RPG Maker and indie horror video games have an incredible symbiotic relationship. The engine is comparatively low-cost and straightforward to make use of, even for many who have little expertise with coding video games. It additionally has sufficient flexibility to let creators create fantastic 2D adventures, both as an RPG or one other style. Horror itself additionally stays ripe for attention-grabbing and experimental tales that greatest go well with a medium like gaming.

Many RPG Maker horror gems obtain the popularity they deserve whereas others stay extremely underrated. Each camps deserve recognition for his or her respective contributions, regardless of how deeply buried the hidden gems are.

Whether or not you’re a newcomer or acquainted with horror video games in RPG Maker, listed here are some I feel it is best to try.

Concern and Starvation 2: Termina

Each Concern and Starvation 2 and its predecessor have lately exploded in recognition attributable to their relentless problem and a wealthy, darkish world. Each function adventures that stay devoted to their grim tone, however are usually not for the faint of coronary heart. The sequel, nonetheless, appears to have come out on high with its expansive character roster and distinctive setting.

Concern and Starvation 2 is ready in a world impressed by WWII Europe and follows a number of people who discover the town of Prehevil as they head towards an ominous tower. A jester-like determine guides them, stating they’ve three days to succeed in it and partake within the Termina Pageant.

It’s a powerful premise for a survival horror recreation, however Concern and Starvation 2 amplifies the style’s restricted assets and crushing environment to 11. It is a brutal and horrific time that’s deeply irritating. But there’s magic in its relentlessness, and the allure particularly shines after the fifth time shedding half-hour of progress.

.movement

.movement is among the most well-known Yume Nikki fan video games, and for good purpose. It’s a haunting expertise that doubles down on its inspiration’s horror components. 

Though it leans fairly a bit on its far grungier environment, .movement continues to be an enchantingly macabre expertise. There’s a concentrate on decay that offers a stark impression that the world itself is falling aside. 

It can be a ache to run. In contrast to different older RPG Maker classics, .movement doesn’t have any ports, making it exhausting to launch on trendy computer systems. Most of my expertise with it has been with nightmarish troubleshooting and crashes attributable to having {hardware} newer than a decade outdated. Developer lol has up to date the sport over time, so hopefully present builds make this gem extra accessible.

Ib

Ib is amongst the preferred RPG Maker horror video games and for good purpose. Its haunted artwork gallery setting is exclusive and is aided by a placing artwork model and narrative that successfully takes benefit of it.

I haven’t performed Ib, however every time I discuss with anybody about one of the best RPG Maker horror video games, it at all times finds its means into the dialog. For everybody who performed it, it clearly left an enduring impression on them.

Though Ib initially got here out in 2012 with RPG Maker 2003, it acquired a remake in 2022. Not solely had been the visuals up to date, however new content material was added, notably new rooms and endings. Nonetheless well-regarded a recreation is, up to date variations assist its recognition endure as its fanbase has extra room to develop.

Peret em Heru: For the Prisoners

Peret em Heru is an oldie however holds up nicely for its age. This 1998 title follows a bunch of archeologists and vacationers as they descend right into a cursed Egyptian temple and face its horrors.

Regardless of its age and high quality inserting it alongside different classics like Corpse Social gathering, Peret em Heru appeared to resurge in recognition. YouTuber Marsh made an intensive video masking it, and his protection is by far the preferred in regards to the recreation.

Some components serving to it stay distinct are its branching paths and ’90s anime artwork model. As Ayuto Asaki, gamers have to resolve the destiny of the opposite solid members with intelligent preparation and sensible decision-making. It’s an historical entry in RPG Maker historical past, however at the least this gem emerged from the sands that buried it.

Pocket Mirror

Pocket Mirror is an enchanting gothic horror title that takes a fairytale-like strategy to the RPG Maker horror aptitude of exploration/puzzle fixing. Initially a 2016 title, this 12 months’s remaster provides new content material and updates, giving its characters a recent coat of paint.

Whereas it makes use of some frequent tropes in storytelling, like having an amnesiac lead, its robust characters and creepily playful presentation make it compelling to see. The narrative turns into way more highly effective and tragic when seeing the way it connects with its prequel, Little Goody Two Footwear.

It’s additionally a large RPG Maker horror recreation for its scope, clocking in at round 5 hours for a primary playthrough, with most likely double or triple that to attain each unlockable and see each ending. Even when solely performed by as soon as, Pocket Mirror is price testing for its robust story and fantastic model.

Omori

Omori is by far among the many hottest RPG Maker horror video games, which is exceptional given the anticipation it had. Earlier than its 2019 launch, Omori constructed a devoted fanbase that adopted its prolonged growth that typically went years earlier than any substantial replace.

Fortunately it was a superb recreation, mixing highly effective psychological horror with a colourful artwork model resembling a toddler’s coloring guide. It additionally performs nicely as an RPG, using an emotion system the place sure feelings overpower others.

These components helped Omori stay distinct amongst horror titles and RPGs alike. Its availability on trendy platforms additionally makes it probably the most accessible RPG Maker horror video games for a wider participant base. Hopefully, its upcoming manga adaptation will be capable to broaden its fanbase even additional.

Yume Nikki

Kikiyama’s seminal indie recreation is usually one of many first video games followers consider when relating to the RPG Maker horror recreation. Though surreal is a greater descriptor for Yume Nikki somewhat than scary, its haunting imagery nonetheless leaves an impression virtually 20 years after its launch.

Regardless of its usually eerie environment, Yume Nikki stays a remarkably cozy recreation to loosen up with. Certainly one of its endearing qualities has been the way it handles exploration, particularly as gamers are hardly ever at risk. The worst consequence anybody will face when wandering is needing to get up in the actual world.

Though many fan video games assist preserve its legacy alive, Yume Nikki nonetheless stands by itself as an exquisite indie horror expertise. Whereas not on any platform outdoors PC, its Steam launch helps make it accessible to anybody curious. I revisit it each few years as a result of virtually nothing has since recaptured its environment or is incompatible with trendy {hardware}.