This post was put together by myself, Señor Adam Dodd, and Magistrate TJ (aka BurnTheBlueSky)
A few days ago, a trademark was filed for Alan Wake Returns, which may be a sequel to the 2010 psychological survival horror game that is personally one of my favorites. This got me reminiscing about original
game and the absolutely magnificent atmosphere that pervaded throughout. And that then led me down the path of reflecting on all the magnificent locations that have been featured throughout video game history.
Now, there’s a bit of a historic event going on right now in that Adam came up to visit me and we both drove to Chicago to hang out with Tom, Brad, and TJ, an occasion that marks the first time all five of us are together in the same room at the same time. As a result, how could I pass this opportunity up and not get a few of them to participate in our regular Sunday discussion posts?
So below are several video game locations from the three of us that really stand out as being exceptional settings! Check them out and then let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Hospitals – Silent Hill (Jon)
I’ve had a long history of being in and out of hospitals for various reasons. Because of that, I actually feel rather at ease walking down those sterile, neutral halls. There’s a sense of familiarity that belies the eeriness of a hospital, which holds sickness, disease, death, and pain, as well as recovery, hope, and miracles.
But god damn if video games don’t make hospitals flat out fucking terrifying and I love that. It’s such a delicious feeling and I love every second.
Forest – Alan Wake (Jon)
Whenever I see a forest utilized correctly in games, it creates a sensation in me that I can only describe as a nostalgic yearning. The way that Alan Wake used trees and forests was absolutely magnificent and really made me feel like the entire world was a part of the story. Many times I found myself just sitting back and appreciating the visuals, the scent of sap, trees, and rain just on the edge of my nostrils.
Mansion – Resident Evil (Adam)
“For me, it’s the first one that comes to mind because Resident Evil is one of the first horror games I’ve ever played. When you have such an ornate setting and you have such horrific things happening in those walls, it’s a wonderful contrast. The Spencer Mansion is beautiful and it’s caked in blood and viscera and I love it!”
Cabins – Condemned (Adam)
“It’s just classic. Classic horror. Classic slasher. It’s creepy, and it’s kind of about the contrast. You’re in nature, which is beautiful. You could be attacked by a person OR nature itself could come at you. We’re not the top of the food chain when it comes to nature.”
Creepy Villages – Resident Evil 4 (TJ)
“They’re pretty scary! I guess I’d have to say it’s so unexpected. It’s almost about the mansion, like Adam was saying. It’s a small, simple-seeming community but there’s so much fucked up shit going on that it’s terrifying. Something about being outnumbered and not knowing what these people are saying is freaky.”
Outer Space – Dead Space (TJ)
“It’s about being helpless. You’re further away from any kind of help that’s possible to reach you. Plus, you’re all alone.”