Survival horror

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Survival Horror

Survival horror is a subgenre of video games that emphasizes survival, resource management, and a sense of fear or dread. This genre often involves players navigating through hostile environments, solving puzzles, and confronting terrifying adversaries, all while managing limited resources such as ammunition, health, and tools.

History

The origins of survival horror can be traced back to the early 1980s, with games like "Haunted House" for the Atari 2600 and "Sweet Home" for the NES. However, the genre gained significant popularity with the release of "Resident Evil" in 1996, which established many of the conventions now associated with survival horror.

Gameplay Elements

Survival horror games typically feature:

• Limited Resources: Players must carefully manage scarce resources, such as ammunition and health packs, to survive.
• Puzzle Solving: Many games include puzzles that must be solved to progress, adding an element of strategy and critical thinking.
• Atmosphere and Storytelling: A strong emphasis is placed on creating a tense and immersive atmosphere, often through detailed environments and compelling narratives.
• Combat and Evasion: Players often have the option to fight or flee from enemies, with combat being a last resort due to limited resources.

Notable Games

Some of the most influential survival horror games include:

• "Resident Evil" series
• "Silent Hill" series
• "Amnesia: The Dark Descent"
• "Dead Space" series
• "The Last of Us"

Influence and Legacy

Survival horror has influenced a wide range of media, including films, literature, and other video game genres. The tension and fear elements have been incorporated into action-adventure games, leading to hybrid genres such as action horror.

Also see

• Horror video game
• Action-adventure game
• Psychological horror
• Resident Evil (video game)
• Silent Hill (video game)