How do you guys handle it?

[Macil]

Expectations may play relatively some role in it ... heard the first "blergh" behind some corner.

I think your argument would be valid were we talking about real life experience, but since playing a game is "not real", its a simple thing to refuse to suspend your disbelief. I think you're approaching the game with too much presence of mind.

I understand where you're coming from, because I used to (and still do) react the same way.

I'd suggest you relax a bit more and not think about what you're doing. For me, this is a learned skill, because I always want to over-analyze everything. Basically, zone out a bit (get "out" of your own head) and don't think about the fact you're playing a game.

When you approach the game critically, you're just sabotaging your immersion. This is especially hard for me, because I'm an aspiring game designer and frequently deconstruct various game elements and try to understand how the developers "did it".

Turn up the subwoofer (so you can "feel" the sounds), play in the dark, lock the door and turn off chat (these do make a huge difference -- its easy to say the game should scare you despite distractions, but the trick is "fooling" yourself into thinking you're somewhere you're not)-- focus on the game: the sounds, the sights, the interaction, and let your imagination run wild -- you might be surprised . Maybe have a couple of glasses of wine (if you're old enough).

I feel strongly this game can affect anyone on a primeval level, if the person can step aside themselves to let it.