Large-scale combat can create strong tension when objectives and enemy pressure converge, giving some modes an engaging push-and-pull rhythm.
Pros: multiplayer design, level design
Cons: fun factor, narrative quality
Best 2025 Video Games for horror tension
Horror tension receives limited positive support from the dream/nightmare tone described in one review.
Pros: difficulty balance, art direction
Cons: economy and resource balance, checkpoint system
The Zone sustains strong horror tension through darkness, invisible threats, emissions, sound cues, and sudden vulnerability. The fear works best when enemies and anomalies behave unpredictably rather than mechanically.
Pros: immersion, fun factor
Cons: bug frequency, AI behavior
Horror tension was praised as part of the dramatic strength that the game cultivates around dark folklore.
Pros: soundtrack quality, narrative quality
Cons: combat system, enemy variety
Several reviewers compared raids to survival horror because of the fear, sound cues, darkness, and pressure around extraction.
Pros: sound design, combat system
Cons: voice acting, menu usability
Horror tension was strong for many reviewers, especially in symbolic scenes and chase-like moments, but some felt scares faded or never matched classic dread.
Pros: puzzle design, narrative quality
Cons: combat system, enemy variety
Horror tension was positively supported by unsettling facilities and an unnerving underground atmosphere.
Pros: narrative quality, exploration quality
Cons: combat system, AI behavior
Horror tension was strong but not universal; some reviewers found it deeply tense and paranoia-inducing, while others wished it were scarier.
Pros: combat system, narrative quality
Cons: boss design, puzzle design
Tension is one of Marathon’s best tools: quiet looting can turn into a lethal encounter in seconds, and solo Rook runs can feel like survival horror. For some players that...
Pros: fun factor, loot system
Cons: difficulty balance, quest design
Horror tension had limited evidence and mixed results, with one review praising suspense while another felt the mystery lacked momentum.
Pros: narrative quality, character development
Cons: pacing, gameplay mechanics
Horror tension was mixed: many praised chills and chase intensity, but several reviewers found it less scary than past games.
Pros: atmosphere, faithfulness to franchise
Cons: puzzle design, co-op experience
Horror tension is mixed to weak because BTs can still feel tense, but several reviewers say the sequel reduces their fear factor.
Pros: narrative quality, combat system
Cons: difficulty balance, weapon balance
A horror-leaning quest was criticized for being too short for its dread to fully develop.
Pros: combat system, narrative quality
Cons: save system reliability, learning curve