Although we are in the festive month of warmth and joy, it’s not an excuse for us horror game enthusiasts to not continue enjoying the fun that horror games bring. Last week we introduced the 5 best Asian horror games, and if you missed it, you can check it here. As for this week, we decided to make it more precise: Japanese horror games. Japanese horror games often stand out based on their intricate storytelling and cultural influences, alongside psychological horror. Based on the topic we’re focusing on today, we’re here to share our picks on the 5 best Japanese horror games.
The 5 Best Japanese Horror Games
1. Tsugunohi Series
The first Japanese horror game that comes into the play is the Tsugunohi game series. If you have been one of the players or audience that watched people play this game series, you probably recall this game best on the consistent and unique protagonist design with no eyes.
The Tsugunohi game series revolves around the concept of a loop where the protagonist, whom the players will control, discovers their ordinary existence and transforms gradually into a horrifying realm. Within the loop, players can only walk to the left every day, and that’s the only thing you can do in the games. The horror gradually increases as each day passes, and what makes the game unique is also the part where the storytelling is done through this everyday loop, and the horror creeps in more and more as the truth is revealed. The question is: Do you dare to continue walking to the left?
Here’s a full list of the games under this series for you to try out one by one:
- Ai’s Silent Cries (Steam Original)
- Tsugunohi Episode.1
- Tsugunohi Episode.2
- Tsugunohi Episode.3
- Tsugunohi: A Closed Future
- Tsugunohi: The Cat Ghost
- Tsugunohi: The Parallel Train in the Dark
- Tsugunohi: Whispering Toy House
- Tsugunohi: The Ethereal Railroad Crossing (Steam Original)
Developers: ImCyan, Vaka Game Magazine
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
2. Yomawari: Midnight Shadows
The next recommended player part of the Japanese horror games in this list is Yomawari: Midnight Shadows, which is a game part of the Yomawari game series. In this list, we’re only recommending Yomawari: Midnight Shadows as this one had a better score on Steam compared to the other two, Yomawari: Night Alone, and Yomawari: Lost in the Dark. Besides, in Yomawari: Midnight Shadows, you get to play on two protagonists instead of one.
The protagonists are two girls, who are indeed cute-looking but never judge a book by its cover. Alongside the cute-looking girls in this 2D game are malicious entities scrawling in the dark waiting for your arrival.
Following their visit to a late summer fireworks festival in the mountains, the two protagonists, Haru and Yui lost their way on the journey back home. Upon releasing each other’s hands, they become separated after a mysterious attacker approaches them. Filled with determination, they venture into a foreboding night town that takes on an entirely different character during the daytime. In this mysterious setting, something perpetually lurks in the shadows, adding an element of suspense to their exploration with only a torchlight.
It’s great to play two protagonists, but be careful as the choices, actions, and information obtained while playing as one character will influence the narrative of the other. If you find Yomawari: Midnight Shadows fun, it’s also highly recommended for you to try out the other two.
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
Platforms: Mobile (iOS, Android), Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS Vita
Also Read: For Anime Lovers: Top 5 Anime Games on Steam
3. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
When it comes to Japanese horror games, the Fatal Frame series always grabs its spot in almost any list. The game series is also known as Project Zero in some regions and is a renowned survival horror franchise that places players in eerie and haunted environments. The unique part of this series is the gameplay mechanic of using a camera, known as the Camera Obscura, to capture and defeat malevolent spirits.
Similar to the Yomawari series, we’re only listing out a game part of this series, Fatal Frame 2 as it is generally favourable in the series and has a higher Metacritic score. Although this saying, you should try all of them to see which one you like most, and here we begin by introducing Fatal Frame 2.
In Fatal Frame 2, players guide protagonists Mayu and Mio through the haunted Minakami Village. Employing the iconic Camera Obscura, the duo defends themselves against the spectral inhabitants of the town. Regarded by some as the most terrifying game ever created, Fatal Frame 2 is known for its intense horror atmosphere and the innovative use of the camera as a tool for confronting the supernatural. In addition, Fatal Frame 2 had a crossover with Identity V in late 2022 due to its high character matching with the characters in Identity V.
Here are the other games under this series:
- Fatal Frame: Based on a True Story
- Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
- Fatal Frame 3: The Tormented
- Fatal Frame 4: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
- Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Developer: Koei Tecmo
Platforms: (Fatal Frame 2) PS2, PS3, Xbox
4. The Convenience Store
The next spot in our list of the 5 best Japanese horror games goes to The Convenience Store. The unveiling of the gameplay story works kind of similarly to the Tsugunohi series, where the horror and fear approach gradually as time passes.
You take on the role of a university student, who takes on the night shift at a nearby convenience store. You manage various tasks assigned by the manager and attend to multiple customers. However, as the nights progress, you begin to notice peculiar occurrences in and around the store. The question arises: Are these events a product of your imagination, or is the store genuinely haunted?
This game is one of the best games developed by the Japanese game developer Chilla’s Art. They’re famous for creating short horror games that are played and praised by many, with their other praised works (We also recommend) such as Night Delivery and Night Security.
Developer: Chilla’s Art
Platforms: Windows PC
5. Kuon
Last but not least, the last spot in this list of the 5 best Japanese horror games belongs to Kuon. The game would be your cup of tea if you’re into Japanese horror games under traditional Japanese background settings.
Set in ancient Kyoto during the Heian period, the game follows the story of 3 different protagonists who explore a mysterious manor, discovering malevolent spirits and dark rituals. Players navigate through eerie environments, uncovering the secrets behind the cursed mansion and confronting supernatural entities. With its atmospheric setting and haunting narrative, Kuon delivers a chilling experience that immerses players in a world filled with ancient Japanese folklore and supernatural horrors.
Kuon is said to be FromSoftware’s flawed survival horror game, as there are comments from players stating that the combat scenes are rather dull and annoying. Despite this, the atmosphere created in this game is genuinely scary and is still worth trying for the creepy atmosphere and story.
Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
Platform: PS2
Also Read: 6 Games Like Danganronpa for More Interesting Puzzle-Solving
Time to Play!
The above marks our full list of the 5 best Japanese horror games for you to try out. Although each has different stories and background settings, they can surely remind you of Japanese horror and immerse you in psychological horror. Besides, we recommend you try out the other games in the series to fully immerse yourselves in the game, as some of them are story-connected.
Still, we have to say, that the games above need you to pay to play. Yet, you can wait for offers to buy them so it does not hurt your wallet too much. Speaking of this, you can also check out our list of free horror games on Steam if you’re more into free games. Additionally, you can check out other free horror games in Roblox in this list, in which some of them are also Japanese horror games.