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Top 5 Scary Ass Video Game Characters

Top 5 Scary Ass Video Game Characters

We play horror games because of the catharsis of experiencing fear in a safe setting. We play them because a creepy atmosphere can immerse us in a video game like nothing else. Sometimes we play them to prove to ourselves or others that we can persist and keep our composure, despite the terrifying situations that present themselves. Sometimes, it isn’t always the monsters that make these games scary so much as it is the environment. I’ve got a lot of respect for that approach; Alan Wake is a good example of that. But I want to pay respects to the truly interesting, truly unique, and truly scary monsters that have left lasting impressions on gamers everywhere. Here are five such creatures.

Pyramid Head

Pyramid Head

Silent Hill is often regarded as one of the scariest franchises out there, and there is a lot of love directed specifically at the second game in the series. What really makes Silent Hill 2 stand out is the inclusion of the antagonist Pyramid Head. He is more than just a cosplay staple at cons. Pyramid Head is partly remarkable for his design, which leverages the grotesque, combining distinctly humanoid features with more unnatural elements. This works perfectly as the creature’s function in the game is both symbolic and psychological. Pyramid Head is consistently shocking and his presence is potent, somehow standing out as exceptionally well-executed in a game that is rife with quality components.

Nemesis

Nemesis

Like Pyramid Head, Nemesis from Resident Evil 3 is grotesque. Unlike Pyramid Head, we can see his ugly face and hear its words as it utters “Star” obsessively and repeatedly, naming its prey. But it’s also intelligent. Unlike most of the creatures in Resident Evil , Nemesis can use weaponry. It also stalks you down and, thanks to the wonky controls of the original game, feels imposing. It’s hard to feel powerful when your character steers like a vehicle. This hulking, mutated mass of persistent evil has become a fan favorite, ensuring its place in other games and films. I can’t wait to see how he is utilized in the upcoming remake of the PlayStation classic.

Reaper Leviathan

Reaper Leviathan

There’s something about being underwater that is just terrifying in its own right. Evil games that purport to be tranquil, meditative experiences can be deeply upsetting to some. Subnautica is a game that cranks this natural fear up to 11 and the Reaper Leviathan offers a compelling case for why this game should be experienced by horror fans. It stays out of sight often, utilizing our fear of the unknown. That is particularly relevant in this case, because what is a more powerful mystery than what dwells in dark depths? Underwater is also an unnatural environment for people, so we feel the added effect of being outside our element. The creature is also incredibly fast and incredibly powerful. It can be above you, behind you, below you, and this is disorienting. Do you flee or do you track it? If its your first encounter with it, you have no way of knowing. Then, suddenly, it strikes, killing you instantly. Absolute nightmare fuel.

The Witch

The Witch

Left 4 Dead doesn’t often manage to be all that scary, leaning mostly on its strong multiplayer mechanics rather than narrative or atmosphere to make it worth your while. There is an exception to this rule, though, and it is in the form of the Witch, a special infected that evokes both fear and pity. The Witch appears as a deeply upset woman, and your first clues to its presence are the sounds of it sobbing. This is your signal to be careful because if you startle it, the oddly proportioned Witch will rise with a shriek before sprinting at you long, hair obscuring its face, large, deformed claws posed to tear you asunder. It will make quick work of a player. It will make quick work of an entire team. And utilizing the appearance of a Witch can be an important strategy in a multiplayer match, because of the restrictions its presence places on the human players. It’s a tense moment where the infected team can lay in wait, looking for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Jason

Jason

While Jason’s origins lie in films, his appearances in games have been noteworthy pieces of gaming history. For starters, Friday the 13 th for the NES was an unexpected launch. I’m still surprised even when I look back that there was a survival horror game for Nintendo’s first system. For my money, though, his best game so far is the eloquently named Friday the 13th: The Game. This title is absolutely full of faithful references to Jason’s history in film. The character feels properly represented but what is truly great about this game is the novel approach to multiplayer.

One team of players are campers who try to survive. In order to do so, they have to work together, piecing together an escape plan. They can’t communicate with each other unless they are in each other’s proximity or are using a radio. On the other team is a single player controlling the extremely powerful Jason, who can track players through various means. One such way is by overhearing them talking to one another.

At this point, you can be silent and stalk them until you brutally murder them with one of many various gratuitous murder animations. Or you can do as I do and play “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins over the microphone, which will build into a haunting climax while you close the distance. “What’s that music?” they wonder. And that’s the last thought they ever have before you remove them from the match. Whatever floats your boat.

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