Summary
- Motion controls can intensify horror games, creating an unrivaled sense of immersion for terrifying frights.
- Games like Resident Evil 4 and Alien: Isolation use motion control to provide better accuracy and precision during combat.
Throughout the years, horror games have invented all kinds of ways to spook you, but the scariest ones create a sense of immersion that ropes you into your worst nightmare. Some titles do this through a creepy art style or a blood-curdling story. However, some rare gems rely on motion controls to immerse you in the game's horrifying world.
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When motion controls are done right, they can enhance a horror game from spooky to absolutely terrifying. The Nintendo Wii was especially good at that, but there are some must-play motion horror titles on other consoles, as well. The following games, in particular, are scary and atmospheric while making excellent use of motion controls.
8 Alien: Isolation
Use Gyro Aiming To Survive This Sci-Fi Nightmare
The Nintendo Switch has no shortage of flesh-crawling horror games, but Alien: Isolation takes the cake. The story follows engineer Amanda Ripley, who's trapped in a space station with the terrifying alien Xenomorph. With limited resources to help, she must rely solely on her stealth and wits to survive.
There's plenty of nightmare fuel in the game, specifically the Xenomorph, who mercilessly chases you and even learns from your encounters. The Switch version adds a whole new layer of immersion with its gyro controls, which can be used to aim weapons and track motion.
7 The House Of The Dead: Overkill
Grab A Friend And Shoot Zombies
The House of the Dead: Overkill
- Released
- February 10, 2009
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Headstrong Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii, PC, PlayStation 3
- Genre(s)
- Rail Shooter
Looking for a good co-op horror game? You can never go wrong with The House of the Dead: Overkill. You and a buddy take control of Agent G and Detective Washington as they try to take down an army of zombie-like creatures called mutants.
This game truly feels like being placed in a classic B-movie, with plenty of fast-paced, gory action and delightfully cheesy one-liners to keep you entertained. Plus, the motion controls perfectly capture the arcade-style shooter gameplay that made the series so famous. Grab a friend and buckle up for a wild ride.
6 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
Revisit Iconic Resident Evil Stories
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
Another excellent rail shooter, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, is a retelling of the first and third entries, as well as the prequel, Resident Evil Zero. Everything from the zombie-infested Spencer Mansion to the terrifying fight with Nemesis is here and perfectly adapted for arcade-style light gun gameplay.
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The game does a stellar job of incorporating series staples like using melee weapons to preserve ammo and finding herbs to heal yourself. Aiming with the Wii Remote feels excellent, and the game is even better if you play with a friend.
If you like this one, I'd highly recommend the sequel, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles.
5 The Exorcist: Legion VR
Intense Supernatural Horror
The Exorcist: Legion VR SIN
- Released
- November 22, 2017
- ESRB
- m
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Meta Quest, Microsoft Windows
- Developer
- Wolf & Wood Interactive Limited
- Publisher
- LegionVR, LLC, Fun Train
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Puzzle
Want something that'll scare the living daylights out of you? The Exorcist: Legion VR is an episodic horror game based on the legendary film series. You control a detective in charge of solving a slew of supernatural crimes, each culminating in nightmarish encounters with demons and nail-biting exorcisms.
This game is easily one of the most intense VR experiences, with plenty of flesh-crawling imagery and mind-melting psychological horror to keep you up at night. Plus, it has PlayStation Move compatibility for an extra sense of immersion. Turn off the lights, put on headphones, and try not to scream.
4 Project Zero 2: Wii Edition
A Spooky Remake Of A Horror Classic
Project Zero 2: Wii Edition
- Released
- June 28, 2012
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Tecmo Koei Games
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Wii
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Project Zero 2 is a remake of the second Fatal Frame title, revamping the gameplay with the Wii's motion controls in mind. The story follows sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura, who must escape from a haunted village. Their only defense is the Camera Obscura, which can trap ghosts in photographs.
Not only is the camera system vastly improved from the PS2 original, but the new control scheme is phenomenal, allowing you to aim the Camera Obscura by pointing the Wii Remote. Sadly, North America missed out on this horror gem, but it's worth playing if you can find a copy.
3 Until Dawn: Rush Of Blood
Visit The Carnival From Your Worst Nightmare
- Released
- October 13, 2016
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Supermassive Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR
- Genre(s)
- Virtual Reality, Rail Shooter, Horror
Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is a bit different from the rest of the series, but it's still just as frightening. In this rail shooter, you're a passenger on the world's deadliest roller coaster. What starts as a harmless target-shooting carnival game quickly becomes a nightmare with devilish traps and bloodthirsty monsters.
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The game does a fantastic job of evoking a sense of defenselessness, with the roller coaster constantly pushing you toward the next haunting fight, whether you like it or not. Thanks to its VR and PlayStation Move support, you can enjoy this spooky ride with smooth accuracy and precision.
2 Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Psychological Horror At Its Finest
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a reimagining of the first game in the series, with a revamped story, new characters, and plenty of chilling surprises to keep you on your toes. The plot follows Harry Mason, who explores the mysterious town of Silent Hill in search of his missing daughter.
True to the series' nature, Shattered Memories excels at getting inside your head and delivering spine-tingling psychological horror. Gameplay-wise, you can move the Wii Remote to aim your flashlight and solve puzzles, both of which feel incredibly satisfying.
1 Resident Evil 4
All Hail The King Of Survival Horror
Often considered the best survival horror game ever, Resident Evil 4 is a bona fide classic everyone should try at least once. Take control of Special Agent Leon Kennedy, who must rescue the president's daughter from a parasite-infected cult called Los Iluminados.
Initially launched on GameCube, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the genre with its fantastic third-person shooter combat. The Wii port takes it to a whole new level by letting you use the Wii Remote to aim your gun. It can't be overstated how good this feels, allowing for better precision and much smoother gameplay.