Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you're constantly on the lookout for those truly special gaming experiences that stick with you long after you've put down the controller. And if you're a fan of ICO, you already know what I'm talking about: that unique blend of atmosphere, puzzle-solving, and emotional storytelling that just hits different. So, let's dive into the world of PS5 survival horror games that capture a similar magic.

What Made ICO So Special?

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly break down what made ICO such a memorable game. For those who might not know, ICO, released in 2001, is an action-adventure puzzle game developed by Team Ico and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Players control Ico, a young boy born with horns, who is isolated in a castle. He encounters Yorda, a girl who speaks an unintelligible language. The player must guide Ico to protect Yorda from shadowy creatures while navigating the castle. What set ICO apart wasn't just its gameplay, but its atmosphere and emotional depth. It was a game that emphasized:

• Atmosphere: ICO created a sense of isolation and mystery through its stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack. The environments felt both beautiful and dangerous, drawing you deeper into its world.
• Relationship: The bond between Ico and Yorda was central to the experience. You felt a genuine connection to these characters, making their journey all the more impactful. The game revolves around the concept of protection and reliance.
• Puzzle-solving: The puzzles in ICO weren't just about testing your intellect; they were integrated into the narrative, often requiring teamwork and a deep understanding of the environment.
• Minimalist Storytelling: ICO didn't rely on exposition dumps or lengthy cutscenes. Instead, it told its story through gameplay, environmental details, and the interactions between its characters. It was a testament to the power of "show, don't tell."

These elements combined to create a game that was both captivating and emotionally resonant, influencing countless titles that followed. Many survival horror games on the PS5 platform have taken a note on how to build the world and tell the story in the game. So, what are some PS5 survival horror games that capture that ICO spirit?

Top PS5 Survival Horror Games That Evoke ICO's Magic

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some survival horror games on the PS5 that, in my opinion, share some DNA with ICO, focusing on atmosphere, character relationships, and unique gameplay mechanics:

1. Little Nightmares I & II

If you're looking for a game that nails that unsettling atmosphere and vulnerable protagonist vibe, look no further than Little Nightmares. In Little Nightmares, you play as Six, a hungry nine-year-old girl who must escape the Maw, a vast, mysterious vessel inhabited by corrupted souls. The game emphasizes stealth and puzzle-solving. The sequel expands upon this formula, introducing a cooperative element where you team up with another child to overcome obstacles. The game is known for:

• Eerie atmosphere: The game is filled with grotesque imagery and unsettling sound design, creating a constant sense of dread.
• Vulnerable protagonists: You play as children, making you feel small and helpless against the world's dangers.
• Environmental Puzzles: Solving puzzles often requires using the environment and your wits to outsmart enemies and progress.

What makes Little Nightmares so similar to ICO is its focus on a child protagonist navigating a dangerous world. Both games are known for creating a sense of vulnerability in the player, making every encounter and puzzle-solved feel meaningful. The visual style and eerie atmosphere are definitely reminiscent of ICO’s haunting beauty. The puzzles require more than just brute force; you have to think creatively about how to use the environment to your advantage, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. And, like ICO, the story is told primarily through visuals and environmental storytelling, leaving much open to interpretation and discussion.

2. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village

Okay, hear me out! I know what you're thinking: Resident Evil? ICO? But these two entries in the Resident Evil franchise share some surprising similarities with ICO, particularly in their focus on a specific location and a protective relationship. The Resident Evil franchise is known for:

• Horror and suspense: The games are filled with jump scares, intense combat, and a pervasive sense of dread.
• Resource management: Players must carefully manage their resources, such as ammunition and health items, to survive.
• Exploration and puzzle-solving: Exploring the environment and solving puzzles are key to progressing through the game.

In Resident Evil 7, you play as Ethan Winters, who is searching for his missing wife, Mia, and finds her in a derelict plantation mansion inhabited by the Baker family. The game shifts to a first-person perspective, making the terror more immediate and visceral. Ethan's determination to rescue Mia drives the narrative forward, mirroring Ico's dedication to protecting Yorda. Resident Evil Village continues Ethan's story, this time with him trying to rescue his daughter, Rose. The village is a labyrinth of interconnected areas, each with its own unique horrors. Ethan's desperation to save his daughter adds an emotional layer to the game, making the stakes feel incredibly high.

While these games are undeniably scarier and more action-oriented than ICO, they still capture that sense of being trapped in a dangerous place and fighting to protect someone you care about. The Baker mansion and the village are both memorable locations that contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread, similar to ICO’s castle. The puzzles in these games, while not as central as in ICO, still require you to think creatively and use your surroundings to progress, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. Plus, the narrative focus on Ethan's relationship with Mia and Rose provides an emotional anchor that resonates with the themes of protection and sacrifice found in ICO.

3. A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale is a game that truly embodies the spirit of ICO. Set in 14th-century France during the Black Death, you play as Amicia, a young noblewoman who must protect her younger brother, Hugo, from both the Inquisition and hordes of rats. The gameplay emphasizes stealth, puzzle-solving, and resource management. The series is critically acclaimed for:

• Historical setting: The game is set in 14th-century France during the Black Death, providing a unique and atmospheric backdrop.
• Stealth and puzzle-solving: Players must use stealth and solve puzzles to avoid enemies and progress through the game.
• Emotional storytelling: The game tells a moving story about family, survival, and sacrifice.

The relationship between Amicia and Hugo is at the heart of the game. You must constantly guide and protect Hugo, using your wits and resources to keep him safe. This dynamic is very similar to the relationship between Ico and Yorda, where you feel a strong sense of responsibility for your companion. The world is filled with danger, from the Inquisition soldiers to the swarms of rats that can devour you in seconds. You must use light and shadows to navigate the environment, creating a tense and atmospheric experience. Like ICO, A Plague Tale focuses on the bond between two characters in a hostile world. The puzzles require teamwork and strategic thinking, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. And the story, while darker and more explicit than ICO’s, still resonates with themes of protection, sacrifice, and the power of human connection.

4. The Last Guardian

From the creators of ICO themselves, The Last Guardian is perhaps the most direct spiritual successor on this list. You play as a young boy who befriends a giant, feathered creature named Trico. Together, you must escape a mysterious and dangerous environment. The gameplay emphasizes puzzle-solving, exploration, and building a bond with Trico. The game is praised for:

• Unique creature companion: Trico is a believable and complex creature with its own personality and behaviors.
• Environmental puzzles: The puzzles require players to work with Trico to overcome obstacles.
• Emotional storytelling: The game tells a moving story about friendship, trust, and sacrifice.

The bond between the boy and Trico is the core of the game. You must learn to communicate with Trico, understanding its behaviors and working together to solve puzzles. This relationship is very similar to the one in ICO, where you feel a strong connection to your companion. The Last Guardian is a technical marvel, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack. The environments are vast and mysterious, creating a sense of wonder and danger. Like ICO, The Last Guardian focuses on the relationship between two characters in a dangerous world. The puzzles require teamwork and communication, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. And the story, while minimalist, is deeply emotional and resonant, exploring themes of friendship, trust, and sacrifice.

5. Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 is a survival horror game developed by Remedy Entertainment. The sequel takes the series into a decidedly survival horror direction, with a greater emphasis on psychological horror and resource management. The story revolves around two protagonists whose fates are intertwined: Alan Wake, a writer trapped in the Dark Place, and Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating a series of ritualistic murders. Here are what makes this game shines:

• Dual Protagonist: The game features Alan Wake and Saga Anderson, each with their own stories and gameplay mechanics, who are trying to solve the mysteries.
• Psychological Horror: The game uses psychological horror elements to create a sense of unease and dread.
• Intense Combat and Exploration: Players must explore the environment and fight enemies to progress through the game.

Alan Wake 2 shares similarities with ICO due to its heavy reliance on atmosphere. The game creates a sense of unease and dread through its stunning visuals and suspenseful sound design, similar to ICO's. The game incorporates environmental puzzles, and requires you to think creatively and make good use of the environment in order to proceed. In addition to this, is the psychological and storytelling element that is unique to this game. Despite the fact that Alan Wake 2 is filled with horror and action, it has an emotional narrative core that highlights the value of human connection.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! My picks for PS5 survival horror games that capture some of that ICO magic. While none of these games are exactly the same, they all share that special blend of atmosphere, character relationships, and unique gameplay that makes them worth checking out. Whether you're a long-time fan of ICO or just looking for something different, I hope this list gives you some good recommendations.

Happy gaming, and let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions!