Summary
Cosmic horror has become afairly consistent presence in video games over the past several years, which is a far cry from where things used to be. Some of the best games that tackle the complex themes have also included elements of science fiction in their creepy worlds of dread and paranoia. Science fiction has a long history with cosmic horror, as the themes exist within the very word ‘cosmic,’ but few games have taken this to heart.
While a large portion of cosmic horror is intertwined with science fiction themes and motifs, the list of games that combine them directly is a bit smaller. Games likeBloodborneandThe Sinking Citylean heavily into cosmic horror, but their worlds are more in line with traditional games in the genre. Other games tap deep into the heart of cosmic horror, but do so within worlds that feature more classic science fiction elements, creating a horrifying blend that has led to some of the most fascinating games in the industry.
Dead Spacewas released in the enormous crater left in the industry byResident Evil 4, taking direct influence from its revolutionary over-the-shoulder perspective. The game casts playersin the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer aboard the USG Ishimura who gets caught up in a desperate journey for survival. As Isaac explores the creeping hallways of the Ishimura, he comes into conflict with the Necromorphs, a horrific race of monsters that target him throughout the game.
The origin of the Necromorphs is tied to the Markers, a series of alien obelisks that seem to originate from the darkest parts of the cosmos. These markers generate the Necromorphs, made up of discarded human flesh and organs, creating a link to both the unknown and humanity’s fear of what lies beyond the veil of space, a trademark of cosmic horror.Dead Space’sterrifying combination of science fiction and cosmic horror has made it one of the most influential games of its generation. It was recently remade for modern platforms with tremendous success.
It’s safe to say thatReturnalwas one of the best games that one could buy in the first year of the PlayStation 5. Thisfun and inventive roguelikethird-person shooter effortlessly combines cosmic horror with an inviting science fiction setting. Taking place on the planet Atropos,Returnalfollows an astronaut named Selene as she tries to escape a time loop and uncover the horrors lurking beyond the cosmos.
Selene’s voyage across Atropos is filled with all the traditional cosmic horror tropes, ranging from unexplained nightmares to Lovecraftian monsters hunting her at every turn. Its unique game design was a home run for the PS5 in 2021, and remains one of the console’s most enjoyable experiences.Returnal’sintriguing mix of cosmic horror within a harrowing science fiction environment was a spectacular combination, and is a great fit for those looking for some Lovecraftian nightmares in a sci-fi environment.
Born from aDungeons and Dragonscampaign that saw a portal open upand unleash high-tech demonsinto a fantasy world,Doomsaw the worlds of cosmic horror and science fiction merge in one of the most influential games ever made.Doom’scommitment to high-octane, furious violence was evident from the start. Doomguy rips apart demons without hesitation, coming up against a host of Lovecraft-influenced creatures that have become mainstays in the franchise over the past thirty years.
The horrifying gallery of monsters inDoomhas figured into every game in the franchise since 1993, and this group of grotesque beings has haunted players in a multitude of ways. The clash of advanced technology with Lovecraft-styled monsters has been a winning combination ever since, as the franchise’s insidious mash-up of cosmic horror and science fiction has given way to some of the industry’s most memorable games.
After exploring the gritty urban decay of New York inMax Payneand small-town terror inAlan Wake, developer Remedy chose to explore something unique with their next title,Control. Taking control of Jesse Faden, players explore the shifting environment known as the Oldest House, which acts as the headquarters of the FBC, the Federal Bureau of Control. It is a place of power, where the real world starts to feel even further away and Jesse’s adventure sees her confront horrors beyond imagination.
Control’sworld is equal parts science fiction, with an emphasis on unique technology and innovative weapons, and cosmic horror, which is born from unseen nightmares lurking within the Oldest House. The omnipotent force working against Jesse is rarely given form outside the bodies it controls, adding a sense of overbearing weight to the horrors that she is in conflict with.Control’sslick combination of high-tech science fiction with a powerful force lurking in the heart of the cosmos resulted in a truly spectacular experience. The game is easily oneof Remedy’s most ambitiousand incredible games to date.
