With an Episode 1 release date of March 31st, 2026, this is the most recent game on this list, but I have been obsessed with it. I love liminal horror. Familiar settings are made alien through unnatural stillness, unending pathways, and impossible architecture. Liminal horror games have been around for years, using the Unreal Engine to make photo-realistic settings. Exploring these settings can be creepy for a time, but too many games fall short of the horror aspect by a lack in monsters or any real gameplay. Subliminal is the first liminal horror game I’ve played that truly delivers on both setting and horror. 

In the game you play as Caleb, a man who apparently needs to work through an unknown trauma. Guided by Caleb’s subconscious (voiced by the amazing Max Howarth), you venture deep into his mind to relieve some of his most treasured and sacred core memories. As you venture through his childhood basement, a water park, a play place, and more, you’ll start to get a rotting feeling that something is not quite right. Be careful of what lurks in the darkest corners of the mind. 

Episode 1 has four possible endings, with multiple paths making repeat gameplay unique and enjoyable. The exploratory gameplay and random puzzle combinations kept everything fresh and exciting. The controls can be a little clunky, however, and I did experience a few glitches during my playthroughs in early April – sometimes having to restart a section to fix the issue. 

Overall, I think that Episode 1 is intriguing and offers a unique gameplay worth trying. I can’t wait to learn more about Caleb and what lies in his subconscious in Episode 2!