I. Introduction
A. Definition of survival horror games
Survival horror is a subgenre of video games that combines elements of action, adventure, and role-playing games with elements of horror and suspense.
Players typically control a single character who must navigate through a hostile environment filled with enemies while trying to survive and complete their objectives. Survival horror games often feature limited resources, such as health, ammunition, and supplies, and require players to make strategic decisions that can impact the outcome of the game.
B. Brief history of survival horror games
The origins of survival horror can be traced back to the 1980s with the release of games like Aliens vs Predator (1992) and Doom II (1993). However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that survival horror became a distinct genre with the release of Resident Evil (1996) by Shinji Mikami.
C. Thesis statement: Survival horror games have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry and continue to influence modern-day games.
Survival horror games have had a significant impact on the gaming industry, influencing other genres such as action, adventure, and role-playing games. They have also inspired numerous other forms of media, including books, movies, and TV shows. Despite their limited popularity compared to other genres, survival horror games continue to be developed and released, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the genre.
II. Early Survival Horror Games
A. Silent Hill (1994)
Silent Hill is a survival horror game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. The game follows the story of Harry Mason, who arrives in the town of Silent Hill after his car breaks down.
As he explores the town and its surroundings, he begins to experience strange phenomena and encounters hostile monsters known as “Otherworld” creatures. Players must use their wits, weapons, and resources to survive and complete their objectives.
B. Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil is a survival horror game developed by Capcom. The game follows the story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, who are members of a special police unit called S.T.A.R.S. As they investigate a mysterious mansion in the outskirts of Raccoon City, they are ambushed by zombies and other monsters.
Players must explore the mansion, gather resources, and fight their way through waves of enemies to complete their objectives.
C. Alien Isolation (1997)
Alien Isolation is a survival horror game developed by Gearbox Software. The game follows the story of Sevastian Crane, who is stranded on a derelict space station infested with an alien creature known as “The Xenomorph.”
Players must use their skills, resources, and weapons to evade the creature and complete various objectives.
D. The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us is a survival horror game developed by Naughty Dog. The game follows the story of Joel, a smuggler who takes care of a young girl named Ellie after a fungal infection turns most of humanity into infected creatures known as “Clickers.”
Players must navigate through a post-apocalyptic world filled with hostile enemies while trying to find a safe haven for Ellie.
E. The Last of Us Part II (2020)
The Last of Us Part II is the sequel to the 2013 game. It follows the story of Ellie, who seeks revenge against those who wronged her in the past.
Players must navigate through a post-apocalyptic world filled with hostile enemies while trying to uncover the truth behind Ellie’s past.
F. Analysis of early survival horror games and their impact
Early survival horror games were pioneers in the genre, establishing many of the conventions that would become standard in future games. These games often featured limited resources, hostile environments, and enemy creatures that required players to use strategy and quick thinking to survive. They also introduced players to a new type of horror, one that focused on suspense and tension rather than jump scares and gore.
Despite their limited popularity compared to other genres, early survival horror games have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, inspiring numerous other survival horror games and influencing other genres such as action and adventure.
III. Modern Survival Horror Games
A. Outlast (2013)
Outlast is a survival horror game developed by Red Barrels. The game follows the story of journalist Miles Ullrich, who is investigating an asylum for the criminally insane.
As he explores the asylum, he encounters hostile enemies known as “Asylum Patients” and must use his skills and resources to survive and complete his objectives.
B. Amnesia: Rebirth (2017)
Amnesia: Rebirth is a survival horror game developed by Frictional Games. The game follows the story of Catherine Dahlstrom, who is caught up in a supernatural mystery in the town of Little Hope.
As she investigates the mystery, she encounters hostile monsters known as “The Shadowmen” and must use her skills and resources to survive and complete her objectives.
C. Little Hope (2020)
Little Hope is a survival horror game developed by Telltale Games. The game follows the story of a group of college students who are caught up in a supernatural mystery in the town of Little Hope.
As they investigate the mystery, they encounter hostile monsters known as “The Shadowmen” and must use their skills and resources to survive and complete their objectives.
D. Analysis of modern survival horror games and their impact
Modern survival horror games have continued to push the boundaries of the genre, introducing new gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques. These games often feature more complex narratives and characters, as well as a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving.
Despite their limited popularity compared to other genres, modern survival horror games have had a significant impact on the gaming industry, inspiring numerous other games and influencing other genres such as action and adventure.
IV. Summary
Survival horror games have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, influencing other genres such as action, adventure, and role-playing games. They have also inspired numerous other forms of media, including books, movies, and TV shows.
Whether you are a fan of early classics like Resident Evil or modern masterpieces like Amnesia: Rebirth, there is something for everyone in the world of survival horror.
