What is the secret formula for scaring someone [No cheap scares!]

[Damascus]

(04-19-2012 05:56 AM)Kreekakon Wrote:  Ok, then here's what I think. I'll use SCP: Containment Breach as an example. It is one of the scariest games I've ever played, and here's why I think so:

1. The game is randomized everytime you play it. Not only does this increase re-play value, but it also makes the player not to know what to expect, keeping them on their toes. Regardless of whether your game is randomized everytime, this is important: Don't be predictable.
2. The art of anticipation, as stated before. Knowing SCP 173 is out there for you, but not knowing when he will strike makes the experience ultimately scarier.
3. SCP 173's "calmly" dangerous nature. The appearance of a seemingly calm thing makes it all scarier when the player still realizes that it's very dangerous. This aspect shares some elements with "fear of the unknown" in my opinion.
4. Ambient noises, and music can further intensify the player's fear coming from the anticipation.

Tangentally related, but I hope Containment Breach really moves forward. I loved the Gameplay, Graphics are the only thing that really bothered me, though I'm sure they'll improve. 173 seemed fakey, and when he came after me it was more frustrating than scary. If Containment Breach evolves to get the smooth graphics of SCP-087 and 087-B it will make me poo my pants.

[Keeb]

Kudos to Cranky for trolling and people not even realizing it.

[Cranky Old Man]

(04-28-2012 06:11 PM)Keeb Wrote:  Kudos to Cranky for trolling and people not even realizing it.

We're all trolls here, pretending to like Amnesia and script. We don't actually script. The support just gives random advice to people who in turn pretend that their pretend scripts now work. Then we just rerelease Amnesia under a different name, and people pretend like it's a brand new custom story. We're not even into games. I'm a lumberjack myself, and Dan here is an olympic swimmer.

[Robosprog]

(04-28-2012 06:18 PM)Cranky Old Man Wrote:  

(04-28-2012 06:11 PM)Keeb Wrote:  Kudos to Cranky for trolling and people not even realizing it.

We're all trolls here, pretending to like Amnesia and script. We don't actually script. The support just gives random advice to people who in turn pretend that their pretend scripts now work. Then we just rerelease Amnesia under a different name, and people pretend like it's a brand new custom story. We're not even into games. I'm a lumberjack myself, and Dan here is an olympic swimmer.

*Le gasp*

[FragdaddyXXL]

The most effective are horror parts in non-horror games. As a 14 year-old, I was not prepared for Ravenholm way back when. Good 'ol HL2. :]

[Cranky Old Man]

(04-29-2012 02:40 PM)FragdaddyXXL Wrote:  The most effective are horror parts in non-horror games. As a 14 year-old, I was not prepared for Ravenholm way back when. Good 'ol HL2. :]

I think they actually released Ravenholm before they even released HL2. It won an award for best zombie level in a game, or something. You did a good job staying away from spoilers, I guess.

[Robosprog]

Ravenholm was brilliant - the perfect combo of atmosphere, sudden scares ( I wouldn't really call em jump scares) puzzles and gameplay.
Trust valve to do everything right. The fact that it was in an FPS made it even more unexpected and terrifying. Which means that using it in a horror game would be less effective. However, the way they created the actual experience should be something that more people base their custom stories off. The creepy voice/guy watching over you is always a nice touch and shows effort and if done well.
The little signs of hope, though when there you grasp onto them and head towards it, and usually that hope for the end isn't really there - I'd love to see a place like Ravenholm in an amnesia custom story.

[JenniferOrange]

Atmosphere and sounds.
You can put absolutely NO monsters in your custom story, but make it dark as hell and add a few creepy ass sounds and I'll pee my pants. c:

[Adrianis]

(04-29-2012 05:44 PM)JenniferOrange Wrote:  Atmosphere and sounds.
You can put absolutely NO monsters in your custom story, but make it dark as hell and add a few creepy ass sounds and I'll pee my pants. c:

Amen to that

[BeeKayK]

A good story also has to be creepy like, you are doing something you dont want to. Kill a man to get past something...

Or you watch something without having the ability to stop it.

And always: Anything unknown.

There is something, or is there?
Is it following me? Did i see it right there?
Am i imagening it?
What was that?