Survival Horror Survival Tips: A Newcomer's Guide to Eerie Games

What do Silent Hill 2, Fatal Frame, and Calling all have in common? 

If you guessed that they all scare the crap out of me, you’d be right! Aside from that, though, they also all fall under the category of ‘survival horror.' While technically a sub-genre of the action/adventure game, anyone experienced in these terrifying (and usually very Japanese) games knows of the unique attraction they hold over the player. Yes they scare me to bits and make me want to hide under my blankets with all the lights in my dorm room on, but I keep playing them. The question is, why?

 Personally, I think it’s a mix of the pure stubbornness intrinsic to any gamer along with that small part of human nature present in some that actually likes to feel fear. I say some because there are those out there who detest mildly scary movies, let alone a game that puts you right in the center of the horror. There are plenty of people out there who don’t play these types of games. In fact, it’s safe to say that a majority don’t. However, for the small group of those of us who do, there’s nothing quite like the rush of not knowing whether or not something horrible lies in wait for you in the next room. The fact is, there is a delicate balance of persistence and masochism present in those who keep coming back to survival horror games.

Okay, so you might be interested in trying out this genre for yourself. Good for you! 

"But Victoria," you may query, "the prospect is truly a frightful one! Where would I even begin?"
Be calm, child. Forsooth, look upon the rest of this blog post, that ye may find thine instruction.

First of all, purchase yourself a game.

For those of you that want to take it easy your first time, Player 2 gave the helpful suggestion of the Resident Evil series. While slightly closer to an over-the-shoulder shooter in it's later releases, it still has plenty to offer those seeking an adrenaline spike.

If you want something a bit more potent but wish to stick with a tried and true classic, I highly recommend the Silent Hill series. Long admired as one of the defining games of the genre, Silent Hill 2 is a good place to start. The graphics aren't too bad and it's easily one of, if not the scariest in the series. 

Finally, if you truly are a masochist and wish to be traumatized for life, any game in the Fatal Frame series will do. In the first few weeks of our  friendship, I forced the first Fatal Frame on the unsuspecting Player 2 and she just hasn't been the same since.

Adjust the room's lighting for the desired ambiance.

Okay folks, if you know your heart is weak and you fear for your sanity, for the love of Leingod, turn the lights on! If possible, play during the day and sit near a window. This way, if the game gets too intense, just stare outside and think peaceful thoughts. Make sure not to unknowingly stare at anyone though, as this could get you slapped with a restraining order. Look at the sky, or some trees and perhaps consider the fact that you may not be cut out for this type of game. Maybe you should stick to Spyro the Dragon instead.

For the brave among you, dim your lights (or turn them off completely if your daring!) and play late in the night  for a nice chilling atmosphere. It's always makes for a pleasant thrill when the game cuts away for a scene change and you're left in complete darkness.

Bring a friend!

I realize this may seem cowardly, but frightening games are actually a lot more fun when you have someone there to get freaked out with you. It's just like going to watch a scary movie with a bunch of your friends, nobody wants to go see a horror flick alone and there's just some sort of strange bonding that happens over mutual terror. Not to mention, for the faint of heart, it's nice to have some moral support when running away from Pyramid Head.

Finally, know your limits.

Okay, it really isn't a contest people. Don't force yourself to play a game you aren't enjoying. No one is going to give you a gold star because you finished a video game. Trust me. It's not the end of the world if the genre just doesn't work for you.There are plenty of other games in the world to enjoy. If you really like the elements of fighting the undead, try something like Left for Dead 2, or F.E.A.R. In my experience, the first-person shooter style usually turns down the scary factor and makes a game a lot more fun instead.

Alright dearies, that's all for this Monday, but I'd like to hear some feedback! So tell me, which scary game is your favorite? Do you prefer zombie shooters, instead? Let me know!

A Spotter's Guide to Gaming Shrines

Alright, so picture this:

It's a dark, snowy morning. The wind is biting and the path is treacherous, but this doesn't deter you. You make the long trek to your mailbox/post office/mom's house and... lo and behold, the game you ordered off of Amazon has finally arrived! You race back home and enjoy countless hours in perfect gaming bliss. Once sated, you fondly replace the disk/cartridge in its respective case and prepare to store it in your gaming shelf until you're in just the right mood to pick it up again.





There's no room.





There's no room.

*And scene!*

Shelf Envy

We'd like to imagine that, when we've graduated from college and actually have money, that we could own one of those amazing gaming shelves that you see on the internet. Everyone knows the kind: those sleek, ebony surfaces, the stunning amount of games, the sheer beauty of the action figures assembled neatly into rows... We both have some serious shelf envy going on. This inspired (in one of our numerous procrastinating sessions) some research into the glorious culture of gaming shelves. As we considered these majestic sights with muted awe, we realized that there are a few cardinal rules to follow when planning your shine to the gaming Gods. We've assembled (from Google) some of the best (and worst, and obscene) shelves for you to feast your eyes on as we comment on their strengths and their faults (and their faults (fertility statues, we're looking at you!))

Example One:
The Fort

Okay. You don't put games in front of other games. In fact, you don't put anything in front of games. Not only is it aesthetically displeasing, but you also cannot tell what half of the games are on the shelf when you look at it. The point of the shelf is to have things organized and easily accessible, you don't want to spend twenty minutes taking your shelf apart just to find one game. Also, having your charger sprawled in the corner of the shelf is just messy. You want your friends to admire your shelf, not comment on your poor housekeeping.

Example Two:
Broaden Your Horizons, Don't Stack on Them

While you can clearly perceive all of the games on this shelf with just a glance, there are still a few things that take away from its gaming glory. The clutter that is surrounding the shelf as well as the sheer amount of cases present (are they almost hitting the ceiling? I think they're touching the ceiling) just makes this arrangement messy. I mean, they don't even have room on the wall for the clock; and really, don't use your shelves as a hat rack (it will anger the gaming Gods.) Also, horizontal stacking is scary. What if I wanted a game from the bottom? Would I just rip it out and hope for the best? This isn't a table cloth, and I'm not a magician!

Example Three:
The Stockpiler

I (Player Two), am a firm believer in removing action figures from boxes. Now, I know this may be blasphemous to some (I mean, Player One still has her phaser in the box as I type this), but I think in a setting like gaming shelves, it just looks better without the boxes. This person even has their PSP box on the shelf! Doesn't that seem just a bit excessive? Besides that, they have a great system here. All of their games are neatly in place, and some of them even look alphabetized. (Player Two has a bit of a problem with alphabetizing things...and with spelling the word alphabetizing.)

Example Four:
Shrine on, Bright Eyes (Glory to the Gaming Gods!)

This is beautiful. It's not just storage space, it's a fully functioning entertainment center. It is obvious that this person is a hardcore gamer (and a Final Fantasy VII fan; Player Two approves), but their adoration for gaming is understated. It's presented in a very mature and thoughtful way, which is very hard to find. Their love for gaming is expressed very simply, and it is not the overwhelming message of the room. You could easily entertain business associates here without worrying unduly about shoving your PS2 under the couch and hiding your games in the shower. This room seems like a fun, organized space that allows for maximal gaming time with minimal effort. It almost says: "I'm a gamer, and a CEO! Now where are my bonuses?"

Unfortunately, here at Smith, Player Two is forced to use a binder due to the lack of shelving in her dorm room, and Player One is limited to two measly shelves to hold all of her games, books, and movies. What kind of shelves do you use to store your precious games? Is there a cheat code? Do you need to use a strategy guide? Is better or worse than the Water Temple? Let us know!

Player 2, Here!

After completing eight ridiculously difficult and useless side quests, you were finally able to defeat the Balrog and unlock the multi-player option! Too bad you’ve already had to beat the game to do so, since a second player would have really helped in that boss battle a few hours back…

I’m Rachel, and welcome to 8-Bit Apples and Tea! Usually you can find me level grinding on the rugby pitch, but on these bitterly cold winter days, there’s nothing I like more than to snuggle up in Victoria’s room and play video games. I’m an action/adventure gamer, but I’d never turn down a good RPG. I personally believe that there is nothing more satisfying in life than blowing a zombie’s head off.

Some Quick Facts About Me:

• My first video game was Super Mario 64 when I was five.
• My first console was the Nintendo 64, which I got for Christmas when I was six.
• I don’t have a favorite game, but so far my adoration for Uncharted 2 has been unsurpassed.
• I have a weakness for cheese, and I sometimes eat ramen noodles raw.
• I tend to spend large amounts of money on box sets, comic books, novels, and video games.
• Similarly, I can’t walk into a bookstore without spending fifteen dollars.
• I own pretty much every gaming system except for the Xbox 360, which is a wrong I’m going to rectify this summer when I actually have cash in my wallet.

I’m going to be here every Wednesday discussing important gaming topics, like robot unicorn rights, how not to judge a game by its cover, or the physics behind those ridiculous hairdos… Pretty much whatever comes to mind as I ponder the answer to life, the universe, and gaming.

On Fridays we have what’s called “Fun Friday,” where we’ll take a step back from our usual topics on Apples and Tea, and instead focus on some of the more amusing aspects of gaming culture. Therefore, the topics will range from the ordinary (“Gaming’s Bromances”) to the extraordinary (“How to Make the Sims 3 a Two-Player Game.”) Hopefully you’ll enjoy these multiplayer posts as much as Victoria and I enjoy writing them.

This Friday is going to be our first official blog post, and I can assure you that it’s going to be epic. Well, perhaps not quite as epic as beating the final boss and seeing the credits role, but pretty damn close. I hope to see you there!

Welcome to 8-Bit Apples and Tea!

Forget nectar and ambrosia, true gaming gods feast only on the finest earl grey and granny smiths that Smith College has to offer! 


Or at least that’s what I tell myself whenever dinner in the dining hall sucks and I’m all out of ramen…

Anyway, enough about my questionable eating habits! I’m Victoria, your average college gamer with a penchant for RPGs and Platformers. Together, my good friend Rachel and I will be reviewing our favorite games, ranting about their shortcomings, and tackling some of the news circulating in the gaming world.
I’ll be here every Monday from here on out covering a variety of topics, including the social implications of being a gamer girl and some of my personal 'survival horror' survival tips.
Rachel will be writing on Wednesdays so, much like a member of any good battle party, you’ll meet her later.

A Little Background on Myself

• My first ever video game was “NiGHTS into Dreams” for the Sega Saturn, which I played at the tender age of four.
• The first gaming console I ever actually owned was a PlayStation, which my parents bought for me when I was six.
• Today, I own my trusty, rusty PlayStation 2 and a Wii while sharing an Xbox 360 with one of my best friends, though I plan to buy my own when my wallet is no longer suffering from anorexia.

Well, that’s all for this Monday. I just wanted to get the ball rolling, as it were. Wednesday, Rachel will be introducing her day and explaining a little something special we like to call Fun Friday.