Video game lovers are well aware of the fact that horror is an integral part of most types of game genres. But if you really want to explain the essence of these games, saying just the phrase “horror game” isn’t enough. The reason is that there are numerous sorts of games that can be horrifying and exciting at the same time. Among them, horror enthusiasts especially enjoy 5 types of games.
In this article, we’ll take a look at those 5 types of games that are admired by horror lovers all over the world.
1. Games of Chance
Encountering games of chance might seem a bit odd on the list of types of horror games. But if you think about it, gambling with your luck leads to the same feelings as watching horror movies or listening to horror stories — anticipation, suspense, and a thrill of facing the unknown. These feelings are especially common in the process of online betting where players have to constantly balance the desire to win potential rewards with the risk of losing.
These mixed feelings is probably the main reason why horror enthusiasts consider games of chance such as poker, bingo, roulette, or different types of lotteries as some of the most attractive types of games.
2. Survival Games
The first thing that usually comes to the minds of horror enthusiasts when they think about their favorite games is usually survival games. It’s the most common type of horror game genre that combines the elements of strategy, resource management, and a constant threat of danger.
Today, the most popular survival horror games tend to be Resident Evil, Silent Hill, The Last Of Us, and System Shock. The main purpose of each of these games is to prepare your character to survive. But the problem is that you can’t fully prepare them to face all the challenges along the way.
3. Psychological Horror Games
We have to admit that games of chance don’t really require the same kind of emotional investment as psychological horror games. The same can be said about survival games that don’t make players think about their deepest fears and insecurities. These aspects are what make psychological horror games stand out.
Interestingly, studies prove that game developers often use specific psychological techniques, such as eerie voices, dark environments, and unexpected surprises, to trigger adrenaline in our brains. The release of dopamine, the so-called “feel-good” hormone, might be the reason why horror lovers enjoy playing psychological games so much. Some of the examples of this genre include Silent Hill (which is also considered a survival game), Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Layers of Fear, and Alan Wake.
4. Adventure Games
The next one is everyone’s favorite adventure game. Regardless of what type of game you are and what you’re looking for in games, chances are that you’ve played at least one adventure game in your life. In fact, you can find elements of adventure in most types of games and horror is no exception. Perhaps not surprisingly, adventure games were created as early as back in those times when the first console was developed.
But the thing that makes these games truly special is their focus on mystery, suspense, and the fact that every single character plays an important role in the plot. The games that can be considered part of adventure horror are numerous. Among them, the most popular ones these days tend to be Dead Space, Until Down, The Mountain King, Call of Cthulhu, and many more. Considering the dynamic plot of these games, it’s not surprising that this genre continues to be one of the most popular types of games for horror lovers around the world.
5. Action Horror Games
And the final type of tame that is widely appreciated by most horror enthusiasts in the world is action games. Action horror is also known as “stealth horror.”. At first glance, you might even think that this genre is pretty much like survivor horror. However, unlike survivor games, where you have both options of fight or flight, in action horror games, your only choice is to run — there’s no escape other than that.
Failing is a natural part of action horror games such as Outlast, where players have to figure out an intriguing environment where they don’t have any means to defend themselves. The only way to avoid the thread is to think quickly in these games. That’s why they tend to be very popular among people who enjoy horror.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, whenever someone asks you what’s your favorite horror game genre, you’ll know how to categorize your favorite games into a specific genre. However, these five types of horror games aren’t everything. There are multiple different games that horror enthusiasts can consider thrilling, exciting, or extraordinary. Either way, if you’re a true horror lover, then you undeniably realize that a game should test the player’s courage. And if this component is present, the game has the potential to be an unforgettable experience.
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