The Forest

The Forest is one of the most frightening and terrifying horror survival games of recent years, and one that will leave you on the edge of your seat. After its developers released a beta version of the game, it became one of the highest-rated games of 2014.

This game is unique because it doesn't come with a load of missions that you must complete or achievements that you unlock. It tells the story of a plane crash and a survivor of that crash. You can play as either a man or woman. Once you wake from the crash, you see a group of unusual people carrying off your son. The game then asks that you locate and save your son while battling a score of cannibalistic mutants.

Though The Forest doesn't come with any set missions, it does hold you responsible for your own survival. You'll need to find the right tools and supplies to build a shelter that protects you from the environment. It then asks you to find supplies to keep you fed and hydrated. You'll also learn how to make traps that catch animals living on the island where you crashed.

Another unique aspect of the game is that the story isn't necessarily cut and dry. While you assume that you are the hero and that the mutants are the enemy, the game shows you that it might be the opposite. You'll slowly notice how those mutants look out for each other and how they help each other survive while taking steps to avoid you during the daytime. Even as you battle those mutants and hunt for your son, you may hesitate to take the lives of those you encounter because of what the others may do in retaliation.

The graphics in this game are extremely impressive and will make you feel like you really are on a long lost island. Though the first-person aspects of the game are interesting, some may find that those camera angles make it hard to see threats in the area. It's also difficult to see around you during the nighttime periods of the game. The Forest does provide you with a simple journal that tells you what you need to do and how you can do it to stay alive. Playing this game will give you an idea of how long you could survive in the wilderness on your own.

Pros:

• Impressive graphics make the game feel more realistic
• Terrifying and frightening game play
• Offers a full world that you can explore on your own time
• Features a survival journal that teaches you how to build a shelter and hunt for food
• Each decision you make changes what happens in the game

Cons:

• First-person camera angles make seeing the surrounding area hard
• Nighttime scenes are extremely dark
• No missions may leave you wondering what to do next
• Still in the early beta stages