In video games, especially since the early PlayStation era, a consistent use of stationary camera angles has been common. This means the camera’s position is fixed, either for the entire game or just for a specific section.
This could pave the way for creative applications of stationary cameras, like the sweeping cinematography seen in Silent Hill’s early stages. However, with contemporary games providing players greater control over the camera, the demand for fixed angles has gradually decreased. While it persists in modern games, it’s not as frequently used anymore.
It’s not necessarily true that games with fixed camera angles are poor quality; in fact, quite the contrary. The camera serves as a base and an enhancement for these games, resulting in an overall improved gaming experience.
To be completely candid, it’s challenging to envision these games functioning properly without the predetermined cinematography, since a free-roaming camera just wouldn’t seem fitting.
10. Kuon
Suspense Is Hidden Around the Corner
Kuon” is a chilling horror game of Japanese origin, published by FromSoftware, which can be considered a hidden treasure in their collection. It employs the Kaidan narrative style, reminiscent of ancient, haunting folklore tales filled with dread and supernatural implications to support its storyline.
The game centers on exploring the mysteries surrounding the main ritual called Kuon, with players assuming multiple roles, much like actors in a play. Additionally, the strategic camera angles heighten the sense of looming dread.
Characters often creep at a snail’s pace in this game because the camera angle makes it hard for them to notice a possible threat lurking just out of sight. This added tension is intensified by the silence, as any minor blunder or sound could summon adversaries, forcing the player to cautiously explore a haunted mansion with no way to utter a single sound.
Without a doubt, if you enjoyed the thrilling experience of Fatal Frame, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride (and perhaps an additional set of underwear) with Kuon as well!
9. Crash Bandicoot
The Camera Will Make You Crash Out
Among Sony’s PlayStation games with a nostalgic charm is one where Naughty Dog’s famous mascot, Crash Bandicoot, takes center stage. These games are vibrant, lively, and packed with fun; interestingly, they maintain the camera position consistent throughout the series for an unchanging perspective.
In this type of game, having a stationary camera isn’t just beneficial for gameplay; it’s crucial. Without it, how could you rotate, leap, smash crates, and perform other actions freely when you’re also worried about controlling the camera position?
Interestingly, the one Crash Bandicoot game that featured a free camera, specifically Crash Twinsanity, served as a notable demonstration of why games often benefit from a fixed camera. In essence, as long as the camera movement in any game doesn’t resemble that found in Twinsanity, it should be just fine.
The majority of Crash Bandicoot enthusiasts generally agree that while adding a photo mode to the game is appreciated, giving players full camera control isn’t as well-received.
8. Dino Crisis
A Hidden PS1 Gem
One of Capcom’s lesser-known masterpieces, Dino Crisis, is a survival horror game that was marketed as “Panic Horror” upon its release due to Capcom incorporating strategic, fear-inducing elements, primarily in the form of intelligent dinosaurs.
In this scenario, you assume the role of Regina, a unique operative dispatched to an establishment resembling Jurassic Park. However, you soon stumble upon hidden mysteries lurking within. Together with your team, you must navigate through these challenges, evade and survive encounters with dinosaurs that continue to awe audiences even today.
Under Shinji Mikami’s leadership, the project gave birth to an enduring cult classic that continues to captivate audiences for decades. When Dino Crisis became available on GOG earlier this week, fans were thrilled (and didn’t hesitate to pay $17 for the bundle).
The game incorporated many hallmarks reminiscent of Mikami’s games from the early PlayStation era, with one key aspect being the use of fixed camera angles throughout.
7. Tormented Souls
A Modern Love Letter to Horror of Yore
A newer game isn’t necessarily required to follow contemporary user interface (UI) or gameplay trends. For instance, Tormented Souls is an homage to traditional horror games, boasting intricate puzzles, as well as the classic feature of stationary camera angles.
This game has a PS1-like horror feel, more so in its gameplay mechanics rather than graphically. However, it shares an eerie ambiance reminiscent of the Resident Evil Remake on GameCube, thanks to its updated graphics.
Given its significant influence from that game and Alone in the Dark, the atmosphere of the game becomes more distinct. Unlike many games from that period, it’s not overly campy; instead, it delivers genuine fear, enhancing the overall thrill of the gameplay.
So, if anything, the fixed camera angles are just the cherry on top.
6. Paper Mario
2D Cameras for 2D Characters
The Nintendo 64 was rich in games that significantly shaped the gaming experiences of many during their childhood, thanks to an abundance of popular titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Zelda” series. Among these classics, one noteworthy game is the delightful “Paper Mario”.
In this game, you’ll assume the role of Mario, portrayed as an adorable origami character. The Mushroom Kingdom and its residents are also transformed in the same way. This game turned out to be a massive hit, leading to the creation of a spin-off miniseries within the broader Mario universe.
In this particular game, the camera remains focused on Mario, not moving away from him. Given that the game’s environment isn’t three-dimensional, it’s understandable, and it contributes to the adorable and cheerful atmosphere the game creates.
Additionally, this camera in the game contributes to creating a more tranquil gaming environment for players, which is one reason my aunt highly recommends it.
5. Devil May Cry
An Almost-Resident Evil Game
It’s common knowledge that initially, Devil May Cry was intended to be Resident Evil 4, but the project eventually branched out into its own entity. Consequently, it’s not unexpected to find similarities between the two series, such as the use of fixed camera angles.
In this game, you take on the role of the legendary gaming villain, Dante, slashing and hacking through hordes of demons as if they were mere pieces of pizza, despite the fact that it’s quite obvious that Dante would much prefer enjoying a slice or two himself.
It’s quite impressive how the Devil May Cry series manages to maintain a sense of fluidity and clarity, despite employing fixed camera angles (though it should be noted that the infamous ‘Moving Cubes Room’ in Devil May Cry 3 can sometimes be a bit confusing).
As a thrill-seeker myself, I can’t help but appreciate the non-stop, pulse-pounding excitement this game offers. Luckily for us players, there’s no need to grapple with the camera during heated battles – it’s smoothly handled for us!
4. God of War (Greek Pantheon)
The Classic Games Had a Classic Camera
In contrast to the more recent God of War series, which incorporates Norse mythology and a freely movable camera, earlier installments focused on the Greek pantheon used fixed camera angles.
The camera will smoothly glide sideways while adjusting vertically or slightly inclining, yet it won’t spin around. Usually, it remains fixed at certain locations like in boss battlegrounds, or it follows the character closely, though it doesn’t have any more movement than that.
For even the most seasoned gamers in the scene, few are unfamiliar with the legendary figure of Kratos and his somber Greek mythology background. However, newer fans who have only encountered him through recent games might find it surprising that they cannot adjust the camera angle while playing.
Regardless, it remains a thrilling spectacle with non-stop action, so engrossing that players likely won’t pay much attention to the camera issues by the time they reach the closing credits.
3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Big Boss Can Only See What Kojima Allows
As I delve into the world of Metal Gear once again, I find myself in an unexpected twist: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater isn’t a sequel, but a prequel to the series I thought I knew so well. In this game, I take on the role of Big Boss, not my usual character, Solid Snake.
It’s perfectly fine if you find the story confusing, as it’s known for its intricacy and even a lengthy explanation video doesn’t seem to clarify everything. Just like the camera struggles to keep up with the action in the game.
In this game, the stationary camera helps promote stealthiness by making players stay alert at all times, as there’s always a possibility that the adversary might be lurking nearby.
Perhaps, Hideo Kojima intended to amuse us by making us scale a seemingly endless ladder for an extended period, leaving us guessing when we would finally reach the top.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Two Angles, and That’s It
In the realm of video games, an ingeniously camouflaged instance of a stationary camera angle can be traced back to the Animal Crossing series, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons being its latest and most innovative application.
In every Animal Crossing game, the camera is positioned slightly above the player, offering a broad, panoramic perspective of your surroundings.
This camera adjusts its angle to offer a clearer view of either the sky or the ground, based on your purpose. Interestingly, it doesn’t require additional control methods. In essence, it’s designed to function perfectly with just tilt control.
As a gamer, I prefer these games to be my go-to stress relievers, and I appreciate their tranquil nature. Introducing camera glitches or motion sickness-inducing effects might not sit well with me. It’s best to keep the camera steady in its current position to maintain that relaxing atmosphere, which is just how I like it.
1. Resident Evil
A Classic in Survival Horror and Camera Angles
Undeniably, one of the most notorious instances of a fixed camera in video games is found in the Resident Evil series. This particular aspect has remained synonymous with these games even though they no longer use it in their more recent productions.
As a kid, I was deeply engrossed in the first “Resident Evil” game. The Spencer Mansion felt like a second home to me, and I’m drawing on my personal experiences when I say that those security cameras could mean the difference between life and death.
Instead of standing still, you might decide to open a door, revealing either Jill Valentine, my dear one, or Chris Redfield. However, nearby, you’ll detect the distressing sounds of a zombie. In an instant, you notice more shuffling noises approaching your location. Without hesitation, you draw your pistol and start shooting blindly, aware that venturing forward to peek around the corner could lead to a zombie bite.
This fails to address the situation when there is complete silence, as you cautiously advance, feeling an excruciatingly slow buildup of tension that threatens to bring about a sudden collapse upon you.
Remarkably, it’s astonishing how skillfully they crafted the gameplay even with minimal camera control, resulting in a mechanism that eventually earned as much notoriety as the franchise itself.
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2025-02-01 04:10