Alan Wake 2 is arguably the most anticipated horror game of this year. The last entry Alan Wake: American Nightmare was released for the Xbox 360 and PC more than a decade ago. It’s been such a long time. As we wait for this sequel for the next few weeks, here are some of the best horror games to get you ready for Alan Wake 2.
Alan Wake Remastered
This is the most obvious option for anyone intrigued by Alan Wake 2. If you finish Alan Wake Remastered, you’ll get all the story references of the sequel. It also might be a great refresher if you haven’t played the game for more than a decade. All of the models and environments have also been updated for a more modern look.
You don’t need to play the first game to enjoy Alan Wake 2, however. “Alan Wake 2 is a sequel but set up as a stand-alone experience,” said the game’s official Q&A. “Newcomers can enjoy the thrill-ride with no past knowledge of the previous game.”
BioShock
BioShock is a trippy action-horror game that has you using elemental powers like fire and ice in a defunct underwater city. You’ll come across the monstrous Big Daddy enemies that will threaten you with their giant drill hand. This came in an era when narrative shooters truly started to take shape. The dialogue from surrounding NPCs and enemies will haunt you for a few hours, and the spooky surroundings will get you anticipating even more scares. The impactful story and stellar underwater dystopian scenery makes BioShock a great thriller to play ahead of Alan Wake 2..
Control
Remedy is known for its strange, otherworldly experiences, and you get that in Control. In this sci-fi adventure, you’re taking up arms against supernatural creatures and zombie-like enemies that had their minds twisted by the Hiss. The writing is unique, pulling you into the unique world of Control. The story’s also connected to the Alan Wake series, so this may be a must-play if you want to get all the references.
The Evil Within
If you want to prepare yourself for the psychological horror in Alan Wake 2, the strange The Evil Within is certainly one of the best horror games to do that. You’ll face intense situations and bosses that require precise shooting and some logic on your part. Those are two things we’ve seen from Remedy’s recent Control, and surely Alan Wake 2. The narrative becomes odd and over-the-top like a Remedy game. The Evil Within 2 is also a beloved horror game, one I’m planning to play through this Halloween myself. Either would be worth your time before Alan Wake’s next adventure.
Here They Lie
Somewhat critically panned for its PlayStation VR functionality, Here They Lie deserves a second look because it can be played without the device. It has a creepy, yet intriguing world to explore. The visuals blew my mind when I first played it. I was genuinely frightened by the jump scares when I played the game five years ago. Give this three-to-four hour game a chance if you have the time before playing Alan Wake 2.
The Last of Us Part 1
Alan Wake 2 seems to be a provocative, cinematic game from the minds at Remedy. To prepare yourself for an adventure like that, The Last of Us Part 1 might be the way to go. It has an emotional storyline between Ellie and her father figure Joel as they scour across a post-apocalyptic American landscape. They experience hardship, troubling men and women who stand in their way, and gorgeous scenery throughout. It also has some of the best performances in gaming from Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker. Hopefully, we see equally stunning performances by the cast of Alan Wake 2.
Little Nightmares
Hideous monsters? Check. An anxiety-inducing atmosphere? Check. Little Nightmares, despite being a 2.5D puzzle platformer, truly delivers a horror experience like Alan Wake 2 could. There are Tim Burton-esque creatures and humans around, hoping to take you out of the picture. The ending as well, while not spoiling it, will likely shock you. It’s one of the best horror games around, just from how the gameplay and story merge together into a thrilling horror experience.
“You constantly feel like a crippled gazelle limping around a lion’s den,” said our 8.5/10 review for the game. “I’m excited to watch others play and panic the way I did.”
Observer: System Redux
Set in a cyberpunk world, Observer: System Redux shocked me to my core. It shows us the dangers of manipulating our bodies with technology and genuinely creeps me out. It’s more of a psychological thriller, but it still gives us a horror experience as you investigate each scene as a detective searching for his son. It’s developed by Bloober Team, which has also brought us Layers of Fear and The Medium, among other horror titles.
The Park
Theme parks without anyone inside at night are genuinely creepy. That’s what The Park delivers to us. It does meander a little, in terms of its storytelling, but it does make you feel uneasy, especially near the end. It’s a walking experience as you explore the theme park. This is an underrated gem as I thought the storyline was intriguing, and the ending has a cool twist on the P.T. format.
Resident Evil 2
It doesn’t matter if Alan Wake 2 is coming out in a month or even in a few hours; Resident Evil 2 is a must-play horror game. A feeling of fear is always around you as Mr. X could burst through the door at any moment. The puzzles are immaculate in the remake. The game is absolutely gorgeous with the RE Engine. Those looking forward to Alan Wake 2 would hope that it can live up to the horror standards set by Resident Evil 2.
