Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs Discussion Topic Part 1

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Funny, permadeath in Justine had the exact opposite effect on me. I died five times or so in the sewers and after the first time everything that came before had lost all scaryness for me. I simply breezed through, knowing exactly where the monsters would appear and what I had to do for the puzzles. It became a tedious chore instead of a thrilling experience.

Having real life repercussions for death may increase tension, sure, but its a different kind of tension. It does not stem from the atmosphere and immersion but simply from the fear of peing "punished." Its the same thing with jumpscares: You fear them because they cause you actual, physical discomfort in the real world. But that's no real deep-seated horror-fear, that's just the same kind of fear you have when you're going to the dentist.

In my opinion, that's not what horror games should be trying to achieve. Instead of breaking the fourth wall, they should pull you into their world and make you forget you're playing a game. How can I forget I'm playing a game, if all my fear stems from the thought of having to start the game/ level over if I fail instead of coming from the incomprehensible horrors that lurk in the darkness?