A brief look at some of the best gothic games ever
(Image via https://x.com/BalazSel)
Despite following goth news and listening to goth music, many people who enjoy the genre still need to get their goth-related fixes from other areas. For some, gothic literature is fascinating, while others enjoy gaming. Over the years, gothic games, in particular, have provided plenty of terror for audiences. From iconic villains to dark and isolated village settings, it’s an enthralling area of gaming.
Even today, gamers are tucking into some top gothic games. Titles like Halls of Torment are currently thriving on Steam, Zombie Carnival and some of McLuck’s leading slot games in the genre are also drawing people in, and there are immersive virtual reality products like Gothic VR that are currently being played. Overall, it’s a genre that has always produced results for games developers and gamers.
After all, gamers enjoy the suspense and gore gothic games tend to possess. They also contain some other alluring elements, though, with some of the best gothic games ever being fondly remembered by people who love all things goth. Let’s take a brief look at some of them below.
Table of contents
Alice: Madness Returns was a distinct change from the novel
As one of the most iconic children’s novels ever produced, Alice in Wonderland is generally best left alone. We’ve seen numerous examples where trying to adapt the creative children’s story just hasn’t worked. That certainly can’t be leveled at American McGee, though. The former games designer produced an unforgettable gaming version of Alice, with Wonderland turning into a twisted nightmare full of gore and destruction. A much-loved title from 2011, it was a distinct change from the novel but it made for a truly brilliant dark gaming adventure.
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is a classic release
One for more senior members of the goth community to reminisce about, Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is a 1988 release that made a big impact on the genre. In fact, it helped shape many of the gothic games of today. Available to sample on platforms like the PlayStation 2 and the Sega Genesis, this side-scrolling favorite involved players taking down an array of nasties while taking on the role of Prince Arthur. It was certainly a stern test for many gamers, though, with players having no saves or resets to fall back on. With the likes of Lucifer to see off and a series of gloomy settings to carefully traverse, Ghouls ‘N Ghosts had it all.
Vampyr is an obvious inclusion
We couldn’t really leave Vampyr out, could we? One of the more recent titles on the list, it was released in 2018 and contains a bloodthirsty creature of the night. What makes it even more engaging, though, is the vampire in the game is a doctor who needs to kill as many people as possible in order to get the blood he desperately craves. In doing so, though, the doctor ends any potential quests for gamers to embark on as he continually sees off characters who could take players on a variety of journeys. With the game’s plot continually changing as a result of his actions, Vampyr is an unpredictable masterpiece in so many ways.
Bloodborne is filled with miraculous blood
Given the game’s title, Bloodborne pretty much does exactly what it says on the tin. This 2015 release highlights the importance of miraculous blood throughout, a type of blood that is both a cure and a curse. Alongside it, players are taken on a spine-chilling adventure filled with horror elements and a deeply enthralling plot as players aim to uncover the secrets of Yarnham. Filled with jump scares and terrifying beasts, Bloodborne is pure perfection.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.