During the PlayStation 3 era, the console’s improved graphical fidelity allowed for the creation of more realistic and detailed horror games. Some noteworthy horror games emerged on Sony’s third console, including Vampire Rain: Altered Species and Siren: Blood Curse.
Vampire Rain: Altered Species focused on secret agents attempting to prevent vampires from taking over the United States. However, the game’s dull stealth gameplay and lack of innovation led to a poor reception.
On the other hand, Siren: Blood Curse was a critical success, characterized by its terrifying gameplay and exceptional sound design. Despite its success, the game marked the end of the series as its development team moved on to other projects.
Imabikisō, a Japanese horror visual novel, received acclaim in Japan but did not reach the Western market. Co-produced by Taka Ichise, known for producing horror movie classics such as Ringu and Ju-On: The Grudge, the game featured a compelling storyline that resonated with fans.
Clive Barker’s Jericho depicted The Department of Occult Warfare’s battle against an abomination created by God. While the game’s story was interesting, its subpar gameplay resulted in its removal from Steam after receiving mixed reviews.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot, a sequel to Condemned: Criminal Origins, immersed players in a world of survival horror with an emphasis on melee combat and investigative elements. Despite its positive reception, the series ceased development as the studio shifted focus to other projects.
The PlayStation 3 era introduced unique horror games that may not be widely remembered but still made significant contributions to the genre. These forgotten gems deserve acknowledgment for their innovative gameplay, superior sound design, and captivating storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.