10 Horrifying Hellscapes That Video Game Heroes Call Home

In the end there really could be no other at the head of this list. What could be a more effective hell than one that is capable of reshaping itself endlessly to reflect and play upon each person’s deepest secrets, insecurities and fears? The cursed town of Silent Hill is a place of mystery and uncertainty. Does it lie in another dimension? Does it flit between those dimensions? Is it just a cursed town occasionally affected by evil? Why does it only trap and torment some? And perhaps the scariest fan theory ever – is it just your character that goes mad? Are those “monsters” you keep killing actually people?

The town of Silent Hill is home to a large cult, lead initially by Dahlia Gillespie, who believe that their can bring their demonic God to life and create their own slice of paradise whilst the sinners (that would be all of us) are wiped out. To do this, their God needs a vessel; enter Dahlia’s daughter, Alessa.

In a terrible ritual, Alessa is burned alive, somehow barely surviving despite her entire body being burned to a crisp. Alessa’s anger and rage is such that the entire town is dragged into a strange hellish reality. In the first and third games, the “hellworld” version of Silent Hill reflects the pain and suffering felt by Alessa; fire plays a key part, as do hospitals, medical equipment and the twisted nurses.

Yet the town is capable of morphing itself to specifically torment its chosen victim. In Silent Hill 2 we see a darker, drearier Silent Hill which reflects James’ hidden guilt. This is also the game that introduces the iconic enemy Pyramid Head – a creature whose entire reason for existence is to deliver unto James the punishment he subconsciously feels he deserves. In Silent Hill: Downpour we see a town that is waterlogged, often best with heavy rainfall and flash flooding – all playing upon Murphy Pendleton’s fear of water following a tragic incident in his past. Silent Hill can and will find whatever bothers you the most and will twist itself into your own personal hell. Now that is terrifying.