Very atmospheric games. From S.T.A.L.K.E.R

A selection of the best atmospheric games for the computer. If you have any suggestions to add a game to this top, write the name of the game and why you think it has a cool atmosphere.

Blade runner

Release date:1997 year

A three-dimensional adventure game with elements of a third-person action game, which tells about the confrontation between people and replicants (cloned half-hadroids, designed to work where no one will work) and based on the 1982 film of the same name. In the course of the game, we will have to look for clues, communicate with various characters and fight against replicants.

An interesting feature of the project is that, firstly, before the start of the game, it is randomly generated which of the encountered characters will turn out to be a replicant, and secondly, our hero can choose topics for conversation and options for answers in dialogues. In general, the project turned out to be incredibly replayable (which only cost 16 ending options) and atmospheric. In terms of gameplay, it was far ahead of its time, so if you are not deterred by the outdated graphics by modern standards, then it is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the game.

Silent Hill

Release date:1999-2012

A series of incredibly atmospheric survival horror games, different in storyline, but often united by the setting. The plot of most games in the series takes place in the nonexistent town of Silent Hill, associated with a certain mystical cult.

The features of the series include gloomy multidimensional plots and an incredibly frightening atmosphere, an important role in the creation of which is played by the surrounding world, which is in constant fog, as well as various monsters drawn by the subconscious of the characters in games. Also traditionally for the series in games there are various puzzles tied not only to finding and using quest items, but also to solving various riddles and finding non-standard ways to solve them.

Gothic 1 and 2

Release date:The first - 2001, the second - 2002

Two parts of an excellent atmospheric third-person fantasy RPG set in the kingdom of Myrtana, where there is a bloody war with the orcs. At one time, these two games were the most popular in the genre, and many developers were equal to (and sometimes tried to copy) some of the game mechanics. On our site, Gothic is included in.

The peculiarities of the dilogy include a large game world for those times, an excellent plot, a convenient system of combat and magic. Also, one of the "chips" of these two games is that the main character is pumped over by the teachers who must be looked for in the game world. The first part of "Gothic" received mostly positive reviews, and the second was recognized by many game publications as the best RPG in 2003.

Max payne

Release date:2001 year

Genre:Third person shooter,

A third-person shooter imbued with noir and an atmosphere of hopelessness. In the game, we control Max Payne, an agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, who lost his family and was then brutally set up. The game features of the project include a fair amount of cinematography of what is happening, as well as the presence of a bullet time mode, which allows time to slow down so much that you can see the bullets flying at the main character.

In general, when playing Max Payne, one feels that the developers were inspired by films in the "Hong Kong action" genre. To date, two more parts of the famous game have been released, which also keep the high bar set by the first part, and even introduce some of their own gameplay elements.

Mafia 1 and 2

Release date:2002 year

Genre:Third person shooter, open world,

Two parts of an excellent third-person action adventure with an open world and elements of a car simulator. Traditionally, for both parts, we, in the person of the main character of the game, travel across a huge seamless location, communicate with people, complete a task, participate in skirmishes and periodically drive cars. Despite the open world, a lot of emphasis in the games is on the plot, which tells the story of the formation of the mafia. In this case, the first and second parts, although they are in the same universe, are not related to each other (with the exception of a few references).

Both parts of the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback from players, largely due to the incredibly atmospheric and fun storyline. At the moment, a third has been added to the above two parts, which, however, received mixed assessments.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R series

Release date:2007-2009

An excellent survival horror with a first-person view, the plot of which is based on the novel of the same name by Dmitry Glukhovsky. Not surprisingly, the game turned out to be very atmospheric and very interesting in terms of the plot. As for the gameplay, everything is fine here as a whole - the project is a sprightly post-apocalyptic shooter, which obviously drew inspiration not only from the original book source, but also from the games of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R .. series.

The game takes place in the Moscow metro, where people moved after the total apocalypse. Locations in the game are mostly corridor, but very ominous and often have many branches. Often the player has to move in pitch darkness, where dangerous monsters often hide. Exit to the surface is also fraught with dangers, however, of a different nature (radiation, poisoned air, etc.).

Alan wake

Release date:2010

Genre:Action, mysticism, horror

An atmospheric, psychedelic third-person action thriller with horror elements in which we play as writer Alan Wake, who is trying to find his wife and is faced with a paranormal entity. Despite the fact that the game mechanics is based on a shooter component, the project is distinguished by very original solutions in terms of combat. So, for example, opponents are often vulnerable to light (and some can generally only be killed by first "highlighting" them).

The plot of the game is interesting, while it affects almost everyone who meets the campaign of the game. One of the features of the gameplay is the division into episodes (as if you are not playing a game, but watching a mystical television series), while at the beginning of a new episode you will definitely be reminded of the events of the last "series". The project received rave reviews, and the magazine "Igromania" called the console version of the game "the main game-work of 2010."

LIMBO

Release date:2010

A monochrome platformer that tells the story of a boy trying to find his sister in an extremely unfriendly world. On the way to his goal, the hero will often encounter gloomy creatures and all kinds of traps, and the slightest mistake will certainly lead to the death of the character.

A dark and atmospheric game, the gameplay style of which the developers themselves call "trial and death". Indeed, one will have to die here often, very often, even somehow incredibly often. And the whole point here is that our hero does not possess any super-abilities, and the world around him is too aggressive. Be that as it may, rather quickly difficult places in the game will become passable for you, after which they will no longer give you so many problems.

L.A. Noire

Release date:2011 r.

Genre:Third person shooter, adventure, police,

A third-person action game with adventure elements, which is a real detective simulator. In the game, as a detective of the LAPD, we will have to unravel a number of crimes, for which we will have to examine crime scenes, find and compare evidence and all kinds of leads, and ultimately find criminals. In addition to plot tasks, the game has a lot of additional missions that can be obtained via a police radio.

The game has an excellent and incredibly atmospheric storyline, as well as addictive gameplay that really makes you feel like a real detective. It is not surprising that gamers highly appreciated this project, and gaming publications gave it rather positive ratings.

Dear Esther

Release date:2012 r.

Genre:Quest

An experimental game from an independent developer in which we wander around a desert island, listen to the narrator's voiceover, read letters here and there, and move forward. The main goal of the game is to get to the radio tower, studying the island in parallel and trying to understand what is happening here, who Esther is, and what the narrator is talking about. On our site, the game is included in.

A strange, unlike anything else, and incredibly atmospheric game that is akin to meditation. Of course, not everyone may like it, because here there are no opponents, not even mysteries, but if it "comes to you", then you will probably return to it from time to time. What for? Yes, at least for the umpteenth time to read "Dear Esther ...".

Journey

Release date:2012 r.

Genre:Quest

A game unlike anything, devoid of any words, but filled with music, indescribable atmosphere and emotions. In the role of a strange creature, we have to make a journey to a distant, distant mountain, while we can meet other players, but we cannot communicate with them, and it will be possible to find out who it is in front of you only at the end of the game (the names of the players we meet will be indicated in the end credits).

During the journey, players will come across pieces of cloth, which will subsequently give the opportunity to fly a small segment of the path. Also, in the process of passing the player will meet various magical objects and ruins, which are traces of an ancient civilization. Such findings will help to understand the history of the game world.

Dark Souls Series

Release date:2011-2016

A series of action RPG games, each of which will literally make you cry. And this is not an exaggeration! The gameplay of all parts is built around battles with all kinds of monsters (including extremely gigantic ones) using cold weapons. Also, the game has an element of exploring the world, consisting of several levels connected to each other. Why is this episode so famous and why will you cry? The fact is that the games of the souls series are distinguished by an extremely high difficulty of passing and an equally high threshold for entering the game for beginners.

Despite the extreme complexity, the games in the series have become incredibly popular in the gaming environment. And really, what better way to please your own ego than killing some incredibly difficult boss in an equally incredibly difficult game? Throw in the incredible vibe and get what players love this series so much!

Kentucky Route Zero

Release date:2013

Genre:Indie Adventure

An atmospheric indie project is one of those who, despite their external simplicity, hide a powerful atmosphere and depth in themselves. At first glance, the game looks like an unremarkable quest with vector graphics, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the project was clearly inspired by the films of David Lynch. There are no puzzles and inventory with objects, and the main emphasis is on clicks on the desired points on the screen and choosing lines in dialogues.

An excellent game that focuses on history and surroundings. A project that can be a little revelation for some. The plot is intriguing from the very beginning and often presents many surprises for the players.

Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons

Release date:2013

A worthy first-person survival horror in the Alien universe, in which we, as Amanda Ripley (yes, this is Ellen Ripley's daughter from the MCU), will have to escape from xenomorphs on a space station. Most of the time we have to wander around the locations, exploring them and finding the items necessary for further plot advancement. At the same time, strangers will constantly complicate our life. The "trick" is that xenomorphs here live by their own laws and have artificial intelligence, so you will hardly be able to hide from them for a long time.

The game turned out to be very atmospheric, largely due to the defenselessness of the main character. Those. We, of course, can scare away the creature with a torch, but you won't be able to kill the stranger, so there is only one way out - to hide!

This war of mine

Release date:2014

Genre:Simulator, stealth

Side-scrolling survival simulator that tells the story of a group of civilians trying to survive in a city during a civil war. The project has an indescribable oppressive atmosphere and fully shows the real picture of the war.

In This War of Mine, the player controls several survivors who are trying to survive the war. The gameplay can be conditionally divided into two phases - day and night. In the daytime the player needs to equip the shelter and interact with the characters, and at night - to make forays into the city in search of food, medicine, etc. The main problems of the player here include the lack of food and medicine, cold and armed marauders. Events in the game are randomly generated, which makes each playthrough unique.

Orient and the blind forest

Release date:2015

Genre:Platformer, fantasy

Fascinating and very atmospheric 2D platformer. We control a character named Ori, as well as the protecting spirit of Sein. Sein can attack enemies and release energy. In turn, Ori is able to jump, climb walls, levitate in the air, swim underwater, etc. The location is large and all open at once, however, without some of Ori's abilities (and most of them are opened during the passage), we will not be able to advance into certain parts.

Players from all over the world have highly appreciated the visual style of the project, as well as its history and musical accompaniment. It also finished second in the Best Platformer category, just 1% behind the winner.

SOMA

Release date:2015

Genre:Survival horror

The action of this horror takes place at an underwater station, where machines take on human features. The gameplay here is traditional for the developer's past games (Penumbra and Amnesia), which means that the main focus here is on moving around locations, finding quest items and solving puzzles. However, an equally important part of the game is the plot and the constant oppressive atmosphere, which instills anxiety from the very first minutes of the game.

SOMA received positive reviews from players and critics, who primarily praised the plot, as well as the constant feeling of unreasonable fear that arises during the course of the game. Recommended for all fans of horror films with quest elements!

P athologic Classic HD

Release date:2015

Genre:Simulator, RPG, arthouse

HD reissue of the "human behavior simulator in an epidemic" called "Walrus Utopia". Many critics called the game the most non-standard project, and this is not surprising, because it is very, very difficult to "drive" it into the framework of any genre. There are RPG elements here, but very non-standard. There are also elements of adventure, but also with their own "oddities". There is a combat element in the game, but it is also far from the traditional "combat".

The game shows the fate of three people who were in the city during a terrible epidemic. Each of the characters has their own goals, their own motives and attitude to what is happening. Each has its own principle of effective survival. The game turned out to be very atmospheric and grotesque, and the HD re-release allowed at least a little to brighten up the wretchedness of the old engine. It's time to get acquainted with this project if you missed it in due time.

Ghost of a tale

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:Action, RPG

An atmospheric action-rpg game with elements of adventure and stealth, which tells the story of the brave little mouse Tilo, who was captured by the rats-imperials. In the course of his adventure, the mouse will have to overcome various obstacles, hide from the guards, look for keys to numerous doors, and even disguise himself as an imperial.

Each component of the game is well-developed, but stealth deserves special attention. Our mouse can make noise, the strength of which is influenced by the character himself, his speed, the surface on which he moves, etc. There are barrels and chests scattered across the levels, in which you can hide. Opponents can be distracted or stunned. The RPG element is also quite strong here. The mouse can find various outfits that affect its parameters, complete quests, level up and even learn new skills.

Darkest dungeon

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:RPG, indie, fantasy, roguelike

An original RPG with a touch of the roguelike genre, in which we, in the company of several adventurers, set off to explore the catacombs under the old manor. Before each hike, we can equip our "adventurers", and after the hike - send them to restore their physical and mental health. I would like to emphasize the latter - the fact is that the game is quite atmospheric and gloomy, it is not surprising that such an emphasis is placed on the morale of the characters. Our heroes, as opponents or unforeseen situations arise, may get scared, as a result of which they will get out of the player's control, or acquire some unpleasant perks.

The project was clearly inspired by the works of writers such as Howard Lovecraft. It is not surprising that the game is filled to overflowing with themes such as fear of the unknown, loss of reason, insignificance of a person before unknown forces.

Layers of Fear

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:Survival horror, mystic

An atmospheric thriller in which you, as a mad artist, must complete your life's work and create a Masterpiece. Can you find the roots of your own madness and can you get rid of them? Or maybe you will be bogged down in a quagmire of fear and horror? You decide!

The gameplay here is very "rail". A step to the left, a step to the right within the framework of this game is not something that is punished, it is, in principle, impossible here. At the same time, the project takes on a plot and atmosphere, which are quite good here. At the same time, the story is presented not only through videos and gameplay, but even through the scenery, in particular through paintings. Ultimately, an understanding of the whole story comes, and what we, in the person of the protagonist, strive for throughout the game, and that's when it becomes really scary.

INSIDE

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:Puzzle, quest, survival horror

An atmospheric platformer with puzzle elements, created by the developer of another similar game called Limbo. In principle, these two games are similar, like brothers, therefore the gameplay here is made with an eye to the company's previous project - we, in the person of a boy, run mainly in one direction and try in every possible way to avoid traps, as well as opponents. Our hero has an extremely low vitality, as a result of which he will die often and tastefully. However, when the understanding of actions in a particularly difficult moment comes, it begins to be traversed quite simply.

The project takes not so much gameplay as its graphic component and atmosphere. There is no presentation of the plot here either, so the players have to navigate "along the way", however, this does not interfere with enjoying the project during the game.

ABZU

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:Scuba Diver Simulator

A colorful simulator of a scuba diver, with a minimum of actions required from the player, but at the same time with a maximum of positive impressions. The whole gameplay here comes down to freeing fish from traps, searching for shells and activating various mechanisms, but at the same time, the indescribable atmosphere of the underwater world makes you play this project again and again.

One of the main advantages of the game is the ability to constantly delight the player. Indeed, as we move on and open new locations, it literally starts to take your breath away. The underwater world is very diverse and you really admire it, especially since both flora and fauna contribute equally well to it. Great meditation game with amazing atmosphere and nice music.

Beholder

Release date:Feb 2016

Genre:Adventure

An exciting game with a side view, which tells the story of life in an extremely totalitarian state. We work for the government and our task is to monitor tenants, collecting information about them, compiling a dossier and reporting to the authorities about all violations. We also have a family, so the game competently pushes us to realize our own interests. In the end, we have to openly make a choice, follow the instructions of our superiors, or violate them for our own benefit. In this case, the violation may well go unnoticed.

The game is interesting for its atmosphere. The idea of \u200b\u200btotal surveillance of everyone and everyone is very well conveyed here, and any of your actions will lead to certain consequences (and not always to good ones). In any case, it is always interesting to observe where this or that decision will lead.

Detention

Release date:2017

Genre:Puzzle, horror

Not a bad horror about two students stuck in high school during bad weather somewhere in the mountains. Something ominous began to hunt us and now our heroes have to solve riddles and try to survive among the ghosts. Add to that the fact that the game is set in Taiwan in the 60s, when the country was in dire straits, and you have a truly interesting, complex and incredibly atmospheric story.

The game has a rather specific visuals and soundtrack, which at first may put off players, but give the project a chance. If you get hooked, then a great time is guaranteed! Spectacular and very touching game, which is at least worth familiarizing with.

Little nightmares

Release date:2017

Genre:Quest, puzzle

Adventure with quest and arcade elements in which we play as a girl named Sixth. Our heroine, constantly experiencing a feeling of hunger, found herself in a strange place called the Womb, and now we have to get out of there, using all our dexterity and ingenuity.

Despite the fact that the game is three-dimensional, we still run in a two-dimensional plane. Our heroine can perform various actions - run, jump, climb, grab, use objects, eat, hug gnomes. With such a meager arsenal of skills, we have to overcome various obstacles on the way of the Sixth, as well as various monsters that live in large numbers in the Womb. An excellent project that carries very deep thoughts in a rather peculiar style.

The first tree

Release date:2017

Genre:Third person quest

An atmospheric "walking simulator" with a third-person view, with a lot of emphasis on a story that tells two fates - a fox trying to find his family and a boy looking for his father. Throughout the game, we will be in two realities - spacious forest locations in the shape of a fox and in a dark bedroom in the face of a child.

The gameplay boils down mainly to constant movement through beautiful locations and platforming, and the main driving force here is the story told by the voiceover. You can activate the plot dialogue only in special places, to which we will get. The finale of the game deserves special mention, which justifies the boring gameplay in places and successfully “hits” the feelings of the player.

FAR: Lone Sails

Release date:Oct 2018

Genre:Indie

An indie adventure game with an indescribable atmosphere and meditative gameplay in which we must travel on a unique land ship across a dried seabed in search of the remains of a dying civilization. As it progresses, our ship will encounter various obstacles, among which dangerous weather conditions will become the lesser evil.

The game features of the project include an interesting setting, the possibility of upgrading the ship (improvements really help in passing) and an incredibly atmospheric world around - a deserted dry seabed filled with all sorts of relics that tell about what happened here.

CONCLUSE

Release date:Oct 2018

Genre:First person horror, indie

Free indie first-person horror in the spirit of the "old school" with a touch of arthouse and psychedelics, and a perfectly conveyed atmosphere of fear and emptiness. According to the plot, the main character has been looking for his missing wife for 3 years unsuccessfully, but suddenly he is advised to look for her in the city with the telling name "Hell". From getting to this city, the misadventures of our protagonist begin.

In this project, players will have to explore an eerie empty city, look for clues for further advancement and solve puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty. The graphics in the game are quite dark, monochrome with a constant white noise effect. Often, as the player progresses, he will come across all sorts of letters and newspaper clippings that shed light on what is happening.

It is customary to evaluate video games according to certain, tangible, criteria - graphics, sound, gameplay, plot elaboration, and so on. But there are projects that can be a failure in all respects, and at the same time adored by millions of gamers. Such games attract with a thick, enveloping atmosphere, which contributes to complete immersion in the virtual world. We will tell about them in this collection.

24. Heavy Rain

A month ago, this game could not make it to our top atmospheric PC games, but now that the PC version has been announced, we simply cannot help but include it in the list. from the studio will tell you the story of completely different heroes, who have one thing in common - a serial killer, nicknamed the "Origami Master". The dark plot, which, through the choices made, can lead to one of several endings, is complemented by a thick atmosphere of hopelessness from the feeling that a dangerous maniac is always one step ahead.

23. Half-Life 2

22. Mafia 1-2

21. Bioshock Trilogy

Each game from the Bioshock line in its own genius demonstrates the setting in which its events unfold. Whether it is underwater Rapture or heavenly Columbia, in any case, you will plunge headlong into the thick atmosphere of the era, feel the mood of decline and despair hidden behind the screen of idleness and luxury. This is facilitated by both the visual style and the plot, as well as minor details - a random phrase dropped by an NPC, an audio diary found in a box, a corpse lying in a gateway.

20. Dead Space

19. Tom Clancy's The Division Dilogy

18. Sunless Sea

Exploring dark waters in a universe reminiscent of Lovecraft's horrors - what could be more exciting and intimidating? Sunless Sea invites you to take control of a steamer and go on an unforgettable journey across the ocean, which hides many nightmarish monsters. If you love games that focus on survival and exploration, then this project may be exactly what you were missing.

17. This War of Mine

Surviving a city engulfed in civil war is not an easy task. Especially if you are never a fighter, take refuge in a dilapidated house and constantly wonder how to feed a dozen hungry mouths under your care. This War of Mine is a game where you have to look at war from a different perspective. Not the one where it is so fun and exciting to shoot at the enemies, but the one that forces you to ransack buildings in search of canned food, at the risk of getting shot or running into looters. Arguably the most powerful anti-war utterance in the gaming industry.

16. Alien: Isolation

The space station is the perfect place for a good horror movie. Just add in some crazy androids and one deadly Alien who behaves so intelligently that you have almost no chance of survival. This is exactly what the creators of Alien: Isolation did, presenting one of the most intimidating games of recent years. Everything here works for the atmosphere: the universe, recognizable surroundings, terrible enemies and even the name of the main character - yes, you have to play for the daughter of that same Ripley from classical quadrology.

15. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

14. Metro 2033 / Last Light / Exodus

Each Metro game is a journey into the world. Let this world be shown somewhat pretentious, hypertrophied, but nevertheless it is felt as a family to every gamer living in the countries of the former. Particularly successful in this field is the third part of the line - Metro Exodus, the events of which go beyond and show how the fate of the survivors to the east of the capital developed.

13. Resident Evil 2

12. Limbo / Inside

The stories that are hidden behind the plots of the games from the studio Playdead must be conjectured on their own. You will spend more than one day trying to understand what exactly the developers wanted to say, what goals the characters are pursuing and what is generally happening in these universes. But even if you can't figure out all the secrets of Limbo and Inside, you can't argue with the fact that these games leave a lasting impression.

11. RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard

The last numbered part of the RESIDENT EVIL 7 line for 2019 stands in a slightly different field than its predecessor. Here, the developers took as a basis a horror about a house somewhere in the rural outback, the owners of which are not at all happy with uninvited guests. Each member of this crazy family will be remembered for a long time, and the first-person view will make boss fights as frightening and atmospheric as possible.

10. Hellblade: Senua`s Sacrifice

Project from British studio Ninja Theory. The developers set themselves an unusual goal for the gaming industry - to visually present to gamers the mental disorders of a person. And they succeeded one hundred percent: thanks to the excellent graphics with an abundance of special effects and very high-quality sound, immersion in the palaces of the mind of the main character - a warrior named Senua, happens very organically and frighteningly believable. Together with the girl, the player makes a journey through Celtic myths, and it is simply impossible not to feel the atmosphere of the enchanting world created by the authors.

9. Firewatch

8. Beholder

7. Dark Souls

Anyone who has ever suffered in the dark worlds of Dark Souls is sure to include them in the list of the most atmospheric games on PC. The mysterious universe, full of unexplored secrets, both attracts and scares away, and the numerous hiding in the shadows are always ready to punish the unwary traveler who so imprudently wandered into their domain. All episodes are known for their high difficulty, but those who can overcome all difficulties will discover the fascinating story of a fallen world.

6. Alan Wake

One of the most atmospheric thrillers in the gaming industry, as if descended from the pages of Stephen King's novels. The American hinterland, a writer trying to find his missing wife, and the creatures of Darkness creeping out at nightfall - such adventures are remembered for a long time. Let Alan Wake not scare as much as other horror games, but in terms of immersion in the world invented by the developers, this project is able to give odds to many of its competitors.

5. L.A. Noire

Rockstar knows how to create atmospheric projects, and Detective L.A. Noire, which offers players to investigate crimes in the 40s, is the leader among them.

The main character, a police detective, will have to expose murderers, rapists, swindlers, arsonists, and a revolutionary facial animation system for its time allows you to follow the facial expressions of the characters and determine whether they are honest with the investigator or are cunning, hiding important information. Every aspect of the game - virtual Los Angeles, story missions, - is made with strict quality requirements and attention to the smallest details, which contributes to the deepest immersion in the game world.

4. Silent Hill

3. The Witcher

When compiling the top of the most atmospheric PC games, you cannot but include this RPG series in the selection. The Poles from CD Projekt RED managed to transfer the fictional universe by Andrzej Sapkowski to the screens, while retaining the unique Slavic flavor and medieval atmosphere with an admixture of fantasy.

The third part of the saga The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves a separate mention - here the game makers have jumped over their heads, having realized a huge world filled with exciting quests, dangerous monsters and charismatic characters. In this game, you can easily forget about the main goal and go about your business - play "Gwent" in taverns, explore the swamps on horseback on the Roach, twist intrigues in brothels, look for hidden robbers, fulfill witcher contracts. With all that said, it's no surprise that The Witcher 3 is considered the best RPG of the decade on PC and consoles.

2. Grand Theft Auto

If even those who do not play horror know about Silent Hill, then everyone is familiar with it. The franchise created by the studio has become a real cultural phenomenon that has burst far beyond the gaming industry. The secret of success is high-quality gameplay with complete freedom of action, a detailed world with a parody of modern society, a carefully written scenario and a huge number of little things that make the universe alive and believable.

s.T.A.L.K.E.R. series Yes, the game is rife with bugs, the life simulation system is far from what the developers promised, and the plot sags in places - but how good the atmosphere is here!

Traveling around the Zone, he tempts to leave all business and just enjoy being in this harsh, but very beautiful world: listen to jokes of stalkers around the fire, walk the streets of an abandoned city, help one traveler fight off a pack of pseudo-dogs. The franchise has already celebrated its tenth anniversary and is now suitable even for weak PCs, despite the fact that at the start it was far from democratic system requirements, but the players do not forget about it, releasing custom modifications with new locations, stories and characters - is this not an indicator of people's love?

Conclusion

It was very difficult to compile this rating, because there are much more favorite projects than were included in it. Nevertheless, we managed to select the best atmospheric PC games, but you can add to our selection or argue with us in the comments. After all, each list is subjective, and where one sees only a set of pixels, the other sees the "soul".

A large percentage of gamers always strive to find an atmospheric game that will add not only gameplay and graphics, but also the plot, music, design and general mood. Such projects can improve mood, inspire or make you think. Most of them, by the way, are far from funny - it is the gloomy and depressive atmosphere that is popular. In this article, we will consider the top atmospheric PC games, regardless of the time frame.

Let's not take into account indie projects, most of which try to lure only with the atmosphere. We will look at games where atmosphere coexists with an interesting plot and gameplay. The only thing we will not pay attention to is the graphics. It is known that the most modern technologies are not required to create a truly atmospheric PC game - this has been proven by many examples and time.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Let's start with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game series, developed by a Ukrainian studio. The fate of the project is complex, but interesting. The first part was released in 2007 and immediately fell in love with almost all players in the CIS. All parts are similar in their mood and spirit. The action takes place in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Chernobyl nuclear power plant after the tragic events. In the game universe, there are anomalous zones and mutants that fill it. The player as one of the stalkers will have to go to the very depths of the Zone and solve its riddle.

At the beginning of the passage you are "thrown" into an open world with a large number of possibilities and characters. The atmospheric game captivates with its mood - abandoned buildings, songs with a guitar around the fire, a gray autumn palette and hostile opponents. Stories of other stalkers, bars, groups and much more - all this awaits you in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

BioShock

The top atmospheric PC games continue with the BioShock series. The game has one of the best level designs, soundtracks and a mesmerizing history of the underwater city. Interest in what is happening appears from the first minutes of the gameplay - the main character swims up to an abandoned lighthouse and goes inside, where a bathyscaphe is waiting for him. He will sink in it to the very bottom of the ocean with the huge and beautiful city of Rapchur. During the first excursion, you can gaze at the landscapes behind glass windows, the water world, the strict and beautiful decoration of the city for several minutes. We will not reveal all the subtleties of the story - we will do without spoilers.

The third part of the series will send you to a different, but no less mesmerizing place. The airy city also has a friendly face, beautiful scenery. But inside you will find a story with a tyrant ruler, several parallel worlds and a charming partner. It can be seen that the designers and designers of Bioshock did a good job on the atmosphere.

Max payne

Let's go back from fictional universes and cities to a more real story. The game series Max Payne tells the story of a police officer whose family was killed by bandits. Max Payne loses his wife and daughter, after which he sets out to take revenge on his offenders. The first two parts cannot boast of excellent graphics due to the fact that they were released in the early 2000s. However, they can be safely called some of the most atmospheric PC games ever. The action takes place at night, which adds to the atmosphere of noir and detective movies. Dynamic firefights with time dilation give way to surreal inserts using the main character's inner voices, dreams and voiceover.

Max Payne 3 was released in 2013 and slightly changed course from a noir work with an atmosphere of hopelessness to a spectacular action movie. The game tells us about the fate of Max a few years after the events of the second part. The action takes place in South America with all its inherent flavor.

Fallout

The top most atmospheric games could not remain without the Fallout series. The first two parts, released at the end of the 90s, are made in isometric graphics, so they do not allow you to completely immerse yourself in the oppressive atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world. However, for those who like to read dialogues and descriptions of quests, these games may be even better than modern ones.

Fallout 3, 4 and New Vegas are designed in a full 3D world, which helps to feel the spirit of America after a nuclear explosion. In the third part, the hero travels around the outskirts of Washington, New Vegas copies locations near Las Vegas, and in the "four" the action takes place in California.

The journey of the protagonist takes place under a selection of jazz music and conversations of partners. The world is completely open to exploration. On the way, you will meet many interesting characters, factions and tasks. The Fallout series engages the player for dozens of hours.

The elder scrolls

The popular RPG series also ranks among the top most atmospheric PC games. In the first two parts - Arena and Daggerfall, the modern gamer, of course, physically cannot bring himself to play. However, starting with Morrowind, which is created on a 3D engine, nothing prevents you from immersing yourself in the fantasy world of Tamriel.

The two subsequent parts - Oblivion and Skyrim - differ in general mood and location design, but they have one thing in common - the atmosphere. Each player will find something to do in the game world - he will explore locations, wander around castles or dungeons, craft or just sit in a tavern until he is affected by a random event. The Elder Scrolls is an excellent fantasy, made according to all the canons of the genre.

Dark souls

Many gamers can't get past the difficulty threshold of Dark Souls games, so the mesmerizing atmosphere of Lordran does not have time to please them. However, we recommend each player to challenge themselves and spend several hours mastering the mechanics and controls in order to enjoy the game in the future. It is captivating that the game does not tell you the history of the world in plain text.

Even more - the game doesn't tell anything. You must learn about all the events and riddles on your own through the descriptions of objects, hints, rare dialogues with lonely characters and bosses' lines. It makes you plunge into the atmosphere of Dark Souls with your head. Over time, you will stop noticing the complexity of bosses and locations, enjoying the design and general mood of this RPG.

The Witcher

The game based on a series of books by Andrzej Sapkowski is considered one of the best RPGs of the last decade. The Polish studio managed to convey the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with an admixture of Slavic mythology and flavor. The third part of Wild Hunt with a large open world deserves special praise. If you are a fan of The Witcher, then we recommend that you go through all the parts. However, it was the extreme game that became the most popular and received the best marks.

Geralt of Rivia is left to himself and can explore the vast world in any sequence. The player can do ordinary witch work, help the villagers, meet with his old friends and, of course, do not forget about the main mission - to find and protect Ciri. A large and complex game will not let you go from your computer monitor for a long time.

Grand Theft Auto

Each part of the action game boasts its own unique atmosphere. We should also highlight games starting with Vice City. Here you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Miami, the sunny coast and the theme of the movie "Scarface". The joyful and carefree resort hides the bloody showdown of the mafia and drugs.

The next part - San Andreas - introduces the player to the flavor of the whole state. In the beginning, you are in the thick of the Los Angeles ghetto, then you move to San Francisco, and then to the entertainment city - Las Vegas. All this is accompanied by large village landscapes and a good plot.

The last part of the GTA returns the player to Los Santos again, this time redesigned and more interesting. Random events await you on every corner, the night view of the city is simply mesmerizing.

Mafia

The most gangster franchise ever. It is impossible not to mention "Mafia" after the story about the Grand Theft Auto series. The atmosphere of the 30s is perfectly captured in the first part of the game. Here you will completely immerse yourself in what is happening thanks to the excellent musical accompaniment. All three Mafia games have a well-chosen soundtrack, detailed cities and an intriguing story based on the events of the time.

We have considered the best atmospheric games that can give you a lot of pleasure from passing and will not let go of the gameplay for a long time. All the projects presented have become successful and popular due to the atmosphere and detailed elaboration of the game world.

There are games that can hook you with something incomprehensible. They do not have the most advanced graphics, the plot has holes and bloopers, and the gameplay itself is not up to par. But they want to forgive all this, if the developers did their best and created an enticing atmosphere. It is about these games that will be discussed in our today's top. Of course, the atmosphere is not a graphic and cannot be measured, so all the games presented below are arranged in a very rough and subjective order.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R series

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. can be scolded for a lot. And for unjustified expectations, and for a clumsy plot by modern standards, and for stupid dialogues. However, what cannot be taken away from the brainchild of Ukrainian developers is the meticulously recreated atmosphere of the Exclusion Zone. For this we fell in love S.T.A.L.K.E.R... Even though he was not what we expected him, he plunged us headlong into the life that was rapidly flowing on this preserved piece of the Soviet Union. In every location, every building, every rusting car, the developers put their soul into it.

Fallout series

Without a doubt, the Fallout series can be considered one of the best examples of atmospheric gaming. This epic about the world after the end of the world has left a deep mark in the heart of every gamer. We love these games wholeheartedly, devotedly, and are ready to forgive them over and over again for an ever greater bias towards the mass consumer, just to once again touch this enchanting atmosphere. It is the carefully crafted world and the atmosphere of the post-apocalypse, and not the gameplay or the plot at all, that keep us at the computer when we play Fallout.

Vampires: The Masqarade - Bloodlines

The latest RPG for the legendary studio Troika Games, can rightfully be considered one of the most atmospheric games of all time. An excellent design, a gorgeous soundtrack that will definitely settle in your playlist after passing through and juicy, vivid characters create an indescribable atmosphere of nighttime Los Angeles. It was not at all the Los Angeles that we are used to seeing in the movies. This is a gloomy place full of drug addicts, freaks and maniacs, among whom vampires do not look so scary monsters. Unfortunately, towards the end, the game loses a lot due to the limited development time. Still, it's one of the most atmospheric games ever to see the light of day.

Slender: The Eight Pages

Children don't go for a walk in the forest ... Especially if it's a forest from the game Slender: The Eight Pages, in which a creepy creature named Slanderman awaits you. If your mental health is still dear to you - do not touch this game. This horror will scare anyone, regardless of age or gender. The spooky game of hide and seek with the Slenderman will stay in your memory for a long time, and this huge, mysterious forest will look great in your nightmares. Slender: The Eight Pages is getting a place in our top for its intimidating atmosphere.

Manhunt

It's scary to imagine a world of inflamed fantasies of developers from Rockstarwho were responsible for creating this game. At one time, she defied all the guardians of morality, becoming one of the most brutal games of all time. But in addition to senseless violence, she was remembered for the oppressive atmosphere. A creepy TV show for perverts, the audience of which we unwittingly had to be, was perfectly choreographed and written. The gloomy streets of the city forgotten by God left an indelible impression on the soul of everyone who had to visit here. Rockstar is unlikely to ever release a sequel, but it may be for the best.

GTA series

You can talk about this series for a very long time and a lot, but since our top is dedicated to the most atmospheric games, we will dwell only on this moment. Whatever era Rockstar wants to cover in the next game in the series, they've always done it well. Whether it's the eighties from Vice City, the nineties from San Andreas, or the noughties from GTA IV, every time the developers managed to grasp the very essence of the era and meticulously transfer it to our screens. Sometimes you just want to wander the streets of these cities and watch, because Rockstar makes truly living worlds in which the player feels at home. The GTA series has held the highest bar for quality for many years now and it doesn't seem like Rockstar is going to stop there.

World of warcraft

Why World of warcraft has been alive for 11 years, and his killers, who come out almost once every six months, invariably die a sudden death? What do developers from Blizzardthat others do not have? To answer this question, take a walk in the Elvin forest during the rain. Ride a swift-winged griffin as you admire the vast expanses of the Eastern Kingdoms. Spend an hour drinking rum with friends in Pirate Cove. Hear young children gossip about the giant crocolisk found somewhere in the canals of Stormwind. Stand shoulder to shoulder with your comrades-in-arms to once again reflect another Evil that is about to wipe Azeroth off the face of the earth. I think that then you yourself will be able to answer your question, but this answer cannot be expressed in words.

Journey

This strange, silent game, which from the first seconds grabs you by the hand and pulls you somewhere into unknown distances. This is an adventure in which you write your own story based on your own feelings. The most important thing this game has is the atmosphere of something fabulous, unforgettable, not conveyed in words. Journey will generate more questions for you than it will leave answers, and that is why she is good.

Mafia Series

The great and mighty Grand thieft auto there is at least one competitor that can compete with her. And we are, of course, about the series Mafia, which over and over again pleases us with an excellent plot, interesting gameplay and, what is important in the light of our top, an excellent atmosphere of the 30s-50s. Fans of gangster movies will be delighted with this epic, which undoubtedly can be attributed to the classics of the genre. Mafia is a truly human and very human story that takes place in a lively and interesting world.

The Elder Scrolls Series

This fantasy universe is close to the heart of every gamer. This is a huge world with its own history and mythology, which we get to know better and better with each new game in the series. And every time we surrender ourselves to Tamriel without a trace. Each game in the series pulls us out of our daily routine for a long time. And not the least role here is played by the excellent atmosphere of real fenetesis. Games series The elder scrolls is a great fantasy that follows the classical canons and yet is free from outside influences.

Games should be entertaining - this is the general opinion of them, but, in fact, this is not always the case. Mobile gamers are often looking for lightweight and unobtrusive time killers for their devices, allowing them to pass the time in between active activities.

Nevertheless, serious games, sometimes even depressing ones, also exist, and find their fans - evidence of this is Banner Saga 2, which recently appeared on iOS. It offers picturesque locations, characters and the most incredible life situations that make your heroes feel anger, sadness and disappointment - and these feelings will definitely be transmitted to you during the game.

But Banner Saga 2 is not the only one that has such an influence on the mood of gamers - we offer you a selection of the most depressing games on mobile platforms.

Limbo

Here you will play the role of a little boy making his way through dark and gloomy locations inhabited by nightmarish creatures. The only people your hero meets will be other victims, or hunters, no less dangerous than those terrible creatures that lurk in the darkness. Your destiny in this game is imminent death, which lies in wait for the character at every step, and gets to him in all sorts of ways. Limbo's black and white color palette complements her storyline into an overall, frightening and hopeless picture. This gorgeous, atmospheric puzzle platformer deserves both praise and attention.

This war of mine

Many video games present war as something similar to Hollywood blockbusters, where everything happens in an easy and beautiful way. This War of Mine will shatter this illusion by inviting you to survive in a city that has become the scene of war. You have to look for food and water, get medicines and clothes, fortify your shelter, avoid clashes with the inhabitants of the city, bitter and aggressive. The gameplay is incredibly addictive, creating a rather painful and sad feeling for the players that there is no way out.

Papers, Please

The role of a customs inspector in some totalitarian Eastern European country, the little wheel of a huge bureaucratic machine, is by no means fun. You have to prevent citizens from crossing the border, citing their nationality, surname or lack of necessary documents. Sometimes, for a certain amount, you can get smart and make an exception for someone, but this is a risk for you and your family, which is not funny at all. As you can see, the authors of Papers, Please do not promise you a good mood.

The Walking Dead: The Game

It is not difficult to understand that the depressing one in The Walking Dead is not difficult - the TV series and comics of the same name leave you no hope for a joyful plot. Traveling through a world full of zombies will prove to be both difficult and not very optimistic. Now it is you who will have to make difficult decisions, sometimes leading to someone's death, and it is you who should not become attached to any of the heroes - it is not known which of them will survive until the end of the episode.

Heroes Reborn: Enigma

The mix of puzzle and action will not necessarily be purely entertaining, especially if the heroine of the game has superpowers, and she is kept on the territory of a gloomy scientific complex, conducting experiments on her. Escaping will require serious efforts from you, remarkable ingenuity, caution and development of your own skills. Depressive mood, stress and a sense of hopelessness are guaranteed to you.

Past Memories

The authors of the game are convinced that even a runner can be dark and atmospheric, especially if it is kept in black and white shades, adding appropriate voice acting and carefully thought-out gameplay with an interesting but sad storyline. Your heroine here will be a woman who enters the world of her own memories, and bad memories haunt her, like monsters from nightmares.

Knock-knock

Your hero in this dark and atmospheric game is a strange, nameless guy who lives in a house in the middle of the forest. He suffers from insomnia and is forced to wander the hallways and rooms of his house, instead of painfully trying to sleep. But the most interesting thing is that every time he wakes up in the middle of the night and sees that his house looks completely different, and strange sounds are heard around - growls and gnashes, rustles and knocks.