1. P.T. (Silent Hills) - The Horrifically Tense Atmosphere
First off, it doesn't matter that this is 'just a teaser' or a demo, what Metal Gear's Hideo Kojima and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro have created is easily the best all-round horror experiences there's been in years, thanks to a combination of all the above elements and so much more. Set in what appears to be some form of purgatory comprised of an L-shaped corridor and a bathroom, the genius in the design is in how the smallest elements within change every time. Say you get to the door at the end of the corridor you'll reappear at the start, although some things will have been altered. It starts out as a knocking on a closed door, building into another one slowly closing as you approach, to which you'll spin around and realise a third is now ajar. It's very subtle (at the start anyway), but it's indescribable how these little touches really get under your skin like nothing else. That's only the beginning though. The sound design underneath is a mix of a radio report detailing a horrific family tragedy, as well as awful moans and muffled screams that routinely get louder as you see things like a disfigured baby in the bathroom, or a figure standing in the hallway that disappears into the shadows. This teaser is just that for now, but it's already spawned a devout following online and has become something of a viral sensation, with many filming reaction videos to themselves or subjected family members. What elevates the whole thing even more though, is that some of these most affecting elements - such as the ghosts appearing, or an attack from behind - are seemingly random, meaning that even on repeated playthroughs as you're beginning to think you know where to go and what to look for, you'll still be surprised by a zombified woman appearing at the window. Which titles do you think have horror experiences that could only work in games? Let us know in the comments!
