What Makes a Game Survival Horror?

Welcome, dear gamer! Today, we will delve into the eerie and heart-pounding world of survival horror. This genre of video games has been haunting players for decades, with its chilling atmospheres, terrifying monsters, and psychological terror. But what exactly is survival horror? How does it differ from other genres? And what elements must a game have to be considered survival horror? In this article, we will explore these questions and more, as we uncover the secrets behind this spine-tingling genre. So, grab a flashlight, put on your brave face, and let’s dive into the darkness together.

Defining Survival Horror

Origins of the Genre

Survival horror as a genre can trace its roots back to the early days of video games, specifically to the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of the earliest examples of survival horror games include the text-based games Zork and Suspense, as well as the more graphically advanced games like Alone in the Dark and Resident Evil.

These early games were characterized by their focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival in a creepy and often terrifying atmosphere. They typically featured a lone protagonist who was vulnerable and had limited resources, such as a limited number of health points or weapons. The goal of the player was often to uncover the truth behind a dark and sinister plot while fighting off terrifying creatures and avoiding deadly traps.

One of the defining features of survival horror games is their use of fear and tension to create a sense of unease and danger. This is often achieved through the use of jump scares, eerie sound effects, and unsettling music. Additionally, the games often featured limited save points, meaning that players had to carefully consider their actions and try to conserve resources in order to survive.

As the genre has evolved over the years, survival horror games have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in video games. With the rise of more advanced technology, games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil have become more graphically advanced and have incorporated more complex storylines and character development. Despite these changes, however, the core elements of survival horror remain the same: to create a terrifying and suspenseful atmosphere, and to challenge players to survive against all odds.

Key Elements of Survival Horror

Survival horror games are a unique breed of video games that aim to terrify and excite players in equal measure. To create a truly immersive survival horror experience, developers must incorporate several key elements into their games. In this section, we will examine the most critical components of survival horror games and discuss how they contribute to the genre’s overall success.

One of the most essential elements of survival horror games is fear. Fear is what drives the player’s adrenaline and creates a sense of tension and anxiety. To achieve this, developers must carefully craft their game worlds to create a sense of unease and uncertainty. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as using sound effects to create a sense of danger or using lighting to create an eerie atmosphere.

Another critical element of survival horror games is the player’s ability to explore and interact with the game world. Exploration is key to uncovering the story and finding clues, and it also helps to build the tension and fear that are so essential to the genre. To create a sense of exploration, developers must design levels that are open enough to allow players to discover new areas but still maintain a sense of confinement and claustrophobia.

In addition to fear and exploration, survival horror games also rely heavily on the player’s ability to survive. This means providing the player with a limited number of resources, such as health, ammunition, and tools, and forcing them to make difficult decisions about how to use these resources. This creates a sense of scarcity and desperation that is crucial to the genre’s success.

Finally, survival horror games also rely on a sense of progression and improvement. As the player progresses through the game, they should be able to acquire new abilities, weapons, and equipment that help them survive and overcome the challenges they face. This sense of progression helps to keep the player engaged and motivated, even as the difficulty level increases.

In conclusion, the key elements of survival horror games include fear, exploration, survival, and progression. By carefully balancing these elements, developers can create a game that is both terrifying and exhilarating, and that keeps players coming back for more.

Common Features of Survival Horror Games

Atmosphere and Tension

In the realm of video games, the survival horror genre stands out as a unique experience that sets it apart from other genres. A crucial element that contributes to the immersive experience of survival horror games is the atmosphere and tension that they create. The environment, sound design, and gameplay mechanics all work together to create a feeling of unease and dread that draws players into the game world.

Atmosphere in survival horror games is created through a combination of visual and auditory elements. Dark and claustrophobic environments, creepy sound effects, and ominous music all contribute to the overall feeling of tension. These elements work together to create a sense of uncertainty and unease that keeps players on edge. For example, the eerie silence of an abandoned asylum or the ominous creaking of doors can create a chilling atmosphere that adds to the fear factor of the game.

Tension is another essential element of survival horror games. The threat of danger lurking around every corner creates a sense of urgency and keeps players on their toes. This tension is often built through the use of jump scares, suspenseful music, and unexpected events that catch players off guard. The fear of the unknown and the feeling of being hunted by unseen enemies adds to the overall tension of the game.

Moreover, the gameplay mechanics of survival horror games also contribute to the atmosphere and tension. Limited resources, vulnerable characters, and challenging enemies all add to the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability that players experience. The fear of death and the consequences of failure can also create a sense of tension that drives players to keep moving forward.

Overall, the atmosphere and tension in survival horror games are critical components that make the genre so captivating. By creating a feeling of unease and fear, these games transport players into a world of terror and suspense, leaving them with a lasting memory of their gaming experience.

Enemies and Combat

One of the defining features of survival horror games is the presence of formidable enemies that the player must confront and overcome. These enemies often have unique abilities or attributes that make them difficult to defeat, such as heightened strength, speed, or agility. Additionally, many survival horror games incorporate elements of psychological horror, with enemies that are more terrifying due to their appearance, behavior, or backstory.

In combat, survival horror games often rely on stealth and strategy rather than direct confrontation. Players must carefully observe their surroundings and plan their movements to avoid detection and set up ambushes. Many survival horror games also feature limited resources, such as ammunition or health items, which further encourage players to conserve their resources and use them wisely.

Moreover, the combat system in survival horror games is often designed to be tense and unpredictable. Enemies may ambush the player at any moment, and the player must be constantly vigilant and prepared for danger. This creates a sense of unease and tension that is integral to the survival horror experience.

In summary, the enemies and combat in survival horror games are designed to be challenging, tense, and psychologically terrifying. Players must use stealth, strategy, and resource management to overcome these obstacles and progress through the game.

Puzzles and Exploration

In survival horror games, puzzles and exploration play a crucial role in the gameplay experience. These elements are designed to challenge the player’s cognitive abilities and encourage them to thoroughly explore the game’s environment. Here are some key aspects of puzzles and exploration in survival horror games:

Atmospheric Puzzles

Atmospheric puzzles are an essential component of survival horror games. They are designed to create a sense of tension and unease, forcing the player to think critically about their surroundings. These puzzles often involve finding clues, solving riddles, or manipulating the environment to progress through the game.

For example, in the Resident Evil series, players must scavenge for items and solve puzzles to progress through the game. These puzzles are designed to be challenging yet intuitive, requiring players to pay close attention to their surroundings and think creatively to solve them.

Environmental Storytelling

Survival horror games often use environmental storytelling to create a sense of immersion and suspense. This technique involves using the game’s environment to convey information about the game’s story and setting. Players must explore the environment to uncover clues and piece together the story.

For instance, in the Silent Hill series, players must explore the town of Silent Hill to uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath its surface. The game’s environment is filled with clues and symbols that hint at the game’s story, encouraging players to explore and investigate their surroundings.

Scarcity of Resources

Survival horror games often limit the resources available to the player, forcing them to conserve resources and make difficult decisions. This element of scarcity creates a sense of urgency and tension, as players must prioritize their actions and conserve resources to survive.

For example, in the Dead Space series, players must manage their resources, such as health, ammunition, and tool durability, to survive against hordes of monsters. This resource management adds an extra layer of tension and strategy to the gameplay, as players must weigh the risks and benefits of their actions.

In conclusion, puzzles and exploration are crucial elements of survival horror games. They are designed to challenge the player’s cognitive abilities, create a sense of tension and immersion, and limit the player’s resources, adding to the overall gameplay experience.

Subgenres of Survival Horror

Psychological Horror

Psychological horror is a subgenre of survival horror that focuses on creating an atmosphere of intense psychological tension and terror through the use of mental and emotional manipulation rather than relying solely on gore and violence. This type of game often explores themes such as paranoia, insanity, and the human psyche, using atmospheric sound design, eerie music, and haunting visuals to create a sense of unease and dread.

In psychological horror games, players are often placed in the role of a character who is trapped in a confined space or pursued by a relentless enemy, and must use their wits and instincts to survive. The gameplay often involves exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, as well as a focus on storytelling and character development.

Some notable examples of psychological horror games include Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Alien: Isolation. These games use a combination of atmosphere, tension, and horror elements to create a unique and terrifying experience for players.

One of the key elements of psychological horror is the use of suspense and anticipation to create fear. This is often achieved through the use of jump scares, sudden loud noises, and unexpected events that catch the player off guard. Additionally, psychological horror games often feature unreliable narrators or shifting perspectives, which can create a sense of disorientation and paranoia in the player.

Overall, psychological horror is a subgenre of survival horror that relies on mental and emotional manipulation to create fear and tension in players. It often explores themes of paranoia, insanity, and the human psyche, and uses atmospheric sound design, haunting visuals, and suspenseful gameplay to create a terrifying experience for players.

Cosmic Horror

Cosmic horror is a subgenre of survival horror that emphasizes the incomprehensible and otherworldly nature of the horror. This type of horror often involves the discovery of ancient and otherworldly beings or forces that threaten the player’s sanity and life.

Some key elements of cosmic horror in video games include:

• Atmosphere: Cosmic horror games often rely on creating a sense of dread and unease through atmospheric means, such as unsettling sound effects, creepy music, and unsettling environments.
• Otherworldly entities: Cosmic horror games often feature ancient, powerful, and malevolent beings or forces that are beyond human comprehension. These entities may be malevolent deities, eldritch abominations, or otherworldly beings that threaten the player’s very existence.
• Sanity mechanics: Cosmic horror games often include sanity mechanics that reflect the player’s exposure to the horrors of the game world. As the player delves deeper into the game’s horrors, their sanity may decline, leading to hallucinations, paranoia, and other mental breakdowns.
• Limited resources: Cosmic horror games often limit the player’s resources, such as ammunition, health, and weapons, to create a sense of vulnerability and scarcity. This scarcity adds to the tension and fear, as the player must make difficult decisions about how to conserve resources and survive.
• Psychological terror: Cosmic horror games often rely on psychological terror rather than gore or jump scares. The fear comes from the player’s own mind, as they try to comprehend the incomprehensible and otherworldly horrors that they encounter.

Overall, cosmic horror games create a sense of dread and unease through their emphasis on otherworldly entities, sanity mechanics, limited resources, and psychological terror. They challenge the player’s perceptions of reality and force them to confront the unknown and unknowable.

Survival Horror in Open Worlds

In the realm of survival horror, open worlds present a unique challenge for developers. While the open world design allows for a greater sense of exploration and freedom, it also requires careful consideration of how to maintain the tension and fear that defines the genre. This section will delve into the specific considerations and techniques used in creating survival horror experiences within open world environments.

The Challenge of Open World Survival Horror

One of the main challenges in creating a survival horror game within an open world environment is maintaining a consistent sense of fear and tension. In a traditional survival horror game, players are often confined to a single location, with the terror creeping in from all sides. In an open world setting, the player has more freedom to move around and explore, which can lead to a less claustrophobic and more action-oriented experience.

To overcome this challenge, developers must carefully craft the open world environment to create a sense of danger and vulnerability. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as:

• Crafting a Creepy Atmosphere: The open world environment should be designed to create a sense of unease and dread. This can be achieved through the use of eerie sound effects, ominous music, and atmospheric lighting.
• Hidden Threats: The open world should be filled with hidden threats that can suddenly emerge from nowhere. This can include hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and even other players.
• Limited Resources: Players should be limited in their resources, forcing them to carefully conserve items such as ammunition and health items. This creates a sense of scarcity and desperation, adding to the tension.

Successful Examples of Open World Survival Horror

There have been several successful examples of open world survival horror games, each with their own unique approach to the genre. One example is the “Resident Evil” series, which has incorporated open world elements into its traditional survival horror gameplay. Another example is “Days Gone”, a post-apocalyptic open world game that features hordes of hostile Freakers and a gripping storyline.

In both of these examples, the developers have successfully crafted a sense of tension and fear within an open world environment. By carefully considering the design of the world and the enemies within it, they have created a survival horror experience that is both immersive and terrifying.

The Future of Open World Survival Horror

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more and more survival horror games incorporating open world elements. However, the challenge of maintaining a consistent sense of fear and tension within an open world environment remains. As such, it will be interesting to see how developers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of the genre.

Influential Survival Horror Games

Classic Survival Horror Games

Some of the most influential survival horror games are those that laid the foundation for the genre. These classic games set the tone for what it means to be a survival horror game, with their atmospheric settings, limited resources, and terrifying antagonists. Here are some of the most notable classic survival horror games:

1. Alone in the Dark (1992)

Alone in the Dark was one of the first survival horror games and is often credited with creating the genre. The game was known for its 3D graphics, which was a rarity at the time, and its emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Players controlled private investigator Edward Carnby as he explored a haunted mansion, solving puzzles and avoiding supernatural creatures.

2. Resident Evil (1996)

Resident Evil, also known as Biohazard in Japan, was another influential survival horror game. The game featured a mix of action and survival horror elements, with players controlling characters such as police officer Chris Redfield and college student Jill Valentine as they navigated a zombie-infested mansion. The game was known for its atmospheric music, detailed graphics, and terrifying boss battles.

3. Silent Hill (1999)

Silent Hill was known for its psychological horror themes and atmospheric setting. The game followed protagonist Harry Mason as he searched for his missing daughter in the eponymous town, which was plagued by supernatural creatures and disturbing visuals. The game’s story and setting were often cited as its greatest strengths, with the town of Silent Hill becoming an iconic setting in gaming.

These classic survival horror games set the stage for future games in the genre, with their emphasis on atmosphere, terror, and exploration. They continue to be celebrated for their impact on the gaming industry and their influence on the survival horror genre.

Modern Survival Horror Games

In recent years, a number of modern survival horror games have been released that have taken the genre in new and exciting directions. Some of the most notable examples include:

• Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): This game marked a departure from the traditional Resident Evil formula, instead opting for a first-person perspective and a more terrifying, intimate experience. Players take on the role of a protagonist who finds themselves trapped in a derelict plantation house, where they must uncover the truth behind a terrifying new threat.
• Outlast 2 (2017): This game continues the story of journalist Miles Upshur, who is once again searching for a story. This time, he finds himself in Arizona, investigating a cult that is believed to be performing dangerous and unethical experiments. Players must use stealth and avoid detection in order to survive and uncover the truth.
• Until Dawn (2015): This game is a narrative-driven adventure that is played from a third-person perspective. Players take on the role of a group of teenagers who are stranded on a mountain and must survive until dawn, when help is due to arrive. The game features branching storylines and multiple endings, depending on the choices made by the player.
• Alien: Isolation (2014): This game is set in the same universe as the iconic sci-fi horror movie Alien, and follows a young woman who is stranded on a spaceship infested with a deadly alien. Players must use stealth and avoid detection in order to survive, while also attempting to repair the ship and find a way to escape.
• The Last of Us Part II (2020): This game is a sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us, and takes place several years after the events of the first game. Players control both Joel and Ellie, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangerous creatures and hostile human factions. The game features a focus on exploration, combat, and survival, as well as a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development.

Upcoming Survival Horror Games

Unknown Fate: The New World

Unknown Fate: The New World is an upcoming survival horror game developed by the independent game studio, Neurodioxide. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the player assumes the role of a lone survivor trying to navigate through a dangerous and mysterious city. The game promises to deliver a terrifying and immersive experience with its atmospheric sound design and unique combat system.

Little Nightmares II

Little Nightmares II is another highly anticipated survival horror game set to release in 2021. Developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Little Nightmares. The game follows a young boy and a mysterious creature as they navigate through a creepy and eerie world filled with grotesque creatures and deadly traps. The game’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by Tim Burton’s dark and eerie style, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

The Medium

The Medium is a psychological horror game developed by Bloober Team, the same studio behind the critically acclaimed Layers of Fear. The game follows a medium who can communicate with the dead and is tasked with uncovering the mysteries of an abandoned hotel. The game promises to deliver a haunting and immersive experience with its unique gameplay mechanics and terrifying atmosphere. The Medium is set to release in 2021 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is the latest addition to the iconic Resident Evil franchise. Developed and published by Capcom, the game is set to release in 2021 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. The game takes place in a remote European village where the player must survive against a variety of terrifying creatures and supernatural enemies. The game promises to deliver a thrilling and terrifying experience with its improved gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals.

Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is a cooperative survival horror game developed by the independent game studio, Kinetic Games. The game is set in a haunted location where players must work together to uncover the mysteries of the supernatural world. The game promises to deliver a terrifying and immersive experience with its realistic sound design and unique gameplay mechanics. Phasmophobia is set to release in 2021 for PC and console platforms.

The Appeal of Survival Horror

Thrill of Fear

Survival horror games evoke a feeling of terror and suspense in players, and this element is often what draws them to the genre. The fear factor is what sets survival horror apart from other genres, and it is the primary reason why players keep coming back for more. But what is it about survival horror that creates this intense sense of fear?

One reason is the game’s atmosphere. A well-designed survival horror game will create an atmosphere that is both unsettling and eerie. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as creepy sound effects, haunting music, and unsettling visuals. For example, the sound of a creaking door or the distant sound of a growl can be enough to make players feel on edge.

Another reason is the sense of vulnerability that players feel. In survival horror games, players are often weak and defenseless, forced to rely on their wits and instincts to survive. This sense of vulnerability creates a feeling of helplessness, which can be incredibly unsettling. Players will often find themselves in situations where they are outmatched and outsmarted by the enemies they face, which can create a sense of dread and fear.

Finally, the enemy design in survival horror games can also contribute to the fear factor. Enemies in survival horror games are often grotesque and frightening, with disturbing appearances and behaviors. These enemies can be terrifying, and their unpredictable behavior can make players feel like they are always on the brink of danger.

Overall, the thrill of fear is a key element of survival horror games. By creating an unsettling atmosphere, making players feel vulnerable, and designing frightening enemies, survival horror games can evoke a deep sense of fear in players. This fear factor is what makes the genre so appealing, and it is what keeps players coming back for more.

Storytelling and Character Development

The storytelling and character development aspect of survival horror games plays a crucial role in their appeal. The narrative is often used to create a sense of dread and tension, drawing players into a world of fear and uncertainty. Here are some ways in which storytelling and character development contribute to the appeal of survival horror games:

• Atmosphere and ambiance: Survival horror games rely heavily on atmosphere and ambiance to create a frightening experience. The storytelling and character development aspects help to build this atmosphere by establishing the setting, the characters, and the backstory. This immersive environment draws players into the game world, making them feel like they are part of the story.
• Character motivation and backstory: Characters in survival horror games are often complex and have their own motivations and backstories. Understanding these motivations and backstories can add depth to the story and make the characters more relatable. It also creates an emotional connection between the player and the character, making the game more engaging and memorable.
• Suspense and surprise: Survival horror games use storytelling and character development to create suspense and surprise. The narrative is often used to build up to a frightening event or reveal, which can catch players off guard and create a sense of dread. This suspense and surprise can keep players on the edge of their seats, making the game more thrilling and unpredictable.
• Emotional impact: Survival horror games often deal with heavy themes such as death, loss, and trauma. The storytelling and character development aspects of the game can create an emotional impact on players, making the game more memorable and thought-provoking. This emotional impact can also make the game more rewarding, as players feel a sense of accomplishment for overcoming the challenges and obstacles presented in the story.

Overall, storytelling and character development are essential components of the survival horror genre. They help to create a sense of atmosphere, build emotional connections with the player, and create suspense and surprise. A well-crafted narrative can make a survival horror game more engaging, memorable, and impactful, drawing players into a world of fear and uncertainty.

Replay Value and Challenge

Survival horror games are often characterized by their ability to evoke a sense of fear and tension in players, and one of the main reasons why players continue to come back to these games is due to the high replay value and challenge they offer. Here are some reasons why:

Atmospheric Tension

Survival horror games are known for their ability to create a sense of atmosphere that keeps players on edge. This tension is often maintained through a combination of visual and auditory elements, such as creepy sound effects, unsettling music, and eerie lighting. As players navigate through the game world, they are constantly aware of their surroundings and on the lookout for potential threats, which adds to the overall sense of fear and tension.

Puzzle-Solving

Many survival horror games require players to solve puzzles in order to progress through the game. These puzzles can range from simple logic problems to complex challenges that require players to think creatively and use their problem-solving skills. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and encourages players to keep trying until they figure out the solution.

Multiple Endings

Some survival horror games offer multiple endings, which encourages players to replay the game in order to see all of the different outcomes. This adds a sense of replayability to the game, as players can explore different paths and make different choices to see how it affects the story and ending.

Difficulty Levels

Survival horror games often have multiple difficulty levels, which allows players to choose a level of challenge that suits their skills and preferences. This allows players to replay the game at a higher difficulty level once they have become more familiar with the game mechanics and want to challenge themselves further.

Overall, the combination of atmospheric tension, puzzle-solving, multiple endings, and difficulty levels make survival horror games highly replayable and challenging, which is one of the main reasons why players keep coming back to these games time and time again.

The Future of Survival Horror

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the survival horror genre remains a popular choice for many players. With advancements in technology and the growing demand for immersive gaming experiences, the future of survival horror looks promising.

One of the key trends in the future of survival horror is the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology. VR offers a more immersive experience for players, allowing them to feel as though they are truly part of the game world. This can enhance the fear factor of survival horror games, as players are more likely to feel vulnerable and scared when they are fully immersed in the game environment.

Another trend in the future of survival horror is the increasing focus on storytelling. Many survival horror games are known for their complex narratives and character development, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. With more advanced technology and better writing, survival horror games are likely to become even more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Additionally, the future of survival horror may see a greater emphasis on multiplayer experiences. While many survival horror games are single-player only, there is a growing demand for cooperative and competitive multiplayer options. This could lead to more innovative gameplay mechanics and new ways for players to interact with each other in a survival horror setting.

Finally, the future of survival horror may see more games exploring non-traditional settings and themes. While the classic haunted house and creepy laboratory settings will always be popular, there is room for survival horror games to explore new territories. This could include games set in historical periods, otherworldly landscapes, or even futuristic dystopias.

Overall, the future of survival horror looks bright. With advancements in technology, a growing focus on storytelling and multiplayer experiences, and the potential for new and innovative settings, survival horror games are poised to continue captivating players for years to come.

Personal Reflections on the Genre

As a fan of survival horror games, I have spent countless hours exploring dark and terrifying worlds, trying to survive against all odds. But what is it about this genre that makes it so appealing? In this section, I will share my personal reflections on the appeal of survival horror games.

One of the reasons why survival horror games are so appealing is the sense of tension and fear that they evoke. Unlike other genres, survival horror games are designed to make the player feel vulnerable and powerless. The player must navigate through dark and eerie environments, while being stalked by terrifying creatures or other hostile forces. This sense of vulnerability and danger creates a thrilling experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Another reason why survival horror games are so popular is the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming challenges. These games often require players to think strategically and use resources wisely in order to survive. Whether it’s finding hidden items, solving puzzles, or evading danger, players must use their wits and reflexes to overcome obstacles and progress through the game. The sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming these challenges is what keeps players coming back for more.

Finally, survival horror games often explore deep and thought-provoking themes that resonate with players. These games often deal with issues such as death, mortality, and the human psyche. By immersing players in these dark and unsettling worlds, survival horror games force players to confront their own fears and anxieties. This can be a cathartic experience for some players, as it allows them to face their fears in a safe and controlled environment.

Overall, the appeal of survival horror games lies in their ability to evoke a sense of tension and fear, challenge players to overcome obstacles, and explore deep and thought-provoking themes. As a fan of this genre, I have found that survival horror games offer a unique and thrilling experience that keeps me coming back for more.

FAQs

1. What is considered survival horror?

Survival horror is a subgenre of horror video games that emphasizes on survival and often features elements such as fear, tension, and danger. These games usually put the player in the role of a character who must navigate through a dangerous and mysterious environment while facing various obstacles and enemies. The main objective of survival horror games is to survive until the end of the game, often by finding items, solving puzzles, and avoiding or defeating enemies.

2. What are the key elements of survival horror games?

The key elements of survival horror games include fear, tension, and danger. These games often feature dark and eerie environments, and the player must navigate through them while avoiding or defeating enemies. Survival horror games also often feature puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress, and the player must manage their resources, such as health and ammunition, to survive. Other elements that are commonly found in survival horror games include a limited save system, where the player can only save the game at certain points, and a focus on atmosphere and storytelling to create a sense of dread and fear.

3. What are some examples of survival horror games?

Some examples of survival horror games include the Resident Evil series, Silent Hill series, Alien Isolation, and Outlast. These games are known for their intense atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and challenging gameplay mechanics.

4. What makes a game survival horror?

A game is considered survival horror if it features fear, tension, and danger as its primary gameplay elements. The game must also feature a dark and eerie environment that the player must navigate through, often while avoiding or defeating enemies. Survival horror games also often feature puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress, and the player must manage their resources, such as health and ammunition, to survive. Other elements that are commonly found in survival horror games include a limited save system, where the player can only save the game at certain points, and a focus on atmosphere and storytelling to create a sense of dread and fear.

5. Is survival horror a subgenre of horror games?

Yes, survival horror is a subgenre of horror video games. It emphasizes on survival and often features elements such as fear, tension, and danger. These games are known for their intense atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and challenging gameplay mechanics.

What is Survival Horror? – The Genre’s History and Defining Characteristics