2022 is the year of many prominent indie horror games you’ll have the misfortune to experience. From haunted hotels to bloodcurdling bathhouses, here’s list of five of our favourite indie horror games of the year!
1. The Bathhouse
Looking for an authentic—albeit eerie—Japanese bathhouse experience? Well, look no further because first up in this list is The Bathhouse by Chilla’s Art. Responsible for The Closing Shift and The Convenience Store, Chilla’s Art is famed for creating walking simulators that make you feel like you’re in a Japanese horror film.
In The Bathhouse, you play as a young woman named Maina who, in the face of burnout, leaves her job and moves to the countryside. You’re offered free lodging in exchange for working at the local bathhouse. Despite being readily welcomed by the community, you can’t help but feel something is amiss…
Get it now on Steam.
2. The Mortuary Assistant
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a mortician, this title lets you play as a fresh grad who has just begun an apprenticeship at River Fields Mortuary. Embalming bodies and preparing them for the afterlife is part and parcel as a mortician, but things take a turn for the worse when your scope of employment suddenly includes exorcism.
The Mortuary Assistant certainly lives up to its hype as one of the creepiest and most unsettling horror games of the year, so if you’re a fan of horror games—or just want to scare yourself silly—, do yourself a favor and play (or watch!) this now.
Get it now on Steam.
3. MADiSON
MADiSON is a first-person psychological-horror game and the debut title of Bloodious Games. The plot follows Luca, a teenager who wakes up in a mysterious dark room, hands drenched in blood, and possessed by a demon. Talk about starting your day on the wrong foot.
Veterans of the genre will find this title reminiscent of cult classics such as Outlast and Layers of Fear, especially with its non-existent combat mechanics. What distinguishes itself from the rest, however, is its polaroid camera mechanic. While it’s no magnum revolver, it certainly makes for a good storytelling—and weirdly enough, survival—tool.
Get it now on Steam.
4. Martha is Dead
Similar to their debut title, The Town of Light, Martha is Dead is a psychological thriller set in early 20th Century Italy. Walk in the shoes of Giulia as she navigates through one of the most harrowing wars in human history, all the while attempting to solve the mystery twin sister’s sudden death.
In true LKA fashion, their detailed and realistic depiction of 1944 Tuscany countryside is second to none…though you might want to watch your steps for occasional landmine victims. The title also takes pride in its authentic Italian voice acting (looking at you Chris Pratt Mario) to truly cement the immersion of your experience.
Get it now on Steam.
5. Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel
Following a tip from a friend, amateur journalist Roberto Leite Lopes finds himself in Treze Trilhas, home to the St. Dinfna Hotel. Things get complicated when he finds a camera that acts as a window to the past and future. Arm up (yes! there’s guns!) as he investigates mysterious disappearances and paranormal activity within the walls of the hotel.
Pulsatrix Studio’s debut title is a love letter to its primary influence, the Resident Evil franchise. That said, it largely emphasizes puzzle-solving rather than shooting your way out of situations (aww). Nonetheless, horror game fans both familiar and unfamiliar to the franchise can surely get a kick out of this.
Get it now on Steam.
Which of these games are you most looking forward to? Comment down below and let us know what you think!
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