I consider myself a long-time fan of the horror genre. Sure, many titles scare the absolute shit out of me, and I have to play a few during daylight hours to make it through certain segments. I won’t lie to you about that. But still, I absolutely adore horror, and I’m excited whenever a new game releases in the genre.
And as fans, we’re lucky enough to have quite a few upcoming horror games, including a few high-budget, AAA experiences to boot!
Choo-Choo Charles
Developer: Two Star Games
Publisher: Two Star Games
Release Date: December 9th, 2022
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1766740/ChooChoo_Charles/
Trailer:
As perhaps one of the strangest horror games releasing within the next year, Choo-Choo Charles has us thoroughly captivated. It’s a survival horror set on an island where a monstrous, mutated train tracks and hunts you.
You’ll complete side quests from the local townsfolk, upgrade your own train and weaponry, and take down Choo-Choo Charles in a terrifying fight to the death.
The worst part, especially for someone with arachnophobia, is the realistic spider legs that help Choo-Choo Charles traverse the terrain and launch attacks.
Callisto Protocol
Developer: Striking Distance Studios
Publisher: KRAFTON, Inc.
Release Date: December 2nd, 2022
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1544020/The_Callisto_Protocol/
Trailer:
The iconic developers at Striking Distance Studios, including Glen Schofield, are among my favorite creative minds in the gaming industry. They’re behind the original Dead Space, and now, we’re about to jump headfirst into The Callisto Protocol in December 2022.
The Callisto Protocol, while borrowing a few mechanics and visuals from games like Dead Space, promises a balls-to-the-wall storyline as players are thrust into the terrors of Black Iron Prison. You’ll shoot, punch, stomp, and stab your way through monstrous inmates infected by a mysterious plague. But these aren’t your average horror game monsters. They stalk you, are relentless in their attacks, and learn from your combat maneuvers.
Seriously, take a moment to watch Glen Schofield talk about his upcoming horror game. The level of passion and excitement is infectious!
The Backrooms: Lost Tape
Developer: Cortez Productions
Publisher: Cortez Productions
Release Date: Coming Soon
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1926620/The_Backrooms_Lost_Tape/
Trailer:
There’s something about The Backrooms that thoroughly terrify the masses. Is it the fear of the unknown? What is the entity hunting you?
The Backrooms: Lost Tape is an episodic walking simulator featuring the same general vibe and unknowing terror that haunts you through each chapter. Each “tape” is a unique chapter with a different character and setting. You’ll journey through an abandoned cinema, haunted cornfields, and an unnerving residential neighborhood, to name but a few locales.
While not as horror-filled as, say, The Callisto Protocol, The Backrooms focuses more on psychological horror and tension, and we welcome it!
Silent Hill 2
Developer: Bloober Team SA
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Release Date: To Be Announced
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2124490/SILENT_HILL_2/
Trailer:
It’s a historic year when not one but two horror franchise return to the fold. In 2023, we’ll see the likely release of Silent Hill 2, a total reimagining of the iconic survival horror game from 2001, along with the upcoming Dead Space remake (keep an eye out for part 2 for this one!). It’s a lot to take in at once!
With Silent Hill 2, developer Bloober Team aims to bring the age-old survival horror game to a new audience. We’ll enjoy enhanced graphics, a spookier atmosphere, updated combat mechanics, and more than enough psychological horror to keep fans reeling for days, if not weeks, to come!
Resident Evil 4
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: March 24th, 2023
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2050650/Resident_Evil_4/
Trailer:
Often hailed as one of the most influential and critically-acclaimed entries in the series, Resident Evil 4 blew away fans when it launched in 2005. And now, nearly two decades later, here we are with a release date for Resident Evil 4 Remake—a full upgrade—coming in March of 2023.
Once again, players step into the shoes of the iconic Leon S. Kennedy as he journeys to a secluded European village to track the president’s daughter.
Capcom says we’ll enjoy a reimagined story, updated graphics, and modernized gameplay, including movement, controls, and combat. It’s a lot to take in, and if this remake is anything like Resident Evil 2, we have high hopes!