Horror games are one of the most beloved genres of gaming, with franchises such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill maintaining popularity for decades across numerous console generations.
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Lovecraft's cosmic horror has also been seen in many games over the years, with numerous developers presenting different types of experiences borrowing elements of cosmic horror from the stories of H. P. Lovecraft. Here are some of the best games to play if you're looking for a Lovecraftian fix.
Sundered – Metacritic Rating 74
Release Date: 07/28/2017
Platforms: PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One
Metacritic Rating: 74
Sundered is a Metroidvania that will task you with taking on a variety of Eldritch monsters all whilst the caverns around you are constantly changing. Its horde-based enemy mechanic is incredibly unique for the genre and can lead to some intense chase sequences.
It's visually stunning too, using an art style seen in Thunder Lotus' other games to present in fantastic fashion everything Sundered will throw at you. The combat is great too, and the corruption mechanic is an interesting addition to the Metroidvania elements Sundered uses.
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners Of The Earth – Metacritic Rating 76
Release Date: 04/26/2006
Platforms: PC
Metacritic Rating: 76
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth puts you in the shoes of a detective who is investigating a cult known as the 'Fellowship of Yith.' This later leads to a missing person case, and you'll have to contend with some of Lovecraft's most horrifying creatures, with one of the games main mechanics being that the longer you stare at these creatures, the more insane Jack Walters becomes.
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It's a retelling of Shadow Over Innsmouth, so if you've read the book you'll be familiar with the game's plot, although there are still a few surprises to discover. It has an interesting AI system too, in which the AI in the game reacts to players actions in a rather impressive way.
Cthulhu Saves The World – Metacritic Rating 78
Release Date: 07/13/2011
Platforms: PC, Mobile
Metacritic Rating: 78
Surprisingly for a game inspired by Lovecraft, Cthulhu Saves the World is a fairly funny game. Rather than facing off against Cthulhu, you'll be playing as the infamous Lovecraftian creature, who has to save the world in order to then destroy it himself.
It's an entertaining ride throughout, which manages to both honour the source material whilst also making some jabs at it. Cthulhu Saves the World is a great JRPG, and well worth playing if you're looking for a more light-hearted experience.
Darkwood – Metacritic Rating 80
Release Date: 07/17/2017
Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Metacritic Rating: 80
Set deep in the Soviet Bloc, Darkwood is less obvious with its Lovecraft inspiration than other games on this list, but its story and gameplay are very much reminiscent of Lovecraft's work. Darkwood combines RPG elements, with roguelike mechanics to provide a tough but rewarding experience.
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Darkwood presents a fantastic story, with an unnerving sense of horror that will leave you unsure and afraid of what will come next. It's a unique presentation of horror and should be high on your list if you're looking for an adventure that will scare you.
Sunless Sea – Metacritic Rating 81
Release Date: 06/01/2014
Platforms: PC, Mobile
Metacritic Rating: 81
Set in an alternate history London, Sunless Sea presents you with a version of London that has sunk into the ground. The ocean around the city is full of Lovecraft-inspired creatures, and you'll be tasked with exploring this ever-changing ocean all whilst trying to prevent your crew and captain from perishing.
It's a fairly morbid game, with an unsettling atmosphere that remains across the entirety of its playtime. The power that you'll feel through your actions as they shape the narrative presented in front of you is rarely seen in games, and it means that the story you play through is effectively one of your own creation.
Darkest Dungeon – Metacritic Rating 84
Release Date: 01/19/2016
Platforms: PC, PS4, Mobile, PS Vita, Switch, Xbox One
Metacritic Rating: 84
Let's get one thing straight, you'll die a lot in Darkest Dungeon, with the gothic-inspired roguelike being an incredibly tough game at times. You'll not just be fighting gruesome creatures either, with famine, disease and stress all having the potential to incapacitate your party.
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Mistakes are punished, and risk management is an important part of achieving success and clearing out the dungeons that lay beneath the mysterious manor you inherit. Its Lovecraftian influence is clear to see through not only its enemy design but the foreboding sense of dread that every move forward brings.
Dusk – Metacritic Rating 88
Release Date: 12/10/2018
Platforms: PC
Metacritic Rating: 88
Dusk is a modern-day tribute to franchises such as Doom and Wolfenstein. You'll play as a treasure hunter who breaks into a series of Lovecraftian Ruins in order to discover the hidden riches rumoured to exist there. There are three different episodes you'll play through, with each taking place in a different locale complete with unique enemies.
It takes a lot of inspiration from Lovecraft's work, with the games main boss being Nyarlathotep, a being that first appeared in the self-titled poem Nyarlathotep. It's an arcade shooter, and its retro, polygonal art style ties in well with its narrative and gameplay.
Bloodborne – Metacritic Rating 92
Release Date: 03/24/2015
Platforms: PS4
Metacritic Rating: 92
Bloodborne is one of From Software's finest releases, and its Lovecraftian influence is seen through many of its creatures such as The Old Ones and its focus on cosmic horror. It also has a lot of references that will only make sense to you if you're a fan of Lovecraft's work.
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Bloodborne gives you an impressive arsenal of weapons to use as well, including saw cleavers, guns, spears and even a flamethrower. Its narrative and world design blend flawlessly, and it is one of the best adventure games on the PlayStation 4.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem – Metacritic Rating 92
Release Date: 06/23/2002
Platforms: GameCube
Metacritic Rating: 92
Eternal Darkness was Nintendo's first-ever M-rated title, and this Lovecraft inspired adventure certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. You'll control multiple characters across generations of history, with a lot of the settings and story beats being based on real-world places and events.
Each setting has its own unique story, with them coming together at the conclusion of the game in spectacular fashion. Eternal Darkness may be an old game, but it remains one of the best exclusives in the GameCube's library, with fans clamouring for a sequel to this day.
Quake – Metacritic Rating 94
Release Date: 06/22/1996
Platforms: PC
Metacritic Rating: 94
Quake is full of Lovecraft references and elements from start to finish, with a level called 'The Nameless City' after the short story of the same name. It also features a boss fight with Shub-Niggurath, an Outer God that appears in multiple Lovecraft tales.
You'll be tasked with fighting back a demon horde that has invaded the human world, and as the last line of defence, it's up to you to use every weapon in your arsenal to stop the threat. Quake has an impressive volume of weapons available to use, and each one is finely tuned to ensure maximum fun.
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