10 Video Games That Were Secretly Horror Franchises

3. Dead Rising

Slappy Dead Rising 2
Capcom

Though zombies are at the front and centre of the lion's share of horror games, Dead Rising never seemed to match them in tone. It's violent, sure, and at points very sad, but the main focus in the series was on comedy and surrealism, not creating fear.

But, because you'd go into most scenarios expecting a laugh, the horror would hit far heavier. This is especially true with the more unsettling psychopaths you encounter, as figures like the mascot Slappy are all the more unnerving because you know they're supposed to be mainly funny, and yet you're instead feeling super creeped out by them.

To be fair, this is what makes the franchise so interesting, as you can still be horrified by it just as often as you laugh at it. Sometimes you even get to do both at once, if the moment is just right.

Contributor
Contributor

I like my comics like I like my coffee - in huge, unquestionably unhealthy doses.