Horror Games: A Guide for Beginners
Horror games are video games that feature scary themes, characters, and settings. They are designed to frighten and thrill the player, and often use elements of suspense, mystery, and gore. Horror games can be divided into different subgenres, such as survival horror, action horror, psychological horror, and jump scare horror. Each subgenre has its own style, mechanics, and challenges.
If you are curious about horror games and want to learn more about them, this article will give you a brief introduction to the genre. You will discover the history of horror games, the main subgenres of horror games, the benefits of playing horror games, and some tips on how to play horror games. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what makes horror games so appealing and terrifying.
horror game
History
The origins of horror games can be traced back to earlier horror fiction. Archetypes have been linked to the books of H. P. Lovecraft, which include investigative narratives, or journeys through the depths.
The first title to inspire sweaty palms turned to an unconventional figure to inspire horror: a Tyrannosaurus rex (that chubby little chap on the cover). Built by the UK team of designer J. K. Greye and programmer Malcolm Evans in 1982, 3D Monster Maze saw players dropped into a randomly generated maze that contained the terrible lizard. Limited to a first-person view, as the player moved about the maze, the T. rex would begin to hunt them down.
One of the best-defined and most common types of horror games are survival horror games. These games tend to focus on the survival of the player-character in a horror setting with limited resources, and thus tend to be more geared as an action game or action-adventure game. The Resident Evil series coined the term and serves as the prime example of such games, though key conventions of the subgenre preceded the Resident Evil series. Other notable survival horror series include Alone in the Dark , Clock Tower , Fatal Frame , and Parasite Eve .
Horror games have been evolving and expanding over the years, incorporating new technologies, platforms, and genres. Some of the most influential and acclaimed titles in recent years include Silent Hill 2 , Amnesia: The Dark Descent , Outlast , Alien: Isolation , The Evil Within , Until Dawn , P.T., Resident Evil 7 , The Medium , Layers of Fear , Observer , Blair Witch , Stories Untold , Visage , Dead Space , The Last of Us , The House of the Dead , Five Nights at Freddy's , Doki Doki Literature Club , Soma , and Observer .
Subgenres
Survival Horror
Survival horror is one of the most popular and well-known subgenres of horror games. Survival horror games focus on the survival of the player in a hostile environment with limited resources, such as health, ammo, weapons, and items. The player often has to deal with enemies, puzzles, traps, and environmental hazards, while managing their inventory and health. Survival horror games usually have a strong narrative and atmosphere, and often feature elements of mystery, exploration, and psychological horror. Some of the most famous survival horror games are Resident Evil , Silent Hill , Fatal Frame , Dead Space , The Evil Within , and The Last of Us .
Action Horror
Action horror is a subgenre of horror games that combines horror elements with fast-paced combat and shooting. Action horror games tend to emphasize action over survival, and often feature more enemies, weapons, and explosions than survival horror games. Action horror games usually have a linear and cinematic gameplay, and often use scripted events and quick-time events to create tension and excitement. Some of the most notable action horror games are Doom , Left 4 Dead , Resident Evil 4 , Dead Rising , F.E.A.R. , BioShock , Dying Light , and Resident Evil 2 .
* Alien: Isolation
* Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
* Anatomy
* Dead by Daylight
* Detention
* Doki Doki Literature Club
* Echo
* IMSCARED: A Pixelated Nightmare
* Layers of Fear
* Observer
* Outlast
* Phasmophobia
* Prey
* Resident Evil 2 Remake
* SOMA
* Stories Untold
* The Cat Lady
* The Evil Within 2
* Until Dawn
* Visage
* Blair Witch
* Darkwood
* Five Nights at Freddy's
* Little Nightmares
* Silent Hill 2
* The Forest
* The Last of Us Part II
* The Walking Dead: Season One
* Bloodborne
* Condemned: Criminal Origins
* Dead Space 2
* Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
* Inside
* Limbo
* P.T.
* Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
* Siren: Blood Curse
* The Suffering
* Alan Wake
* Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea Episode 2
* Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
* Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
* F.E.A.R.
* Manhunt 2
* Penumbra: Black Plague
* Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
* System Shock 2
* The Medium
Psychological Horror
Psychological horror is a subgenre of horror games that scare the player through mental, emotional, or psychological states. Psychological horror games tend to rely on atmosphere, story, and character development rather than gore or violence. Psychological horror games often use themes such as insanity, paranoia, trauma, guilt, identity, memory, and perception to create fear and confusion in the player. Psychological horror games usually have a nonlinear and ambiguous gameplay, and often use surrealism, symbolism, and metafiction to challenge the player's reality and expectations. Some of the most acclaimed psychological horror games are Silent Hill 2 , Amnesia: The Dark Descent , Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem , Soma , Layers of Fear , Observer , Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice , and Doki Doki Literature Club .
Jump Scare Horror
Jump scare horror is a subgenre of horror games that rely on sudden and unexpected scares to shock the player. Jump scare horror games tend to use loud noises, flashing images, pop-up enemies, or other startling stimuli to trigger the player's fear response. Jump scare horror games usually have a simple and straightforward gameplay, and often use found footage, webcam, or first-person perspective to create immersion and vulnerability in the player. Jump scare horror games are often criticized for being cheap or lazy, but they can also be effective and fun if done well. Some of the most popular jump scare horror games are Five Nights at Freddy's , Outlast , Slender: The Eight Pages , P.T., Until Dawn , Resident Evil 7 , The House of the Dead , and Alien: Isolation . ^37^^38^^39^^40^^41^^42^^43^^44^^45^^46^^47^^48^^49^^50^^51^^52^^53^^54^^55^^56^^57^^58^^59^^60^^61^^62^^63^^64^^65^^66^^67^^68^^69
Benefits
Why play horror games? You might think that playing horror games is only for masochists who enjoy being scared or stressed out. However, there are actually some benefits of playing horror games that you might not be aware of. Here are some of them:
Horror games can improve your mood. According to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, playing violent or scary video games can reduce anger and aggression by providing a safe outlet for negative emotions. Playing horror games can also increase positive emotions such as excitement, curiosity, and satisfaction by overcoming challenges and fears. [70]
Horror games can enhance your cognition. According to a study by researchers at the University of Montreal, playing action video games can improve various cognitive skills such as attention, memory, spatial awareness, and decision making. Playing horror games can also stimulate your brain activity by activating different regions such as the amygdala (fear), the hippocampus (memory), and the prefrontal cortex (planning). [71]
Hor ror games can boost your immunity. According to a study by researchers at Coventry University, playing horror video games can increase the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections and diseases. Playing horror games can also reduce the levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone that can weaken the immune system. [72]
Horror games can make you more resilient. According to a study by researchers at the University of Oxford, playing horror video games can help you cope with stressful or traumatic situations by increasing your sense of control, mastery, and self-efficacy. Playing horror games can also help you develop emotional regulation, empathy, and social support by sharing your experiences with others. [73]
Of course, playing horror games is not for everyone, and it can also have some negative effects if done excessively or improperly. Some of the drawbacks of playing horror games are:
Horror games can cause anxiety and insomnia. According to a study by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, playing horror video games can induce physiological arousal, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance, which can interfere with sleep quality and duration. Playing horror games can also trigger psychological distress, such as nightmares, flashbacks, and phobias, which can affect your mental health and well-being. [74]
Horror games can desensitize you to violence and suffering. According to a study by researchers at the University of Michigan, playing violent or scary video games can reduce your sensitivity to real-life violence and suffering by decreasing your emotional response, moral judgment, and empathy. Playing horror games can also increase your aggression and hostility by activating your fight-or-flight response and priming you for conflict. [75]
Horror games can be addictive and harmful. According to a study by researchers at the University of Bergen, playing video games excessively or compulsively can lead to addiction and harmful consequences, such as neglecting other aspects of life, losing control over time and money, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and developing physical and mental health problems. Playing horror games can also expose you to inappropriate or harmful content, such as graphic violence, gore, sexual themes, or disturbing imagery, which can affect your mood and behavior. [76]
Therefore, it is important to play horror games in moderation and with caution. You should also be aware of your own preferences, limits, and reactions when playing horror games, and avoid playing them if they make you uncomfortable or unhappy.
Tips
How to play horror games? If you are new to horror games or want to improve your skills and enjoyment in playing them, here are some useful tips that might help you:
Choose the right game for you. There are many types of horror games available on different platforms and genres. You should choose a game that suits your taste, interest, and level of experience. You can read reviews, watch trailers, or try demos before buying or downloading a game. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or online communities who share your passion for horror games.
Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Playing horror games can be physically and mentally demanding. You should make sure that you are in a good condition before playing them. You should avoid playing them if you are tired, sick, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should also set a reasonable time limit for playing them and take breaks regularly.
Create the right atmosphere. Playing horror games can be more immersive and scary if you create the right atmosphere for them. You should play them in a dark room with minimal distractions and noises. You should also use headphones or speakers to enhance the sound effects and music of the game. You should also adjust the brightness and volume settings of the game to suit your preference.
Play with others or alone. Playing horror games can be more fun and less scary if you play with others. You can play co-op or multiplayer modes with your friends or online strangers who can help you or compete with you in the game. You can also stream your gameplay or watch others play online to share your reactions and comments with other viewers. However, if you want to challenge yourself or experience the full terror of the game, you can also play alone.
Enjoy the game as it is. Playing horror games can be more rewarding if you enjoy them as they are. You should not cheat or skip parts of the game that are too hard or scary for you. You should also not spoil yourself by looking up walkthroughs or guides online unless you are really stuck or curious. You should also not take the game too seriously or personally. You should remember that it is just a game designed to entertain and scare you.
Conclusion
Horror games are video games that feature scary themes, characters, and settings. They are designed to frighten and thrill the player, and often use elements of suspense, mystery, and gore. Horror games can be divided into different subgenres, such as survival horror, action horror, psychological horror, and jump scare horror. Each subgenre has its own style, mechanics, and challenges.
Playing horror games can have some benefits, such as improving your mood, enhancing your cognition, boosting your immunity, and making you more resilient. However, playing horror games can also have some drawbacks, such as causing anxiety and insomnia, desensitizing you to violence and suffering, and being addictive and harmful. Therefore, it is important to play horror games in moderation and with caution.
If you want to play horror games, you should choose the right game for you, prepare yourself mentally and physically, create the right atmosphere, play with others or alone, and enjoy the game as it is. By following these tips, you can have a better experience and enjoyment in playing horror games.
Horror games are a fascinating and diverse genre of video games that can offer you a lot of excitement, challenge, and fun. Whether you are a fan of horror games or a newcomer to the genre, there is a game out there for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller or keyboard and enter the world of horror games!
FAQs
What are some of the best horror games of all time?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different players may have different preferences and opinions. However, some of the most critically acclaimed and popular horror games of all time include Silent Hill 2 , Resident Evil 4 , Amnesia: The Dark Descent , Outlast , Alien: Isolation , The Evil Within , Until Dawn , P.T., Resident Evil 7 , The Medium , Layers of Fear , Observer , Blair Witch , Stories Untold , Visage , Dead Space , The Last of Us , The House of the Dead , Five Nights at Freddy's , Doki Doki Literature Club , Soma , and Observer .
How do I overcome my fear of playing horror games?
There is no easy way to overcome your fear of playing horror games, as fear is a natural and normal emotion that can vary from person to person. However, some possible ways to cope with your fear are:
Remind yourself that it is just a game and that nothing can harm you in real life.
Play with someone else who can support you or distract you from the scary parts.
Adjust the settings of the game to make it less scary, such as lowering the difficulty, brightness, or volume.
Take breaks frequently and do something relaxing or enjoyable in between.
Avoid playing at night or in a dark room.
Seek professional help if your fear becomes too severe or interferes with your daily life.
What are some of the common tropes and clichés in horror games?
Some of the common tropes and clichés in horror games are:
The protagonist is an ordinary person who gets involved in a horrific situation by accident or curiosity.
The antagonist is a supernatural or monstrous entity that is invincible or unstoppable.
The setting is an isolated or abandoned place that is dark, dirty, and decrepit.
The gameplay involves finding clues, solving puzzles, hiding from enemies, or fighting them with limited weapons.
The story involves a mystery, a twist, or a revelation that explains the origin or motive of the horror.
The scares involve jump scares, gore, body horror, psychological horror, or disturbing imagery.
What are some of the upcoming horror games in 2023?
Some of the upcoming horror games in 2023 are:
The Callisto Protocol : A sci-fi survival horror game set in a prison colony on Jupiter's moon Callisto. Developed by Striking Distance Studios and led by Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space .
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 : A post-apocalyptic open-world shooter game set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Developed by GSC Game World and featuring a nonlinear story, immersive simulation, and dynamic events.
The Outlast Trials : A co-op survival horror game set in the Cold War era. Developed by Red Barrels and featuring four-player co-op mode, VR support, and new gameplay mechanics.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 : A role-playing game set in the World of Darkness universe. Developed by Hardsuit Labs and Paradox Interactive and featuring a branching narrative, a reactive world, and a diverse cast of characters.
Resident Evil Village : A survival horror game and the eighth main installment in the Resident Evil series. Developed by Capcom and featuring a first-person perspective, a rural European setting, and the return of Ethan Winters and Chris Redfield.
The Medium : A psychological horror game and the first next-gen exclusive title for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Developed by Bloober Team and featuring a dual-reality gameplay, a dark and twisted story, and an original soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski.
What are some of the best horror games for VR?
Some of the best horror games for VR are:
Resident Evil 7 : A survival horror game that can be played entirely in VR mode on PlayStation VR. The game puts you in the shoes of Ethan Winters, who is searching for his missing wife in a derelict plantation inhabited by a twisted family.
Alien: Isolation : A survival horror game that can be played in VR mode on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The game follows Amanda Ripley, who is trying to survive on a space station infested by a deadly alien creature.
The Exorcist: Legion VR : A episodic horror game that can be played on various VR platforms. The game casts you as a detective who has to investigate and exorcise demonic forces in different locations.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted : A collection of mini-games based on the popular horror franchise. The game can be played on PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, and HTC Vive. The game challenges you to survive the night in various scenarios involving animatronic characters.
Until Dawn: Rush of Blood : A spin-off of the horror game Until Dawn. The game can be played on PlayStation VR. The game is a rail shooter that takes you on a roller coaster ride through a haunted carnival.
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