Fairy tales have been traced back to times as early as the Bronze Age, with many derived from oral folk tales and mythologies. The appeal of this type of story lies in its fantastical nature, which often includes elements of magic and mythical beings that inspire imagination regardless of age. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the genre in interesting new ways withexciting new narratives.
Evidence of the fascination with fairy tales can be found everywhere, from live action and animated film adaptations of original stories, to modern interpretations and even new fairy tales being produced (notably by Disney). It is no surprise, then, that such tales have made their way into the gaming world. Of course, it’s not uncommon for some media to explore the darker sides of these stories. The following games are amongthe best fairy tale-inspired horror games.
8Creepy Tale
A Shorter Experience For Relaxed Gamers
Creepy Taleis aside-scrolling puzzle horror game. The player controls one of two brothers, who are out picking mushrooms in the woods. When the player’s brother is kidnapped after chasing a golden butterfly, they must navigate through the woods to rescue him by completing puzzles.
The atmosphere is ominous, with bare trees and dying shrubs shrouded by fog, and a dull brown and orange color palette. With a similar atmostphere to the TV seriesOver the Garden Wall,Creepy Taleis a great shorter experience, especially for those looking for a cozy Halloween game but with disturbing elements.
Set in 1930s England,Rule of Roseis a psychological survival horror. The player takes on the role of 19-year-old Jennifer, who finds herself at an orphanage after following a young boy who gives her a storybook. By exploring two locations, the orphanage and an airship, the player can progress through different levels, each level revealing the truth about Jennifer’s past.
Rule of Rosetakes direct inspiration from the Brothers Grimm interpretations of classic fairy tales, particularly their prevalent themes of cruelty and creatures such as imps and mermaids. It explores memory and childhood throughatmospheric environmentsand dark storylines, while maintaining engaging combat gameplay.
Beginning as a children’s novel, Lewis Caroll’sAlice’s Adventures in Wonderlandhas gained traction in many forms of the media. Alongside ballet, theater, TV, and movie adaptations, this widely beloved story has also crossed over into the horror gaming world.
InAlice: Madness Returns,the player takes control of Alice, who has been released from Rutledge Asylum. They must attempt to overcome her childhood trauma by exploring both reality and wonderland. The game takes the unique elements and recognizable characters, twisting them into a darker narrative in a combination of puzzle and combat.
5The Path
Exploration Horror With Fantastic Atmosphere
The Pathis a modernized adaptation of the classic fairy taleLittle Red Riding Hood.Six sisters, each of their own age and desires, are tasked with visiting their Grandmother in the woods without straying from the path. The player can experience the game through each sister, and explore the forest as a mysterious figure tempts them away from the path.
Interestingly, the game features no combat, puzzles, or timers. Instead, the horror inThe Pathis subtle, much of it being left to interpretation in the implied events and the form of the wolf (which represents something different for each sister). Despite beinglargely a walking simulator, this is both a touching and haunting experience.
4Bramble: The Mountain King
Nordic Folklore-Inspired Horror With Stunning Scenery
Bramble: The Mountain Kingis a third-person adventure horror game. The player follows Olle, a young boy who, upon realizing his sister is missing, ventures out to find her. The player must then traverse through a series of stunning locations, encountering monsters and creatures based in Nordic folklore while solving puzzles and tasks.
This game was based on Swedish fables, particularly their illustrations by the 19th century painter John Bauer. As such, the design ofBramble: The Mountain Kingis both magical and cinematic, with an equally big soundtrack. Despite beinga visually amazing game, some of it is downright terrifying, with chilling enemies and well-utilized jumpscares.
Inspired by the children’s novelThe Adventures of Pinoccio, Lies of Pis a soulslike game set in Krat. In this fictional city, a mineral called “Ergo” powers Gepetto’s puppets. However, a disease that turns people to stone overruns the city, and the puppets turn on the humans. The player takes on the role of P to uncover what is going on.
Lies of Pis a complex game, with a selection of different weapon builds, an upgradable mechanical arm, and a skill tree. Its aesthetic is very steampunk, resonant of late 19th century Europe. While falling into the dark fantasy genre, this game incorporates horror elements with creepy enemies and genuinely scary environments. Overall,Lies of Pisgreat forDark Soulsfanslooking for a more entry-level but unique game.
In old Swedish tradition, the “Year Walk” was a way of obtaining insight into the events of the following year. The ritual involves walking long distances with no supplies, and overcoming supernatural encounters. Originally made for iOS,Year Walkis based on this tradition.
Ignoring the warnings from their partner, the player’s objective is to make the walk to a church and gain insight into the future. While the mechanics are simple inYear Walkasa point-and-click heavy game, the haunting art style and disturbing unfolding of events make the game a worthwhile horror experience.
While not explicitly based on specific fairy tales or folklore, games likeFran BowandRusty Lakeare other point-and-click games that offer a similar off-putting and surreal design toYear Walk.
1Red And The Whispering Wood
A Darker Version Of Little Red Riding Hood
Red and the Whispering Woodis an interpretation of the fairy taleLittle Red Riding Hood.In this survival horror side-scroller, the player controls Red, who has taken a shortcut through the woods to visit her Grandma. As the wolf starts chasing her down, however, the walk becomes a matter of life and death.
An interesting feature of this game is that ituses mic activityso that the player can use their voice to run, jump, and attack. The ominous atmosphere and cute pixel art mingles well with the dark themes, great for players who prefer a more cozy horror experience or enjoy subversive narratives.
