What is the Difference Between Horror and Psychological Horror in Survival Horror Games?

Horror and psychological horror are two distinct sub-genres of the horror genre, each with their own unique characteristics and elements. While both sub-genres share similarities, such as the use of fear and suspense to create a terrifying experience for the player, they differ in the way they approach storytelling and the psychological effects they have on the player. In this article, we will explore the differences between horror and psychological horror in survival horror games, and how these differences impact the player’s experience.

Horror and Psychological Horror Defined

Horror as a Genre

• Brief history of horror as a genre

Horror as a genre has been around for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that horror began to take shape as a distinct literary genre. With the publication of works such as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” horror began to establish itself as a popular form of entertainment.

• Common themes and tropes

Horror as a genre is known for its use of common themes and tropes, such as the supernatural, monsters, ghosts, and the fear of death. These themes are often used to evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and unease in the audience. Additionally, horror frequently explores the darker aspects of human nature, such as violence, cruelty, and the psyche.

• Popular examples of horror games

In the world of video games, horror has become a popular genre, with many classic and modern titles that have made their mark on the industry. Some popular examples of horror games include:
+ Resident Evil series
+ Silent Hill series
+ The Last of Us
+ Alien: Isolation
+ Amnesia: The Dark Descent
+ Outlast series
+ Until Dawn
+ Layers of Fear
+ Bloober Team’s games

Overall, horror as a genre has a rich history and continues to be a popular form of entertainment in various mediums, including video games.

Psychological Horror as a Subgenre

Definition and Explanation of Psychological Horror

Psychological horror is a subgenre of horror that focuses on the psychological state of the protagonist or the player. It delves into the human psyche and explores the deep-seated fears and anxieties that are inherent in human nature. It often relies on subtle and psychological means to create terror, rather than the more overt and physical means of traditional horror.

Differences between Psychological Horror and Traditional Horror

The main difference between psychological horror and traditional horror is the emphasis on the psychological aspect. Traditional horror typically relies on gore, jump scares, and supernatural elements to create fear, while psychological horror uses psychological manipulation and tension-building to create a sense of dread and unease. Psychological horror often focuses on the mind and emotions of the protagonist, whereas traditional horror tends to focus on the physical actions of the protagonist.

Examples of Psychological Horror Games

There are many examples of psychological horror games that showcase the subgenre’s unique qualities. Some examples include:

• “Silent Hill” series: This series is known for its haunting atmosphere, surreal imagery, and psychological themes. The games often explore the protagonist’s mind and delve into their deep-seated fears and anxieties.
• “Resident Evil” series: While the “Resident Evil” series has its share of zombies and other supernatural elements, it also focuses heavily on psychological manipulation and tension-building. The games often play with the player’s expectations and create a sense of unease through psychological means.
• “Bloodborne”: This game is known for its dark and disturbing atmosphere, and its focus on psychological horror. The game’s story and setting are shrouded in mystery, and the player is forced to explore the dark corners of their own mind as well as the game’s world.

Overall, psychological horror is a subgenre of horror that focuses on the psychological state of the protagonist or the player. It relies on subtle and psychological means to create terror, and often explores the deep-seated fears and anxieties that are inherent in human nature. Examples of psychological horror games include the “Silent Hill” series, the “Resident Evil” series, and “Bloodborne”.

The Psychological Aspects of Survival Horror Games

The Role of Fear in Survival Horror Games

• Fear is a fundamental element of survival horror games, and it is used to create a sense of tension and suspense that keeps players engaged.
• The psychology of fear plays a crucial role in the design of survival horror games, as game designers must understand how fear affects the human mind in order to create an effective and terrifying experience.
• In survival horror games, fear is often used to create a sense of helplessness and vulnerability in the player, which can lead to a heightened sense of immersion and realism.
• One of the primary ways that fear is used in survival horror games is through the use of jump scares, which are sudden, unexpected events that are designed to shock and frighten the player.
• Jump scares are typically used in conjunction with other elements, such as music, lighting, and sound effects, to create a fully immersive and terrifying experience.
• Another way that fear is used in survival horror games is through the use of atmospheric horror, which relies on creating a sense of dread and unease through the use of subtle, unsettling elements such as creaking doors, flickering lights, and eerie sound effects.
• Atmospheric horror is often used in conjunction with other elements, such as storytelling and character development, to create a more immersive and psychologically intense experience.
• In addition to jump scares and atmospheric horror, survival horror games often use other techniques to create a sense of fear and tension, such as limited visibility, restricted movement, and a lack of control over the player’s environment.
• These techniques are designed to make the player feel vulnerable and helpless, which can lead to a heightened sense of immersion and realism.
• Ultimately, the role of fear in survival horror games is to create a sense of tension and suspense that keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seats. By understanding the psychology of fear and using it effectively, game designers can create truly terrifying experiences that leave a lasting impression on players.

The Psychology of Horror

The psychology of horror is a complex and fascinating topic that has been studied by psychologists and researchers for many years. It is generally agreed upon that people enjoy being scared in certain contexts, such as when watching a horror movie or playing a survival horror game. However, the reasons behind this enjoyment are not fully understood.

One theory is that being scared releases endorphins in the brain, which create a sense of pleasure and excitement. Another theory is that being scared activates the “fight or flight” response, which can be thrilling and exhilarating. Additionally, some people may enjoy the feeling of being in control while experiencing horror, as they can choose to engage with the scary content or not.

In the context of survival horror games, the psychology of horror can have a significant impact on the player’s experience. For example, the game’s atmosphere, setting, and story can all contribute to the player’s level of fear and anxiety. The game’s mechanics, such as the player’s ability to defend themselves or the availability of resources, can also affect the player’s psychological state.

Overall, the psychology of horror is a crucial aspect of survival horror games, and understanding it can help game designers create more immersive and terrifying experiences for players.

The Differences Between Horror and Psychological Horror in Survival Horror Games

Gameplay Mechanics

One of the most significant differences between traditional horror and psychological horror games is the gameplay mechanics. Traditional horror games typically rely on jump scares and gore to create a scary experience, while psychological horror games focus on creating a sense of unease and tension through gameplay mechanics.

In traditional horror games, players often have to fight off monsters or other supernatural enemies using weapons or other tools. The focus is on survival, and the gameplay is designed to create a sense of adrenaline-fueled action. This type of gameplay can be very intense and thrilling, but it can also become repetitive and predictable if the game relies too heavily on jump scares and gore.

In contrast, psychological horror games often involve more puzzle-solving and exploration. Players must navigate through dark and eerie environments, uncovering clues and piecing together information to uncover the truth behind the horror. This type of gameplay can be slow-paced and methodical, but it can also be very psychologically intense, as players are forced to confront their own fears and anxieties.

Examples of how gameplay mechanics create different experiences in each type of game include:

• In traditional horror games like Resident Evil, players must fight off zombies and other monsters using weapons and traps. The focus is on survival, and the gameplay is designed to create a sense of adrenaline-fueled action.
• In psychological horror games like Silent Hill, players must navigate through a dark and twisted world, uncovering clues and piecing together information to uncover the truth behind the horror. The focus is on exploration and puzzle-solving, and the gameplay is designed to create a sense of unease and tension.

The importance of gameplay mechanics in creating a scary experience cannot be overstated. In both traditional and psychological horror games, the gameplay mechanics play a crucial role in creating a sense of fear and tension. By using different gameplay mechanics, these types of games can create very different experiences, from the intense and adrenaline-fueled action of traditional horror games to the slow-paced and psychologically intense experience of psychological horror games.

Storytelling

• Traditional Horror vs Psychological Horror
  • Traditional horror games often rely on jump scares and gore to create fear, while psychological horror games focus on creating an unsettling atmosphere through storytelling and psychological manipulation.
  • Traditional horror games often have a clear villain or monster that the player must defeat, while psychological horror games may not have a clear antagonist, instead relying on the player’s own fears and anxieties to create tension.
• The Role of Storytelling in Horror Games
  • Both traditional and psychological horror games use storytelling to create a sense of fear and tension, but the way they do so is different.
  • Traditional horror games often use storytelling to set up a specific scenario or setting that is meant to be scary, such as a haunted house or a creepy forest.
  • Psychological horror games, on the other hand, use storytelling to create a sense of unease and dread, often by revealing a deeper meaning or connection to the player’s character or the world they are in.
• Examples of Storytelling in Horror Games
  • In the game “Silent Hill 2,” the player is placed in a creepy, foggy town where they must uncover the mystery of their wife’s death. The game uses storytelling to create a sense of unease and tension, as well as to reveal the deeper meaning behind the player’s journey.
  • In the game “The Last of Us,” the player must navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangerous creatures and hostile humans. The game uses storytelling to create a sense of tension and danger, as well as to reveal the deeper meaning behind the player’s journey and the relationship between the characters.
• The Importance of Storytelling in Horror Games
  • Storytelling is essential to creating a sense of fear and tension in horror games, as it allows the player to become immersed in the world and to connect with the characters and story.
  • Without a strong story and well-developed characters, a horror game can feel hollow and lack the emotional impact needed to create a truly scary experience.
  • In conclusion, the difference between horror and psychological horror in survival horror games lies largely in the way that storytelling is used to create fear and tension. While traditional horror games rely on jump scares and gore, psychological horror games use storytelling to create a sense of unease and dread, often by revealing a deeper meaning or connection to the player’s character or the world they are in.

Atmosphere

The Importance of Atmosphere in Survival Horror Games

Atmosphere plays a crucial role in creating a scary experience in survival horror games. It encompasses the visual, auditory, and emotional elements that immerse the player in the game world and evoke feelings of fear and unease. The way the game world is presented can greatly influence the player’s perception of the horror and their emotional response to it.

The Differences in Atmosphere Between Horror and Psychological Horror Games

In traditional horror games, the focus is often on creating a sense of fear through jump scares, gore, and supernatural elements. The atmosphere is often tense and intense, with dark and creepy environments, and enemies that are easy to identify and avoid. Examples of traditional horror games include Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

In psychological horror games, the focus is on creating a sense of dread and unease through psychological manipulation. The atmosphere is often oppressive and claustrophobic, with a focus on mental stress and fear of the unknown. Examples of psychological horror games include Alien: Isolation and Outlast.

The Role of Atmosphere in Creating Different Experiences

The differences in atmosphere between horror and psychological horror games create vastly different experiences for the player. In traditional horror games, the focus is on survival and action, as the player must fight off supernatural enemies and navigate through a scary world. In psychological horror games, the focus is on mental endurance and problem-solving, as the player must navigate through a dangerous environment while trying to uncover the truth behind the horror.

Atmosphere is a crucial element in creating a successful survival horror game. Whether it’s the tension and fear of traditional horror or the oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere of psychological horror, the way the game world is presented can greatly influence the player’s experience and emotional response to the game.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between horror and psychological horror in survival horror games?

Horror and psychological horror are two distinct subgenres of survival horror games. Horror games focus on creating a sense of fear and tension through traditional horror tropes such as gore, jump scares, and supernatural elements. Psychological horror, on the other hand, focuses on creating a sense of unease and tension through psychological means such as exploring the human psyche, the fear of the unknown, and the consequences of one’s actions.

2. Are all psychological horror games scary?

Not all psychological horror games are scary, but they often aim to unsettle the player through a deeper exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of one’s actions. Some psychological horror games may focus more on atmosphere and suspense rather than traditional horror tropes.

3. Is survival horror the same as horror?

Survival horror is a subgenre of horror that emphasizes survival and resource management in addition to horror elements. It often involves exploring a creepy environment, avoiding or confronting enemies, and solving puzzles to progress. While horror games can also have survival elements, not all survival horror games are necessarily horror games.

4. What are some examples of horror and psychological horror games?

Examples of horror games include Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Amnesia. Examples of psychological horror games include Until Dawn, Layers of Fear, and Outlast. These games vary in their approach to horror and psychological horror, but they all aim to create a sense of fear, tension, and unease in the player.

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