Best RPG Maker Horror Games to Play

The RPG Maker engine has long been a haven for indie developers to create unique and terrifying horror experiences. With its ease of use and accessibility, RPG Maker has empowered countless creators to bring their chilling visions to life. And 2023 has been no exception, with numerous outstanding RPG Maker horror games emerging throughout the year.

Here's a selection of the best RPG Maker horror games released in 2023 that will surely send shivers down your spine:

Mad Father Remake:

In horror video games, few titles have captured the essence of pure, unadulterated terror, quite like Mad Father. Originally released in 2012, this RPG Maker creation quickly garnered a cult following for its disturbing imagery, suspenseful gameplay, and haunting narrative. In 2023, developer Misfits Attic revisited this chilling classic with Mad Father Remake, a visually stunning and grotesquely disturbing reimagining of the original game.

Mad Father Remake tells the tale of Alfred, a young boy who witnesses the horrifying transformation of his beloved father into a monstrous mad scientist. Driven by a twisted desire to bring his deceased wife back to life, Alfred's father begins a series of gruesome experiments, using unsuspecting victims as his unwilling subjects.

One of the most striking aspects of Mad Father's Remake is its stunning visual overhaul. The game's hand-drawn pixel art has been replaced with high-resolution graphics, creating a more detailed and immersive world. The grotesque imagery of the original game has been amplified, with scenes of violence and gore rendered in vivid detail.

The game's sound design is equally impressive, with haunting melodies and atmospheric sound effects that create a truly unsettling atmosphere. The oppressive music perfectly complements the game's disturbing visuals, amplifying the sense of dread and unease.

The House in Fata Morgana:

In visual novels, "The House in Fata Morgana" is a haunting masterpiece, a gothic romance that weaves a tapestry of intricate tales, each a testament to the enduring power of love and loss. Developed by Novectacle and released in 2012, this visual novel has captivated players with its captivating narrative, stunning artwork, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

The story takes players through time and tragedy as they explore the titular House in Fata Morgana, a mysterious mansion. A cast of unforgettable characters inhabits it. Each chapter presents a self-contained story, delving into the lives of the mansion's inhabitants, their loves, their losses, and the secrets that bind them.

While each chapter is a compelling narrative, they interweave to create a grand tapestry of interconnected stories. The mansion itself becomes a character in its own right, its decaying walls and labyrinthine corridors echoing with the echoes of past tragedies.

Yume Nikki: Dream Diary:

In indie horror games, Yume Nikki: Dream Diary is a captivating and unsettling experience, reimagining the cult classic RPG Maker game Yume Nikki. Developed by Active Gaming Media and published by KADOKAWA Games, Dream Diary takes players on a surreal and atmospheric journey through the depths of Madotsuki's psyche, a young girl grappling with her inner demons.

Dream Diary blends 2D pixelated graphics with 3D environments, creating a unique and disorienting atmosphere. The game's dreamlike worlds are a tapestry of vibrant colours, haunting melodies, and unsettling imagery, evoking a sense of unease and childlike wonder.

As Madotsuki, players navigate through six distinct worlds, each representing a fragment of her subconscious mind. These worlds are filled with bizarre creatures, enigmatic symbols, and cryptic clues, alluding to Madotsuki's troubled past and her struggles with self-acceptance.

Ib Remake:

The original Ib, released in 2012, captivated players with its charming art style, haunting atmosphere, and intriguing story. Ten years later, a faithful remake, Ib Remake, has been released, breathing new life into this beloved classic. With enhanced graphics, refined gameplay, and additional story content, Ib Remake delivers an even more immersive and enjoyable experience, making it an essential title for newcomers and returning fans.

Stepping into Ib Remake is like stepping back in time, with the game's pixelated art style and nostalgic soundtrack evoking a sense of childlike wonder. The environments, from the Guertena Gallery's grand halls to the Fabricated World's labyrinthine depths, are meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the original while adding a layer of refinement.

Ib Remake introduces several gameplay improvements that make the experience more intuitive and enjoyable. The movement system has been refined, allowing smoother navigation through the game's environments. Puzzle solutions have been rebalanced, providing a more challenging yet rewarding experience. Additionally, the game introduces new puzzles and challenges, keeping players engaged throughout their journey.

Ib Remake expands upon the original game's story, providing additional insights into the characters' motivations and the mysteries of the Fabricated World. New cutscenes and dialogue shed light on the relationships between Ib, Garry, and Mary, adding depth to their personalities and strengthening their emotional bonds. Additionally, the game explores the history of the Fabricated World and the enigmatic figure behind its creation.