Top 10 horror video games of the decade

8. Soma (2015)

Soma perfectly blends science fiction and horror. Simon Jarrett, our protagonist, finds himself in an underwater research facility with no knowledge as to why he’s there. Throughout the game, Simon must uncover the facility’s past through exploration and puzzle-solving.

Simon Jarrett isn’t the only thing on board, though. Monsters are creeping around, and if players fail in terms of stealth — well, they might suffer some deadly consequences. Two years after Soma’s release, Frictional Games included a ‘safe mode.’ Safe mode keeps the threat onboard. However, they are unable to kill the player.

Soma is an atmospheric game that relies heavy on setting and narrative storytelling. I wouldn’t consider this a kick-back and chill game, but jump-scares and combat aren’t what you’ll find here.

7. Alan Wake (2010)

Alan Wake has one of my all-time favorite premises in the horror genre: a best-selling author tossed into the driver’s seat of a horrifying tale. Alan Wake’s wife has disappeared during their vacation, and while searching for her, he instead discovers pages from a thriller that he doesn’t remember writing.

Through Alan Wake, our protagonist must figure out the mystery and save his wife — all while keeping his sanity. This game has all of the spooky and suspenseful elements that horror fans love in video games, but with an added touch of fast-paced action.