Chalk Talk - Horror
Welcome to Chalk Talk, we introduce our first ever Guest Contributor Starshine_M2A2 and we discuss what makes a good horror game.
With the release of Dead Space 3 arguably pushing that franchise firmly into the action shooter territory., is it the slow tension of survival horror; the relentless throat grabbing of action horror like Dead Space 2 and F.E.A.R. or do games require a more psychological approach to truly be considered horror? Do games like Silent Hill and its continued focus on character disintegration highlight the need for characters as well as well as atmosphere? Here's what GameSpotters had to say.
DraugenCP: Much like how horror films are seldom about the sensation of fear itself, horror games frequently focus on secondary elements such as gore and violence, relegating the nightmarish horror universe to a fancy backdrop rather than the centre of the experience… read more.
-Saigo-: To understand horror in both storytelling and gameplay, we must understand fear at its root. We must acknowledge that beyond the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises inherited as birthright, fear is both a learned and conditioned behavior, and subsequently, can be altered to fit our needs as readers, storytellers, developers, or gamers… read more.
pokecharm: The ambiance of the game is the first thing that struck me, the game felt eerie and off-putting from the very beginning. In most games, it is important to be able to see whats going on, hear things as they approach. In Silent Hill 2, a great dense fog descends and permeates every corner of the city… read more.
Asagea_888: Games like Slender are a stark indication that indie developers are looking into different definitions of horror to appeal to people that enjoy horror-based genres; something the larger third-parties have yet to be fully aware of… read more.
JustPlainLucas: Suspense is prehaps a horror game's (or movie's) greatest element because it establishes mood and atmosphere and tension and apprehension. You need to be afraid of what the environment is hiding from you, not what's constantly jumping right in front of your face… read more.
Extra Credit
Sometimes a good blog is simply a good blog, and these GameSpot members deserve recognition for their efforts and contributions:
- The Problem with Horror By: starduke
- One day in Horror Land in Games By: benleslie5
- Fear of What to Expect: My Avoidance of Horror Games By: Bad_Gamers83
Next Assignment: Are reboots necessary?
Controversy has often swelled as a result of the decision to reboot games -- as hardcore fans feel alienated by the changes made. That said, are game reboots necessary? Can there be a way to keep the integrity of an existing franchise intact and please both fans and newcomers in equal measure? Or are we left with little choice but to compromise the history of an established product to help it stay relevant in today's times? Head over to the official GameSpot Writers Round Table discussion for full details.
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