Cliffy B Weighs In On Horror Games

Writing on his blog, Cliff Bleszinski speaks about his love for horror films and games.

He specifically talks about Dead Space and how the third game benefits from ”the “action” elements over the “suspense/horror” ones,” and he also says that “We look at the target audience for your average console game and it’s often a cocky young male who doesn’t want to be scared, unfortunately, he’s the guy who wants to get in and ‘f*** s***  up.’” What does that say about the industry nowadays?

He continues to point out how to make a good horror game and how to keep up the tension, and eventually he writes what he liked and disliked about Dead Space 3. “I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around the weapon crafting and upgrading system…  Overall game pacing is something that’s really hard to get right; it’s something that a lead campaign designer or overall lead designer are responsible for and that pacing doesn’t let down. The game builds to a crescendo of exciting moments (often with ships crashing) and then it takes its time before getting back into combat. The vistas and skyboxes are breathtaking, and the weapons generally feel good.” He adds, “the parts when you’re in space flying around in your suit are suspenseful but somehow peaceful, if that makes any sense.”

As a conclusion, he comments on the nature of expensive horror games, saying “In the 60$ disc based market horror doesn’t fly – it’s the ultimate “Campaign Rental” that’s played for 2 days and traded in and I’m sure EA knows this. When we’re fully digital we’ll see more true horror games coming back. (Look at Amnesia and Slenderman on PC).”

On a random side note, Cliffy B says that he is playing through the Dead Space 3 Co-op mode with his wife. Lucky man.

http://leviathyn.com/games-2/news/2013/02/13/cliffy-b-weighs-in-on-horror-games/