Developing a horror game.
 

Hey guys, i'm new to the forum. wanting to know what the wider public's views are on survival horror games. Got a few questions, if any of you are kind enough to answer, discuss and debate that would be grand.

What key elements define an amazing survival horror game?
Which games great survival horrors? and what is it that provides them with this success?
What not to do in a survival horror game? and any examples
What is too cliche about the horror genre that you are sick of seeing/hearing/playing?
What cliche's are good and always needed?
Finally is there anything that you've always wanted to see/hear/play in a survival horror game that you've never come across?

Thank you and honest responses are much appreciated

one word

ATMOSPHERE

Couldn't agree more.

monkeys .... lots of monkeys

Couldn't agree more with that one. It really depends on the game that you're going for me to tell you what it should need though. I've played and enjoyed Alan Wake, the game is like a Stephen King story, it keeps up a spooky atmosphere. There are hidden details you can find, like writing on a wall, or a crashed plane with evil black stuff on it, that keep you questioning what happened to the plane. The unknown is one of humanity's greatest fears.

Or better...Atmosfear...my favorite horror board game from long ago. :D

http://www.searchamateur.com/picture...-box-dvd-2.jpg

Alan Wake is a good game.
It is a 2D side scroller (much like lone survivor and home) we are going for the spooky atmosphere rather than the jump scares but trying to make the player question what they've just seen (or not seen) We are at the very early stages of development so the concept and mechanics have been changing often.
Have you guys ever played SCP? short games online that are pretty scary. I liked the idea of when the character blinked the monster got closer.
We gained inspiration from that and are using the light source. if the player doesn't keep the light running whether it be a torch or lighter etc. the 'bad guy' will get them. any thoughts on this?
Plus do you know of any small horror games?

Reminds me of the old Alone in the Dark.

Yep, as Lovecraft has said it.

Keep your gamers guessing as to what will come next, and your game is bound to be a success, even if it's on a low budget. One of the main reasons why Amnesia: The Dark Descent is regarded so highly.

I had the VHS original of that lol :)

VHS??

How does THAT work? :confused: