10 Horror Franchises That Should Be Turned Into Video Games

The most iconic movie monsters at your fingertips.

Friday The 13th
Paramount

Earlier this year, we were treated to a teaser trailer for Friday the 13th, a multiplayer focused horror game being developed by the little known, Gun Media. Scheduled for release later this year, the game is set at Camp Crystal Lake, and tasks players with surviving the dreaded onslaught of infamous psychopath, Jason Voorhees. One player controls Jason, while the remaining seven take on the role of camp counsellors, fleeing the merciless killer.

The game is set for release later this year, and while it certainly looks like a lot of fun, it got me wondering: what other horror franchises would make great games? A slasher film is an obvious choice, the multiplayer focus makes absolute sense, and Jason Voorhees is perhaps the perfect antagonist, but what other horror franchises could make the leap from the big screen to our computer screens?

A Nightmare on Elm Street makes sense, especially considering the series’ nightmarish aesthetic and gruesome premise, but what about John Carpenter’s Halloween, or Clive Barker’s Hellraiser franchise? These films have resonated with audiences for years, and in the hands of an experienced developer with a genuine passion for the source material, they could easily be turned into some stellar gaming experiences.

So, with that said, here are the 10 greatest horror franchises that should be turned into video games. Immediately.

10. Invasion Of The Body Snatchers

Friday The 13th
United Artists

Based on the novel by Jack Finney, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a 1956 science-fiction horror film directed by Don Siegal, and starring Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter. Though it’s been interpreted symbolically by numerous critics, the film itself is about a quiet invasion, a patient, methodical indoctrination of the human race, one individual at a time.

In the film, protagonist Dr. Miles Bennell uncovers the existence of the invasion, but not before the alien menace has already infected a significant amount of the population, leaving him vastly outnumbered by the extra-terrestrial imposters.

The Game: Imagine a game that tasks player with remaining inconspicuous, a game in which players must keep their actions unremarkable, and act discreetly at all times. It would essentially be a stealth game, but instead of hiding away in the shadows, you’d be moving around freely in crowded environments, interacting with characters, accomplishing objectives without inviting any unwanted attention. You’d be hidden, but in broad daylight.

When exposed, an imposter would elicit that infamous, blood-curling scream, its head wrenched back and its mouth gaping wide. The seemingly innocuous environments would transform into venomous snake pits, in which you were suddenly forced to fend for yourself, fleeing hordes of screaming enemies, and trying desperately to make it to safety.

Contributor
Contributor

Formerly an assistant editor, Richard's interests include detective fiction and Japanese horror movies.