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Some games have a certain quality about them - Atmosphere, usually derived from the combination of visuals and sound. Those two need to be carefully matched in order to create the desired effect. Eg. Imagine Final Fantasy 7 with the music from Super Mario Land - it just wouldn't work! What's amazing, is that games vary in atmosphere to such a massive degree. I would say, potentially more than films, although its a fairly arguable point. Here's a run-down of the most atmospheric (in my opinion) games of all time.
The first was a game called Lionheart, which appeared on the Amiga. It was a side-scrolling platform adventure game, similar to something like Actraiser. Anyway, the music was amazing, and the graphics were simply phenomenal for its time. Credit to the developers, Thalion.
Second would be The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Probably one of my favourite game of all time. The combination of guiding a young boy on an epic journey, coupled with the quality visuals and suitable music does it for me. I say this not just because of the visuals or the music, they create a living, breathing world, and you're in it...
However, for atmosphere, there's another game which pips OoT, and steals the crown in my opinion. That game is called Outcast. I can't find the correct words to describe the feeling I got when playing this game. I really can't. Er...let's just say that when you're playing a game, and there's a period when you just have to stop and marvel at what is going on around you, you know you feel something special for the game. I remember it took me ages to get off the first world, Ranzaar. And it was actually a small environment, but the atmosphere was so enthralling. I just wanted to wander around forever. Sounds like Morrowind might be right up my street...
System Shock. No, I don't mean System Shock 2, I mean the original. And it would have to be the CD-Rom version and not the Disk version. There is nothing, nothing that has come even close to be atmospheric as this title. The best moment? The third level where Shodan repeats "W...whoo..who are you?" in a messed up computer voice for the entire level. Anything that moves scares you to death because of the heightened tension. The use of the 'Emails' and diary entries to find out what is going on is superb, (On the CD-ROM these were voiced superbly). Obviously, graphically, SS2 pees all over it, we are talking 1995 here after all. However, for atmosphere, the original System Shock is second to none, it is a fantastic game. If you can track it down on CD-ROM then snap it up immediately. Of course, getting it to run on todays PC's would be almost as difficult as finding the game. But I would be tempted to buy the game and then buy an old 486 for £50 or so to play it on. It really is that good.
And I almost forgot about the Resident Evil series...I felt the original Resi didn't have nearly the same mature aura that the sequal had. I remember when I first played it. Obviously, a game as gory and realistic as Resident Evil 2 was completely new to me. Thus, it remains one of my fondest remembered games.
That said, what games of today and yesteryear have stunned you atmospherically?
Thanks for reading,
LF.
The first was a game called Lionheart, which appeared on the Amiga. It was a side-scrolling platform adventure game, similar to something like Actraiser. Anyway, the music was amazing, and the graphics were simply phenomenal for its time. Credit to the developers, Thalion.
Second would be The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Probably one of my favourite game of all time. The combination of guiding a young boy on an epic journey, coupled with the quality visuals and suitable music does it for me. I say this not just because of the visuals or the music, they create a living, breathing world, and you're in it...
However, for atmosphere, there's another game which pips OoT, and steals the crown in my opinion. That game is called Outcast. I can't find the correct words to describe the feeling I got when playing this game. I really can't. Er...let's just say that when you're playing a game, and there's a period when you just have to stop and marvel at what is going on around you, you know you feel something special for the game. I remember it took me ages to get off the first world, Ranzaar. And it was actually a small environment, but the atmosphere was so enthralling. I just wanted to wander around forever. Sounds like Morrowind might be right up my street...
System Shock. No, I don't mean System Shock 2, I mean the original. And it would have to be the CD-Rom version and not the Disk version. There is nothing, nothing that has come even close to be atmospheric as this title. The best moment? The third level where Shodan repeats "W...whoo..who are you?" in a messed up computer voice for the entire level. Anything that moves scares you to death because of the heightened tension. The use of the 'Emails' and diary entries to find out what is going on is superb, (On the CD-ROM these were voiced superbly). Obviously, graphically, SS2 pees all over it, we are talking 1995 here after all. However, for atmosphere, the original System Shock is second to none, it is a fantastic game. If you can track it down on CD-ROM then snap it up immediately. Of course, getting it to run on todays PC's would be almost as difficult as finding the game. But I would be tempted to buy the game and then buy an old 486 for £50 or so to play it on. It really is that good.
And I almost forgot about the Resident Evil series...I felt the original Resi didn't have nearly the same mature aura that the sequal had. I remember when I first played it. Obviously, a game as gory and realistic as Resident Evil 2 was completely new to me. Thus, it remains one of my fondest remembered games.
That said, what games of today and yesteryear have stunned you atmospherically?
Thanks for reading,
LF.
Hmmmm, let me see. Well, there is Max Payne, Devil May Cry, Pro Evolution Soccer and GTA3. Four games that created the desired effect.
Max Payne and GTA3 would battle it out for top spot though, out of these four because they just had a fantastic atmosphere in the game. Max Payne has a dark, lonely atmosphere created whilst GTA3 has a more realistic atmosphere to its surroundings.
Two both brilliant games!
Pro Evo has to be the best footie game with the best atmosphere. The crowds chant well-known chants, the stadiums are fantastic and so is the player detail. Also, the huge amount of realism in the gameplay always helps a game maintain a realistic atmosphere.
Max Payne and GTA3 would battle it out for top spot though, out of these four because they just had a fantastic atmosphere in the game. Max Payne has a dark, lonely atmosphere created whilst GTA3 has a more realistic atmosphere to its surroundings.
Two both brilliant games!
Pro Evo has to be the best footie game with the best atmosphere. The crowds chant well-known chants, the stadiums are fantastic and so is the player detail. Also, the huge amount of realism in the gameplay always helps a game maintain a realistic atmosphere.
Some games have a certain quality about them - Atmosphere, usually derived from the combination of visuals and sound. Those two need to be carefully matched in order to create the desired effect. Eg. Imagine Final Fantasy 7 with the music from Super Mario Land - it just wouldn't work! What's amazing, is that games vary in atmosphere to such a massive degree. I would say, potentially more than films, although its a fairly arguable point. Here's a run-down of the most atmospheric (in my opinion) games of all time.
The first was a game called Lionheart, which appeared on the Amiga. It was a side-scrolling platform adventure game, similar to something like Actraiser. Anyway, the music was amazing, and the graphics were simply phenomenal for its time. Credit to the developers, Thalion.
Second would be The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Probably one of my favourite game of all time. The combination of guiding a young boy on an epic journey, coupled with the quality visuals and suitable music does it for me. I say this not just because of the visuals or the music, they create a living, breathing world, and you're in it...
However, for atmosphere, there's another game which pips OoT, and steals the crown in my opinion. That game is called Outcast. I can't find the correct words to describe the feeling I got when playing this game. I really can't. Er...let's just say that when you're playing a game, and there's a period when you just have to stop and marvel at what is going on around you, you know you feel something special for the game. I remember it took me ages to get off the first world, Ranzaar. And it was actually a small environment, but the atmosphere was so enthralling. I just wanted to wander around forever. Sounds like Morrowind might be right up my street...
System Shock. No, I don't mean System Shock 2, I mean the original. And it would have to be the CD-Rom version and not the Disk version. There is nothing, nothing that has come even close to be atmospheric as this title. The best moment? The third level where Shodan repeats "W...whoo..who are you?" in a messed up computer voice for the entire level. Anything that moves scares you to death because of the heightened tension. The use of the 'Emails' and diary entries to find out what is going on is superb, (On the CD-ROM these were voiced superbly). Obviously, graphically, SS2 pees all over it, we are talking 1995 here after all. However, for atmosphere, the original System Shock is second to none, it is a fantastic game. If you can track it down on CD-ROM then snap it up immediately. Of course, getting it to run on todays PC's would be almost as difficult as finding the game. But I would be tempted to buy the game and then buy an old 486 for £50 or so to play it on. It really is that good.
And I almost forgot about the Resident Evil series...I felt the original Resi didn't have nearly the same mature aura that the sequal had. I remember when I first played it. Obviously, a game as gory and realistic as Resident Evil 2 was completely new to me. Thus, it remains one of my fondest remembered games.
That said, what games of today and yesteryear have stunned you atmospherically?
Thanks for reading,
LF.
The first was a game called Lionheart, which appeared on the Amiga. It was a side-scrolling platform adventure game, similar to something like Actraiser. Anyway, the music was amazing, and the graphics were simply phenomenal for its time. Credit to the developers, Thalion.
Second would be The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Probably one of my favourite game of all time. The combination of guiding a young boy on an epic journey, coupled with the quality visuals and suitable music does it for me. I say this not just because of the visuals or the music, they create a living, breathing world, and you're in it...
However, for atmosphere, there's another game which pips OoT, and steals the crown in my opinion. That game is called Outcast. I can't find the correct words to describe the feeling I got when playing this game. I really can't. Er...let's just say that when you're playing a game, and there's a period when you just have to stop and marvel at what is going on around you, you know you feel something special for the game. I remember it took me ages to get off the first world, Ranzaar. And it was actually a small environment, but the atmosphere was so enthralling. I just wanted to wander around forever. Sounds like Morrowind might be right up my street...
System Shock. No, I don't mean System Shock 2, I mean the original. And it would have to be the CD-Rom version and not the Disk version. There is nothing, nothing that has come even close to be atmospheric as this title. The best moment? The third level where Shodan repeats "W...whoo..who are you?" in a messed up computer voice for the entire level. Anything that moves scares you to death because of the heightened tension. The use of the 'Emails' and diary entries to find out what is going on is superb, (On the CD-ROM these were voiced superbly). Obviously, graphically, SS2 pees all over it, we are talking 1995 here after all. However, for atmosphere, the original System Shock is second to none, it is a fantastic game. If you can track it down on CD-ROM then snap it up immediately. Of course, getting it to run on todays PC's would be almost as difficult as finding the game. But I would be tempted to buy the game and then buy an old 486 for £50 or so to play it on. It really is that good.
And I almost forgot about the Resident Evil series...I felt the original Resi didn't have nearly the same mature aura that the sequal had. I remember when I first played it. Obviously, a game as gory and realistic as Resident Evil 2 was completely new to me. Thus, it remains one of my fondest remembered games.
That said, what games of today and yesteryear have stunned you atmospherically?
Thanks for reading,
LF.