For many horror fans, watching something in the genre isn’t enough. We want to be a part of the genre, to find a way to interact with it on our own terms. After all, how many times can we scream at characters making stupid mistakes before we decide that we could do better?
If you’ve felt that way, then you know just how therapeutic and exciting playing a horror game can be. While us gamers are still beholden to the narrative, we get to make many decisions on how to deal with a given situation. That gives us the power in terms of where to look, how to move, what methods we’d use to dispatch our foes, and more. We are in control and it feels great after feeling helpless during so many films and shows!
While playing some of these horror video games, you may find yourself thinking, “I swear I’ve heard that voice before but I just can’t seem to place it!” Well, fear not, fellow horror gamer! I’m here to give you ten examples of people who starred in a horror property (movie or show) that ALSO voiced a popular character in a video game. Check out the list below and let me know some more that you can think of in the comments!
If you played EA’s magn-ficent sci-fi/horror game Dead Space and found yourself wondering where you recognized Sgt. Zach Hammond’s voice, it’s because you might’ve seen him as Sgt. Brodski in Jason X! On top of that, he appeared in Bruiser, 300, and “True Blood”.
Starring as the titular character in The Woman and appearing in the “Ding Dong” segment of Tales of Halloween, Pollyanna McIntosh was also the voice of Dante’s mother Bella, who committed suicide rather than stay with her abusive and cruel husband.
Knowing that Roger Jackson does the voice of the Cheshire Cat in Alice: Madness Returns gives his Ghostface Scream line, “I wanna play a game” a delightfully meta feeling. But how cool is it that one of horror’s most iconic voices is also one of the most beloved characters from the surreal horror video game world?
Peter Stormare is one of those actors that everyone adores. He’s fast approaching being in 200 films from all sorts of genres. Every role he takes on, he fully embraces and presents a delightful performance. When it comes to portrayals of the Devil in cinema, his version in Constantine always makes the cut. Because of his ubiquitous nature, his character in Until Dawn, the somewhat sinister psychiatrist Dr. Hill, was one of the favorite aspects of the game by many fans.
If you’re a fan of Syfy’s “Z Nation”, did you know that Sara Coates, aka “Serena” aka “Pie Girl”, is the voice of Marguerite Baker in Resident Evil VII: Biohazard? Yup! The woman who gave her life to protect her child is the matriarch of the Baker family, the one with a SERIOUS pubic infestation! Too much information? Try playing it and seeing it up close and personal!
From voicing author Alan Wake’s “biggest fan” Rose Marigold to Deputy Valerie Clark in MTV’s “Teen Wolf”, Benita Robledo has charmed audiences for several years now. Let’s hope that if there’s ever a sequel to Alan Wake that we’ll get to see Rose once again!
The grooviest of horror actors on this list, Bruce Campbell not only played Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy and “Ash vs Evil Dead”, he also reprised his character in three games based on the franchise, Evil Dead: Hail to the King, Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick, and Evil Dead: Regeneration!
Would you kindly take heed, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fans? Did you know that the annoying jackass Principal Snyder was also the voice of the intelligent but cold Andrew Ryan in Bioshock? Yup! It’s kinda strange trying to imagine the two being the same person but that’s exactly the case. I’m not sure which is worse, Rapture or Sunnydale. Hmm…
Probably the most famous name on this list, Patrick Stewart is always seen as an actor of the highest class, one that commands the screen every time he appears. But if you think it’s just his presence that’s captivating, I assure you that his voice work in both Castlevania: Lords of Shadow games is just as stunning. He brings a sense of gravitas and wonder to the franchise which, for a long time, wasn’t known for its voice acting.
Big Trouble in Little China is one of my favorite films of all time. And for those of you who say it isn’t horror, I can’t say I disagree but I also argue that it’s a mix of action, martial arts, comedy, schlock, adventure, AND horror. Just because it’s not pure horror doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong on the site.
Anyways, Hong’s performance as Lo Pan is one of my favorite villains because he’s so delightful and charming. But did you know that he’s the voice of the Covetus Shen in Diablo III? I promise that it’s true! Just give it a listen again and you’ll hear it for yourself!