Here are 3 reasons why you should play Eastern European horror games this Halloween.
Spending time with horror is a great way to spend Halloween (the best holiday). While American horror is the most popular, and Japanese horror has the highest number of releases, I’ve discovered that Eastern European horror games are really satisfying my horror cravings.
Horror is often a reflection of societal anxieties and fears. Godzilla was created with the advent of nuclear weapons. Fear of radiation and the Cold War brought fear of invasion and sedition. Movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers were made.
It seems probable that the horror genre will be influenced by the global pandemic and lockdown of the past two years. This is evident in new movies like Rob Savages host.
There are many games from Eastern Europe that address the isolation and pleasures of this feeling. Eastern European horrors are full of lore and insight. They are a great choice for those looking for horror experiences that are less focused on jumping scares or shooting monsters (although they do allow you to do this), and more on character and atmosphere. They leave you with plenty to think about. I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the genre and its strengths, but I want to leave you with some suggestions to help you get started on your own journey.
CLASSIC SETTING
For a long time, horror has been popular in Eastern Europe (think Dracula). It is a great setting for a scary story because of its dark history, bleak weather and old buildings. Resident Evil and amnesia The Dark Descent come to mind. These games can also be based on isolation thanks to the vast steppes and mysterious forests. Escape is often impossible because you are far away from help.
GRIM ATMOSPHERE
The setting is key to the atmosphere. These games, in my opinion, are often depressing and grim, just like the years prior to the pandemic. They avoid the need for sudden jump scares and instead focus on a gradual build-up of dreadful and uneasy feelings. It is reminiscent of Silent Hill 2.
