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!