Author’s General Experience with Horror Games
Horror games often come with the promise of fear, yet for the author, the experience seldom lives up to the expectation. Despite the genre’s intent to terrify, the scares are frequently underwhelming. A case in point is the recent thriller Alan Wake 2, which, while delivering a gripping narrative and its share of eerie moments, largely relies on predictable jump scares reminiscent of early internet pranks.
Just when I thought I was over jump scares, Alan Wake 2 proved me wrong. Still, it’s more of a cheap thrill than genuine horror.
— Horror Enthusiast @HorrorFan.twitter.com (@HorrorFanatic)
March 10, 2023
Image credit: Future
Personal Pick
As part of the celebration of gaming achievements, the Game of the Year Awards 2023 not only highlight the industry’s pinnacle but also offer a platform for each member of the PC Gamer team to showcase a game that has made a significant impact on them. This personal spotlight is an addition to the main awards, which include a variety of categories such as Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design.
Image credit: Frictional Games
Amnesia: The Bunker
The author’s encounter with Amnesia: The Bunker stands in stark contrast to their usual horror game experiences. From the outset, the game establishes a relentless atmosphere that grips the player with a sense of dread. The AI-driven antagonist, known as the Stalker, is a relentless presence that keeps players on their toes, making the experience genuinely terrifying.
Never thought I’d be this scared of a video game, but Amnesia: The Bunker’s Stalker has me checking over my shoulder in real life!
— Fearful Gamer @ScaredyCatGamer.twitter.com (@FearfulGamer)
April 5, 2023
Image credit: Frictional Games
The Itchy and Scratchy Show
The gameplay of Amnesia: The Bunker offers a rich tapestry of immersive sim problem-solving techniques that go beyond mere survival. The player is equipped with a variety of tools and strategies to outwit the Stalker, turning the tables on the monstrous antagonist in a manner reminiscent of the classic cat-and-mouse antics in Tom and Jerry.
Just when you think you’re the prey in Amnesia: The Bunker, you find a new trick and suddenly… it’s Tom and Jerry time!
— Gamer’s Wit @CleverGamer.twitter.com (@GamingStrategist)
June 15, 2023
The author’s excitement for future titles from Frictional Games is palpable, as the potential for new horror classics looms on the horizon. The innovative gameplay and freedom offered in Amnesia: The Bunker not only provide a thrilling experience but also hint at the developer’s capacity to blend horror with player agency in groundbreaking ways.
Author’s Overall Thoughts on Amnesia: The Bunker
In reflection, the author’s experience with Amnesia: The Bunker is one of profound impact. While the game delivers an intense horror experience that genuinely unsettles, there’s a yearning for the philosophical depth found in previous titles by Frictional Games, such as Penumbra or Soma. The blend of existential themes with the horror genre has set a high bar for storytelling in games.
Amnesia: The Bunker was a terrifying ride, but I’m hoping Frictional Games brings back their signature philosophical horror in future releases.
— Philosopher Gamer @ThoughtfulGamer.twitter.com (@PhilosophyGaming)
August 20, 2023
