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A post from Wookie Monster and the ongoing thread about games influencing behaviour got me thinking about the genre of “Survival Horror”.
I for one am a huge fan of these games and feel that they are an often overlooked entry into video gaming.
I started on these games with Resident Evil for the PSX, never played anything like it before and loved it.
It wasn’t really a scary game, there were odd moments that made you jump (the hands through the windows anyone?) but it was more gore than nerves.
And Res Evil 2 came out, a vast improvement on the 1st if nothing else in terms of voice acting.
I can remember laughing myself into a headache at the awful, awful acting in the 1st one, “Barry?….where’s Barry?…..(10 second pauses) He must be in trouble”. Imagine a group of drama students on valium and you might be approaching the level of suckage this had, it almost ruined the game for me.
The 2nd was an improvement, moments that made you jump (the big thing smashing through the wall and chasing you stands out), the graphics improved and the acting wasn’t straight from kung-fu dubbed movie-hell.
Then Dino Crisis. Same game engine but with Dinosaurs.
Hmmm…it was ok but the odd not-very-fast-asorous lumbering behind you didn’t give you a sense of urgency.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
Once more, little improvement, better acting but still “Run about, get ammo, solve puzzle, shoot undead” grew wearying.
And then was Silent Hill.
This, for me, stands as the definitive gaming exercise in terror. Still does, after a repeated playing.
Yes this is gory, yes there are “things” that chase you.
But Silent Hill concentrates on mood, atmosphere and moments that made two 27 year olds turn the light on and wipe sweaty palms on the dog, swear at the cat for leaping onto the couch behind us and take pauses to reassure ourselves that nothing was hanging outside the door.
I’ve never experienced anything like this game, and I don’t think you can match it.
Gruesome, but genuinely disturbing in most places.
The school, evil imps burst out at you, children crying, locker doors SMASHING open as you walk past…so many moments to make you cry like a big girl (not me obviously…er…guns and war and other manly things).
And soon we have Silent Hill 2 on PS2.
I’m anticipating it greatly, yet fearing it immensely because I’m not sure nerves can handle an improved, even more adult excursion through some twisted Japanese mind.
The developers admitted “We toned the 1st one down, but we gave them free reign with this one”
Christ…do I want this or not?
Yes and no.
I for one am a huge fan of these games and feel that they are an often overlooked entry into video gaming.
I started on these games with Resident Evil for the PSX, never played anything like it before and loved it.
It wasn’t really a scary game, there were odd moments that made you jump (the hands through the windows anyone?) but it was more gore than nerves.
And Res Evil 2 came out, a vast improvement on the 1st if nothing else in terms of voice acting.
I can remember laughing myself into a headache at the awful, awful acting in the 1st one, “Barry?….where’s Barry?…..(10 second pauses) He must be in trouble”. Imagine a group of drama students on valium and you might be approaching the level of suckage this had, it almost ruined the game for me.
The 2nd was an improvement, moments that made you jump (the big thing smashing through the wall and chasing you stands out), the graphics improved and the acting wasn’t straight from kung-fu dubbed movie-hell.
Then Dino Crisis. Same game engine but with Dinosaurs.
Hmmm…it was ok but the odd not-very-fast-asorous lumbering behind you didn’t give you a sense of urgency.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
Once more, little improvement, better acting but still “Run about, get ammo, solve puzzle, shoot undead” grew wearying.
And then was Silent Hill.
This, for me, stands as the definitive gaming exercise in terror. Still does, after a repeated playing.
Yes this is gory, yes there are “things” that chase you.
But Silent Hill concentrates on mood, atmosphere and moments that made two 27 year olds turn the light on and wipe sweaty palms on the dog, swear at the cat for leaping onto the couch behind us and take pauses to reassure ourselves that nothing was hanging outside the door.
I’ve never experienced anything like this game, and I don’t think you can match it.
Gruesome, but genuinely disturbing in most places.
The school, evil imps burst out at you, children crying, locker doors SMASHING open as you walk past…so many moments to make you cry like a big girl (not me obviously…er…guns and war and other manly things).
And soon we have Silent Hill 2 on PS2.
I’m anticipating it greatly, yet fearing it immensely because I’m not sure nerves can handle an improved, even more adult excursion through some twisted Japanese mind.
The developers admitted “We toned the 1st one down, but we gave them free reign with this one”
Christ…do I want this or not?
Yes and no.
Page:
You are a Christian?
We knew that. If that were true, no Christian would need to go to church, or even believe in God. he would forgive them anyway! NO WAY!
Darkness
Darkness
The Game wrote:
You can sinand then rely on the fact that God will forgive you...NO CHANCE
I meant: "You can't sin and then rely on the fact that God will forgive you..."
Sorry for any confusion.
The Game
You can sinand then rely on the fact that God will forgive you...NO CHANCE
I meant: "You can't sin and then rely on the fact that God will forgive you..."
Sorry for any confusion.
The Game
They are games. Most games involve some kind of killing. Or hideous beasts. Most films do. A lot of TV programs do. Should all christians become monks and lock themselves away from life - NO. Things change. This world is no longer the same as God made it. Religion much change with it.
Darkness
Darkness
But Wookiee and Goatboy, I respect you a lot more for this serious conversation. Although I don't agree with your views and don't respect them, I do you, both of you.
The thing is, most christians to date have said
"Well okay, well let them play these games and just hope they see it some other way in years to come."
NO! It is time that christians stood out and voiced a better opinion, these games shouldn't be played, brought or even bothered with by any christian. I am not judging chrisitans that play them as "all have sinned and....(Romans 3:23) In fact I am.....because christians should know better! You can sinand then rely on the fact that God will forgive you...NO CHANCE
I don't think anyone should play these games....but that is just an opinion and the only reason I said they were 'CRAP and SICK' was because my opinion would be understood by everyone....even people who cant interperet 'fancy' words.
The thing is, most christians to date have said
"Well okay, well let them play these games and just hope they see it some other way in years to come."
NO! It is time that christians stood out and voiced a better opinion, these games shouldn't be played, brought or even bothered with by any christian. I am not judging chrisitans that play them as "all have sinned and....(Romans 3:23) In fact I am.....because christians should know better! You can sinand then rely on the fact that God will forgive you...NO CHANCE
I don't think anyone should play these games....but that is just an opinion and the only reason I said they were 'CRAP and SICK' was because my opinion would be understood by everyone....even people who cant interperet 'fancy' words.
YEAH!
Wòókiee Møn§†€R wrote:
"Let's make sure we get this straight, though - these weren't 'kids'these were teenagers who knew *exactly* what they were doing."
If a man or woman can be seduced into having an affair with another man or woman because of subtle hints what makes you think that these teenagers who you say 'knew *exactly* what they were doing' couldn't have been influenced by computer games?!
"Let's make sure we get this straight, though - these weren't 'kids'these were teenagers who knew *exactly* what they were doing."
If a man or woman can be seduced into having an affair with another man or woman because of subtle hints what makes you think that these teenagers who you say 'knew *exactly* what they were doing' couldn't have been influenced by computer games?!
Goatboy smells of poo and rotten cheese and banana's
POWER OF THE SHEEP
POWER OF THE SHEEP
The Game.
You are entitled to your opinion, that's cool.
I, however, am 27 and enjoyed Silent Hill because it wasn't princesses and cute characters.
I enjoy being frightened, it's my choice.
I dont harbour dark desires or violent intentions.
That wasnt the point of this posting, but I can appreciate your views.
However
To impose your view as the only one and the "Correct" one is dangerously borderline to Facism, one which a Christian such as yourself should abhor.
Now, dont get angry, I'm not attacking you here.
I'm saying that, as Wookie said, blanket censorship doesn't work, it breeds dissent and ill-feeling.
As much as I respect you, I cannot take your posts seriously when all you can manage is "SICK" and "CRAP", reactionism is never a good thing.
If you dont like these games, fine, you are doing the sensible thing in not playing them.
But to suggest they should be removed is no different from
"I find this book to be wrong,let's ban it".
You end up with a situation like Alabama, where it has been made illegal to teach the theory of Evolution.
This scares me on a very profound level.
And Christianity is all about tolerance,understanding and forgiveness, so relax and dont worry about whether I enjoy Silent Hill.
It was an 18 cert, anyone that bought it and was underage, there is a thing called culpability - You pays your money you takes your choice.
I like survival horror games, they make me sweat and get a little scared, which I like.
I'm not saying everyone should play them at all.
So calm down and do what you're doing already, dont play them.
Peace
Goatboy
You are entitled to your opinion, that's cool.
I, however, am 27 and enjoyed Silent Hill because it wasn't princesses and cute characters.
I enjoy being frightened, it's my choice.
I dont harbour dark desires or violent intentions.
That wasnt the point of this posting, but I can appreciate your views.
However
To impose your view as the only one and the "Correct" one is dangerously borderline to Facism, one which a Christian such as yourself should abhor.
Now, dont get angry, I'm not attacking you here.
I'm saying that, as Wookie said, blanket censorship doesn't work, it breeds dissent and ill-feeling.
As much as I respect you, I cannot take your posts seriously when all you can manage is "SICK" and "CRAP", reactionism is never a good thing.
If you dont like these games, fine, you are doing the sensible thing in not playing them.
But to suggest they should be removed is no different from
"I find this book to be wrong,let's ban it".
You end up with a situation like Alabama, where it has been made illegal to teach the theory of Evolution.
This scares me on a very profound level.
And Christianity is all about tolerance,understanding and forgiveness, so relax and dont worry about whether I enjoy Silent Hill.
It was an 18 cert, anyone that bought it and was underage, there is a thing called culpability - You pays your money you takes your choice.
I like survival horror games, they make me sweat and get a little scared, which I like.
I'm not saying everyone should play them at all.
So calm down and do what you're doing already, dont play them.
Peace
Goatboy
The Game wrote:
> They are a bad influence on
> children nowadays, and anyone who believes that chilren should be
> able to play games like Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark or
> Whateveritis Dead need a good slap!
You're quite right - children shouldn't be playing them, and that's why they all come with a 15 or 18 BBFC certificate.
If children are playing them, then it is (IMHO) the parents' failing - they should be keeping an eye on what Little Johnnie is spending his pocket money on.
You're beginning to touch on what for me is a very sensitive subject: blanket censorship. I'll try to stay nice, but I can't promise anything... so don't be too offended if I flip! :-)
Basically, while I respect that others may not enjoy or want to se this type of thing, I object to them dictating to me what I can and can't see in games, films or on TV. If those people don't want to see it, that's fine - no-one's forcing them; they can not buy the game, not see the film, or turn the TV over/off. If I personally enjoy it and am not harming anyone else, then it's no-one's business but mine.
> To be honest, although I
> don't think that games are to blame for the killing of the american
> Children I think that the games like Resident Evil and Quake could
> have had an effect on the kids...
Let's make sure we get this straight, though - these weren't 'kids' - these were teenagers who knew *exactly* what they were doing.
> They are a bad influence on
> children nowadays, and anyone who believes that chilren should be
> able to play games like Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark or
> Whateveritis Dead need a good slap!
You're quite right - children shouldn't be playing them, and that's why they all come with a 15 or 18 BBFC certificate.
If children are playing them, then it is (IMHO) the parents' failing - they should be keeping an eye on what Little Johnnie is spending his pocket money on.
You're beginning to touch on what for me is a very sensitive subject: blanket censorship. I'll try to stay nice, but I can't promise anything... so don't be too offended if I flip! :-)
Basically, while I respect that others may not enjoy or want to se this type of thing, I object to them dictating to me what I can and can't see in games, films or on TV. If those people don't want to see it, that's fine - no-one's forcing them; they can not buy the game, not see the film, or turn the TV over/off. If I personally enjoy it and am not harming anyone else, then it's no-one's business but mine.
> To be honest, although I
> don't think that games are to blame for the killing of the american
> Children I think that the games like Resident Evil and Quake could
> have had an effect on the kids...
Let's make sure we get this straight, though - these weren't 'kids' - these were teenagers who knew *exactly* what they were doing.
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