Okay, I'm finally gonna give survival horror a shot.

[Dahne]

Reading that thread about the scariest games got me to thinking. I've never played a survival horror game. Not one. Not out of any particular aversion to them, just have never gotten around to it. Bearing in mind that I am as yet Cubeless, so not Eternal Darkness, what would be the best one to start with? I'm leaning towards Silent Hill, since I remember reading a strat guide forit in PSM once, long ago (oh, come on, don't tell me you never read guides for games you don't own :) ), and just the walkthrough started freaking me out.

[WiseSalesman]

When I saw this topic, the first thing I thought was "ETERNAL DARKNESS"! But, for the cubeless? Hmmmm......RE 2, maybe? I know a lot of people like that one. I'd start you with RE1, but you might as well wait till you get a cube and grab the REmake.

[Dahne]

I know, I know, the Cube's dirt cheap now and Christmas is just around the corner, but it's so hard to justify getting a new console when there's so many good games I haven't played on all the consoles I already have. :embarrassed:

[WiseSalesman]

No, I completely understand. I don't yet own a 'box. It's just that ED happens to be my favorite Survival horror game of all time, and in my top list of games period.

[Isometric_Bacon]

Aww, a Survival Horror virgin, how cute. ;)


Just make sure that in your first time wait till 3am and have the lights turned off and the sound WAAAAAAAY up. ;)

I'd suggest one of the newer survival horror games, like the REmake or Eternal Darkness, just because they're modern and may have a better effect on you the first time round. :)

[Oobgarm]

Fatal Frame is highly recommended, as is its sequel, which was just released yesterday. (I'm assuming you have PS2?)

Not a lot of gore or action, but really, really creepy.

Silent Hill is also a good choice. Clock Tower is pretty sweet as well, if you can tolerate the old PSOne's graphics. :)

EDIT: Oh yeah, Eternal Darkness is my favorite Surivial Horror-type game. Highly recommended, as everyone else said.

[digitalpress]

Go Dahne!

Agreed with the above; I'd definitely go with Resident Evil 2 (though it STARTS kinda hard, it's still my favorite simply because the action in the game is the best, even though I think Eternal Darkness is a better game overall).

My second choice would be Silent Hill 2, which in my opinion was infinitely creepier (and a little "busier") than the original, though you can't go wrong with either one.

[Gamereviewgod]

Onimusha. However, since it's your first time, die a few times and unlock the easy mode. It'll give you a chance. ;)

[chadtower]

Excellent! I'm about to do this myself. I'm trying to finish off Paper Mario so that I can move on to Resident Evil: Director's Cut and play through that series. So far the only survival horror game I've played has been D for the Saturn and that was years ago. I love horror movies and don't know what's been holding me back all these years. Probably the fact that I tend to mostly play with my kids around, which limits me to things like Paper Mario.

[geelw]

here's a few for you:

silent hill (ps one/ps2)- definitely play the entire series. 1 and 3 are connected, and 2 is a side story of sorts (if you have a silent hill 2 save on a ps2 memory card, you'll unlock a few cool and nasty in-jokes)... pick up the greatest hits version of silent hill 2, as it has the restless dreams scenario that was originally an xbox exclusive. i believe the psm walkthrough is wrong in spots- konami sent reviewers and the folks who did the official strategy guides a slightly different game, so your mind will be messed with a bit when you're looking for certain items...

clock tower (ps one)- definitely one of the downright scariest games (although the plot is waaay out there). ever get mad at stupid characters in horror movies )"don't open that door!" "run away, stupid!"- well, now you get to play a couple of 'em. 10 endings and something called buyobuyo mode... clock tower 2 isn't really related, and is a bit sillier, but it's just as scary at points...3 is ok, but your suspension of disbelief REALLY gets tested...

shadow tower (ps one)- yeah, it's a first-person rpg by the folks who made king's field, but it's also one of the scariest games you'll ever play, guaranteed. no music at all, just you, the weapons you find, and some VERY creepy monsters to deal with. don't attack the cute, tiny raccoon/cat-like thing you'll run into in one of the twisty dungeons- he'll give you a cool item for talking to him (he's got a funny voice), and KILL you if you take a swing at him...

fatal frame (ps2, xbox)- no guns, just a slow-moving girl, a mystical camera, and loads of ghosts who want you dead in a dark japanese mansion...finished it once, and i'm not going back anytime soon (well, maybe in a week or two)...

alone in the dark: the new nightmare (ps one, dc) the original aitd was the granddaddy of modern survival horror. the new one combines elements from silent hill and resident evil into a pretty scary (and gorgeous) little (actually, long) game...

alien resurrection (ps one)- it's a first-person shooter, yes, but any game that asks you to adjust the brightness DOWN and play it in the dark begs for a go. you'll die a lot (and don't dare play on a full bladder)

illbleed (dreamcast)- if you have a dc, get this funny, gory masterpiece. the voice acting is awful (intentionally), jumping is a bit tricky, and bosses are often cheap, but you'll be laughing one second, and hiding under the covers the next... if you have a dc, you HAVE to get:

D2 (dreamcast)- the ending is ridiculous, but the ride there makes this one of the weirdest games ever made, period. it's a bit talky at times, but the story is deep, the visuals are stunning (the texture work and some of the giant setpieces like a crashed 747, the pianist's house, and a huge, ruined church on a mountain are breathtaking), and you have to see the violin playing, winged old woman boss! the US version has some minor cuts that were made to tone down an over-the top alien tentacle "sex" scene...

the thing (ps2/xbox)- squad-based (yeah, right) horror/action game- sort of a sequel to john carpenter's 1982 remake of the 1951 classic. bloody, frightening, and probably the most paranoid game character you'll ever play (for good reason). the ending is a real trip...

half-life (ps2)- fps, yes... but a very damn scary game, period. talk about having a bad day at the office...

resident evil (ps one, ps2, dc, gc)- i had to play through code veronica to finally appreciate the series, although 2 was the most fun for me, personally. the game cube remake of the first re is a masterpiece, except for the horrible control, which capcom NEEEEDS to fix. if re inline has those controls, it's gonna tank, imho...

juggernaut (ps one)- intentionally slow-moving point and cllick chiller. your girlfriend is possessed by a demon in a gift you gave her, and a evil-looking priest sends your soul into her mind to try and rescue her. weird stuff, and it's fairly long (4 discs!)...

galerians (ps one)- the ps2 sequel was a bit bleh, but the original is pretty unsettling at times. you're a 14-yr.old boy with psychic powers who needs to pop loads of pills to control or enhance your skills in the game. some creepy cinemas and lots of exploding heads and flaming bodies (scanners meets firestarter?) make for an interestingly downbeat game...

shadow of destiny (ps2)- actually it's an adventure game, but it's well done, and your brain will get a workout! you play a guy who gets killed in the opening movie, and you have to go back in time to track down your killer. many of the folks behind the game were women, and there are multiple endings depending on choices you make during the game...

[geelw]

and, no i didn't forget eternal darkness (you don't have a game cube, correct?)- i played though it 4 times for all the endings and went back for more, lol...

[WiseSalesman]

Onimusha. However, since it's your first time, die a few times and unlock the easy mode. It'll give you a chance. ;)

I don't know...I didn't really find Onimusha to be scary.....like, at all.

[Achika]

Hmm, Greg touched on it a little, but I'll add my two cents to it:

The control of Resident Evil.

Now, granted, I love the series but as the first survival horror I played, I had a fit. The controls & camera shifts for a then-n00b Survival Horror player had me crying, screaming, and throwing my controller. It took the first few hours and a few starting over point in Code Veronic (heavily into the DC, first RE I played :embarrassed: )

So um, Dahne if you start with RE, just keep that in mind, k?

Never got into Silent Hill like I should have, but I might grab all three since they are priced to move now.

Played a bit of Fatal Frame, definately different and I'll have to actually buy it soon since the price doesn't seem to be budging.

[Sylentwulf]

If you start with silent hill 2, you'd be well off. I'm playing it now, and I SUCK at these games, so I put it on easy.

THIS GAME IS EASY. I wish I had put it on normal or hard. Health and ammo EVERYWHERE. The reviews even list it as easy.

Another comment, almost all of these games have a brightness control setting in the game. USE IT.

[Sauza12]

The Silent Hill series is my favorite survival horror series of all time. The best overall was 2, but 3 was by far the scariest. There is one room in particular that made me stop playing the game for about 30 minutes because I got WAAAAAYYYY to freaked out.

[kai123]

I would suggest Clock Tower 3 for the PS2 that game is insane. You don't even get to use weapons like handguns and the such. It is very creepy and doesn't seem to hold back.

[bigdaddychester]

Finally, I picked up a copy of Eternal Darkness and a strategy guide (for when I get stuck *wink wink*) Now all I need is a Friday night all nighter or a couple snow days away from work.

[Dahne]

Onimusha has that funky control scheme where, instead of just moving in the direction you want to go, you have to turn and then press forward, correct? I can't STAND that. Can't imagine why anybody would put something that counter-intuitive in with no good reason.

Let me guess, that sort of control is a survival horror standard? LOL

I suppose I could put up with it if I had to. Bah...

[SoulBlazer]

I can't believe no one has mentioned System Shock 1 and 2! Hybrid RPG/FPS games with a LOT of scary parts. I refuse to play them at night. :eek 2:

[WiseSalesman]

Let me guess, that sort of control is a survival horror standard? LOL

I suppose I could put up with it if I had to. Bah...

Well, Eternal Darkness has true analog, but of course someone doesn't have a Gamecube.

Just kidding, Dahne. LOL

[geelw]

If you start with silent hill 2, you'd be well off. I'm playing it now, and I SUCK at these games, so I put it on easy.

THIS GAME IS EASY. I wish I had put it on normal or hard. Health and ammo EVERYWHERE. The reviews even list it as easy.

Another comment, almost all of these games have a brightness control setting in the game. USE IT.

'wulf, sh2 is easy because it's NOT about combat. the developers want you to get sucked into the story. it's entirely possible to make it through the game and only kill about 3 or 4 monsters (not including bosses) and run away or dodge the rest (the roaches are a pain, though!). try difficulty level hard and puzzle level hard- you'll be screamin' all right, lol...

[geelw]

Onimusha has that funky control scheme where, instead of just moving in the direction you want to go, you have to turn and then press forward, correct? I can't STAND that. Can't imagine why anybody would put something that counter-intuitive in with no good reason.

Let me guess, that sort of control is a survival horror standard? LOL

I suppose I could put up with it if I had to. Bah...

guess what? the silent hill games give you the choice of "2D" or "3D" control. one is resident evil stylee, the other is more flexible. you can toggle back and forth and see whatcha like best... :D

oh, it's not horror, but definitely add this to the list"

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

[RetroYoungen]

Buy the scariest game of all: E.T. for the VCS. Wait until 3 A.M. like Isometric_Bacon said, turn the sound all the way up, and just WAIT for that first fall! And then the second fall! SCARY!

Oh, and I'll have to second Eternal Darkness. Whenever you get around to it, the GC IS cheap right now, and ED I've seen for as low as like 13 bucks used. Worth every penny, and I can't stand most survival horror games.

[orangemage]

can't go wrong with ilbleed for the dreamcast scariest game ever! LOL
silent hill or resident evil would make great choices to start off on. took my little sister 13 hours to beat resident evil, man she sucks

[gamegirl79]

This isn't a console game, but I gotta mention Clive Barker's Undying for PC. You can pick it up at Gamestop or EB for around $10. One of the scariest games of all time, right up there with Silent Hill.

[Hypnotuba]

The Silent Hill series is my favorite survival horror series of all time. The best overall was 2, but 3 was by far the scariest. There is one room in particular that made me stop playing the game for about 30 minutes because I got WAAAAAYYYY to freaked out.


I get the same way! The fun comes by allowing yourself to be immersed in the game like this.

I have been playing Fatal Frame recently, only alone and in the middle of the night (midnight - 4am), and before I go to sleep, I will play a little Crazy Taxi or Twinbee (basically any light, brightly colored, happyfun game) to try to wash all the creepiness off. :)

BTW, Fatal Frame is excellent, if somewhat short (which doesn't bother me, but it may some). There are technical issues (ike sometimes getting stuck on walls), but they didn't diminish the game much for me. It's really quite a creepy game, and sucked me in within the first 5-10 minutes.

Oh, and thanks geelw for that great list of games! I'll definitely have to check some of those out (I think the only survival horror games I've played are Fatal Frame, Eternal Darkness, and RE 2).

[WiseSalesman]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

[hu6800]

Blue Stinger (hahah)

[geelw]

...and wouldn't it be really awesome if someone ported undying and enhanced versions of both system shock games to a certain console with a built in hard drive... :hmm:

[geelw]

...and wouldn't it be really awesome if someone ported undying and enhanced versions of both system shock games to a certain console with a built in hard drive... :hmm:

[SoulBlazer]

System Shock 2 was being worked on for the Dreamcast but it never came out.

Since Looking Glass Stuidos broke up I'm not sure we'd ever see System Shock 3, plus sales of the last one, while good, were not great enough to justify it. I'd love to see both games enhanced and put out for the GC or PS2, though.

[SoulBlazer]

System Shock 2 was being worked on for the Dreamcast but it never came out.

Since Looking Glass Stuidos broke up I'm not sure we'd ever see System Shock 3, plus sales of the last one, while good, were not great enough to justify it. I'd love to see both games enhanced and put out for the GC or PS2, though.

[geelw]

System Shock 2 was being worked on for the Dreamcast but it never came out.

Since Looking Glass Stuidos broke up I'm not sure we'd ever see System Shock 3, plus sales of the last one, while good, were not great enough to justify it. I'd love to see both games enhanced and put out for the GC or PS2, though.

yeah, i heard that...wonder how far along it got before the ax... :hmm: still, it's one of MANY great pc titles which deserve a remake for a wider (although not necessarily smarter) audience...

imagine all the elder scrolls games, both system shocks, the battle isle games, a couple of wizardy titles, etc. all shiny and waiting for purchase at a store near you. of course, the purist in me would complain for a minute or two, but i'd be safe in the knowledge that the graphics whores wouldn't pass them up and get hooked on the gameplay as well, lol...

[geelw]

System Shock 2 was being worked on for the Dreamcast but it never came out.

Since Looking Glass Stuidos broke up I'm not sure we'd ever see System Shock 3, plus sales of the last one, while good, were not great enough to justify it. I'd love to see both games enhanced and put out for the GC or PS2, though.

yeah, i heard that...wonder how far along it got before the ax... :hmm: still, it's one of MANY great pc titles which deserve a remake for a wider (although not necessarily smarter) audience...

imagine all the elder scrolls games, both system shocks, the battle isle games, a couple of wizardy titles, etc. all shiny and waiting for purchase at a store near you. of course, the purist in me would complain for a minute or two, but i'd be safe in the knowledge that the graphics whores wouldn't pass them up and get hooked on the gameplay as well, lol...

[geelw]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

[geelw]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

[Rogmeister]

Interestingly, I just picked up Clock Tower 3 a week or so ago as part of Blockbuster's Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer. I've never played the first 2...is that going to be a problem?

[Rogmeister]

Interestingly, I just picked up Clock Tower 3 a week or so ago as part of Blockbuster's Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer. I've never played the first 2...is that going to be a problem?

[geelw]

Interestingly, I just picked up Clock Tower 3 a week or so ago as part of Blockbuster's Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer. I've never played the first 2...is that going to be a problem?

nope! it's sort of an anthology series now, lol. as i wrote in one of my columns, the series started on the super famicom and was remade on the ps one. it got a sequel which came out here as clock tower. clock tower: ghost head is clock tower II here, but has no connection to the other game. clock 3 is another tale entirely, but it shares the same play mechanics and sort of cheesy horror movie atmosphere. it IS scary at times, so enjoy!

also, PLEASE dig up clock tower if you want to jump out of your seat a bit more- it's quite a scary little game...

[geelw]

Interestingly, I just picked up Clock Tower 3 a week or so ago as part of Blockbuster's Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer. I've never played the first 2...is that going to be a problem?

nope! it's sort of an anthology series now, lol. as i wrote in one of my columns, the series started on the super famicom and was remade on the ps one. it got a sequel which came out here as clock tower. clock tower: ghost head is clock tower II here, but has no connection to the other game. clock 3 is another tale entirely, but it shares the same play mechanics and sort of cheesy horror movie atmosphere. it IS scary at times, so enjoy!

also, PLEASE dig up clock tower if you want to jump out of your seat a bit more- it's quite a scary little game...

[Rogmeister]

I've actually written down several of the game titles that have been mentioned here. I will look for those as well as Silent Hill 2 and a few others. Quite a number of interesting games to choose from. I remember seeing The Thing at my local Blockbuster. I wonder if that sale is still going on?

[Rogmeister]

I've actually written down several of the game titles that have been mentioned here. I will look for those as well as Silent Hill 2 and a few others. Quite a number of interesting games to choose from. I remember seeing The Thing at my local Blockbuster. I wonder if that sale is still going on?

[geelw]

I've actually written down several of the game titles that have been mentioned here. I will look for those as well as Silent Hill 2 and a few others. Quite a number of interesting games to choose from. I remember seeing The Thing at my local Blockbuster. I wonder if that sale is still going on?

you should be able to find the xbox or ps2 version used for about $10-$12, and new around $20, tops. happy hunting (and i hope you don't mind a bit of blood, because it's definitely in there, lol)...

[geelw]

I've actually written down several of the game titles that have been mentioned here. I will look for those as well as Silent Hill 2 and a few others. Quite a number of interesting games to choose from. I remember seeing The Thing at my local Blockbuster. I wonder if that sale is still going on?

you should be able to find the xbox or ps2 version used for about $10-$12, and new around $20, tops. happy hunting (and i hope you don't mind a bit of blood, because it's definitely in there, lol)...

[Rogmeister]

Well, I've played a few horror games in my time and have all of the R.E. games, for example. Of course, they're nothing like games with great atmosphere...punctuated by horrible dialogue and voice-acting to match...

"Here's a lockpick...it might be a good idea if you, the master of unlocking, were to take it with you..."

[Rogmeister]

Well, I've played a few horror games in my time and have all of the R.E. games, for example. Of course, they're nothing like games with great atmosphere...punctuated by horrible dialogue and voice-acting to match...

"Here's a lockpick...it might be a good idea if you, the master of unlocking, were to take it with you..."

[WiseSalesman]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

a four might actually be a tad harsh, but I was expecting great things from this game and felt really let down. I didn't make it very far in, admittedly, only about three levels. The characters were likeable enough, no arguments there. I thought the voice acting war par for the course. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Metal Gear Solid quality either.

My problem is with the gameplay. Sure, there is the whole "two character" dynamic, but I thought the puzzles were extremely basic. Mostly just "find the switch to open the door" type stuff. The combat felt clunky and annoying to me, and the whole demon form thing just didn't end up being as fun as it sounded. It's been several months since I've played it, so there may have been more I didn't like. I mostly just remember playing the games leaving an EXCEEDINGLY bad taste in my mouth.

But hey, we all like different sorts of games. I may be the only person that likes Zombie Revenge (DC), for instance.

[WiseSalesman]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

a four might actually be a tad harsh, but I was expecting great things from this game and felt really let down. I didn't make it very far in, admittedly, only about three levels. The characters were likeable enough, no arguments there. I thought the voice acting war par for the course. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Metal Gear Solid quality either.

My problem is with the gameplay. Sure, there is the whole "two character" dynamic, but I thought the puzzles were extremely basic. Mostly just "find the switch to open the door" type stuff. The combat felt clunky and annoying to me, and the whole demon form thing just didn't end up being as fun as it sounded. It's been several months since I've played it, so there may have been more I didn't like. I mostly just remember playing the games leaving an EXCEEDINGLY bad taste in my mouth.

But hey, we all like different sorts of games. I may be the only person that likes Zombie Revenge (DC), for instance.

[SoulBlazer]

I've heard from friends who have played The Thing is a very good action/horror game but also VERY short and not much replay value. I'd advise renting it or picking it up for very cheap.

[SoulBlazer]

I've heard from friends who have played The Thing is a very good action/horror game but also VERY short and not much replay value. I'd advise renting it or picking it up for very cheap.

[WiseSalesman]

Hey SoulBlazer....this might be slightly off-topic, but how IS victoria?

[WiseSalesman]

Hey SoulBlazer....this might be slightly off-topic, but how IS victoria?

[SoulBlazer]

LOL! Well, that IS off topic but I'll put it back on topic at the end. :D

Have you played any of Paradox's other games before? Like Europa Univeralis II, one of my all time favorite games? Then you know a lot about Victoria. It uses the the same engine but tweaked and changed to run the period of 1836 to 1920. The game is very stable and fun right now, but it will get even better once more patches come out and some minor fixes are made. Paradox is totally comited to their fans and they will work on their games to death.

I'm just shocked someone reads my sigs! LOL

Okay....the back on topic thing -- the Alien Vs Preadtor games also have a lot of horror/shock/toss the mouse parts in them. ;)

[SoulBlazer]

LOL! Well, that IS off topic but I'll put it back on topic at the end. :D

Have you played any of Paradox's other games before? Like Europa Univeralis II, one of my all time favorite games? Then you know a lot about Victoria. It uses the the same engine but tweaked and changed to run the period of 1836 to 1920. The game is very stable and fun right now, but it will get even better once more patches come out and some minor fixes are made. Paradox is totally comited to their fans and they will work on their games to death.

I'm just shocked someone reads my sigs! LOL

Okay....the back on topic thing -- the Alien Vs Preadtor games also have a lot of horror/shock/toss the mouse parts in them. ;)

[WiseSalesman]

Nope, never played Europa Universalis, though I know I've heard the name before.. I know aboslutely nothing about it whatsoever, but I think it's time to find out. If it's the favorite game of someone on the DP boards, it certainly can't be bad.

Ummm....on topic sentence time.

Dahne, you might also want to check out Sweet Home for Famicom. Widely considered the first ever survival horror game. The rom and translation are bouncing around out there (so that you can actually understand the text), and if you can't find it, ask around the emulation forum and I'm sure someone will help you out.

[WiseSalesman]

Nope, never played Europa Universalis, though I know I've heard the name before.. I know aboslutely nothing about it whatsoever, but I think it's time to find out. If it's the favorite game of someone on the DP boards, it certainly can't be bad.

Ummm....on topic sentence time.

Dahne, you might also want to check out Sweet Home for Famicom. Widely considered the first ever survival horror game. The rom and translation are bouncing around out there (so that you can actually understand the text), and if you can't find it, ask around the emulation forum and I'm sure someone will help you out.

[SoulBlazer]

Wise, I suggest you check out the official website at www.paradoxplaza.com That has way more info then I could ever give you. :) Both games are real time strategy games (but you can pause and issue orders any time you want, and change the game speed) and you can pick any nation in the world to play. The major differences are the time scales and what you can do in each game. GameSpot was a little harsh on Victoria (6.5) but saw EU II for the master that it was (8.5). They just released a new bundle version of EU II with that game, several new secnariors, and a second game called Crown of the North.

And to bring this back on topic, Sweet Home was made by Capcom! Of all people. :) I have the ROM, translated, and it is a good game, for sure.

[SoulBlazer]

Wise, I suggest you check out the official website at www.paradoxplaza.com That has way more info then I could ever give you. :) Both games are real time strategy games (but you can pause and issue orders any time you want, and change the game speed) and you can pick any nation in the world to play. The major differences are the time scales and what you can do in each game. GameSpot was a little harsh on Victoria (6.5) but saw EU II for the master that it was (8.5). They just released a new bundle version of EU II with that game, several new secnariors, and a second game called Crown of the North.

And to bring this back on topic, Sweet Home was made by Capcom! Of all people. :) I have the ROM, translated, and it is a good game, for sure.

[geelw]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

a four might actually be a tad harsh, but I was expecting great things from this game and felt really let down. I didn't make it very far in, admittedly, only about three levels. The characters were likeable enough, no arguments there. I thought the voice acting war par for the course. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Metal Gear Solid quality either.

My problem is with the gameplay. Sure, there is the whole "two character" dynamic, but I thought the puzzles were extremely basic. Mostly just "find the switch to open the door" type stuff. The combat felt clunky and annoying to me, and the whole demon form thing just didn't end up being as fun as it sounded. It's been several months since I've played it, so there may have been more I didn't like. I mostly just remember playing the games leaving an EXCEEDINGLY bad taste in my mouth.

But hey, we all like different sorts of games. I may be the only person that likes Zombie Revenge (DC), for instance.

hmmm. 3 areas, or 3 actual game worlds? if you only played the winter area, well the game definitely opens up a lot. as for the puzzles- i loved the fact that they actually suited the level designs, unlike other games where you're finding stuff that's weird (resident evil) or pushing blocks all over (any kain or soul reaver title). zombie revenge, huh?... ah, ok, lol...

say, have you played hegemonia: legion of iron (pc)? he asked, speaking of unrelated topics...

[geelw]

Primal (PS2)- severely underrated gothic action/adventure game with some of the best visuals on the system, and probably two of the most likeable characters in jen & scree (the voice acting is excellent!). combat is a bit odd (you use the shoulder buttons to fight), but the levels are massive, there are some really nice puzzle elements (you use both characters to get through areas), and the music is pretty damn good as well...

Just for a contrast of opinion, I consider this to be one of the worst games I've played this year. I'd give it about a 4/10, so caveat emptor.

you'll DEFINITELY have to explain that one, my friend... x_x

a four might actually be a tad harsh, but I was expecting great things from this game and felt really let down. I didn't make it very far in, admittedly, only about three levels. The characters were likeable enough, no arguments there. I thought the voice acting war par for the course. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Metal Gear Solid quality either.

My problem is with the gameplay. Sure, there is the whole "two character" dynamic, but I thought the puzzles were extremely basic. Mostly just "find the switch to open the door" type stuff. The combat felt clunky and annoying to me, and the whole demon form thing just didn't end up being as fun as it sounded. It's been several months since I've played it, so there may have been more I didn't like. I mostly just remember playing the games leaving an EXCEEDINGLY bad taste in my mouth.

But hey, we all like different sorts of games. I may be the only person that likes Zombie Revenge (DC), for instance.

hmmm. 3 areas, or 3 actual game worlds? if you only played the winter area, well the game definitely opens up a lot. as for the puzzles- i loved the fact that they actually suited the level designs, unlike other games where you're finding stuff that's weird (resident evil) or pushing blocks all over (any kain or soul reaver title). zombie revenge, huh?... ah, ok, lol...

say, have you played hegemonia: legion of iron (pc)? he asked, speaking of unrelated topics...

[Flack]

Be sure to check out Parasite Eve and Dino Crisis, both for the original PSX. Both made me jump more than once.

[Flack]

Be sure to check out Parasite Eve and Dino Crisis, both for the original PSX. Both made me jump more than once.

[BHvrd]

Get "The Thing", not doubt about it. Seeing your preferences and hearing what you're looking for "The Thing" is the exact survival horror game you wanna play. It's horrific, has great 3d control layout, is one of the scariest games ever, and is on every console. So you have no excuse!

GO GET IT!

[Rogmeister]

Are you sure about that? I didn't think The Thing was available for GameCube. At any rate, I've ordered some of this game myself including that, Silent Hill 2 & 3 and Fatal Frame (for the PS2) and Alien Resurrection for the PSOne). I don't have Parasite Eve...well, there's always next year.

[WiseSalesman]

Parasite Eve is really cool. Never finished my copy for some reason. It's more of an RPG than survival horror though. Parasite Eve 2, on the other hand, was VERY survival horror.

The Thing may not be avaiable on Gamecube, but considering Dahne doesn't own a Gamecube, that shouldn't be a problem.

@geelw: I haven't played Hegemonia, I've heard good things, though.