Summary
TheNintendo GameCubemay have been seen as more of a family-friendly system when it was first released, but over its long lifespan, it amassed quite a considerable number of horror games. In fact, it would even go on to feature somehorror titles that have since gone down as iconic, such asResident Evil: Code VeronicaandEternal Darknessfor example, ensuring fans of the genre always had something new to jump into and enjoy.
With that being said, the enormous popularity of games such as these inevitably meant that a few GameCube horror titles ended up going under the radar, and today, are largely forgotten. Considering how huge the genre has always been, horror games always need to do something unique to stand out, and as a result, many of these games have a lot going for them and are incredibly fun, despite being a little niche and obscure.
6The Haunted Mansion
Metacritic User Score: 4.3
The Haunted Mansion’s low scores andaffiliation with Disneyresulted in it being dismissed by many not long after it was released, and though it is a little rough around the edges, there’s still a lot of fun to be had here. The whole game takes place inside a giant mansion with plenty of mysteries, key items, and spooky monsters that lurk in the shadows, but the variety of the areas really helps keep the gameplay loop fresh. Almost every room in the game features its unique gimmick, such as how bookshelves will begin moving on their own for example, or the emergence of a brand new enemy type that must be taken down to progress.
This ensures the game never becomes too predictable and can be nerve-racking since there’s no telling what could appear in the next room.The Haunted Mansionalso features a dark ambient soundtrack that adds to the frightening atmosphere, along with some excellent use of lighting, making the lantern an essential tool for getting through the mansion in one piece.
5Castleween
No Score Available
By the timeCastleweenwas released in 2003, a lot of horror fans were already occupied with some of the bigger series that were taking over the genre. This was the same yearthe much belovedSilent Hill 3was released to universal acclaim, and a lot of people were anticipating the newResident Evilgame which was being released regularly by that point. As a result, this niche adventure-horror title didn’t receive much attention, and while it’s not too complex in its gameplay, it still has a lot of charm to it and can be completed in no more than a few hours.
Just as the title suggests, the game takes place in and around a haunted mansion on Halloween and follows Greg and Alicia, who embark on a desperate mission to save their friends who were turned to stone by the bogeyman. It might look lighthearted on the surface, butCastleweencontains quite a few scares, especially when exploring gloomy areas like the cemetery or the depths of the castle itself.
4Hunter: The Reckoning
Metacritic User Score: 6.4
Hunter: The Reckoningis a third-person shooter game where players assume the role of a hunter who is tasked withclearing out a prisonthat has become infested with vampires, zombies, and other horrifying monsters. This may sound easy enough, but the game quickly ramps up the intensity when it starts throwing endless waves of enemies the players' way, to the point where sometimes, it can be a better idea to simply run away rather than taking them all on at once.
Each of the 23 levels is richly detailed and incredibly creepy to venture through. Whether it’s the gruesome torture chamber or the terrifying sewers, the game’s environments do an excellent job of evoking fear in the player and building anticipation until the enemies eventually jump out from the shadows.Hunter: The Reckoningreceived mixed reviews upon its release, which probably played a part in why it was skipped over by so many people, but this shouldn’t prevent horror buffs from still giving it a go.
3Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds
Metacritic User Score: 7.2
WhileBuffy: Chaos Bleedsdoes have somebeat em' upelements to its gameplay, it largely plays in the same vein as classic survival horror games, with players needing to scavenge supplies and key items to make it through each level alive. One way the game manages to ramp up its scare factor is by making its enemies as ruthless as possible, while also allowing them to drop in from the sky, seemingly out of nowhere.
Buffy and the gang may be well-equipped to take on their enemies, but it can be quite frightening when numerous massive vampires or zombies are all surrounding the player at one time, which is quite a common occurrence. The close-in camera angle also means enemies will often rush in from off-screen to attack the player, leading to plenty of jumpscares scattered throughout the game to keep players on their toes.
2Second Sight
Metacritic User Score: 7.7
It’s honestly quite surprising that a game as scary and mature asSecond Sightmade its way onto the GameCube, but despite its innovative mechanics and story, it didn’t end up selling too well and has been largely forgotten.Second Sightleans heavily into aspects of psychological horror,using creepy imagery and unnerving sound design to disturb the playerduring their adventure. The story follows John Vattic, a man suffering from amnesia who decides to use his newfound psychic powers to try and uncover who he is, and why he’s ended up in a medical facility.
Players will need to be smart about using each of these powers to tackle certain situations since they can be used for taking out enemies, solving puzzles, and for healing purposes. The game also throws in plenty of intense stealth sections which help to freshen up the gameplay now and again. It’s a real shameSecond Sightdidn’t catch people’s attention when it launched as it provides a unique take on psychological horror, which is complemented by a fascinating story that contains plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
1Scooby-Doo! Night Of 100 Frights
Metacritic User Score: 8.0
Any fans of theScooby-DooTV show who wish they could re-live some of the most iconic episodes need to giveNight of 100 Frightsa try, as it closely follows specific episodes of the show and features plenty of fan-favorite villains. After the team is split up in the dark and mysterious Mystic Manor, players are tasked with guiding Scooby across the creaky floors and dusty hallways in an attempt to find his friends, while also avoiding creepy enemies along the way.
As players make their way through each area, they will need to keep an eye out for Scooby Snacks, which are required to open up certain doors around the map to progress through the game. The game puts up quite a challenge, and since even a tiny rat is capable of dealing a ton of damage if Scooby runs into it, this adds an extra layer of tension and immersion to the overall experience. As a bonus, it even features a monster gallery where players can take a look at the numerous villains they’ve captured along the way,providing a nice bit of fanservice for longtime lovers of the show.
