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It might still be summer, but it’s not safe to go outside, with horror games lurking just around the corner. MCV checks out the spookiest merchandise on offer
The resurgence in the popularity of horror games has been frightening.
After several years in the wilderness, the last 12 months have seen a number horror titles shoot to the top of the UK retail and digital charts.
Last year’s Creative Assembly-developed spin-off from the iconic sci-fi films, Alien: Isolation, sold more than one million copies in its first three months on sale. That total has since surpassed 2.11 million sales, according to Sega.
Alien was quickly followed by another scary success – Bethesda’s The Evil Within, which went straight to number one in the UK retail charts upon release.
Alien and Evil Within seemingly set the stage for spooky games in 2015, as the year opened with another big triumph for the genre.
The much-anticipated HD remaster of Capcom’s seminal horror title Resident Evil was launched in late January.
The publisher later reported that the remake was its fastest-selling digital title ever released in the US and Europe, shifting more than one million copies.
Sony similarly announced that Resident Evil HD was the best-selling game on PS3 and PS4 for the month of January.
Resident Evil’s resurrected success has encouraged Capcom to announce similar remakes for Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 2.
It may be a couple of months until Halloween, but the summer provides an ideal breathing space for new horror IP to thrive.
This year sees the launch of long-awaited PS4 exclusive Until Dawn – a game originally slated for release on the PS3 three years ago. Developer Supermassive Games says the title has been influenced by the creepy cinema staples of the 1980s, meaning that die-hard horror fans may be tempted to invest in macabre merchandise surrounding the title’s launch.
Silent Hill 2 – Red Pyramid Thing 1/6 Scale Limited PVC Statue
Iconic Silent Hill 2 terror Pyramid Head (also known as Red Pyramid Thing) comes to life in this highly detailed PVC statue. The monster, which also appear in the movie adaptation of the franchise, stands 13 inches high and grips an unfortunate figure in his left hand, while wielding the horrific ‘Great Knive’ in his right. Designed for collectors, each figurine comes with a numbered certificate to prove its authenticity.
SRP: 175
Manufacturer: Gecco
Distributor: Gecco
Contact: info@gecco.co.jp
Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection Blu-ray
Horror cinephiles looking to get their fright fix can indulge with this expansive collection of eight seminal works in the genre: Dracula, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Phantom of the Opera, The Wolf Man, The Mummy and The Creature From the Black Lagoon. The set also includes a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula, plus hours of bonus features, a 44-page booklet and eight art cards.
SRP: 49.99
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Contact: 020 3618 8000
Betrayal at House on the Hill
This co-operative board game recreates the spooky experience of exploring a haunted house, Scooby Doo-style.
SRP: 39.99
Manufacturer: Avalon Hill
Distributor: Esdevium
Contact: 01420 593 593
Resident Evil BSAA Wristband
Resi lovers can subtly express their fondness for Capcom’s seminal zombie franchise with this fabric wristband.
SRP: 4.99
Manufacturer: NECA
Distributor: Completely Independent Dist.
Contact: 0116 278 7273
The Last of Us Pins: Joel and Ellie
The stars of Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic survival horror game take refuge on lapels and tops thanks to these stylised pin badges.
SRP: $20 (13)
Manufacturer: Esc Toy
Distributor: Esc Toy
Contact: info@esctoy.com
Dying Light: Nightmare Row
This novel spin-off to Warner Bros’ zombie title serves as a prequel, and was written by official James Bond author Raymond Benson.
SRP: TBC
Manufacturer: TBC
Distributor: Warner Bros
Contact: 020 7984 6700
The Evil WithinAsylum Keychain
Players can take a little bit of The Evil Within with them using this keyring, which frames the asylum setting in black on brushed metal.
SRP: 7.99
Manufacturer: Gaya Entertainment
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
The Art Of Alien: Isolation
Over 300 beautiful images take pride of place in this book, which includes concept drawings by artist Bradley Wright.
SRP: 29.99
Manufacturer: Titan Books
Distributor: Titan Books
Contact: sales@titanemail.com
