The Horror Games That Defined Each PlayStation Console - Beyond 919
It’s almost Halloween, so what better excuse to geek out about horror games? Max and Brian take a look back at the horror franchises that dominated each generation of PlayStation console. From the birth of Resident Evil on the PS1 to Silent Hill and Fatal Frame’s numerous outings on the PlayStation 2, to the PS3/360 era that gave us Dead Space, Condemned and of course, The Last of Us. A few major games arrived right on the cusp between PlayStation 3 and PS4, The Evil WIthin and Alien Isolation. And, of course, Bloodborne, which is absolutely a horror game and I can’t believe we have to keep having this conversation. Anyway, we also ranked the best horror games on PlayStation in the worst way possible, blindly assigning them ranking on a list without knowing what other games are contenders. This weeks show is Max Scoville, Brian Altano, and is produced by Nick Maillet
The journey begins with the PlayStation 1, where the survival horror genre was arguably born. The conversation naturally gravitates towards *Resident Evil*, a franchise that set the standard for zombie outbreaks and resource management. From the cramped corridors of the Spencer Mansion to the horrifying creatures lurking within, *Resident Evil* cemented its place as a cornerstone of PlayStation horror.
Next, the duo ventures into the PlayStation 2 era, a golden age for psychological horror. *Silent Hill* receives significant attention, celebrated for its unsettling atmosphere, disturbing monsters, and exploration of the human psyche. The discussion also includes *Fatal Frame*, a unique series that tasks players with using a camera to exorcise vengeful spirits, adding a distinct layer of gameplay to the horror genre.
The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 generation brought a new wave of terror, with titles like *Dead Space* thrusting players into the cold vacuum of space to battle grotesque necromorphs. *Condemned: Criminal Origins* offered a brutal and visceral experience, focusing on melee combat and a gritty, realistic atmosphere. And, of course, no discussion of PlayStation horror would be complete without mentioning *The Last of Us*, a post-apocalyptic masterpiece that blends heart-wrenching storytelling with terrifying infected creatures.
The transition between the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 saw the arrival of several impactful horror games, including *The Evil Within*, a return to classic survival horror from *Resident Evil* creator Shinji Mikami, and *Alien: Isolation*, a masterclass in tension and atmosphere that perfectly captures the terror of being hunted by a Xenomorph.
Finally, the episode tackles the ongoing debate: Is *Bloodborne* a horror game? Max and Brian firmly believe it is, citing its gothic setting, grotesque creatures, and themes of madness and transformation.
Adding a playful twist, Max and Brian also engage in a chaotic ranking of the best PlayStation horror games, blindly assigning positions on a list without knowing the other contenders. This leads to some hilarious and unexpected results,