Horror games haven’t received much love in 2017. The year began with “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard,” now considered one of the best in the series; then “Outlast 2” in April turned out to be one of the most polarising titles of the year. Aside from these much-awaited releases, other titles seem to have slipped past everyone’s attention.

Now that the year is about to end, let’s look back at some of the horror games a majority of players may have missed. Below is a list of five of the best 2017 horror games that deserve more affection. Titles from established publishers, like Bethesda’s “The Evil Within 2,” are not included due to the amount of publicity they have arguably received.

5. ‘Remothered: Tormented Fathers’ - Stormind Games, Darril Arts

This may be cheating, depending on how one looks at it. “Remothered: Tormented Fathers” is still an Early Access title, but don’t let the label fool you. Despite the status, it is already garnering glowing reviews on Steam, and for good reason. “Remothered” is shaping up to be a terrifying experience, one that is focused on psychology.

Branded as “pure and realistic survival horror,” the game is first in a planned trilogy. Players aren’t mollycoddled from the start; with no health bars to rely on, they must choose among multiple ways to survive, and at the same time solve the mystery behind a disease-inflicted man and his mansion.

Screenshot from 'Remothered: Tormented Fathers.' Remothered/Press

4. ‘Dreadhalls’ - White Door Games

They don’t call it “Dreadhalls” for nothing. Released on Steam in 2017, this VR horror game has you trapped in a dungeon, and the only way to survive is to run like you mean it. No weapons, no superpowers. Jumpscares are expected. The game is so scary, it even needs to put up a warning on its Steam page saying it’s “not for the faint of heart.”

Auto-generated levels may raise a few eyebrows, but each dungeon, each map, would always require players to be on their toes. The audio provides clues as to the whereabouts of the next baddie. Once encountered, the creatures give chase. That's when you run for your life.

Screenshot from 'Dreadhalls.' White Door Games/Press

3. ‘The Letter - Horror Visual Novel’ - Yangyang Mobile

Truth is, visual novels aren’t a dying breed. Tell that to everyone who supported this game during its crowdfunding campaign in 2015.

“The Letter,” an underappreciated gem from the Philippines, captures the essence of the genre, then twists it, drowns it and paints it with blood. Consisting of seven chapters, the game tells the story of seven people brought together by the mystery surrounding the Ermengarde Mansion. It’s up to the player to manoeuvre the story. Will the characters get together in the end, or will they suffer a fate far worse than death?

Screenshot from 'The Letter.' Yangyang Mobile/Press

2. ‘Darkwood’ - Acid Wizard Studio

A new perspective on survival horror, that’s what it claims to be. Played from a top-down view, “Darkwood” doesn't take you by the hand. It forces you to figure out things on your own, which is bad news, considering the horrors that await in the dark.

The randomly-generated forest becomes its own character. By day, it is home to resources—an opportunity to scavenge and craft weapons. By night, it is a haven for the unknown. Hiding isn’t the only option. To survive, players must set traps around shelters. What’s more, each decision you make influences the fate of Darkwood, so tread carefully.

Screenshot from 'Darkwood.' Acid Wizard Studio/Press

1. ‘Detention’ - Red Candle Games

A personal favourite, “Detention” is a Taiwanese horror game that incorporates Asian mythology to tell the terrifying story of a student trapped in a school. Set in Taiwan under the violent rule of martial law, this point-and-click side-scroller incorporates plenty of subtext and symbolism, but when it pushes for disturbing imagery, it pushes hard.

Solving puzzles is the least of your worries when there are Asian-inspired apparitions at every corner. With a rare Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, “Detention” is one of this year’s best horror games.

Screenshot from 'Detention.' Red Candle Games/Press

Know of other horror games that should have been mentioned? Recommend them in the comments section below.