If you’re looking for some games like Resident Evil 4 remake, you're in the right place. If you're a fan of the Resident Evil franchise, or just horror games in general, chances are you’re counting down the days until the release of the highly anticipated Resident Evil 4 remake.
The game is shaping up to be a survival horror classic, and the hype is already palpable. But if you’re struggling to find something to play in the meantime, there are plenty of horror-themed games that you can sink your teeth into while you wait.
For even more lists like this, check out some games like The Callisto Protocol, as well as these games like Dead Space. We've also got a rundown of the best free horror games you can download right now!
Games like Resident Evil 4 remake
- Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3
- Dead Space remake
- The Evil Within
- Alan Wake
- The Last of Us
Resident Evil 2 and 3
The obvious games to play while you wait for Resident Evil 4 are its direct predecessors. 2019’s Resident Evil 2 is one of the best, if not the best, entries in the Resident Evil series. It’s a near-perfect balance of horror and action, and the Raccoon City police station is a masterwork of level design. It is a joy to explore, full of puzzles, secrets, and flesh-eating undead around every corner.
The highlight of the game is, of course, Mr. X, an imposing, fedora-wearing giant who relentlessly stalks Leon and Claire through the claustrophobic corridors of the RPD. There’s something particularly terrifying about his ominous footsteps echoing through the halls, creating an atmosphere of unrelenting tension. It's a heart-pounding experience that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Resident Evil 3 remake is also worth checking out. Though not as well received as its predecessor, it's still a solid action horror game with a handful of memorable set-pieces, with the railgun segment towards the climax of the game being my personal favourite.
Dead Space remake
Dead Space is often described, unfairly, as just Resident Evil in space. And while, yes, the two games do have a lot in common, Dead Space is a unique and terrifying experience of its own. The game takes place on a derelict spaceship that has been overrun by grotesque, mutated monsters called necromorphs.
- Read more: Our Dead Space remake review
As engineer Issac Clarke, players must fight through the ship’s labyrinth of tunnels, stomping and dismembering necromorphs as they burst through the walls, intent on tearing you limb from limb. Combat in Dead Space is a violent and visceral affair, with players using a range of weapons and tools. The Plasma Cutter, in particular, is a fan favourite that allows for the precise dismemberment of enemy limbs. There's nothing quite as satisfying as taking down a room full of these twisted monstrosities with strategic, well-placed shots.
The Evil Within
I’ll die defending The Evil Within. It’s often overlooked when it comes to horror gaming, but it really shouldn’t be. Developed by Shinji Mikami, the creator of the Resident Evil franchise, The Evil Within is a psychological horror game that blends stealth and action elements with survival horror. You play as walking cliché Sebastian Castellanos, a troubled detective who is plunged into a nightmare world of horrifying creatures and twisted environments. The game’s plot is convoluted and often overly complex, but the haunting atmosphere and tense gameplay make up for these shortcomings.
The Evil Within 2, released in 2017, improved on the first game in almost every way. Yes, the plot is still a complicated mess, but the gameplay is smoother and more polished, and the environments are more varied and expansive. The stealth mechanics have been enhanced, allowing for more strategic approaches to combat, and the open-world structure of the game encourages exploration and discovery.
Alan Wake
Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake is criminally underrated. The atmospheric action-horror game draws inspiration from the works of Stephen King and Twin Peaks and is a wholly unique experience that didn’t get the recognition it deserved when it was released in 2010.
The plot follows the eponymous Alan Wake, a best-selling writer who finds himself trapped in a nightmare when his wife mysteriously vanishes during their vacation in the idyllic town of Bright Falls. Alan delves deeper into the town's secrets until he confronts the malevolent forces that lurk in the darkness, ending on a mystery that has left fans scratching their heads ever since, and will hopefully be explained in the sequel that is coming later this year.
The game also features a unique gameplay mechanic where players have to utilise light sources to weaken enemies before attacking them with conventional weapons. It’s an interesting mechanic, though arguably the combat can start to feel repetitive towards the backend of the game. That said, the fantastic narrative, visuals, and creepy aesthetic easily make up for any shortcomings.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is an exceptional game with engaging storytelling, well-rounded and realistic characters, and immersive gameplay. Taking place in an apocalyptic world where a deadly fungal outbreak has decimated civilization, players take on the role of Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across the country and delivering her to a group of resistance fighters. Their journey is fraught with danger, and the player must navigate dangerous environments filled with zombie-like infected and crazed, desperate raiders.
- Read more: Our review of The Last of Us Part I
The game’s combat system is scrappy and violent, requiring the player to use a combination of weapons, stealth, and crafting to overcome enemies. The game also features an absolutely incredible AI system that makes enemies behave realistically, adding to the game's immersion and keeping combat encounters consistently unpredictable.
The Last of Us is an emotional roller-coaster, and at the heart of this experience is the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Masterful storytelling and voice-acting bring these characters to life, creating a believable bond between them that is sure to have you crying like a baby by the time the credits roll.
It’s also worth mentioning the controversial sequel, The Last of Us Part II. A divisive narrative caused a bit of a stir when Part II was released in 2020, but I personally believe that it was a vast improvement over an already fantastic game. I won’t go into much detail, as that’d be venturing into spoiler territory, but check them both out - just don’t forget to bring the tissues.
For more Resident Evil 4 remake, check out our review of the upcoming game here. We've also got a look at the best weapons in the game, alongside its precise release time.