Why Scary Games Don’t Engage Me: A Personal Perspective

When it comes to the world of video games, there's a vast range of genres and experiences to explore. However, as a player, I have had a distinctly mixed feeling towards the scary games genre. While some enthusiasts might find these games thrilling and immersive, my personal journey has taught me that they often fall short of expectations. In this article, we will delve into why scary games don't resonate with me, examining specific reasons and personal experiences that shape my perspective.

My Initial Disappointment with Scary Games

Let's begin with a personal account from my early gaming days. Back then, I approached scary games with an open mind, hoping to find something genuinely spine-chilling. However, my experience was often marred by several underlying issues:

Not Scaring Me Enough: While the intended impact of a scare might have been valid, the actual execution often fell flat. The fear factor was far less potent than I anticipated, leaving me with a sense of unfulfilled expectations.

Weak Storylines: One of the primary reasons I didn't enjoy these games was the often lackluster storytelling. A compelling narrative is crucial in any game, and when it comes to scary games, a solid plot is even more important. Weak storylines failed to draw me in and make the fear factors believable and engaging.

Awful Jump SCAREs: This is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of scary games for me. The sudden, unannounced appearance of a scare element, often accompanied by loud noises or sudden visuals, can be jarring. While the intent might be to startle and provide a moment of adrenaline, it often serves more to break the immersion rather than enhance the experience.

Stupid Controls: Certain games make bizarre and inconvenient control choices, like using the 'Shift' key to open the inventory. This not only adds an extra layer of frustration but also detracts from the overall enjoyment. Simple and intuitive controls are essential for any game, but when they fail, it can ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience.

Getting Stuck: Another significant issue is the tendency for these games to get overly complex or confusing, leading to frustration. When I find myself stuck and unable to progress, it can be incredibly demotivating and might even lead to a complete abandonment of the game.

Poor Immersive Settings: I feel that many scary games overuse certain settings and themes, such as dilapidated buildings, dark forests, or abandoned towns. The recurrence of these settings can make the experience feel repetitive and less impactful over time.

My Personal Preferences and Alternatives

While I don't actively hate scary games, I do appreciate that they offer a unique and immersive experience that caters to those who enjoy the thrill of fear and suspense. However, my personal preferences lie in other genres that offer a more balanced blend of fear, story, and gameplay. For instance, action-adventure games like the Resident Evil series or survival horror games like the Silent Hill series have elements of fear but are often complemented by strong narratives and engaging gameplay that keeps me invested.

One of the main reasons I prefer these games over scary ones is that they use fear as part of the overall narrative and gameplay without relying on cheap tricks. The fear in these games is often more gradual and justified, creating a more memorable and immersive experience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Scary games, while a distinct genre with their own merits, don't resonate with me as they often lack the necessary elements to create a truly engaging and thrilling experience. From the lack of effective storytelling to frustrating controls and repetitive settings, I found that these games could be more enjoyable when they focus on creating immersive and coherent experiences rather than merely relying on jump scares and monotonous settings.

While I understand that everyone has their own preferences and tastes, for me, scary games fall short of meeting the criteria for a truly enjoyable and engaging gaming experience.