Published on December 17, 2022

12 Best Xbox 360 Horror Games

The best horror games on the Xbox 360 range from over-the-top action shooters like Resident Evil 5 to psychological ventures to the depths of the unknown with Condemned: Criminal Origins. The Xbox 360, like its former rival the PlayStation 3, is not short on great horror experiences.

The console enjoyed a handful of formidably scary terrors during its run. And despite how old these titles may look nowadays, the scare level is still alive in them. Fans of the genre seeking horrifying trips to hell should definitely check this list out. It’s got something for everyone.

If you’re also a fan of the original Xbox, you can check out what other horrors the console has to offer.

Table of Contents

Silent Hill: Downpour


2012
About
Release Date
March 13, 2012
Developer
Vatra Games
Publisher
Konami Digital Entertainment
Franchise
Silent Hill
Genre
Psychological Horror
Concept
Atmospheric
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Czech Republic
Xbox 360 Releases
2012-03-13
2012-03-30
2012-03-31
2012-04-05

Silent Hill: Downpour is an eerie venture back to Silent Hill town. And while it wasn’t made by Team Silent, Downpour has its positives and negatives. The new presentation of Silent Hill town along with bone-chilling encounters against enemies and the twisted story are the best parts of the game, with the clunky gameplay and the camera being some of the negatives.

It may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but Downpour’s attempt to remind us of what made Silent Hill a timeless classic is worthy of praise. If you can manage to ignore the game’s cons and focus on its story and the intimidating encounters with enemies, we’re sure you’ll be having a fun time.

Alan Wake


2010
About
Release Date
May 14, 2010
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Franchise
Alan Wake
Genre
Psychological Horror
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Third-Person
Interaction
Real-Time
Concept
Ghost
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Finland
Xbox 360 Releases
2010-05-14
2010-05-20
2010-05-27
2011-10-15

Alan Wake is a psychological horror game starring Alan Wake a critically acclaimed writer. After his successful book, he decides to take some time off from writing. His wife suggests that they go to a remote cabin, and in the process, Alan will attempt to find inspiration for his new book. What was supposed to be a refreshing and peaceful vacation away from stress becomes a perilous dilemma.

Equipped with a flashlight and a gun at your disposal, you confront various shadow-like creatures that will haunt you throughout the game. These can only be vanquished by relying on the power of light. One of the best mechanics to ever set foot in the genre, and one that made Alan Wake stand out at the time. The feeling of hopelessness, and dread accompanied by the sense solitude as you run through the forest all play a huge role in enhancing the experience even further.

Dead Space / Dead Space 2


2008 / 2011
About
Release Date
October 13, 2008
Developer
Visceral Games
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Franchise
Dead Space
Genre
Survival Horror
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Third-Person
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Xbox 360 Releases
2008-10-13
2008-10-23
2008-10-24
2008-10-28
About
Release Date
January 25, 2011
Developer
Visceral Games
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Franchise
Dead Space
Genre
Horror
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Xbox 360 Releases
2011-01-25
2011-01-27
2011-01-28

Dead Space is a primary example of Sci-fi horror done right. Prior to its release, juggernauts such as Resident Evil 4 have kidnapped us to their realms, taking us to hair-raising treks we weren’t ready for. However, upon its launch, Dead Space proved to fans of the genre that zombies aren’t the only threat you should be wary of. Space is a much worse place because nobody can hear your scream.

Both Dead Space and the sequel are exceptional survival horror instalments in the franchise. Taking inspiration from various survival horrors like Resident Evil 4, the franchise has brought its own spin to the genre, with its own emphasis on delivering an unsettling experience.

Resident Evil 5


2009 バイオハザード5 (Baiohazādo 5)
About
Release Date
March 05, 2009
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Franchise
Resident Evil
Genre
Survival Horror
Concept
Zombie
Players
Co-Op, Couch Co-Op, Online Co-Op, Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Xbox 360 Releases
2009-03
2009-03-05
2009-03-12
2009-03-13

Resident Evil 5 veers away from what made its predecessors scary. This could be considered the first game that started to break free of the series’ roots before Resident Evil 6 pulled the entire thing from its place. However, as an action-packed shooter, Resident Evil 5 is simply amazing, and it’s even better with a friend on the couch with you.

As the infamous boulder basher, Chris Redfield, or the now-forgotten Sheva Alomar, players will travel to the dangerous corners of Africa. To thwart Uroborus’ evil plans of the world’s complete domination, players will shoot their way through dozens of zombies who will stop at nothing.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin


2009
About
Release Date
February 10, 2009
Developer
Monolith Productions
Publisher
Warner Bros Games
Franchise
F.E.A.R.
Genre
FPS
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Xbox 360 Releases
2009-02-10
2009-02-13
2009-03-12
2009-08-27

F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin scared the hell out of everyone when it was initially released. While the sequel to the influential horror classic F.E.A.R may not have been as well-received as its predecessor, it still retains core elements fans loved about the original. Thanks to a darker take on the story, and some of the scariest moments you’ll experience, F.E.A.R 2 is a must-play for fans of the genre.

The eerie antagonist Alma is back to cause destruction and kill everyone, and It’s up to you to stop her this time for good. Every encounter with her is scary, and the deeper you venture through the game, the more you’ll uncover horrors you wish you haven’t seen.

Condemned: Criminal Origins


2005
About
Release Date
November 16, 2005
Developer
Monolith Productions
Publisher
SEGA
Genre
Psychological Horror
Concept
Atmospheric
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Xbox 360 Releases
2005-11-22
2005-12-02
2006-07-21
2006-08-31

Condemned: Criminal Origins is yet another psychological horror you’ll hold dearly for the rest of your life. Developed by the same studio that brought you the original F.E.A.R game, players take control of an FBI agent framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Such a situation leads the agent to jump to the depths of the underworld and capture the man responsible for turning his life upside down.

As Ethan Thomas,  walk through some of the darkest halls of the city and confront mentally disturbed freaks who want only one thing; crack your skull, and move on. What makes Condemned: Criminal Origins a special mention on this list is its exceptional combat mechanics. Ammunition and firearms are rare commodities, and the only way to survive is to learn the game’s combat by heart.

Alone in the Dark


2008
About
Release Date
June 20, 2008
Developer
Eden Games
Publisher
Atari SA
Genre
Survival Horror
Concept
Atmospheric
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
France
Xbox 360 Releases
2008-06-20
2008-06-23
2008-06-26
2008-12-25

Alone in the dark (2008) is considered an underwhelming survival-horror experience by old-time fans of the series. Its heavy focus on delivering a cinema-like thrill stuffed with non-stop action, completely alienated fans who grew up with the original series. A decision that probably wasn’t the best.

Although it may not feel as good as its former brethren, this reboot instalment in the franchise is pretty enjoyable when excluded from the series. The story is captivating enough, but not enough to warrant a replay, though, the best aspects of Alone in the Dark are its survival horror elements. If Resident Evil 4 allowed us to carry our items in a briefcase, Alone in the Dark throws everything into your jacket. You can pick an item right from your jacket and heal your wounds by moving the analogue stick, it may not be that groundbreaking today, but back then, that cast a sense of realism.

Shadows of The Damned


2011 シャドウ オブ ザ ダムド (Shadō obu za Damudo)
About
Release Date
June 21, 2011
Developer
Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Genre
Horror
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Xbox 360 Releases
2011-06-21
2011-06-23
2011-06-24
2011-09-22

Shadows of the Damned marks the second collaboration between two creative talents; the father of survival horror, Shinji Mikami and Goichi Suda aka Suda51. With Killer 7 being their first collaborated game, they’re back to fascinate us with yet another masterpiece.

The game’s story puts you in the shoes of a demon hunter named Garcia Hotspur whose girlfriend has been abducted by the army of the darkness. Garcia will jump to the depths of the underworld to save her, and pierce a bullet through the Lord of the Demons’ skull.

With an adrenaline-pumping action third-person shooting, wacky humour and elements from the survival horror genre, you’re in for a top-notch ride to hell with Garcia.

The Evil Within


2014
About
Release Date
October 13, 2014
Developer
Tango Gameworks
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Genre
Survival Horror
Perspective
Third-Person
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Xbox 360 Releases
2014-10-14
2014-10-16
2014-10-23

The Evil Within throws players into an exotic world full of terrors to haunt their dreams forever. Laden with some of the most disturbing sceneries in the genre along with grotesque creatures to confront, The Evil Within will keep even the bravest of players on their toes.

As Detective Sebastian Castellanos, you’re trapped in a sinister place, unmerciful to any uninvited guests. Sebastian will have to survive deadly encounters against some of the scariest monsters, and search for clues to help him break free from this insane world. But will his journey be that easy?

Silent Hill HD Collection


2012
About
Release Date
March 20, 2012
Developer
Hijinx Studios
Publisher
Konami Digital Entertainment
Franchise
Silent Hill
Genre
Psychological Horror
Concept
Atmospheric
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Xbox 360 Releases
2012-03-20
2012-03-29
2012-03-30
2012-04-05

Silent Hill: HD Collection is a compilation of 2 games from the original trilogy; Silent Hill 2, and Silent Hill 3.  The title may have lured many to think this collection will include 3 games, but alas that wasn’t the case.

This compilation is a fine choice for those who haven’t had the chance to try the originals. But, if you can spare extra bucks to get your hands on the originals on PS2, it’s a much better choice as this compilation does miss major content that made die-hard fans of the series feel unpleased.

Alien: Isolation™


2014
About
Release Date
October 06, 2014
Developer
Creative Assembly
Publisher
SEGA
Genre
Horror
Perspective
First-Person
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Xbox 360 Releases
2014-10-07

Alien: Isolation is a perfect example of a movie tie-in game done perfectly right. Creative Assembly teaches us that with the right team, the right mindset and creative freedom, movie tie-in games don’t always have to suck.  Alien: Isolation, by far, has the best presentation of a Xenomorph in gaming to date. With an intimidating AI system, the Xenomorph will test your intelligence, and also… your bravery.

Stuck in a space station with no way of defending yourself, you’ll eventually come face-to-face with this vehement creature. Unable to kill it, players will have to use various tools to lure and distract the Xenmoproh and accomplish their mission.

Nothing tops the feeling of being powerless, stuck aboard a space station with an obviously friendly Xenomorph. All of that creates an unbelievably tense experience to keep you on your toes.

The Darkness


2007
About
Release Date
June 25, 2007
Developer
Starbreeze Studios
Publisher
2K
Genre
FPS
Players
Multiplayer, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Sweden
Xbox 360 Releases
2007-06-25
2007-06-28
2007-06-29
2008-05-15

The Darkness may not be considered a horror game since the terror in this game is the player. Based on The Darkness comic book by Top Cow Productions, This first-person shooter is loads of fun, though it may be forgotten these days, the game is still a blast to go through.

As Jackie Estacado, you have access to otherworldly super dark powers that grant you the power to rain down wrath upon your enemies. You can either devour or have their hearts for dinner. Each enemy you execute feels incredibly satisfying as you watch your foes crawl in fear upon your terrifying presence.

Avatar photo
FreeckyCake

I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.

Guides
164
Views
3.1M

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *