Summary
There are two types of video games: linear and nonlinear. Linear games are where players strictly follow the pathway that the developers intend, going from point A to point B with little room for deviation. Nonlinear games, on the other hand, are the exact opposite. These are games where the player doesn’t have to follow any specific pathways or tackle the story or missions in any certain order.
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In nonlinear games, players can go from point A to point B whilst heading through points C, D, and E. Understandably, nonlinear games are an extremely effective means to establish spooky atmospheres and unsettling narratives. Some of thebest horror gamesever made follow anonlinear structure, allowing players to explore the world and complete objectives at their own pace.
Featuring one of the most iconic horror villains that stemmed from any video game,Slender: The Arrivalwas the first title that truly established theSlender Manseries as both an actual franchise and an effective horror experience. Its emphasis is on caution and avoidance, and its atmosphere is often hauntingly silent.
Players are equipped with only a flashlight, and it’s always more effective to run or hide than attempt to find Slender Man in any way. The nonlinear gameplay is driven by a series of objectives that change across the varying levels. Sometimes, players will have to collect notes in whatever order they please, other times they might just have to reach a certain location.The whole time Slender Manwill constantly be lurking in the distance, silently stalking the player.
Pathologic 2is a disturbing first-person horror RPG that follows a non-linear structure. This isan incredibly metaand somewhat confusing title that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. It’s set at some point in the 20th century, but it features a wide array of cultural and architectural inspirations from periods before and after, taking place in a location known simply as “The Town.”
Players have tomanage some survival stats, including thirst, hunger, and immunity all whilst traversing the surreal landscape around them. It’s an effective nonlinear horror experience that captures a sense of dread and intrigue. This is especially heightened by the framing of the game as a theatrical experience where the protagonist is actually an actor playing the part of the player. If that’s not meta, then what is?
Monstrumfollows a simple objective: collect resources in order to escape a ship that the player is stuck on. Of course, nonlinear horror games are never as simple as that, andMonstrumis no different. Collecting these resources will send players on a journey through hell, where they have to escape the pursuit of some seriously horrific monsters.
It’s an effective horror experience, as it establishes a sense of claustrophobia right from the beginning, as well as an eerie feeling that the player might be being watched. This is a nonlinear game that includes procedurally generated hallways and items, no save options, and a permadeath experience. It’s not for the faint of heart.
AlthoughThe Sinking Cityreceived some very mixed reviews, no one can doubt that it creates a superb atmosphere and is one of the few games that achieves acosmic horror narrative effectively. Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos,The Sinking Cityis a nonlinear horror experience that throws players into the open-world fictional city of Oakmont.
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Players take on the role of a private investigator who is searching the town for answers to the visions that plague him, as well as an explanation for the flooding that the city experiences so frequently. Gamers have the freedom to explore the city as they wish and investigate clues in any order. The conclusion to the story is impacted by the player’s attentiveness to their investigations.
Here’s a title that won’t appeal to everyone but has established a very niche and dedicated fanbase.Scornis a first-person survival horror game that features some beautifully haunting artwork inspired by the likes of H.R. Giger.This is body horrormixed with cyberpunk mixed with hell and torment.
Whilst its shooting mechanics somewhat let the game down,Scornis still an excellent nonlinear horror experience when it comes to exploration. The puzzles aren’t anything special either, but its atmosphere really is. Just walking down a corridor might trigger some immense fears and discomfort, as well as a keen sense of mystery at the same time. It’s a truly unique experience.
TheAmnesiaseries has come a long way since its first title,The Dark Descent,released in 2010.Amnesia: The Bunkeris the latestpsychological horror-filledexperience in the franchise and offers a more non-linear-driven approach than its predecessors. Players find themselves trapped in a bunker and have to find a way to escape, all while a terrifying creature stalks them from the shadows.
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TheAmnesiafranchise has always been one of the most terrifying in gaming, and its fourth release is no different. Including more nonlinear pathways makes the game seem even more frightening, and players should expect the unexpected at every corner. Those brave enough should consider playing this title in the dark with headphones on.
Darkwoodis an excellent nonlinear horror experience that all unfolds from a top-down camera perspective. As such, the player has a limited view of their surroundings due to effective lighting manipulation and field of view limitations. It’s an excellent title that is genuinely terrifying at times, placing emphasis on atmosphere and never relying on cheap jumpscares.
Whichever order players choose to tackle their objectives,Darkwoodwill createa continuously unnerving atmosphere, filled with intrigue and mystery. It’s a title that will keep players on their toes and guessing throughout the whole experience, which can only effectively be achieved through a nonlinear structure.
A classic among recent survival horror releases,The Forestpits players as the lone survivor of a plane crash in a deep, luscious forest, but it’s far from the tropical paradise it might first appear to be. Gamers will soon discover that some spooky cult-like cannibalistic creatures are stalking them behind trees and hiding in bushes.
It’s up to the player to choose how they want to survive. From crafting weapons to creating shelters and hunting for food, this is a completely nonlinear experience as it’s essentially asandbox survival horror, with the main goal being to simply survive. However, there is more to the story, which is best unraveled and experienced by the player.
The originalResident Evilis often considered one of the greatest horror video games of all time, and for good reason. It’s a game that established thepopular Metroidvania styleof nonlinear horror and is one of the reasons for its prominent emergence within the genre. Throughout the game, players will find themselves frequently backtracking through previously explored locations in order to find new clues or items.
Without following guides,Resident Evilcan be a daunting experience working out where the player needs to go and what they need to do first. However, all of that exploration is what makes the nonlinear elements of the game so fun. It’s a survival horror masterpiece and the game that started one of the industry’s best horror franchises.
