The world of video games has come a long way since its inception, and the genre of survival horror games has played a significant role in its evolution. These games are designed to evoke fear and terror in players, pushing them to the edge of their seats with heart-pounding gameplay and spine-chilling storylines. But the question remains, what is the first scary game? Join us as we explore the history of survival horror games, from their humble beginnings to the modern fear-inducing experiences that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. Get ready to be scared, as we delve into the evolution of survival horror games.
The Origins of Survival Horror Games
Early Influences and Pioneers
Atari’s Haunted House (1982)
Atari’s Haunted House, released in 1982, was one of the earliest examples of a survival horror game. The game was developed and published by Atari for the Atari 2600 console and was later ported to other platforms. Players controlled a character who navigated a haunted house, avoiding ghosts and other supernatural creatures while collecting objects and keys to progress through the levels. The game featured a first-person perspective and was known for its spooky atmosphere and creepy sound effects.
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, released in 1988, was another influential survival horror game that helped shape the genre. The game was developed by Accolade and published by MECC for various home computers and consoles. Players controlled Elvira, the titular character, as she explored a haunted mansion and solved puzzles while facing supernatural enemies and traps. The game featured a combination of horror and humor, with Elvira’s witty one-liners and campy dialogue adding to the overall experience.
Alone in the Dark (1992)
Alone in the Dark, released in 1992, is often considered a pioneer of the survival horror genre. The game was developed by Infogrames and published for the PC and various consoles. Players controlled a character who explored a haunted mansion, solving puzzles and fighting supernatural enemies using weapons and items. The game featured a cinematic storyline and realistic graphics for its time, creating a immersive and terrifying atmosphere. Alone in the Dark also introduced the concept of character development and interaction, allowing players to control different characters with unique abilities and skills.
The Rise of Resident Evil
Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil, developed and published by Capcom, marked the beginning of the survival horror genre in 1996. The game’s story follows the tale of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team, a group of elite police officers who find themselves trapped in a mysterious mansion filled with zombies and other monstrous creatures. Players control either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine as they navigate the mansion, solve puzzles, and battle the undead in a bid to uncover the truth behind the mansion’s sinister secrets.
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Two years after the release of the original Resident Evil, Capcom released its highly anticipated sequel, Resident Evil 2, in 1998. The game introduced new characters, including rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield, who find themselves caught up in a zombie outbreak in the fictional Raccoon City. With improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, Resident Evil 2 expanded on the formula established by its predecessor, offering a more refined and terrifying experience for players.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
In 1999, Capcom continued the Resident Evil series with the release of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Set before and after the events of Resident Evil 2, the game follows protagonist Jill Valentine as she navigates the streets of Raccoon City, desperately trying to escape the clutches of the powerful and relentless Nemesis creature. Nemesis introduced a more action-oriented gameplay style, incorporating elements of survival horror with light puzzle-solving and combat mechanics. This change in direction set the stage for the evolution of the survival horror genre, with subsequent games focusing more on action and exploration than the slower, more deliberate pace of the earlier titles.
Silent Hill: Bringing Psychological Horror to the Forefront
Silent Hill (1999)
In 1999, Konami released the first installment of the critically acclaimed Silent Hill series, titled simply “Silent Hill.” The game was developed by Team Silent, a group within Konami responsible for creating the series. “Silent Hill” was directed by Keiichiro Toyama, who later went on to create the equally renowned “Cloverfield” series.
“Silent Hill” introduced players to the haunted town of Silent Hill, where the main character, Harry Mason, searches for his missing daughter, Cheryl. The game’s story is a psychological horror that explores themes of guilt, grief, and the search for truth.
One of the most striking aspects of “Silent Hill” was its unique blend of survival horror and puzzle-solving gameplay. Players were required to explore the town, uncover clues, and solve puzzles to progress through the story. This approach to gameplay helped set the stage for future survival horror games.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
Two years after the release of the first game, Team Silent returned with “Silent Hill 2,” which expanded upon the formula established in the original game. The story of “Silent Hill 2” follows James Sunderland as he searches for his deceased wife, Mary, in the haunted town.
The game’s story was a major focus, with the player’s actions affecting the outcome of the narrative. “Silent Hill 2” also introduced a new enemy, the Pyramid Head, which has since become an iconic symbol of the series.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka, was also a standout feature. The haunting melodies and atmospheric noises created a tense and unsettling environment, further enhancing the game’s psychological horror elements.
Silent Hill 3 (2003)
The third installment in the series, “Silent Hill 3,” shifted the focus to a new protagonist, Heather Mason, who was revealed to be the daughter of James Sunderland from a different timeline. The game’s story was set seven years after the events of “Silent Hill 2” and explored themes of identity and self-discovery.
“Silent Hill 3” continued to refine the gameplay mechanics of the series, introducing new enemies and weapons for players to use. The game also featured a more linear structure, which made it easier for players to progress through the story.
The game’s most memorable moment came in the form of the iconic boss battle against the twisted, naked cultists, which culminated in a confrontation with the Goddess of Love. This battle showcased the series’ unique blend of horror and surrealism, which would become a staple of survival horror games in the years to come.
Modern Survival Horror Games: Expanding the Genre
The Shift to Open-World Horror
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, marked a significant shift in the survival horror genre. While previous Resident Evil games followed a linear storyline, Resident Evil 4 introduced an open-world environment that allowed players to explore and interact with the game world in a more dynamic way. This new approach provided players with a greater sense of freedom and autonomy, which enhanced the overall immersion and experience of the game.
Until Dawn (2015)
Until Dawn, released in 2015, continued the trend of open-world horror games. The game was designed as a interactive horror movie, with players taking on the role of various characters who were trapped in a remote mountain lodge and had to survive until dawn. The game featured a branching storyline, where player choices had a direct impact on the outcome of the story. This added a new level of replayability and increased the overall replay value of the game.
The Last of Us Part II (2020)
The Last of Us Part II, released in 2020, is an example of a game that combines the best of both worlds: a linear storyline and an open-world environment. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where players control characters who must navigate through the ruins of a once-great city. The game features a non-linear storyline, with players able to explore the game world at their own pace and discover hidden secrets and collectibles. At the same time, the game also has a strong emphasis on character development and storytelling, making it a standout example of the modern survival horror genre.
The Emphasis on Psychological Thrills
The evolution of survival horror games has seen a shift towards a greater emphasis on psychological thrills. This shift has resulted in a new breed of games that focus on creating a sense of dread and unease through psychological manipulation rather than relying solely on gore and jump scares. One of the most notable examples of this shift is the game Amnesia: The Dark Descent, which was released in 2010.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a first-person survival horror game that puts players in the role of a protagonist who wakes up in a desolate castle with no memory of how he got there. The game’s atmosphere is created through a combination of immersive storytelling, atmospheric sound design, and intricate level design. The game’s story is told through notes and diaries that the player discovers throughout the game, which adds to the sense of immersion and helps to build the game’s atmosphere.
Another example of a game that emphasizes psychological thrills is Outlast, which was released in 2013. Outlast is a first-person survival horror game that puts players in the role of a journalist who is investigating a mysterious asylum. The game’s atmosphere is created through a combination of claustrophobic environments, creepy sound effects, and terrifying enemies. The game’s story is told through audio logs and other environmental cues, which helps to build the game’s atmosphere and create a sense of dread.
Visage, which was released in 2019, is another example of a game that emphasizes psychological thrills. The game is set in a mysterious house that is haunted by supernatural entities. The game’s atmosphere is created through a combination of eerie sound effects, creepy visuals, and unsettling environments. The game’s story is told through a combination of notes, audio logs, and other environmental cues, which helps to build the game’s atmosphere and create a sense of dread.
In conclusion, the emphasis on psychological thrills in modern survival horror games has resulted in a new breed of games that focus on creating a sense of dread and unease through psychological manipulation. Games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Outlast, and Visage demonstrate the power of immersive storytelling, atmospheric sound design, and intricate level design in creating a sense of fear and unease in players. These games show that the survival horror genre is capable of delivering more than just jump scares and gore, and that it can be used to create truly terrifying experiences.
Indie Survival Horror Games: Breathing New Life into the Genre
A New Wave of Indie Horror
The indie survival horror game scene has experienced a resurgence in recent years, bringing forth a new wave of unique and innovative horror experiences. These games often take bold risks and push the boundaries of traditional survival horror gameplay, providing players with fresh and terrifying experiences.
Layers of Fear (2016)
- Layers of Fear is a psychological horror game developed by Bloober Team.
- The game follows an actor who is trapped in a mysterious and constantly shifting theater, where he must navigate through a series of surreal and unsettling environments.
- The game’s story is deeply rooted in psychological terror, exploring themes of insanity, isolation, and the consequences of a life lived in the spotlight.
- Layers of Fear utilizes a unique “Insane” system, where the player’s mental state is constantly deteriorating as they progress through the game, leading to hallucinations and a shifting reality.
Little Nightmares (2017)
- Little Nightmares is a horror puzzle-platformer developed by Tarsier Studios.
- The game follows a young boy named Six and a mysterious creature named The Kid as they navigate through a creepy underwater world known as The Maw.
- The game’s atmospheric horror is accentuated by its eerie sound design and hauntingly beautiful art style, creating a dark and unsettling atmosphere.
- Little Nightmares challenges players to use their wits and cunning to overcome a series of dangerous obstacles and puzzles, all while evading the clutches of the grotesque and terrifying creatures that inhabit The Maw.
Phasmophobia (2020)
- Phasmophobia is a cooperative ghost hunting game developed by Kinetic Games.
- The game puts players in the role of paranormal investigators, tasked with exploring haunted locations and gathering evidence of the supernatural.
- Phasmophobia utilizes a unique sound design system, where the player’s audio clues are used to track and identify different types of ghosts.
- The game features a robust equipment system, allowing players to gather and use a variety of tools to help them uncover the truth behind the paranormal activity.
- Phasmophobia also features a unique multiplayer aspect, where players must work together to uncover the truth behind the haunting and escape the location alive.
The Future of Survival Horror Games: Virtual Reality and Beyond
The Impact of VR on Survival Horror
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, released in 2017, was one of the first major survival horror games to incorporate virtual reality (VR) technology. The game was designed to be played in both traditional and VR formats, offering players a choice in how they experienced the game. The use of VR allowed for a more immersive experience, with players able to explore the game‘s environment in a more interactive and engaging way. The game’s VR mode also added a new level of fear, as players were able to experience the game’s terrifying atmosphere in a more intense and personal way.
Blair Witch (2019)
Blair Witch, released in 2019, was another survival horror game that utilized VR technology. The game was designed specifically for VR, offering players a fully immersive experience. The game’s use of VR added a new level of fear, as players were able to explore the game‘s environment in a more interactive and engaging way. The game’s VR mode also added a new level of realism, with players able to experience the game’s terrifying atmosphere in a more intense and personal way.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (2020)
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, released in 2020, was a survival horror game that was designed specifically for VR. The game was set in the same universe as the popular TV show and comic book series, The Walking Dead. The game’s use of VR technology allowed for a more immersive experience, with players able to explore the game‘s environment in a more interactive and engaging way. The game’s VR mode also added a new level of fear, as players were able to experience the game’s terrifying atmosphere in a more intense and personal way. The game’s VR mode also added a new level of realism, with players able to interact with the game’s environment and characters in a more natural and intuitive way.
Exploring New Horror Frontiers
As technology continues to advance, so too does the potential for survival horror games to explore new frontiers in fear. One of the most exciting developments in this field is the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the way players experience horror. Here are some of the ways that survival horror games may continue to evolve in the future:
Psychological Thrillers
One potential direction for survival horror games is to focus more on psychological thrills rather than traditional jump scares. This could involve creating more complex, nuanced characters and storylines that delve into the psychological traumas of the players and the characters they control. This approach would allow players to experience horror in a more personal and cerebral way, rather than simply being startled by jump scares.
Supernatural Adventures
Another potential direction for survival horror games is to explore the supernatural in greater depth. This could involve incorporating elements of folklore, mythology, and the occult into the game world, creating a rich and immersive environment that feels truly otherworldly. Players could delve into ancient ruins, haunted forests, and creepy crypts, uncovering dark secrets and facing off against terrifying supernatural entities.
First-Person Perspectives
Finally, survival horror games may continue to evolve by embracing first-person perspectives. This would allow players to feel even more immersed in the game world, as they navigate through dark corridors and face off against terrifying foes. First-person perspectives could also be used to create more realistic and intense combat sequences, adding a new layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Overall, the future of survival horror games looks bright, with a wide range of new frontiers to explore. Whether players are looking for psychological thrills, supernatural adventures, or intense first-person experiences, there is sure to be a game that will satisfy their thirst for fear.
FAQs
1. What is the first scary game?
The first survival horror game is considered to be “Haunted House”, developed by Atari in 1982 for the 2600 console. It was one of the first games to incorporate elements of horror and suspense, as players navigated a haunted house, avoiding ghosts and other supernatural enemies.
2. How has the genre evolved over time?
The survival horror genre has come a long way since its inception. Early games like “Haunted House” and “Alone in the Dark” laid the foundation for the genre, but it wasn’t until the release of “Resident Evil” in 1996 that the genre truly took off. Since then, the genre has continued to evolve, with new games pushing the boundaries of fear and immersion.
3. What makes a game scary?
There are many factors that can contribute to a game being scary, including atmospheric sound effects, creepy music, and terrifying enemies. Some games also use jump scares and sudden, unexpected events to create a sense of fear and tension. Ultimately, what makes a game scary is subjective and can vary from person to person.
4. Are there any modern survival horror games that are worth playing?
Yes, there are many modern survival horror games that are worth checking out. Some popular examples include “Alien: Isolation”, “Outlast”, “Until Dawn”, “The Last of Us”, “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard”, “Layers of Fear”, “Man of Medan”, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent”, “Bloober Team’s Observer” and many more. These games all offer unique experiences and provide their own twists on the classic survival horror formula.
5. Are survival horror games suitable for children?
Most survival horror games are not suitable for children due to their intense themes and graphic content. Many games in the genre feature violence, gore, and other disturbing imagery, which can be too much for younger players to handle. It’s important for parents to carefully consider the age and maturity level of their children before allowing them to play survival horror games.