10 Important Video Games That Defined Survival Horror
The games you have to thank for not being able to sleep at night.
Unlike other video game genres, survival horror relies first and foremost on atmosphere and building tension. These games aren't about defeating hordes of enemies, nor are they about high scores; instead they're about enduring, persevering, managing resources and overcoming terrifying odds.
Often, you'll find yourself exploring an unnerving, claustrophobic environment, armed with nothing but a flashlight and a few dwindling bullets for your already ineffective handgun, not knowing what to expect. It's about the possibility that something might be around the next corner, or hiding in the closet; it's about deceiving the player into thinking that anything is possible, keeping them on edge and making them fear the unknown.
Unfortunately, far too many games now just throw you into a vaguely eerie environment, hand you a map and some kind of objective, and expect you to have a worthwhile time. For every Dead Space and Silent Hill 2, there's a Resident Evil 6, a Silent Hill: Homecoming and an Aliens: Colonial Marines.
For every resounding success there have been about a dozen failures, but there are some that have stood out from the pack and reminded us why we love the survival horror genre in the first place.