Horror can be a tough genre. In literature a poorly written horror scene can just fall flat, while in the movies it can become unintentionally hilarious if done improperly. In the case of games though, the sins can range from an over saturated gore-fest all the way to utter boredom. So what do the best Survival Horror games rely upon to create the spine chilling experiences we know and love?
Atmosphere
A constant feeling of claustrophobia is also very important. Even in relatively wide open spaces in these games there is usually a sense that there is no where to escape to in case the worst happens. More often than not though, your character is constantly moving from small room to tight corridor with not a great many options left open to you if the worst happens.
There really is very little else needed. Blood and gore is fine as a trope of the genre, but that is not where the terror comes from when you play these games. In the end a decorative corpse just blends into the background for your average horror player... Unless it's something truly horrific.
Sound
There's something scary on a primal level in regards to some of the sounds you can get in horror games. A properly recorded scream from a victim or howling demonic creature can truly give you an unsettled night. Regardless of the effect the developers are looking for though, sound is a key ingredient in creating a truly creepy game.
Though it isn't a part of the genre in the strictest sense, I am always mindful of the work in Half Life 2's Ravenholme level. In general there are only three particular sounds to listen out for: the soft wailing of your typical head-crab victim, the screeching of the fast headcrab predators, and the insidious rattlesnake sound of the venom headcrabs. For at least forty minutes these are the only sounds you are greeted to around every corner, and with plenty of nooks and crannies to the level, you're never quite sure whether you are safe, or if you should be running away as fast as possible.
In any event, this is a case where less is more. The simple sound of your characters foot steps as they traverse the gaming world, along with an assortment of screams, moans and wails from the demonic creatures that follow you are enough to keep you preoccupied.
Survival
In truth, no horror game worth its salt will give you an easy ride through any of its terrors. No matter what subject matter it presents, or tools it gives you for defence, there should never be a sense that things will turn out all right in the end. Every scrap of equipment must be treated like pure gold as you make your way through the game. In the end though, you always find that what you do find is never quite enough to protect you.
Where to start?
If you want to look further back though then you still get a great experience while playing Silent Hill or Resident Evil. For me these two games remain quintessential experiences in gaming, even in their pixelated glory. In fact I remain of the opinion that the limited graphical capabilities of the day even enhance the experience. The fact that you can not always tell in the greatest of detail what it is you are facing means that your own imagination is forced to fill in the blanks and create something more horrifying than could be produced otherwise.
In the end this is a genre that does ninety percent of its work in your own brain, as the very best will turn the most reasonable, rational mind into a mad, gibbering wreck by the end of the third hour. The proof of insanity after this, is merely the fact that the gamer will always come back for more.
Do You Like Scary Games?
Has a game ever kept you up at night, like a child afraid of the dark?
We'd love to know what your favourite survival horror game is.
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