The Importance Of Independent Horror Games

I have always been a sucker for horror games. One cold, winter day, I was lying in bed, suffering with just your average cold, feeling sorry for myself and reminiscing on times when I was healthy. This time bored at home led me to stumble across Resident Evil 7- and I was instantly hooked.

I played for hours straight and completed the game feeling instantly desperate for more! This prompted my investigation into cheap, quick horror games that I could play to satisfy the desire.

I feel very strongly in the fact that independent horror games are worth investing your time in, and here are the reasons why.

Strong storylines

To say that large game developers do not put effort into their projects would most definitely not be the truth. Some of the best horror games out there come from large developers like Capcom or Sony. However, games developed by independent companies have often had more time spent on them, without the pressure of factors like release dates.

The games are super innovative and explore complex themes like psychological trauma. They often are a reflection of the inner thoughts of the games developers, which I feel is often very transparent in the work.

For example, Amnesia: the bunker is a great game with an unmatched horror experience with a compelling story line that had me hooked for hours.

Horror elements

Artistic expression is a common observation for me in independent horror games. Whilst established franchises have to stick with repetition of design elements and narrative for commercial purposes, standalone games can embrace this freedom of exploration without the fear of consumer disappointment.

Some of these independent games have introduced some of the most unnerving villains that I have encountered in my gaming experience.

For example, the Mortuary Assistant and Little Nightmares have some of the most alarming villains in any horror game. The artistic style makes for truly horrifying yet creative scenes that you just don’t get in films or games. I think that the fact the villains are something you have never seen before is what gives the games that next level of horror.

Subversive

Nothing is better than finishing a game and thinking wow. The storylines that you don't expect and the characters that you feel attached to are what make a game 10/10.

Independent game developers can take risks with unconventional storylines and unexpected character dialogues due to the lack of expectations and judgment from their fanbase. Subverting of stereotypes and consumer expectations can lead to more unexpected gameplay and plot twists. Unfortunately, this is not very common in the game genre any more. These narratives, often found in independent gameplay, is what leaves the player with what I coin ‘the wow factor’.

Short gameplay

Sometimes life just gets too busy, and you don’t have the time, or the attention span, to really dedicate yourself to a hard grinding game. Independent horror games are usually relatively short, yet focused, experiences that provide you with impactful experiences. However, they are not too long for you to lose interest.

Besides, I know that every single one of you reading still have that game that has been sitting in your house or stored on your console for years, that is yet to be finished. Although, I’m sure you still tell yourself that one day you will get around to finishing it…

A good example is ‘Ravenous’ which is a psychological horror game in which you roleplay as a child trapped in a monster’s basement. You must survive the thriller in order to win the game. Gameplay is only around 4-5 hours long so you could easily play this one sitting which I personally love as it provides maximum emotional investment and impact.

To conclude, I am no horror game expert, and I would be open to hear any recommendations for games that have made a significant impact on your gaming past. But I hope that some of these suggestions encourage you to download an independent game or two, and if you do…let me know what you think!