Summary
- Horror games can use time manipulation to enhance gameplay and immersion.
- Baisu, HORROR TALES: The Beggar, and Siren: Blood Curse are examples of games that effectively manipulate time.
- Titles like P.T., Visage, Blair Witch, and Singularity showcase unique horror experiences through time-related mechanics.
Narratives surrounding time — time travel, merging timelines, the multiverse — are most often associated with science fiction and fantasy media. Take the Marvel Universe, for example. Despite this, when such concepts are utilized in horror, it can yield some very interesting and quite frankly terrifying experiences.
Because of their difficult-to-comprehend physics, chronophobia (fear of time) and astrophobia (fear of space) are among the most targeted by these ideas. But beyond phobia triggers, time manipulation is a mechanic that can also enhance the experience of a horror game, bringing to life new ideas and interesting gameplay. These are some of the best horror games that manipulate time, either via mechanics or embedded in the narrative.
5 Most Influential Mechanics In Horror Game History
Horror games have come a long way since their retro days. These iconic horror titles pioneered mechanics that have influenced the genre's evolution.
This list focuses on titles that use time manipulation as an imperative part of the narrative, world, and/or gameplay, rather than those where slowing time is an optional skill, such as "reflex time" in F.E.A.R.
7 Baisu
A Creepy Bodycam Detective Horror
- Platforms: Windows
- Release Date: May 30, 2024
- Developer: Tripleducks studio
Since the release of Bodycam in June 2024, the bodycam format in games has risen in popularity, particularly in the horror genre, though it would be unfair to dismiss those that existed prior. In Baisu, the player experiences the footage of Clay Kriest, a detective who has received a desperate call for help at the Smiths' family home and soon finds himself embroiled in a much darker mystery.
Throughout the experience, Baisu picks up on players' microphone activity, recording snippets that will replay later in the game in a smart, immersive use of sound and time. Along with the photorealism and lifelike flashlight movement, this mechanic makes players truly feel like a part of this compelling story. Baisu has four endings for players to uncover.
6 HORROR TALES: The Beggar
Bend Physics In This Post-Cataclysm World
- Platforms: Windows, Xbox One/X/S, PS4/5
- Release Date: June 17, 2024
- Developer: CarlosGameDev
For a solo-developed game, HORROR TALES: The Beggar is a surprisingly comprehensive sci-fi horror title. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by humanoid cyber-creatures called "Beggars," the player must attempt to fix what is left of it before the antagonistic forces catch up to them. The game has some genuinely creepy moments, with a couple of jumpscares in between.
Time manipulation is a core mechanic of The Beggar, with the protagonist being able to switch between times of day and control the weather in order to solve puzzles. The player also has telekinetic abilities that can be used to move objects and during combat. Overall, The Beggar makes great use of time and physics for dynamic and fresh gameplay.
5 Siren: Blood Curse
Investigate The Mysterious Disappearance Of A Mountain Village
Siren: Blood Curse
- Released
- July 24, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- JapanStudio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PS3
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Siren: Blood Curse is the third entry in the Siren (also known as Forbidden Siren) game series, and a re-imagining of the original 2003 game. Taking place in Japan's Hanuda Village, the player must get to the bottom of the village's curse and find a way to escape the paranormal goings-on alive. The game follows multiple narratives, with the player switching between playable characters throughout.
The plot of Blood Curse can, at times, be convoluted and difficult to follow, with alien Gods, cults, and time loops all being central to the story. That said, it is still a compelling title that explores themes such as faith, family, and perseverance in the face of threats that transcend human understanding.
4 P.T.
An Iconic Experience That's Still Being Dissected
P.T.
- Released
- August 12, 2014
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
- Platform(s)
- PS4
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
P.T. Is a pillar of the psychological horror genre, released as a teaser for the canceled Silent Hills and later being removed from the PlayStation store. Beyond the increasingly terrifying looping mechanic, one of the reasons that P.T. Created such a buzz is its almost complete lack of context. With an unnamed, silent protagonist and an unclear plot, players were left with a lot of unanswered questions, especially about the game's use of time.
Throughout the halls, there is a mix of technology, from a 70s radio to a modern digital alarm clock. Alongside the changing environment, it's not unreasonable to conclude that there are timelines merging, or that the players are walking through the history of the house. Either way, P.T. Maintains its legacy as one of the most uncanny horror titles out there.
3 Visage
Walk Through The House's Dark History
Visage
- Released
- October 30, 2020
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- SadSquare Studio
Despite the onslaught of games inspired by the release of P.T., there are a few memorable titles that stand out as separate and unique in their own right. Visage is a psychological horror game that follows troubled addict Dwayne Anderson, who is trapped in his home that is haunted by a series of malevolent entities.
Throughout the course of the game, the player uncovers the tragic fates of the previous inhabitants, and Dwayne's own past, while trying to escape alive. Dwayne experiences events that have taken place across decades, with the environment being manipulated over time, leaving players with a sense of dread and uncertainty. To add to the tension, players must also manage sanity using light sources and pills.
2 Blair Witch
One Man, His Dog, And A Manipulative Witch
Blair Witch
- Released
- August 30, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Publisher(s)
- Lionsgate Games
- Franchise
- Blair Witch
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Amazon Luna
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
The Blair Witch Project was a major influence on found footage horror media — something that the inspired Blair Witch video game pays homage to. The game follows ex-police officer Ellis and his dog, Bullet, as they search for a young boy who has gone missing in Black Hills Forest. While it doesn't entirely play out as found footage, one of the main mechanics of the game is the video camera.
Best Found Footage Horror Games
The found footage subgenre of horror began with movies, but it has found life in video games as well.
When the player finds tapes, they can use the camera to scour the contents, which manipulates the real world and reveals clues as to what happened to the missing boy. Blair Witch is an interesting take on how the past, present, and future interact, exploring themes such as PTSD and guilt.
1 Singularity
A Disturbing FPS Horror With Addictive Mechanics
Singularity
- Released
- June 29, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Raven Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Singularity is an FPS survival horror, with action and sci-fi sprinkled into the genre mix. When their helicopter crashes while investigating an electromagnetic surge originating from an unoccupied island, the player finds themselves involved in a conspiracy spanning decades. They must go back in time to prevent a major history-altering catastrophe.
Much of the gameplay in Singularity revolves around using the "Time Manipulation Device," which does pretty much what it says on the tin. Players can use the device to age (or reverse age) enemies and objects, attract items, and emit dangerous energy pulses during combat. What makes Singluarity stand out from similar titles like Dishonored and TimeShift is its horror elements. The enemy designs incorporate body horror, the paranormal, and technology in a super-freaky fusion.
Best FPS Horror Games, Ranked
The scariest games on the market introduce a first-person perspective to create some of the best horror games possible.