Lovecraft’s terrifying mythos has inspired stories and art for nearly a century. Video games, being a modern form of expression, have also been influenced by Lovecraftian cosmic horror. The Cthulhu/Lovecraft mythos is versatile, fitting into various gaming genres like mystery, action, horror, and even slice of life. Game developers have created some fantastic Lovecraftian games for the Nintendo Switch that immerse players in atmospheres of cosmic horror and mystery.
One such game is “World of Horror,” which combines Junji Ito and Lovecraftian themes in a tabletop RPG style. Players choose investigators and navigate through difficult challenges where every choice could lead to the end of the world. The 1-bit graphics of World of Horror, reminiscent of old computers, look fantastic on the Switch’s screen.
“Don’t Starve” is another game with a Lovecraftian vibe, offering a quirky survival experience. The art style and atmosphere of the game are reminiscent of the Lovecraft mythos, with Maxwell possibly inspired by H.P. Lovecraft himself. The creepy atmosphere, mutating flora, shadow creatures, and Glommer make it a great Lovecraftian survival game on the Switch.
For players looking for a more cozy Lovecraftian experience, “Strange Horticulture” puts players in the shoes of a horticulturist in a Lovecraftian universe. The game combines horror and slice of life elements as players solve mysteries using their knowledge of plants. The Lovecraftian themes are prominent throughout the game, despite not explicitly mentioning Cthulhu or the mythos.
“Dredge” offers Lovecraftian horror on the waters, blending fishing and RPG elements in a roguelike gameplay loop. Players fish, upgrade their ship, and face terrifying creatures of the night, all while teetering on the brink of insanity. The game feels right at home on the Switch, with intuitive controls for steering the ship.
“Darkest Dungeon” is a Lovecraftian-inspired roguelike game that is highly replayable on the Switch. The game’s narrator and character designs hint at the Lovecraft mythos, with “The Color Of Madness” DLC directly referencing H.P. Lovecraft’s work.
While not as overtly Lovecraftian, “Alan Wake” offers mystery and investigation with a surreal atmosphere that Lovecraft fans will appreciate. The story, characters, and setting draw inspiration from Lovecraftian themes, providing a mysterious and supernatural experience on the Switch.
“The Sinking City” immerses players in a Lovecraftian investigative mystery, with direct references to the Cthulhu and Lovecraft mythos. The game’s eerie setting and horrifying creatures make it a must-play for Lovecraft fans on the Switch.
Finally, “Call of Cthulhu” offers players an immersive Lovecraftian experience, closely based on Lovecraft’s most famous novel. The game’s bleak and hopeless setting, along with Lovecraftian NPCs, create a truly atmospheric experience for Lovecraft fans on the Switch.
In addition to these Lovecraftian games, the Nintendo Switch offers a variety of 2D horror games for fans to enjoy. These games provide a unique and immersive experience for players looking to explore cosmic horrors and madness in the world of gaming.