Most people accustomed to Asian Horror are familiar with games that explore Japanese folklore and myths. Supernatural elements such as yokai and oni are creatures familiar to the psyche of gamers thanks to the influences of manga and anime.
However, Asia and Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of spooky stories and terrifying entities with each nation showcasing similar and unique superstitions and tales. As more mainstream and indie game developers from those regions create new titles and franchises, players should be on the lookout for titles that showcase the wealth of horror and stories that these countries have to offer.
8 Detention
Detention is one of the more recognizable titles that isn't based on Japanese horror. Developed by Red Candle Games, Detention is an atmospheric 2D horror game set at a high school in 1960s Taiwan during martial law under the White Terror period.
The game ensnares and terrifies players by weaving together various Chinese/Taiwanese folklore, myths, and religious elements whilst utilizing traditional and psychological horror. The game is oddly educational and explains the different entities and customs throughout the campaign, heightening the story's eeriness. Featuring many interesting yet disturbing puzzles, Detention will be sure to leave a lasting impression, long after someone has completed the game.
7 Devotion
Another project made by Red Candle Games, Devotion is a first-person psychological horror game that follows a troubled screenwriter, Du Feng-yu, and his family as they undergo turmoil and difficulties. Set in a typical apartment in Taiwan during the 1980s, the game becomes increasingly disturbing as Du Feng-yu and his family’s situation deteriorates.
Devotion is a great window into Taiwanese culture and draws inspiration from games such as PT and What Remains Of Edith Finch. Showcasing excellent graphics and interesting puzzles, the game, whilst not big on jump scares, is atmospheric and a must-play for fans of horror.
6 Paper Ghost Stories: 7 PM
Made by a Malaysian studio, Cellar Vault Studios, Paper Ghost Stories: 7 PM follows the story of three young Malaysian kids in a small apartment complex and their shared experiences during a day of the Hungry Ghost Festival. Meanwhile, a mysterious new neighbor moves in triggering a series of strange and dark events.
A relatively short experience that can be completed in about half an hour, Paper Ghost Stories: 7 PM utilizes a unique and original paper-based art style. Representing both Chinese and Malay cultures and customs, the game will be a delightful experience for people of that culture and horror enthusiasts looking for something different.
5 Home Sweet Home
Steeped in Thai culture and myths, Home Sweet Home tells the story of a Caucasian guy named Tim who is searching for his missing wife. Players will be treated to a first-person adventure horror game featuring challenging puzzles and scary chase sequences.
Home Sweet Home's gameplay can be likened to releases by Frictional Games such as Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Soma. The various locations throughout the game, which include a school, Buddhist temple compound, and Thai traditional theater, are sure to hook horror enthusiasts as they play.
4 Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror
Pamali immerses its players in Indonesian horror surrounding the country's traditions, beliefs, and taboos. As a first-person, narrative horror experience, the game features four different episodes and showcases some iconic entities such as the well-known Pocong to the lesser-known Balinese Leyak.
The game offers a staggering amount of possible endings (30 in just the first episode alone) and around 90 with all the scenarios combined. It’s even possible for the player to just sell the house right at the beginning to avoid the whole experience altogether. However, players will be rewarded in due time as they delve into this increasingly disturbing and terrifying game.
3 Seduction
Developed by a Singaporean team, Seduction follows the story of a Buddhist monk trapped in a dark realm who must help save a woman’s soul from being used in a ritual. The game is a 2D puzzle experience that has the player journey through landscapes inspired by Buddhist hell.
The game showcases a nice art style that is sometimes simplistic and other times detailed, especially when it comes to the Buddhist temples and shrines. As the main theme covers temptation, players who are familiar with Asian folklore and stories will recognize some allusions showcased in the game.
2 The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters
Another 2D experience set in a deserted high school, Coma 2 is a Korean survival horror game that has players guiding Mina Park away from the clutches of a crazed demoness. Taking inspiration from the classic Clock Tower series and using a Manwha aesthetic, the game is as gorgeous as it is eerie and horrifying.
Coma 2 also explores other areas including a deranged market and hospital within the district. Players will have to manage their stamina bars and inventory effectively to evade and escape the monsters. Featuring glyphs, ritual items, and dark arts, this game is an excellent title for fans of the original Clock Tower saga.
1 Fragile
A game developed by a Mongolian studio, Fragile follows the story of a young girl trying to escape her human traffickers. The game deals with horrific subject matters such as child abduction, organ harvesting, human trafficking, and the people that deal in such matters. Fragile can be quite oppressive and heavy due to its subject and what it tries to portray.
The game mixes stealth mechanics and adventure, featuring several chase sequences as well. A large dose of psychological horror is also injected into the experience as players try to navigate the young girl out of harm's way.