The Sony Playstation hit North America on September 9, 1995 and changed the world of video games forever as it was the first disc-based system to truly catch on with gamers as the Sega CD and Phillips CDI failed to gain any momentum and PC Gaming at the time was where CD Games ruled supreme. The Playstation would dominate the home console landscape and even Nintendo’s next console, the N64, failed to dethrone it as the Atari Jaguar CD and even the Sega Dreamcast could not compete when they were released. And because of the power of the Playstation, many publishers would flock to make games for the system as well as port over their games and of course this meant lots of very cool horror games were released on the system and this is where the modern version of Survival Horror would start (but some would say Sweet Home for the Famicom (NES) started it all) and it kicked off for the masses with Resident Evil that was released in 1996 and through this system’s generation many very iconic series would start and continue to this day being must play games for Horror Gamers. The Sony Playstation would come to an end in 2006 officially and would pave the way for the Playstation 2 (PS2) that would become one of the top selling Home Consoles of all time. I got my first Sony Playstation pretty early in the system’s life as my brother would get it for me as he was working for a second hand media store called Replay Media in our area and for day one I was hooked. Now don’t get me wrong my cousins already had one and I can remember playing Resident Evil with my cousin Norman with both of us loving the creepy nature of it. And that is the thing about the Sony Playstation, for me as growing up I have great memories of playing it alongside my friends like Jason Gilmore, Matt Hoffman, Josh Weinberg and Dave Wean during late night gatherings of game playing and junk food eating.
So I have 42 Horror Games for the Sony Playstation (aka the PS1 and PSX) and that makes them the Unholy 42, as I will rank them from Worst to Best! Now I am not going to give them a star rating or even a letter grade I am just going to let their standing speak for itself. I am also going to chat a little about the game as well as my thoughts, and of course I will also tell when it was released, what company put it out, what it was rated as well as if I beat it. And keep in mind the games, I am ranking all have to be in my personal collection and on the original format so no digital rom games will be on here, as all that I am ranking are on the classic disc. I will be ranking them mostly on my personal opinion and of course elements like game play, spookiness, graphics, sound, music, replay value, villain(s), story, characters and presentation will all play factors in the ranking as well. So if you are ready, let’s dust off the old Sony Playstation and bust out the old discs and see what horror titles on the system brought the scares to this gamer.
# 42
Roswell Conspiracies
Released in 2001 System: PSX Company: Ubi Soft Rated: T Beat: Yes
This game was based off the cartoon and has you playing as Nick Logan as you run around blasting monsters and then capturing them as this is your job. You along the way must fight off werewolves, vampires and even solve some puzzles in order to complete your mission. This is a really simple game and is clearly aimed at young gamers who enjoy monsters, aliens and shows like The X-Files. But because the game is so simple and the plot is a little thin, this starts to become kind of a bland play and if you did not watch the cartoon, you would really have no reason to play the game. The game packs very light chills as it’s more about the action than scaring the player. I got this game when released for very cheap and can remember never really getting into it even after beating the game. But I guess I should say if you like the cartoon find this one and give it a play, but as you can see it finds itself in last place here on my countdown list.
# 41
The X-Files
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Fox Rated: T Beat: No
You are FBI Agent Craig Wilmore, and you have been given an assignment from Skinner to find the missing Agents Scully and Mulder. You are joined by police officer Mary Astadourian and you discover that aliens have taken over the bodies of humans and have a sinister plot that is unfolding, and now you have to use your skills and training in order to stop this silent invasion as well as find the missing agents. This is a FMV Point and Click game that takes place during the third season of the TV Show and features all the actors from the show reprising their roles. And while seeing the actors was cool, the gameplay and putting along plot is kind of what makes this game a miss for me when playing, now don’t get me wrong I am a sucker for FMV games and was and still am a big fan of The X-Files, it’s just this game was lacking something to make it be a must play for me and my friends, as I can remember several of my friends starting to play the game at get togethers only to stop it pretty early on as they got bored and wanted more action, horror and suspense in their gaming experience. The game is pretty fun if you are a mega fan of the show, but most casual gamers will not find this a fun play, but it does have some spooky moments that might scare you if you are playing it in a dark room on a windy stormy night.
# 40
Dracula: The Last Sanctuary
Released in 2002 System: PSX Company: DreamCatcher Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is the second game in the point and click Dracula games that is a very slow game that sadly is pretty boring overall as the plot has you as Harker going after Count Dracula in order to get back his wife Mina and has to confront Dracula as well as all those who serve him. This is a slow paced Point and Click game and while it is fun, it also kind of drags in spots much like the first game in the series. And while the game does have some spooky moments and Dracula is a great villain it just kind of lacked something for me as a player. This is a game I played as a teenager and got it when it first came out, and can remember none of my other friends who played horror games wanted to play it as most were not fans of classic Point and Click games, but while it is very low on my list and a little slow I really don’t hate this game, its just not one I would play very often, but if you like Dracula and classic games that play in this style make sure to check this one out.
# 39
Dracula: The Resurrection
Released in 2001 System: PSX Company: DreamCatcher Rated: M Beat: Yes
Jonathan and Mina Harker are having a happy life after the destruction of Count Dracula, but after Mina goes missing and a cult of Dracula worshipers want to bring the vampire back, Jonathan must set on a quest to get his wife back, stop the cult and kill Dracula once again if he is brought back to the world of the living. This is a pretty fun Point an Click Horror Game that does a great job of bringing in atmosphere as well as showcase a continuing story for the Dracula legacy. And while the game is for the most part entertaining as you play through and watch the story unfold, it also is a little slow moving and can drag at times with some elements of were do I go and do present. This is a game I got when it was released and can remember sitting in a dark basement and playing it, and when I beat the game it did feel pretty good to defeat Dracula once more. While this game is low on the list the reason for this is cause I did find it to be a little slow and is a game that after beating I have not put back in to replay, but if you like Point and Click games or Dracula make sure to give this one a play.
# 38
Invasion From Beyond
Released in 1998 System: PSX Company: GT Rated: E Beat: No
This is like a classic alien invasion film put into a fun yet very challenging video game that offers some chills and lots of flying fighting action. This game has you play as a fighter pilot who must fly around and fight off UFO’s as a full fledge alien invasion is taking place and you are the only hope for mankind’s survival. This game is really challenging as for me I could not get the hang of flying the plane around in order to fire at the enemy UFO’s, and this caused lots of frustration and at times un-fun gameplay. The challenge of the game is both great and terrible as we all love a challenging game when its that way because of a difficulty, but it’s not so good when its that because of the controls. The graphics are pretty cool and I do like the premise of the game that feels like it would have been a script for a Sci-Fi film from the 1950’s. And I do not have much connection to this game, as it is not one I played growing up and did not get it into my collection until a few years ago, so I have no nostalgia to help me look past its flaws. And while it’s not a terrible game it just is not a very fun one either as it’s also very repetitive and lacks that something that would make it a must play game for fans who like alien horror. Not much to say here besides it was a fun time waster until it got on my nerves.
# 37
Countdown Vampires
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Bandai Rated: M Beat: Yes
Countdown Vampires is considered to be one of the worst Survival Horror games for the Playstation as it has sloppy controls, is way to easy to beat and the vampires are not that threatening causing players to turn on this one pretty fast and it scoring very low rating with both players and critics. The game has you play, as Detective Keith J. Snyder who is assigned to work as a bodyguard at a casino called The Desert Moon that is horror themed that turns into a true house of horror when black goo comes out of the sprinklers after a fire and this causes the people the goo touched to turn into vampires! Keith is now running around the casino fighting off vampires, saving lives and trying his best to figure out what the hell is going on as these monsters are blood thirsty and someone or something had to be what created them with the goo. This is a really cheesy and goofy game with some really basic controls and laughable voice acting, but yet it tries to deliver some scares along the way even if it fails to deliver. Countdown Vampires is a real clone of Resident Evil and trades vampires for zombies and a casino for a mansion. Over this game is nothing special but for me did kill some time as I waited for the next Silent Hill and Resident Evil game to be released.
# 36
Killing Zone
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Acclaim Rated: T Beat: Yes
The fighting game craze was massive thanks to games like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Tekken and Horror themed fighters was a no brainer so entered Killing Zone that allowed players to pick from seven different types of monsters like Skeleton, Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster, Gorgon, Minotaur, Dark Faerie and Werewolf and each have their own fighting styles and powers that make then deadly. The game is very basic in it’s fighting and is not a fast paced fighter that players were into at the time and that is why this one slipped through the cracks and sadly is a pretty forgotten fighter only showing up now on YouTube game review shows from time to time. The game plays on the fear factor of their fighters and backgrounds, as this one is more about the fights than the frights. When playing this game you will notice that there is no real special moves and that speed is not in favor of these monsters, but while a slow pace fighter it is really fun to play with your friends as who don’t like a monster vs. monster fights. The game is a sequel to Battle Monsters that was released for the Sega Saturn back in 1995, and while a fun play for a short time it is one that is at the bottom when it comes to fighters. Also should say that the game is pretty easy to beat once you get down the controls and your monster of choices fighting style.
# 35
Rampage: Through Time
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Midway Rated: T Beat: Yes
Rampage is a classic game series that got a rebirth in the late 90’s and this is the fourth game in the series and has our monsters George (Ape), Lizzie (Lizard), Ralph (Wolf), Harley (Warthog), Curtis (Rat), Boris (Rhino) and Ruby (Lobster) traveling through time causing chaos and destruction for Scumlabs who must finally fight the giant monsters at Area 51! While this game has a new storyline and adds at least one new monster to the roster with that being Harley they did not change much of the game play and you once more spend level after level just bringing down buildings and structures of all types and fighting off military machines along the way. And while I am a rampage fan by the fourth game in the series you would have hoped that Midway would have added something different to the mix besides monsters and backgrounds. And while this game is a repetitive fun one that brings the three classic monster characters back it is also just lacking something for me that made it one that I played and beat, but never felt the urge to play through it again. Not really spooky but does deliver of giant monster destruction. Not much else to say besides the weakest of the Rampage games for the Sony Playstation.
# 34
Alien Resurrection
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Fox Rated: M Beat: No
This first person shooter game was so delayed and almost seemed cursed that it was doomed from the start, but with that said while flawed it really is not a terrible game. The game has you playing as Lt. Ellen Ripley who is stuck on a ship along side some mercenaries and must fight off a horde of Xenomorph’s and the Queen in order to survive and escape this doomed vessel. The game loosely plays into the film featuring many of the characters from it, and at times part of the game can deliver some jump scares with the Xenomorph coming out all around to get you. The main issue with this game is that when it comes to first person shooters featuring the characters from the Alien films this one just falls flat compared to them as games like “Alien Trilogy” and “Alien vs. Predator” just delivered better gaming experiences, making this one feel behind in the times when released in 2000. But I also do have to say that the game does offer some fun moments and has you also fighting off other marines will using all types of weapons, and the game also gives you missions to complete and this helps add to the storyline and keeps it from just being get from point A to point B without dying. The game also packs a little of a challenge and the graphics are not bad at all. And the only reason this game is so low is that it kind of feels like a clone of another Alien game for the PSX that is much higher on this list, so while it is fun, it is nothing new and I would rather play a few other first person shooters for the Playstation before this one.
# 33
Juggernaut
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Jaleco Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a very strange and spooky game that plays on mood and atmosphere in order to bring the chills down your spine and has been described as unsettling by many players. In this point and click game you play as a man whose girlfriend has been possessed by a demon and you must enter the mind of your lady that is now like a haunted mansion that is filled with puzzles, items and strange visions and in the end you must save her soul from a devil like creature and truly find out the dark secret of why she has been chosen. This is truly a strange game that moves along slowly but the story start to unfold a little more as you continue on your quest to save her soul, and this feels very creepy as you see strange things all around you as you push forward and solve these puzzles of the mind. This is not your typical style Horror Game and really feels more like it should be on the PC but it is a very spooky game that will surely please fans of point and click games. I also have to say I like the devil at the end and while not overly hard, it is one of those games you feel like you accomplished something when you beat it. The reason this game is not higher is I do find it to be a very cool horror game is because it is one that I played later in my life and did not find it hard to beat and because that I think it is one of those games you will play once or twice in your life and be done with it. But I do recommend it for fans of point and click horror games and for those who like trippy mind games that have to do with demons. And do keep in mind the game is very slow paced and is not action heavy at all.
# 32
Alone In The Dark: One-Eyed Jacks Revenge
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Infogrames Rated: T Beat: No
This is the second game in the Alone In The Dark series and has Edward Carnby who is a Supernatural Private Eye along with his partner Ted Stryker heading to the Hell’s Kitchen Mansion on a case that involves mobsters kidnapping a young girl, but after Ted is killed and Edward is all alone he finds that these mobsters have been taken over by the evil spirits of pirates thanks to voodoo magic and he must fight for his life in order to save the young girl plus find out why they want her and stop these pirates once and for all. This is another game that I have almost when released as I was able to get a copy from a second hand media store in town, and found it to be a fun and spooky game…but the graphics and controls is what took me out of it and made it that I never sat and played the game all the way through. But I have to say I do like the character Edward Carnby and find the concept of ghost pirates taking control of the bodies of mobsters in the 1920’s during Christmas to be a pretty awesome story. I really do hate having this Alone In The Dark game so low on this list, but again if you have ever played this eye sore with the bad controls you would see why I had to do so. This is a game that could really do with a remake as all the pieces are here for a good horror game and the Alone In The Dark series really does need to make a comeback to the world of modern gaming.
# 31
OverBlood
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: EA Rated: T Beat: No
This is a Sci-Fi Horror Game that was made as a way to rival the Resident Evil games and has you play as Raz Karcy who wakes up from a cryogenic box and you are confused and scared and must figure out a way to escape the research facility that you are stuck in. Along the way you make a friend with a robot as well as Milly Azray all the while you are solving puzzles, wondering around, fighting off both infected people as well as illness yourself. And that is why this game was met with very mix reviews as players felt that the game was just way too slow paced and that the scares were just to far and few. I can remember buying this game from Blockbuster Video back in the day and while I enjoyed the slow burn style game play I did find myself getting bored as I like good solid scary baddies in my Horror Games. And another thing that goes against this game for me is that the story and voice acting is pretty cheesy and not fully in a good way. But while this game is pretty low on my list and it does have lots of flaws I do not hate it and have some great memories playing it late nights. I would say if you enjoy Horror themed games were you wonder around going through doors, solving some puzzles and fighting off some enemies as the plot slowly unfolds give OverBlood a shot.
# 30
Crypt Killer
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: T Beat: Yes
Who doesn’t like a creepy Horror themed first person shooter that allowed the player not only to use the regular controller but also light guns to shoot down attacking monsters! In this game you play as a Crypt Raider who is being guided around levels that are like caves, crypts and temples fighting off the monsters and creatures that live in them in order to find the Eyes Of Guidance but in order to get your hands on these keys to open the doors of fate you have to fight a boss like sea monsters and such. The game is pretty fun and is a rail shooter so it moved you automatically through the locations and makes your focus of gunning down your enemies. And while this shooter is pretty basic and the enemies cool but generic I am a fan and have always enjoyed playing this game by myself or with my friend Jason Gilmore when I was younger. This is also a game that I wished would have gotten sequels but do to the poor reviews Konami killed this series after the first. And while this game is not ground breaking nor super iconic I for one enjoy it for all the simple reasons of it being a game to kill time with while shooting monsters!
# 29
Rampage: World Tour
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: Midway Rated: T Beat: Yes
Rampage is a video game series that I have been a fan of for a very long time as I can remember playing the arcade version at a local Hills Department Store and even back in the day trading a friend at school for a copy of it on the NES. And in the area of the PSX, the series would make a sort of comeback with a new take on the classic destroy the buildings formula. World Tour is the second Rampage game and has you playing as George (Ape), Lizzie (Lizard) or Ralph (Wolf) who escape a Scumlabs facility and go around the world to attack their other labs and kill the employees, and finally you battle the Scumlabs boss on the moon after he turns into a giant monster himself, well I should say you destroy buildings as he bounces around. Much like the other two PSX Rampage games, this has flaws as this game is repetitive, drags, is over long and while the graphics are great it just can not live up to the original. I will say that I do like that they try and give this game a storyline and for the most part that works as I like the idea of the monsters wanting to get revenge on the company that has tormented them for years. And for those wondering, yes, George is the monster I always play as in this game. Over all not a terrible game, just a little too repetitive for my taste, but I do say that it’s worth a play and own for fans of Rampage.
# 28
The Mummy
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: T Beat: No
This is based on the 1999 film by Universal and is an action horror game that is brought to us by Konami who was trying to be the rival to Capcom when it came to horror games! In this game you play as Rick O’Connell and you are on an expedition and of course you are on the bad side of The Mummy Imhotep who has his army of the dead as well as insects on his side. Oh did I also mention to you that your love interest Evelyn Carnahan is also in Egypt with you and could be in danger’s way! This game has very sloppy controls that at times leads to frustrating gameplay, but I have to say that I had lots of fun running around the darken tombs fighting The Mummy’s evil minions as the worst choice for a voice actor of Rick O’Connell drones on during cut scenes, like he sounds nothing like Brendan Fraser. The game has some spooky moments and the fight with Imhotep is kind of fun and adds to the chills. This is one of those games that is not for everyone as it does have flaws and can drag in spots, but for me it is a fun play and Shockley I have not beat this one yet…I need to get on that.
# 27
Martian Gothic
Released in 2001 System: PSX Company: Take 2 Rated: M Beat: No
This is one of those games I have a love hate relationship with as I bought this game when it was released as I was excited about the idea of a survival game that was about aliens, and when playing it I hated the controls and the puzzles were just annoying and there was way to many of theme. The game has you play as one of three players that have been sent to a Mars base called Vita-01 in order to find out why all the people there are dead, soon you find out that they opened a ancient Martian box that has unleashed something very sinister at the base as the dead are coming back to life and now you must find out how to survive and never meet each other again as this will cause the virus to spread even more…and this is what could doom the Earth. This is a fun game that has tank controls and a interesting story, but again the so many puzzles always took me out of the game and caused me never to finish it, and you know I really should revisit this game and finish it. The game also has some spooky moments and the lack of weapons to truly fight back makes this a good example of a PSX survival horror game. If you like games about aliens that has puzzles on puzzled then check this out, as again I don’t mind this game, it’s just something annoy me lots about it.
# 26
Shadow Man
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Acclaim Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a game set in the world of voodoo and dark magic and is a strange mix of adventure and horror and is oddly enough based on a comic book series by Valiant Comics. The game has you play as Michael LeRoi, a voodoo warrior who is now the chosen one to keep the world safe from the creatures coming from the other side by Mama Nettie who infuses the mask of shadows to his chest, and you must collect dead souls in order to stop the coming Apocalypse that is being ushered in by The Legion who will do anything to destroy the land of the living. This is a pretty fun game that brings in elements of true crime as a character in the game is Jack The Ripper and the creatures or dark souls if you prefer can be creepy and add to the horror aspects of the game. And this is one that for years has been argued about between gamers as some do not see it as a horror game, while others do…I am the latter and that is why it’s on this countdown update. This is one I played when released and ended up beating some time later, I also have some good memories of playing this game with my pal Jason Gilmore during one of our many gaming marathons. If you like your action adventure games with a mix of voodoo and horror then this one is for you.
# 25
Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare
Released in 2001 System: PSX Company: Infogrames Rated: E Beat: No
This is the fourth game in the Alone In The Dark game series and is the first reboot made to try to get the series into the more modern game era as Survival Horror was in full swing. This game has you play as supernatural private investigator Edward Carnby who is looking into the death of his friend and this takes him to an island that unravels clues to do with his murder that includes ancient tablets, dark magic and ungodly creatures! What has Edward stumbled onto and how can he stop the upcoming darkness? You can also choose to play as Aline Cedrac, a university professor who also knows about the tablets and is going to try and stop the coming evil. This is a pretty spooky and fright filled game that is a mix of action and puzzle solving and delivers creatures that want nothing more than to kill you dead. Edward is a character that had been throughout the Alone In The Dark series that has your flashlight be your main weapon, as these monsters you face hate the light. This is a game I played when released and enjoyed the creepy nature of it as I had played pervious games in the series and liked this new restart to the series. I am shocked that I never beat this game and someday I will have to go back and revisit it and give it a go. If you like your Survival Horror games covered in darkness, puzzled and scares give this one a play.
# 24
Space Invaders
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Activsion Rated: E Beat: Yes
Space Invaders is one of the greatest classic arcade games as well as one of the best games for the Atari 2600, and in the late 90’s the classic game was remade and was pretty dang awesome as they took the classic play and turned it up a notch. This game has you play as high-powered tank driver who is fighting off alien invaders who want to take over Earth, and you must keep fighting, as the invasion gets more and more intense as the levels go on. While this is a cool update to a very classic game, if I wanted to play Space Invaders on a home console I would play if for the Atari 2600 and not an enhanced version, and that is the only reason it finds itself at this spot on my list. Now keep in mind, it is a fun play and if you like fending off invaders from space then check this one out. This is also one that I played much later after its first release and I do respect that fact that they try and give the game a little bit of a story with an opening cut scene. Not much more to say besides if you like Space Invaders and want to play a more updated version then track this one down and give it a play.
# 23
Darkstalkers
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: T Beat: Yes
This is a fighting game that has monsters fighting it out in the style of Street Fighter II, and yep it’s cause it was made by Capcom! The plot of this fighter is pretty simple as the Earth is in danger thanks to an invading demon who wants to devour our world, and monsters are the only chance to stop this from happing. You can choose from ten different monsters that include Sasquatch, female cat person Felicia, vampire Demitri Maximoff, werewolf Jon Talbain, merman Rikuo, stitched together monster Victor Von Gerdenheim, rock star zombie Lord Raptor, ghost samurai Bishamon, succubus Morrigan Aensland and mummy Anakaris. The fighting is fast paced and the combos, if timed right, can really help you win the fight. This game’s horror comes with the fighters themselves as they are all based on classic monsters and even the theme of an alien demon wanting to bring down the Earth is a little spooky. While this game is a classic, it is one that I did not play as often when it came to fighters as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and one that will appear a little later in this countdown update. A fun game for sure and one that if you like monsters fighting each other you should play, and yes this game spawned sequels as well as comics and toys as it was a very popular Horror Fighter series for Capcom for years. And I can also remember back in the day having matches against my brother as well as friends.
# 22
Evil Dead: Hail To The King
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: THQ Rated: M Beat: No
This Survival Horror game is based on the classic Horror Movie series and the game takes place after the events of the third film (Army Of Darkness) and has you playing as Ash who along with his new girlfriend Jenny head back to the cabin in the woods to get over his fears and find that the deadites are alive an well and after taking Jenny, our hero Ash must go after her as well as fight his Evil Self and his own cursed hand! This game has a few scares and is a hack slash game that sadly has some of the worst controls in PSX Survival Horror Game history as at times you fill like you are swinging your axe or chainsaw wildly. The controllers is the tank style and can be a little awkward and is what makes combat way more difficult and brings lots of frustration. What does make this game work is the atmosphere that is dark and creepy, spooky and scary villains and an iconic hero as its great playing as Ash. And this game also sparked two sequels and was a great starting point to reintroduce Evil Dead back into video games, as the first was way back in the Commodore 64 days! This is by no means a great game, but it does have a solid story that showcases elements from all three original Evil Dead films and brings characters like Evil Ash and his Possessed Hand back into the fold…and yes, I know that part of the reason I enjoy this game is because I am a fan of the films, but I also know that because the bad controls is why I have never beat the game.
# 21
Resident Evil: Survivor
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
Resident Evil made the jump into first shooter person gaming with Survivor, and since its release it as been meet with lots of hatred by most RE fans, but it as well as built up its own cult following for trying something different. This has you play as a pilot who escapes a helicopter crash but with no memory of who he is, and worse he is stuck on an island that is ran by Umbrella and that has an outbreak of its own! Along the way you fight off zombies and other creatures as the story of who you are unfolds and you must find a way off the island before is self-destructs, save some young kids that have been left behind on the island as well as uncover who you really are all the while fighting a Tyrant that is stalking you. I understand why, when released, that this game was met with bad reviews and anger from RE fans who wanted tank controls and a more deep story, but for me it was just a side story in the RE universe that had ties to some of the characters from the main games and was a way to hold us over for Resident Evil 4 that was coming soon on the PS2. The games controls can be clunky and having to use the controller and not a light gun as it can slowdown your attacks on the enemies. While this is not the perfect or best Resident Evil game on the PSX, it is one that I spend many hours playing growing up and did enjoy this spinoff storyline.
# 20
Primal Rage
Released in 1995 System: PSX Company: Warner Rated: T Beat: Yes
This is a fighting game that is very much rooted in Horror as its Kaiju or Giant Monsters fighting and killing each other and even eating humans in order to get a boost during battle! The game even has a plot that involves a meteor that has hit Earth and has caused it to be destroyed and the remaining humans form tribes and worship monsters that have awaken after the destruction and now they fight for the land and to be the dominate one. The player can choose from a total of seven fighters that are broken into two sides the destructive group that wants the world to go even darker are Diablo a fire breathing dinosaur, Vertigo a snake like dinosaur creature and Choas who is a ape. The virtuous beasts are Blizzard a giant ape, Sauron a Tyrannosaurus, Talon a raptor and Armadon as spiky dinosaur. Each character has their own powers and some are really silly as the ape Chaos uses foul farts to affect his enemies! The game is a little slow and clunky on the PSX as it a port of an Arcade Game, but with the slowness comes the charm of having giant monsters fighting! And I will also say that at times pulling off special moves can be annoying on the PSX version. This game has a cult following and sadly while a Primal Rage 2 was in the works, it never got an official release. I played this game all the time in the arcades and once it came to PSX, I played it solo as well as against friends. A fun Horror themed fighter that is due for a rebirth on modern systems.
# 19
Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Eidos Rated: T Beat: Yes
It took around three years for the next game in the Legacy Of Kain series to be released and this time around you play as the vampire Raziel who covers his face do to it being disfigured and the world of Nosgoth is in chaos as Kain has raised an army of vampires and they have killed off most of the humans. That causes a magical wheel underground not to spin and give life to the land, and now it’s up to Raziel who is at odds with Kain in order to get the land once more set right as well as find the Elder God who lives underground and controls the wheel. This is a really fun action horror game that adds to the story of Kain and the land of Nosgoth and allows you to play as a vampire who has had his own kind turn on, and this game also plays Kain as the main villain and in the end it’s vampire vs. vampire for the fate of the land. This was a sequel that my friends and I was very much looking forward to, and for the most part it lived up to our excitement and also introduced us to Raziel who is now the series’ main hero and a great foe to go up against Kain. If you like your horror games to have a vast world filled with dark magic and vampires then give this one a play.
# 18
D
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Acclaim Rated: T Beat: Yes
D is a interactive movie horror game that has you play as Laura Harris who is heading to a hospital that her father committed a mass murder spree in and she wants answers to what set him off and caused all this, but she gets the shock of her life when the hospital turns into a castle that is filled with nightmares, weird visions and voices that she must put together in order to find what she seeks. Can Laura find her father, can she save him from the curse of…Dracula and his blood! This is a very strange game that is more of a movie that you can interact with by finding and using objects. The main appeal of this game is its strange story that deals with mass murder and the cure of being a vampire, plus let’s be honest its really cool that the D stands for Dracula as anytime you can work that icon of Horror Media into something I say do it! This game has been met with very mix feelings by gamers over the years as many think that the lack of true game play makes it a lame experience, while others like that it’s more of a animated movie that allows you to help move the story along. This is a game that I have been a fan of ever since I rented it from Blockbuster Video when I was a teenager as its story kept me playing and the fact that you have to play through it in one sitting made for a spooky rollercoaster ride the late night I played it. While this game is not for everyone, this Dracula game will always have a place in my aging gamer heart.
# 17
Nightmare Creatures
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: Activision Rated: M Beat: Yes
A Horror Game series that I feel has not gotten its share of the fame over the years is Nightmare Creatures as it’s truly a spooky game that is filled with some very cool monsters as well as a good story line that revolves around a cult as well as brings in elements of gothic horror. The game has you take control of priest Ignatius Blackward or Nadia Franciscu,s the daughter of a murdered doctor who was studying a book that had the secrets of the cult who are now working with the evil Adam Crowley who is responsible for creatures and monsters appearing all over London, England! The mood of this game is grim and the dark streets of London are a great backdrop for this tale of gothic cult horror. The downside to the game is that it does get a little repetitive as you just hack and slash your way through levels of the same monsters, but to be fair welcome to that area of gaming. This is one that I got close to when it was released and enjoyed playing it to completion as I did enjoy the story and wanted to see it all unfold. While it is not as iconic as Resident Evil, Silent Hill or Alone In The Dark, I do think Nightmare Creatures is on par in popularity with Clock Tower and Dino Crisis. And for those wondering I liked playing Nadia as her swords were cool and she moved faster in my opinion. If you like hack slash Horror games that do offer a challenge to beat then make sure to checkout Nightmare Creatures.
# 16
Doom
Released in 1995 System: PSX Company: Midway Rated: M Beat: Yes
The classic PC game was ported to PSX in 1995 and was a combo of the first game as well as Doom II and was a welcomed addition to gamers who loved horror titles. In this game you play as Doom Guy who armed with an assortment of weapons goes on a one man quest to stop the demons that are invading Earth and preventing Hell from taking over as well as the true end of times. This is a classic and it was cool to see a port of the game that as well had some changes make it to home consoles as the title truly is a very iconic first person shooter as well as a must play and own game. The one downside is that some levels from Doom and Doom II have been removes for the PSX version so it did not give gamers the true gaming experience that PC gamers got. The game is filled with all types of demons who add to the horror of a game that is based around Hell. Doom Guy is an awesome hero and a true icon for heroes in games. A game that I got almost when it was released and is one that I played lots, and while it’s not a great as the PC Version or the newly remastered version for PS4 this one is pretty dang great.
# 15
Final Doom
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Williams Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a sequel to Doom for the PSX and mixes elements from Doom II as well as new levels to create an experience just for the console players. This has you take control of Doom Guy as you battle the hordes of demons that want to try and invade Earth and armed with all types of weapons from a chainsaw to a rocket launcher you set your sets on sending them back to Hell. This is a great first person shooter and for me is the true start of that craze that is still going strong in gaming to this day and could be the best first person shooter not only in Horror Games but video games in general for me. This is much like Doom for PSX that we just spoke about as if takes the same engine and just builds onto it. The game can be spooky and does give a challenge when trying to beat it. Over all another great Doom game and is one I played not as often as I should have.
# 14
Area 51
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Midway Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is the classic light gun rail arcade game ported to home console and is a pretty fun game that that allowed you to use a light gun or even your controller to play. The game has you play as a member of the Strategic Tactical Advanced Alien Response team as a race of aliens called the Kronn and their zombie slaves are attacking the military base Area 51 and it’s your goal to stop this attack as well as the invasion of Earth that could be in the cards if you fail. Now I am not a huge fan of light gun shooters as most I find to be a little boring as they have you on a grid that automatically moves you forward through the whole game, but for some reason Area 51 is one that I have always enjoyed just behind the House Of The Dead series. The aliens and the zombies are super violent and want you dead, and they can also offer a few jump scares as they pop into frame. The game also ported over to Playstation very well and this is a very underrated series when it comes to Sci-Fi, Action Horror games. This is one I played pretty often and was one I had to beat when I got it back in the 90’s. Over all if you like rail shooters and like games about aliens and zombies, give this one a try as it’s a pretty fund fast and challenging game.
# 13
Alien Trilogy
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Acclaim Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a first person shooter that is based on the super popular Alien movie franchise and has you play as Lieutenant Ellen Ripley who as became a space marine and is on a quest to save human lives as well as destroy the Xenomorphs who have taken over a planet along the way you must fight the alien warriors, face huggers, androids and even the Queen herself. The game can be a challenge as some of the areas are maze like and the aliens are fast and will sneak up on you and hurt you, as does their spit acid blood that you must be aware of. The game being first person helps add to the spooky nature as the aliens are coming after you and your gun needs to be ready to bring them down or they will kill you. This is also proof that games based on movies can be great if done right and if the right time is spent on them you can have a enjoyable game. The game is pretty challenging and does have some jump scare moments as the Aliens will scream that can make you jump when playing late nights. This is one I played solo a lot as well as with my pal Jason Gilmore who is the one who gave me this game back in the day. A must play for fans of Alien both in films and games.
# 12
Blood Omen: Legacy Of Kain
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Square Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a very bloody and fun overhead game that has you take control of the vampire named Kain who was turned into a blood drinking and is now in the land of Nosgoth drinking human blood and on a quest to fight for his life as some humans have made it their goal to kill all the vampires as well as fight with those vampires who are chaos and set to destroy. This has you fight both humans and vampires as well as uncover the dark secrets of the land as well as those who protect the pillars that are the source of power, and best of all in the end you get the choice to save the world or bring it down. Kain is a very interesting character as he is kind of an anti-hero who is both good and evil and the world of Nosgoth is very interesting and deep and should be explored more with future games for these modern systems. The game play is pretty smooth in this game and the overhead camera works well for this style of game, plus drinking the blood of your enemies is very cool and adds to the horror elements of the game as many gamers see this more as an action game then a horror one, but I have always seen it as a vampire Horror Action Game series. Spent many hours playing this game over the years and was one that when you beat it you feel like you have accomplished something big. Great game and is a challenge for sure.
# 11
Dino Crisis 2
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
Regina survived a lab leak that had her and her fellow Secret Operation Raid Team being attacked and some killed by dinosaurs, and now she has been brought in to supervise a team to get samples to study and she soon finds herself once more being attacked by meat eating dinosaurs. And once more she must fight to survive as well as uncover who, what and why this new outbreak is taking place. The Dino Crisis series does a fantastic job of making dinosaurs scary and brought a tough female hero into gaming as Regina is underrated when it comes to heroes in Horror Games. This game has the classic tank controls and is very challenging and has puzzles as well as boss fights that will surely scare those who are not ready for a challenge. The original game in the series is a fantastic Survival Horror game, and this sequel is a good follow up and helped add to the world and story this series was building. This game also allows you to play as Dylan and I also have to say Capcom took a little of the horror elements out and added more of a Sci-Fi action feel to it over all. This is a game I can remember playing solo or with my friend Jason Gilmore and when I beat the game it left me wondering what was next for the series, and what we got was a mess of a game that was only for Xbox released in 2003 and they set it in space and removed Regina from the series…and it has remained a dead franchise since then. Over all a great game and I have to stress to Capcom give us a new Dino Crisis game or at least remake them like you have for the Resident Evil series.
# 10
Castlevania Chronicles
Released in 2001 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: T Beat: Yes
This is a great game as it’s an updated remake of the classic original Castlevania game with better graphics and fighting combat. The game has you play as Simon Belmont, and you are on a quest to bring the end of Dracula who has along with his army of monsters have been tormenting and killing people for decades, armed with your whip and other elements of battle you head to his castle with courage and might as you must not fail. Castlevania is one of my favorite games for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and this remake is one hell of a great play as the graphics look great and all the changes help make the quest feel more epic, but that’s also partly why it does not find itself higher of this list as the simple nature of the NES game and it’s difficulty is what makes it so good to me. If you are a fan of Castlevania, this is worth playing as it does its job of updating and iconic game, bringing Dracula back to being scary and is a must own for collectors even though it has a high price sticker. This one I played more when I was an adult as I did not own it when released as it being a remake of one of my all time favorite games was not on my radar then as I would have just played the original if I wanted to play.
# 9
Clock Tower II
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: AgeTec Rated: M Beat: Yes
The world of Clock Tower is a very underrated game series, and this sequel is a good follow up as it has you play as Alyssa Hale, a high school girl who is having issues cause another person’s soul has taken residents in her body named Bates, and he wants to take over her body! Now Alyssa must fight for her soul as well as the world around her is turning dark as loved ones and strangers are turning into monsters and zombies walk the hallways. Are these visions real or is it Bates just messing with her mind is the question all gamers face as they play through this underrated game. This is another point and click game that is more about avoiding then combat and this adds to the terror as you have to think fast during moments in order to survive. This one as well is more about The Maxwell Curse and does lack the appearance of a masked giant scissors carrying madman. This one has a good atmosphere and can be a challenge and has some jump scare moments that help add to the Survival Horror game genre as a whole. If you like point and click Horror Games that have an interesting unfolding plot as well as multiple endings, make sure to track this one down, but keep in mind it is a little pricy. And this is one I can remember playing late nights with the goal to beat it as well as give myself a few scares.
# 8
Nightmare Creatures II
Released in 2000 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: M Beat: Yes
This game is lots of fun and allows you to hack up monsters using your trusty axe and sometimes Rob Zombie music plays adding to the wild nature of the game. In this game you play as Herbert Wallace, a mental patient at the evil Adam Crowley’s genetics hospital who escapes and with an axe tries to fight off the evil monsters and creatures the Crowley’s occultist magic as brought to the streets of London, England and his goal is to fight Crowley himself to stop all this madness as well as for all the tortures he has done to him and others at the hospital. Plus it’s all also for Rachel the love of his life who as well is caught up in this madness. And this game is very bloody as you kill everything in your way and while the gameplay can be a little repetitive I for one love the atmosphere as well as the story being told, plus playing as the well spoken and yet unstable character Herbert Wallace adds to the over all feel of chaos, sadness and dread that fills every level. And while the game can give you a challenge and at times the controls and camera seem to work against you, it is beatable, as I have done so several times over my lifetime. This is a game I played alone at night with all the lights off and was a great gaming experience in 2000. This one is not for everyone, as some of you will be annoyed by the gameplay as well as the repetitive combat and enemies that appear, but if you like hack slash games check this one out as it is a game I very much enjoy. Plus Konami should bring back Nightmare Creatures or even just place it into the Castlevania world.
# 7
Resident Evil 2
Released in 1998 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
Resident Evil 2 was a great follow up to the original game and added more terror, more story and more layers to the series and proved that Capcom was the King of Survival Horror Games at the time. The game has you play as either Claire Redfield or Leon Kennedy in Raccoon City two months after the events of the first game and another zombie outbreak has infected the citizens and they are trying to stop it as well as get information on the G-Virus, a bio weapon that can turn humans into bio creatures of war. And worse Umbrella, the pharmaceutical company who are responsible for the outbreak, also unleashes a massive bioweapon man called the Tyrant loose in order to hunt down Claire and Leon in order to stop them from uncovering their dark secrets and exposing it to the world. This game offers a challenge to the player and ups the stakes as well as the action and causes you to have to think and act fast in order to survive. Plus besides the zombies and monsters The Tyrant offers a few good scares. Many think that RE2 is the best game in the classic series, and I find it fantastic just not the best for me. I have great memories of playing this game with my friends Jason Gilmore and Dave Wean. Another must have for any Horror Game collector.
# 6
Dino Crisis
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
Capcom had Resident Evil as their top Survival Horror game series but they knew that fans wanted more and with that came the short lived and yet very awesome Dino Crisis series. This one has you take control of Regina, a female agent for the Secret Operation Raid Team who is looking into a research facility that has went dark and was the site of a to secret weapons project, with her is fellow agents Gail, Cooper and Rick and they soon find that the secret project is loose as it’s man-eating dinosaurs who are on the hunt to kill and has caused the mayhem at the lab. Now you must fight to survive as well as uncover the dark nature of this outbreak and if the Doctor behind these experiments is truly dead. This is a great game that makes Dinosaurs scary and adds that Resident Evil touch to its story that draws you in as it unfolds before your eyes. And being chased by a T-Rex is stuff of nightmares! Regina is a great hero and guiding her through this horror as well as puzzles makes beating the game feel more important. It’s a true shame that Capcom fails to see how great this series is and that they have not delivered a remake or sequel in many decades, and heck they could even just at this point pull the characters into the Resident Evil series and people would be happy as who wouldn’t want to fight zombies and dinosaurs! A truly fun and spooky game that I played all the time and had a blast doing so with my friend Jason Gilmore, and with that, again, this is a must own for any fan of Survival Horror games.
# 5
Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: T Beat: Yes
Castlevania is a game series for me that for decades was the top Horror Game Franchises of all time and while now in days I would say that it has dropped behind the likes of Resident Evil and Silent Hill it still remains a very iconic series even if Konami has dropped the ball as a company. In Symphony Of The Night you take control of Alucard, who is the son of Dracula who is on a mission to bring down his father’s castle, but that does not happen as you are stripped of all your weapons and powers by Death and must gain it all back as your father’s army of creatures and monsters attack and in the end you must face your father Dracula and try to end his reign of terror as well as avenge your mother Lisa who was blamed to be a witch. This is such an amazing game and is considered many to be the best game in the Castlevania series as it’s a challenge to beat, has a great story and allows you to upgrade your weapons and abilities. Plus you get to play as a vampire and better yet, the son of Dracula and even has some appearances by Richter Belmont! The score music done by Michiru Yamane is also amazing and helps add to your quest, and while this is not the most scariest nor bloodiest Horror Game on this list, it is very much a great quest one that features many classic monsters and has top notch game play. This is one I bought when released in 1997 and I can remember playing it for hours with my pal Jason Gilmore and is one that when you beat it you feel like you have been through a rollercoaster of classic horror fright. A must own for any game collector.
# 4
Resident Evil
Released in 1996 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is the game that started the big Survival Horror boom in the video game industry and is the one that made these types of games must plays for gamers the world wide. The game has you play as S.TA.R.S team members Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine who along with Wesker and Barry Burton are stuck in a mansion in the middle of the woods as zombies and creatures are all around trying to make you dead, you have low ammo and must solve puzzles in order to get deeper into the mansion and find out who is responsible for this outbreak as well as try and escape Raccoon City alive. This is one hell of a game and really has some down right spooky moments with one being the iconic first zombie you come across and his slow turn to look at you…creepy stuff. The game also had its fair share of blood and really did seem to be scaring players as the story and the stress of the game would chill your blood and make you anxious as you fought your way through the zombies and monsters. The game also made Tank Controls the standard for all the RE clones that followed for many years. I first saw and played the game with my cousin Norman, and he was a fan and I quickly became one as well from the moment he handed me the control. This is a must play and own game and if you are a classic gamer or even a new gamer and you have not played or own it make sure to get yourself a copy.
# 3
Clock Tower
Released in 1997 System: PSX Company: ASCII Rated: M Beat: Yes
This is a game that I feel is very much often over looked when people talk about great Horror Games for the PSX and for me it has always been one of my all time favorites from the moment I first rented it I went on a hunt to buy it because it was a must have for me and its been one I have played and beat many times over the years as the game has multiple endings. The game has you play as Jennifer Simpson, a young girl who survived an attack by a killer called Scissorsman who has now shown back up and the killing starts all over again. Jennifer is on his list of victims and she must survive in order to find out who and why Scissorsman has returned. This is one of my all time favorite Survival Horror Games and is one that from the moment I rented it from a video store knew I had to own and tracked it down and bought it. The game is a point and click spooky experience that brings jump scares, an interesting story and a cool killer for players to try and dodge and defeat. While this is not your normal style of Horror Games for home console players, it was hands down one of my favorite Horror Games of all time and while the game is pricey now do yourself a favor and track down a copy and give it a play.
# 2
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Capcom Rated: M Beat: Yes
The third game in the Resident Evil game series still is one of my favorite Horror Games of all time and I would even be so bold to say that its my favorite one in the whole series as there is always been something very awesome and spooky about this one. The game has you playing as Jill Valentine, who is trying to escape Raccoon City that has been taken over by the zombies who have been infected by the t-virus, but she has more to worry about when Nemesis shows up with a mission to kill all members of the S.T.A.R.S. team and that puts her are a big target! Now she must fight for her life as well as save those living she comes across all the while fighting the zombies, monsters and of course Nemesis who all want her dead. This game is truly a Survival Horror one as bullets are few and far between and once your machine gun is empty, things do get more difficult. Nemesis is a fantastic monster that chases you around the game and even will kill the zombies if they get in his way as he truly has only one thing on his mind and that’s to bring you death. This is one game that I have played and beat several times and felt good about doing so as its challenging and that is what makes it so good. Plus I really do also like the music used in this game as well as like the story and characters and this is one that almost made my # 1 spot and was only slightly beat out. I should also note that I have lots of great memories playing this game with friends like Jason Gilmore and this is the game that I use to crack my brother up when playing as I would make an injured limping Jill try and escape the zombies and would say “Come On” in my best Captain Rhodes impression from the 1985 classic film Day Of The Dead.
# 1
Silent Hill
Released in 1999 System: PSX Company: Konami Rated: M Beat: Yes
My # 1 has to go to Silent Hill, an amazing game that has you take control of Harry Mason who after an accident driving wakes up to find his daughter Cheryl missing and he is in the strange town of Silent Hill were the fog is thick, the people he meets are strange and monsters roam about when the air siren goes off. This game has some great scares as well as the story just draws you in as Harry must solve where his daughter is and what is going on in Silent Hill! The game also has multiple endings that will have you coming back to play again and again to unlock them all. This was a game that I played when released, and I can remember playing it late at night with all the lights off in the basement and some how the light of the TV Screen in the darkened room just added to the over all creepiness of the game, and that is the thing this game will give you a good fright and has some good jump scares as well as characters that you find yourself bonding to. The atmosphere in the game is also top notch from the rusted out school to the fog riddled streets everything just works so well in the game and let us not forget the amazing music as well! While I love so many of the Horror Games on the Sony Playstation, it’s Silent Hill that hands down is the best of the bunch for me and is one that I feel holds up even to this day.
Truly Silent Hill is one of the greatest Horror Games of all time as nothing can even come close to this game in scares, atmosphere and story for me and this is hands down my favorite game for the PS1. And really this system is my all time favorite one as while I grew up playing Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo and PC Games before I got a PS1 it still is the system that had me locked as a gamer for life. Now don’t get me wrong, the NES is up there for me as one of the greatest Home Consoles of all time, it just got pushed down as being my favorite once I all the classic Horror Games started to get released for the PS1. But enough of me talking about the PS1 as we have came to the end of this update, but before we fully get away from the PS1, I would like to tell you that at some time in the coming years I am working on getting my friends to do their TOP 5 Favorite PS1 Horror Games…and if I can get enough of them to do so, I will make sure to get it up here for you readers to check out. Also I am working on Horror Game Countdowns for others systems like NES, Game Boy and even Commodore 64 so keep your eyes open for those as well. And before we go our separate ways, I would like to tell you that our next update will take us our of the world of Video Games as well as horror and into the future were rebels fight the machines…no, I am not talking about The Terminator but am talking about Captain Power! So until next time, read a comic or three, play a video game or two and as always support your local Horror Host. See you next time are we fight the future and all the zany robots in it!
