.

[@chillcreep4926]

Yes, on this channel, within the past year. I know it was during the same time as Baldur's Gate playthrough.

[@merprincesspacifica]

Anatomy was one of the best experiences I’ve had with a horror game. Whereas friends I asked to play had no reaction.

[@frightfang]

Soma is scary to me on an existential level. The fact that it takes place underwater also creeps me out.

[@Azotherian]

To clarify about Soma: they released an option to make the monsters "safe", so they won't attack you, only comes at you and stops once it reaches you

[@MrScrawnjuan]

I agree with the haters on PT. It's not a game, just a demo. And it's unplayable if you Uninstalled it like I have.

[@sammaloo]

Dang, no SOMA? Also, I echo the sentiment that there not being any small horror games, like IB and Witch's House. Those still get me every time, and are so clever. Horror is so difficult to do, though, cuz are we talking spookiness? Dread? Shock? Because for me, Dredge scares me so much worse than any other game lol. I agree that PT is the best, no question, with RE7 super close.

[@AquaShibby3000]

I went into DDLC as blind as possible and I felt the last stretch was super effective... I really liked it

[@roseduhhh]

Love this video. Now this is making me think of my scariest personal video games..... my personal top 10 scariest games that scared the crap out of me on first play so hard that I literally could not continue playing (not rating based on how they hold up now): 1. PT 2. Amnesia: The Dark Descent 3. Outlast (+ Whistleblower DLC) 4. Cry of Fear 5. Five Nights At Freddys 6. Fears To Fathom (especially chapter 1 and 4) 7. Amnesia: The Bunker 8. Silent Hill 2 9. Resident Evil 4 10. Soma

[@oldmangerhard]

For Eternal Darkness to not even be on the list shows that it was a very limited list. That said there were lots of not just indie titles but lots of mainstream games which just weren't included.

[@fearhunger3983]

Some pretty decent picks there. It's missing the top 2 scary games I can think of - Subnautica and Siren Blood Curse. Those 2 cause genuine anxiety in me.

[@larabalsan4602]

P.T. was a turning point on the way horror games used to be made.

[@whoIsV]

Scary is mixed bag now. What is considered scary? Story? Ending Truth? Atmosphere? Jumpscares? Mindfuck? Enemy AI? Ghost only? Hate me for this but if replayablity is not a concern, I would put Outlast 1 + DLC in top position.

[@sonofulti1337]

There at the end you referred to scary sequences in non-horror games that scared you. My moments that came to mind were Ravenwood in HL2 and the tunnels at the end of Uncharted 1 when the monsters start chasing you. Absolutely made me shit my pants