Let’s talk about mannequins. They’re like clowns, in that they’re terrifying creations that simply shouldn’t exist, but because they do I’m forced to live a life knowing one may be waiting for me, silently, around every corner.

Fortunately for me, clowns don’t currently have a noticeable presence in video games. Mannequins, on the other hand, seem to find a way to sneak into every other horror game. After the break I’ve compiled a list that anyone with even the slightest hint of a mannequin-related phobia should shy away from. No need to thank me, even though you should, since I had to endure every one of these games for research.

Let’s get this over with before I change my mind.



Kraven Manor

Kraven Manor is one of the more original horror games I’ve played. It’s absolutely terrifying and successfully kept me on the edge of my seat for the duration of my playthrough. It also happens to be free, so there’s really no reason not to check it out (a download link can be found in the above video’s description).

This is the product of a team of thirteen graduate students, ranging from level designers and artists to producers and programmers, who crafted the game in just six months. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what they do next, so long as it has nothing to do with mannequins.

Condemned

Both entries in the short-lived Condemned series have used mannequins in brilliant ways, but like all good scares the first encounter was far more effective than the second. As if walking through a mall only to discover some of the mannequins aren’t really mannequins at all wasn’t traumatizing enough — to this day I still pat down department store mannequins to make sure they aren’t armed — it doesn’t take long for the mannequin themed hallucinations to really start messing with your head.