Welcome to the world of survival horror, where fear and adrenaline collide to create an unforgettable gaming experience. But what exactly counts as survival horror? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the genre and explore its defining characteristics, from haunting soundtracks to terrifying monsters and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of survival horror, this guide has something for everyone. So buckle up, and get ready to discover what makes this genre so uniquely terrifying.
What is Survival Horror?
Origins of the Genre
The survival horror genre can trace its roots back to the early days of video games, with some of the first titles that laid the groundwork for the genre emerging in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of the earliest examples of a survival horror game is the 1987 title, “Haunted House,” which was developed by Konami and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
In the years that followed, a number of other titles would emerge that helped to shape the genre, including “Alone in the Dark” (1992), “Resident Evil” (1996), and “Silent Hill” (1999). These games introduced a number of key elements that would become synonymous with the survival horror genre, including a focus on exploration, resource management, and the use of fear and tension to create a sense of suspense and unease.
As the genre continued to evolve, new mechanics and gameplay elements were introduced, such as inventory management, puzzle-solving, and combat systems. These new additions helped to expand the possibilities of the genre and allowed developers to create more complex and engaging experiences for players.
Despite the many changes and innovations that have occurred within the genre over the years, the core principles of survival horror have remained relatively consistent. At its core, the genre is defined by its focus on creating a sense of fear and unease in the player, often through the use of atmospheric music, sound effects, and visuals, as well as through the introduction of frightening and often otherworldly enemies.
Characteristics of Survival Horror
- Atmosphere: The game should have a dark and eerie atmosphere, with an emphasis on fear and tension.
- Resource Management: The player must conserve resources such as health, ammunition, and supplies to survive.
- Puzzle Solving: The player must solve puzzles to progress in the game, often using found objects or clues.
- Enemy Encounters: The player must confront and evade or defeat hostile creatures or humans.
- Exploration: The player must explore the environment to find clues, items, and information.
- Story: The game should have a compelling narrative that draws the player in and keeps them engaged.
- Replay Value: The game should have multiple endings or paths, encouraging the player to replay the game to experience different outcomes.
Differences Between Survival Horror and Other Genres
While Survival Horror shares some similarities with other genres, there are distinct differences that set it apart.
- Cinematic Influences: Unlike other horror genres, Survival Horror draws heavily from cinema. It borrows techniques from suspense and psychological horror films, such as tension-building, atmosphere, and jump scares. This influence can be seen in the emphasis on storytelling, character development, and visual presentation in Survival Horror games.
- Player Agency: In Survival Horror, the player is given a high degree of agency in shaping the narrative. They are often placed in the role of a vulnerable protagonist, and their choices directly impact the outcome of the game. This contrasts with other genres, where the player’s role may be more passive or focused on combat.
- Atmosphere and Tension: Survival Horror relies heavily on creating a foreboding atmosphere and maintaining a sense of dread throughout the game. It often employs elements such as limited resources, constant danger, and an oppressive environment to create tension. This sets it apart from other horror genres, which may focus more on action or combat.
- Puzzle-Solving: Survival Horror often incorporates puzzle-solving elements, requiring players to explore their surroundings, collect clues, and use their wits to overcome obstacles. This adds an additional layer of challenge and immersion, distinguishing it from other horror genres that may rely more on combat or exploration.
- Emphasis on Storytelling: Survival Horror games often place a strong emphasis on storytelling, with complex narratives and well-developed characters. This sets it apart from other horror genres, which may focus more on gameplay mechanics or setting.
Overall, while Survival Horror shares some similarities with other horror genres, its unique blend of cinematic influences, player agency, atmosphere and tension, puzzle-solving, and emphasis on storytelling make it a distinct subgenre within the broader horror category.
Notable Survival Horror Games
Early Survival Horror Games
Alone in the Dark (1992)
Alone in the Dark, developed by Infogrames and published in 1992, is considered one of the first survival horror games. It was released for PC and later ported to various consoles. The game’s story follows the protagonist, a man named Dan, as he explores a haunted mansion filled with supernatural creatures and traps. The player must navigate through the mansion, solve puzzles, and battle enemies while uncovering the dark secrets of the house.
Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil, also known as Biohazard in Japan, was developed and published by Capcom in 1996. The game revolutionized the survival horror genre and established many of its conventions. It is set in a mansion infested with zombies and other undead creatures, where players control characters such as police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield. The game features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with a focus on resource management and survival.
Silent Hill (1999)
Silent Hill, developed by Konami and published in 1999, is another influential survival horror game. The story follows Harry Mason as he searches for his missing daughter in the eponymous town, which is plagued by a supernatural otherworld. The game features a mix of psychological horror and traditional survival horror elements, with a focus on atmosphere and puzzle-solving. Silent Hill has since spawned several sequels and spin-offs, cementing its status as a classic in the genre.
Modern Survival Horror Games
- Resident Evil series (Capcom, 1996 – present)
- The original Resident Evil game introduced the concept of fixed camera angles and limited inventory management, creating a sense of vulnerability for the player.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) refined the formula, introducing a more cinematic storytelling approach and further polishing the gameplay mechanics.
- The series has since evolved, incorporating elements of action and cooperative multiplayer in later installments.
- Silent Hill series (Konami, 1999 – 2012)
- The first Silent Hill game utilized a unique mix of psychological horror and puzzle-solving, creating an unsettling atmosphere through its otherworldly setting and eerie soundtrack.
- Silent Hill 2 (2001) is often considered a masterpiece, delving deeper into the characters’ psyches and presenting a more mature narrative.
- The series took a darker turn with Silent Hill 3 (2003), introducing a new protagonist and a more violent storyline.
- Fatal Frame series (Tecmo, 2001 – 2014)
- This series, also known as Project Zero in Europe, focuses on the use of a Camera Obscura, which captures ghosts’ spirits and banishes them.
- The original Fatal Frame introduced a unique combat system, where players had to take photos of ghosts to damage them, and presented a haunting, atmospheric environment.
- Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003) expanded on the series’ mythology and improved the combat mechanics, while later installments explored multiplayer and more supernatural elements.
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Frictional Games, 2010) and its sequels
- This series, which began with Amnesia: The Dark Descent, is known for its intense psychological horror and emphasis on immersive gameplay mechanics, such as a unique sanity system that affected the player’s ability to navigate the environment.
- Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (2013) took a different approach, focusing on an industrial setting and introducing more grotesque monsters.
- The series continued with Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010) and its sequels, further refining the gameplay mechanics and delving deeper into the narrative.
- Outlast series (Red Barrels, 2013 – 2017)
- This series, which began with Outlast, is known for its emphasis on stealth and survival mechanics, as players take on the role of a journalist investigating a mysterious asylum.
- Outlast 2 (2017) expanded on the series’ mythology and added new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to distract enemies.
- The series concluded with Outlast: Trinity (2018), a compilation of the first two games and their DLCs.
Indie Survival Horror Games
Atmospheric Indie Games
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent: A first-person survival horror game set in the 19th century, where players take on the role of a man with amnesia who must explore an eerie castle to uncover the truth behind his past.
- Layers of Fear: A psychological horror game where players navigate an old cruise ship as an actor, slowly unraveling their sanity while uncovering the mysteries of the ship.
- Outlast: A first-person survival horror game where players take on the role of a journalist investigating a mysterious asylum, relying on stealth and hide-and-seek mechanics to evade the malevolent inhabitants.
Psychological Indie Games
- The Silent Age: A point-and-click adventure game set in a dystopian future, where players navigate a world plagued by a mysterious illness, uncovering the truth behind the society’s decay.
- Lone Survivor: A side-scrolling survival horror game where players control a lonely survivor of a post-apocalyptic world, scavenging for supplies and avoiding hostile creatures.
- Gone Home: A first-person exploration game where players return to their family home, only to find it abandoned and filled with mysterious occurrences.
Cosmic Indie Games
- Furi: A fast-paced action game where players battle through a series of challenging boss fights, each representing a unique cosmic entity.
- Antichamber: A first-person puzzle game that challenges players to navigate a series of surreal, mind-bending environments, where reality itself is twisted and warped.
- The Talos Principle: A first-person puzzle game that explores philosophical themes, as players solve increasingly complex puzzles within a mysterious, ancient world.
These indie survival horror games often push the boundaries of the genre, incorporating unique themes and mechanics that distinguish them from their mainstream counterparts.
The Appeal of Survival Horror
Themes in Survival Horror
Survival horror games are known for their ability to create a sense of dread and tension in players. This is achieved through a combination of atmospheric music, creepy sound effects, and dark, claustrophobic environments. But beyond the purely sensory aspects of the genre, survival horror also explores a number of themes that have made it a favorite among gamers.
One of the most common themes in survival horror is the concept of vulnerability. These games often place players in the role of a weak, defenseless character who must rely on their wits and resourcefulness to survive. This vulnerability creates a sense of danger and urgency that keeps players on edge, as they must constantly be aware of their surroundings and make difficult decisions in order to stay alive.
Another theme that is often explored in survival horror is the struggle against a powerful, malevolent force. Whether it’s a terrifying monster or a sinister villain, these games typically feature an antagonist that is much stronger and more powerful than the player character. This creates a sense of powerlessness and desperation, as players must find ways to outsmart and overcome their foes in order to survive.
Finally, survival horror games often explore the human psyche and the darker aspects of the human experience. These games may delve into themes such as insanity, paranoia, and the fear of death, using them to create a sense of psychological horror that is just as effective as the more traditional jump scares and gore. By exploring these dark themes, survival horror games are able to create a unique and immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Mechanics That Enhance the Experience
Survival horror games are known for their ability to create a sense of fear and tension in players. This is largely due to the gameplay mechanics that are specifically designed to enhance the experience. Some of the most effective mechanics include:
Limited Resources
One of the most common mechanics in survival horror games is the limited resources. This can include things like ammunition, health items, and even light sources. By limiting the player’s resources, the game creates a sense of scarcity that can be quite unnerving. It also forces the player to make difficult decisions about how to conserve resources and when to use them.
Puzzles
Puzzles are another staple of the survival horror genre. These puzzles often require the player to think creatively and use their surroundings to solve them. This can be a great way to break up the gameplay and add a sense of variety to the experience. However, puzzles can also be frustrating for players, especially if they are too difficult or not well-clued.
Enemies
Enemies are perhaps the most iconic element of survival horror games. These enemies are often grotesque and frightening, and they are designed to stalk the player and kill them if they can. The way that enemies are implemented can have a big impact on the overall experience. For example, enemies that are fast and aggressive can create a sense of urgency and danger, while enemies that are slow and lumbering can create a sense of dread and anticipation.
Atmosphere
Finally, atmosphere is a crucial element of survival horror games. This can include things like lighting, sound effects, and even the overall design of the game world. By creating a sense of atmosphere, the game can immerse the player in the experience and make them feel like they are truly in a frightening and dangerous world. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as using creepy music, creating eerie environments, and even using jump scares to startle the player.
The Challenge of Survival Horror
The challenge of survival horror lies in its ability to create a sense of tension and fear in players, making them feel vulnerable and helpless. This is achieved through a combination of elements such as atmosphere, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics.
One of the main challenges in survival horror games is managing limited resources, such as health, ammunition, and tools. Players must conserve these resources carefully, as they may not have access to them for long periods of time. This creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as players must make difficult decisions about how to use these resources in order to survive.
Another challenge is navigating through a hostile environment, where players must avoid being detected by enemies or traps. This requires careful planning and quick reflexes, as players must use stealth and evasion tactics to avoid being caught. In some cases, players may even have to hide from enemies, using objects in the environment to conceal themselves and avoid detection.
The enemy AI in survival horror games is also a significant challenge, as they are often designed to be relentless and aggressive. Players must learn the patterns and behaviors of enemies in order to evade them or defeat them. This requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and the ability to think quickly on one’s feet.
Finally, the psychological aspects of survival horror games can be a significant challenge as well. The games often use elements of horror and suspense to create a sense of fear and unease in players. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, as players must confront their own fears and insecurities in order to progress through the game.
Overall, the challenge of survival horror games is what sets them apart from other genres, and what makes them so appealing to players. Whether it’s managing limited resources, navigating through a hostile environment, or confronting one’s own fears, survival horror games offer a unique and intense gaming experience that few other genres can match.
The Future of Survival Horror
Trends in the Genre
Evolution of the Genre
- In recent years, survival horror has evolved to incorporate elements from other genres such as action, adventure, and even RPGs.
- This has led to a more dynamic and immersive experience for players, with greater emphasis on exploration and combat.
Virtual Reality
- The emergence of virtual reality technology has the potential to revolutionize the survival horror genre.
- VR games offer a level of immersion previously unattainable, with players able to experience fear and tension in a more visceral way.
Increased Focus on Storytelling
- As the gaming industry continues to mature, there is a growing emphasis on storytelling and character development in survival horror games.
- This has led to more complex and nuanced narratives, with players being forced to make difficult moral choices that impact the outcome of the game.
Horror Subgenres
- The survival horror genre is expanding to include new subgenres, such as psychological horror and cosmic horror.
- These subgenres offer unique gameplay experiences and explore different aspects of fear and terror.
Multiplayer Experiences
- The rise of multiplayer gaming has led to the development of cooperative survival horror games, where players must work together to survive against the horrors that await them.
- This has also led to a greater focus on social dynamics and teamwork within the genre.
Predictions for the Future of Survival Horror
The survival horror genre has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, and it has come a long way since its inception. From the early days of games like Alone in the Dark and Resident Evil, the genre has evolved and grown in popularity, and it continues to be a beloved genre among gamers. So what does the future hold for survival horror? Here are some predictions for the genre’s future.
- Increased focus on psychological horror: As the gaming industry continues to mature, it’s likely that survival horror games will focus more on psychological horror rather than just relying on jump scares and gore. This means that players will be more likely to experience a sense of dread and fear as they play, rather than just being startled by unexpected events.
- More diverse cast of characters: In recent years, there has been a push for greater diversity in the gaming industry, and this is likely to continue in the future. It’s possible that we will see more survival horror games featuring diverse casts of characters, including people of color, LGBTQ+ characters, and characters with disabilities.
- Greater emphasis on player choice: One of the defining features of survival horror games is the sense of vulnerability and powerlessness that players feel. However, some players may find this frustrating, as it can feel like they have no control over the events of the game. In the future, it’s possible that we will see more survival horror games that give players more agency and allow them to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
- Virtual reality integration: As virtual reality technology continues to improve, it’s possible that we will see more survival horror games that are designed to be played in VR. This would allow players to experience the terror of survival horror in a more immersive way, and could potentially make the genre even more terrifying.
- Collaborative survival horror: Another trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is collaborative gaming, where players work together to achieve a common goal. In the future, it’s possible that we will see more survival horror games that are designed to be played with others, either online or in person. This could create a new level of terror as players must work together to survive against the horrors that await them.
FAQs
1. What is survival horror?
Survival horror is a subgenre of horror video games that emphasizes on the survival of the main character, often a protagonist, in a terrifying and dangerous environment. The gameplay often involves exploration, puzzle-solving, and avoiding or defeating monsters or other hostile creatures. The main focus of the game is usually on survival, rather than action or combat.
2. What are some common elements in survival horror games?
Common elements in survival horror games include a dark and eerie atmosphere, a protagonist who is vulnerable and weak, limited resources such as ammunition or health items, and a sense of danger and fear that is present throughout the game. Many survival horror games also feature jump scares, where the player is suddenly surprised by a monster or other frightening event. Additionally, many survival horror games have a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development, with the player often uncovering a larger mystery or plot as they progress through the game.
3. What are some popular survival horror games?
Some popular survival horror games include the Resident Evil series, Silent Hill series, Fatal Frame series, and Alien Isolation. These games are known for their atmospheric environments, terrifying enemies, and suspenseful gameplay. Other notable survival horror games include Outlast, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and The Last of Us.
4. What makes a game a survival horror game?
A game can be considered a survival horror game if it includes the elements mentioned above, such as a dark and eerie atmosphere, a vulnerable protagonist, limited resources, and a sense of danger and fear. Additionally, the game should focus on survival rather than action or combat, and the player should be forced to use strategy and cunning to survive. Some games may blur the lines between survival horror and other genres, such as action or adventure, but if they include enough of the above elements, they can still be considered survival horror games.
5. Are there any other subgenres of horror games?
Yes, there are many subgenres of horror games, including slasher games, which focus on violence and gore, and psychological horror games, which focus on mental terror and the human psyche. Other subgenres include cosmic horror, which deals with ancient and otherworldly forces, and Lovecraftian horror, which draws inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. These subgenres each have their own unique elements and gameplay mechanics, and players may prefer one subgenre over another depending on their personal preferences.