Summary
It’s dangerous and terrifying to go alone in horror games, but as that is the goal of most of these titles, most players will need to brave the unknown on their lonesome, maybe with a flashlight or evena weapon on hand if they are lucky. But some studios are a bit more generous than that, offering up another person to endure the terror alongside the main character.
These companions help to liven up the atmosphere,make co-operative puzzles possible to complete, or can even lend assistance during combat, without sacrificing all of the fear factor. In most cases, horror companions elevate these games, but some manage to standout from the rest. In horror scenarios involving ghosts, zombies, or monsters with their own definition, these are the companions players would want in their corner.
One of the mostheralded horror games of the PS2 era,Haunting Groundremains as a cult classic to those who fondly remember the days of traversing through Belli Castle as Fiona, a hapless young woman who awoke in the castle after surviving a car crash and losing her memories. The castle, while an architectural feat that players would want to take the time to explore and admire, is inhabited by dangerous denizens that will hunt the defenseless Fiona down, but this is where Hewie comes in.
They say dogs are man’s best friend, and this is especially true for Fiona Belli, who would be all too vulnerable without him. Fiona can sic Hewie onto her pursuers to gain the time she would need to escape, or the dog can even forge ahead and find items that Fiona would be unable to by herself. Hewie’s usefulness makes him all the more endearing to both Fiona and the player.
There will be times when James has to explore the misty town of Silent Hill alone, but there are also times when he will be joined by Maria. As James says himself, Maria is nearly a perfect copy of his wife, only she has different clothes and hair, and she acts in a much more flirtatious manner.
Her existence is seemingly a manifestation of James' fragmented mind, serving as a way to cope with the guilt he feels. Despite this, Maria is an integral part ofSilent Hill 2, and she beloved by many fans. Although Maria cannot fight and relies on the player for protection, traveling with her doesn’t feel like an escort mission, and, in fact, it can be enjoyable to have her in tow. Her personality can be ratherunpredictable at most times, but this is one of her unique charms that James certainly isn’t immune to.
One of the most loathed parts ofResident Evil 4was Ashley Graham. Her annoying and constant bleating for Leon’s help still likely haunts the dreams of gamers to this day, but given the B-horror cheese feel of the original game, she seamlessly fits into the setting and the theme. This was justone of the elements the remake overhauled, making Ashley a character who players wanted to save.
Along with a visual make-over, her personality was revisited and changed. She still isn’t immune to cries of fear or calling out for aid when the ganados got a bit too close, but overall, she is now an even more likable character. Her voice and words are less ear-bleeding, and her dialogue grounds her more in the gritty, dark world of theResident Evil 4remake. From time to time, she would even voice concern for Leon, checking in with him. Not to mention, the section when players control Ashley in the remake is even more terrifying than the first.
ClassicResident Evilfans will know Chris and Jill are one of themost popular duos in theResident Evilfranchise. But with her supposed death, and Chris being sent to Africa on his next mission, players are introduced to Sheva Alomar, Redfield’s next partner.
Sheva is a capable woman who knows the area and her way around a gun, even ifthe AI isn’t always the best, but that isn’t really Sheva’s fault. While she might never quite top Jill, she was still an enjoyable character for the one game she appeared in, and her popularity is even more evident thanks to her legendary skin inDead by Daylight. Her inclusion was designed more with co-op in mind, and it would not be surprising if there were arguments over who got to play her.
The Last of Usbecame one of the most celebratedpost-apocalyptic horror action gamesof all time, spawning remasters and a second part to continue the journey of Joel and Ellie, who meet during the early hours of the first title. As one who is immune to the infection, it is believed that Ellie holds the key to fabricating a cure that could free the remaining human populace from the threat of the clickers, fungal zombies that hunt through sounds.
As soon as they are introduced, Joel has to take her to a hospital in Salt Lake City. The treacherous journey there is nothing but a simple delivery job, but the turmoil and horror sees the two grow closer. Ellie is a fierce companion to have. She can hold her own, offers the perfect amount of sassiness, and is like another daughter to Joel. Seeing the two form a familial bond is one of the most rewarding parts ofThe Last of Us.
