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Mikami: Vulnerability And Uncertainty Is Critical In Horror

It's that creeping sensation at the base of your spine. It's what makes you cringe before there's anything to cringe about.

It's uncertainty, and it's critical for any horror experience. Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami knows this, and as he recently told The Guardian , there's plenty of uncertainty in his new game, The Horror Within .

The idea is to create situations where players actually care whether or not their virtual character lives or dies. Said Mikami:

"I'm interested in vulnerable characters, in normal human beings. The horror experience is most scary when the player really isn't sure whether their character is going to live or die–death and survival need to be on a constant see-saw. If there's a situation where you're not 100% sure that you can avoid or defeat the enemies, if you feel maybe there's a chance you'll make it–that's where horror lies. Creating that situation is vital."

Mikami also isn't interested in producing a game that caters to the run 'n gun crowd. He doesn't want players just standing there, pumping out round after round, mowing enemies down by the dozens. "I don't have the energy for that," he said. Rather, he's more interested in the psychology of fear, and how different individuals have different triggers. Oh great, so he did more studying on how to terrify people.

Guess we won't be getting much sleep when The Evil Within arrives on October 14.

Related Game(s): The Evil Within

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WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

The idea of running the commercials during The Strain on FX was a good one. They need more gameplay in them though instead of the gamer fear reactions. Those are funny but you wanna show the game!

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
9 years ago

How is that show (do you watch it)? Gotham is meh but I have to tune in.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

It's a lot more cheesy than I'd hoped, but I really like the old man character. Could have been a real re-invention of vamps but turned out to be mainstream, made for 8th grade education audience.

The guy who plays the rat exterminator is awesome.

SaiyanSenpai
SaiyanSenpai
9 years ago

I keep saying I'm going to base a purchase of this on the outcome of reviews, but I'm getting closer and closer to pre-ordering this outright.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

I figure I might as well preorder it, I'll get the little Fighting Chance pack and save myself waiting three months to get the game for $10 less.

Corvo
Corvo
9 years ago

Mikami World Order.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
9 years ago

I recently picked up a new TV (in anticipation of my PS4) and I'm definitely getting this game.

SaiyanSenpai
SaiyanSenpai
9 years ago

Sweet! very nice! I did the same when I got my PS4. I was long overdue for a new one anyway, I just needed an excuse.


Last edited by SaiyanSenpai on 9/30/2014 11:46:40 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Is it curved? lol

PS3_Wizard
PS3_Wizard
9 years ago

I got a 4K tv last month. I can't wait till games come in at that resolution. Any Tech heads out there have an estimate on when that becomes a reality?

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