The 13 scariest video game moments ever

The greatest horror titles are haunted by marauding monsters, eviscerating aliens and little girls in red coats. Steel yourself to meet some of the most chilling ghosts in the machine

Video games are the perfect medium for horror. They offer a unique sense of immersion, of being trapped within an interactive nightmare, and this has proven irresistible to players and developers since the industry began. Some have faded with time - you're unlikely to shiver with terror at the sight of 1987 Spectrum adventure Jack the Ripper, the first game to receive an 18 certificate thanks to its "gory" visuals. But many classic horror titles still leave us cowering helplessly behind our joypads.

Here then are 13 unforgettably terrifying video game moments. Feel free to add your own chilling favourites in the comments section.