10 Standalone Horror Games That Deserve a Series

Many captivating horror games leave players wanting more, but not all get the chance to evolve into full-fledged series; this article explores ten standalone titles that delivered such compelling and terrifying experiences that they arguably deserve to be expanded into their own franchises, offering new stories and chilling gameplay mechanics.

When a horror game hits the mark, developers often capitalize on its success, as seen with franchises like Silent Hill and Five Nights at Freddy's. However, various factors can prevent a game from becoming a series, including IP rights issues, funding challenges, or simply the developers' desire to pursue different projects. Regardless of the reasons, some truly exceptional horror games remain as standalone experiences, despite their potential to spawn successful series.

Visage: A Deeply Unsettling Psychological Horror Experience

Visage, developed by SadSquare Studio and released in 2020, draws heavily from the cancelled Silent Hills demo, PT. Set within a strange house, Visage focuses on psychological horror to create an unsettling atmosphere, rather than relying on jump scares. The game's strength lies in its ability to instill a sense of dread and unease, making players question their surroundings and their own sanity.

Although Visage faced some criticism for technical issues due to the development team's small size, it demonstrated great potential as a starting point for a series that could explore different creepy locations and psychological themes. Unfortunately, SadSquare Studio seems to have disbanded shortly after the game's release, leaving Visage as a standalone gem in the realm of psychological horror.

Soma: Existential Dread in the Deep Sea

Frictional Games, known for Amnesia, further refined their horror formula with SOMA, immersing players in a desolate underwater environment. With only their thoughts and the remnants of a research facility for company, players encounter machines exhibiting unsettling human-like traits. SOMA excels at creating a profound sense of existential dread, questioning what it means to be human.

The game's success in crafting a bleak and thought-provoking atmosphere makes it an ideal candidate for a series. A potential sequel could shift the setting to the equally desolate environment of outer space, further exploring themes of identity and the human condition. The possibilities for expanding upon SOMA's core concepts are vast.

Exploring Mental Illness Through Horror Games

Cry of Fear, an indie hit by Team Psykskallar, presents a haunting version of Stockholm on the surface. However, beneath the eerie exterior lies a deeper narrative exploring themes of mental illness and trauma through the monsters that lurk in the darkness. The game began as a Half-Life mod but evolved into a unique and terrifying experience.

Fans fondly remember Cry of Fear for its psychological scares and its willingness to tackle difficult themes. While a sequel was never intended, the game's potential to explore complex psychological issues through horror makes it a standout title. The developers felt the story was complete, but the concept could have been expanded.

Other Standalone Horror Gems

Lost in Vivo, a 2018 game from Akuma Kira, confronts players with their deepest fears, particularly claustrophobia. The protagonist's fear of tight spaces permeates every environment and encounter, creating a constant sense of unease. A series could have explored different phobias, but the developer chose to pursue other projects.

Bloodborne, while primarily a Soulslike game, is deeply rooted in Lovecraftian horror. Exploring the cosmic horrors of FromSoftware's gothic world, players have long clamored for a sequel or remake. The game's unique blend of action and horror makes it a prime candidate for a franchise.

Fran Bow, a point-and-click adventure, combines a hand-drawn style with disturbing imagery to tell the story of a young girl struggling with mental illness. This juxtaposition makes the horrors even more striking. A sequel was allegedly in development, but nothing has materialized yet.

Haunting Ground, a 2005 PlayStation 2 title, is an example of atmospheric horror done right. Following Fiona and her dog, Hewie, as they escape a mysterious mansion, the game has flaws but also excellent aspects that garnered a faithful fan community. Released the same year as Resident Evil 4, it never got a chance to flourish.

Signalis, a 2022 release from rose-engine, offers a fresh take on survival horror with its unique art style. A top-down 2.5D shooter with bright colors and stylized visuals, Signalis is heavily influenced by Silent Hill and Resident Evil. Its distinct style would help a Signalis franchise stand out.

Kuon, released by FromSoftware in 2004, is often forgotten but would work well as a series. Following a female protagonist through a dark Japanese ghost story, Kuon pulled off dark storytelling and was praised for its atmosphere. A revisit as a series would be welcomed now that FromSoftware has several Game of the Year titles.

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, a 2002 title from Silicon Knights, breaks the fourth wall with its sanity system. The game extends its horrifying moments beyond the screen, playing tricks on the player as the protagonist's sanity decreases. This classic is perhaps the most deserving of a series in the vein of Silent Hill.

These horror games demonstrate that innovation and unique storytelling can create memorable experiences that resonate with players. While some have faded into obscurity, their potential for expansion remains, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. Perhaps one day, these standalone titles will get the chance to evolve into the franchises they deserve.