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A lot of people tend to think of horror games as gimmicky titles with lackadaisical gameplay and cheap scares that are meant to be played only for the sake of novelty, and nothing else. This couldn't be further from the truth. Horror games have evolved massively as a genre, resulting in the creation of some truly stellar and unputdownable experiences. The mere fact that major triple-A hits use elements of horror as a means of instilling atmosphere in their games should be enough to indicate just how amazing certain horror titles can be.
Of course, most players want great combat in their games too, and some horror games provide that in droves. Keeping this in mind, here are some amazing horror games with excellent combat systems that will keep players hooked all the way to the very end.
10 Condemned: Criminal Origins
The Condemned series might be pretty old at this point — relatively speaking, at least — but there's no denying the fact that the combat is still a blast to get through. Players who manage to get over the initial shock of the psychopaths of Metro City will find it quite satisfying to pound these criminals into a pulp.
The combat is by no means easy, but players who get a hang of its systems will have a great time with the game. Ethan Thomas is easily one of the most adept hand-to-hand fighters in video games, and it clearly shows.
9 BioShock
Ken Levine is a master of creating video games with riveting stories. BioShock definitely falls in this category, with the combat of this title also being pretty stellar to boot.
Using a combination of punchy weapons along with powerful weapons is always a blast... literally at times. Players who want to play through an atmospheric trilogy with an eerie atmosphere should definitely try out the BioShock trilogy.
8 The Last Of Us
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The Last of Us is one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever made, with the story of Joel and Ellie being extremely satisfying to play through. The riveting themes present in this title make for one of the best video game narratives of all time.
Of course, it helps that the combat and gameplay of this title are also stellar. Fighting through hordes of the infected along with normal human enemies is always an adrenaline-inducing affair, with a single misstep leading to chaotic firefights where the player needs to make every shot count.
7 Dead Space
The announcement of a Dead Space remake sent every fan of great horror games into a frenzy, and rightfully so. The original Dead Space was an absolute masterclass in immersive design, with each and every step taken through the halls of the USG Ishimura being full of dreadful anticipation as players tried to stay one step ahead of the nightmarish horrors that lay within.
Cutting off the limbs of Necromorphs and the like is a gameplay loop that is still oddly riveting to this day. So, it's only a given why players can't wait to replicate the same in this new console generation.
6 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
While Resident Evil Village is definitely a great title in its own right, one can't deny that its predecessor is way more horrific and doesn't pull back when it comes to the scares. This focus on horror coupled with excellent gameplay makes for one of the best Resident Evil titles ever made.
Biohazard is not an easy game by any stretch of the imagination, and players need to be wary about their ammunition reserves while tackling enemies in the game. This constant source of stress makes each and every encounter in the game feel scarier yet polished.
5 The Evil Within 2
Shinji Mikami is a pioneer in the realm of survival horror gaming. His work on the Resident Evil series was absolutely revolutionary, with his legacy being further strengthened with the advent of The Evil Within series.
The latest game in the series, The Evil Within 2 improves upon pretty much every issue that was present in the first game. This, coupled with a unique and well-executed open-world structure, makes for a riveting experience where players will have a ton of fun as they shoot through numerous baddies while constantly keeping tabs on their ammunition as well.
4 Alan Wake
Just like Dead Space, Alan Wake is also getting the remake treatment for next-gen consoles. This news was greeted warmly by fans, who wanted this unique horror thriller to get the recognition it deserved once again.
The unique gameplay and amazing story are easily two of the game's biggest draws. One can only wait and see whether Alan Wake's remake will do justice by the original.
3 Control
Remedy Entertainment has developed some truly stellar and atmospheric titles which feel extremely eerie at times. Control is one such game that deserves all its plaudits in this regard.
The story draws heavily from the established lore of the SCP Foundation, turning it into the most polished adaptation of this urban legend. Players who love eerie games with excellent combat will feel right at home with Control.
2 Bloodborne
Hidetaka Miyazaki is one of the most influential video game creators of his time, and you need only look at the greatness of Dark Souls to understand why this is the case. However, most fans of FromSoftware's work consider Bloodborne to be the best game the company has ever released, and for good reason.
Bloodborne's gothic setting certainly feels intimidating at first glance before people settle into the game and become acquainted with its amazing combat. However, it's when the game delves into its Lovecraftian roots that it becomes a nightmarish experience that players dread at every step of the way.
1 Returnal
The PlayStation 5 is home to some truly marvelous exclusives, with Returnal being another feather in their illustrious cap. The game embraces the roguelike structure to great effect, allowing for some hard-as-nails gameplay where every run feels fresh and challenging in equal measure.
Defeating the bosses of each area and uncovering the story of Returnal is one of the most satisfying moments in the new generation of video gaming. If the PS5's exclusives are going to boast such supreme quality, then Sony fans are in for quite a treat.