Games With Incredible Atmosphere

So what exactly makes a game atmospheric? We tend to associate things like mist or fog as evocative of atmosphere. But is that enough to make a game or movie atmospheric? I don't think so. I've seen horror movies where mist is just as much the main character as actors e.g. The Mist (2007), and I've never once felt that film was atmospheric. You can have all the mists you want, but if you can't make me feel anything out of it I don't think it counts. I'm pretty discerning in what I consider as an atmospheric game, which is its ability to instil a sense of isolation within the player through the use of its surroundings, aesthetics, dialogue, emotions, music and sound design. It might not be one size fits all, but that's how best I can describe and understand my feelings towards the media I deem as such. My hats off to the ones who can fulfil that achievement even with a populated and crowded environment.

Related lists

View more top voted lists