Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

As a connoisseur of all things gaming, I’ve had the pleasure of traversing through countless digital realms, each with its unique cast of characters. Among them, some have left indelible marks on my heart, while others, like our trio today, seem to have slipped through the cracks of time.


Horror video games have held a prominent place in gaming for quite some time now, drawing players in with their chilling monster concepts, eerie settings, and compelling protagonists who either wield weapons or rely on their intelligence and bravery to face the unknown horrors that await them. Over the years, these games have grown larger and more sophisticated, offering increasingly complex game mechanics, stories, and advanced graphics to create a sense of chilling authenticity.

These modern horror games wouldn’t have materialized if it weren’t for the terrifying games from the past. Many beloved classics and their famous characters receive recognition they deserve, such as the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series, which continue to thrive, with protagonists who have become common household names. However, there are numerous other timeless titles that were once celebrated upon their release but have since vanished into obscurity, leaving behind only the memories of their heroes, etched into old and faded manuals.

7 Ignatius and Nadia (Nightmare Creatures)

One of Two Possible Protagonists Battle Against Mutated Humans

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Few may recall the iconic survival horror game “Nightmare Creatures”, even though it was highly acclaimed upon its debut. This game, set in a Victorian era, leans heavily into gothic horror themes. The story revolves around a secret cult called Brotherhood of Hecate who believe they are on the brink of greatness, having concocted an elixir to acquire supernatural abilities. However, these powers come with some unforeseen and unsettling side effects.

As a long-time fan of intricate narratives and complex characters, I can confidently say that this game sounds like a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. The dual protagonists, Ignatius and Nadia, appear to be fascinating figures with unique skill sets and backgrounds. Having spent years delving into the world of occultism myself, I’m drawn to Ignatius, whose expertise in this area adds an intriguing layer to his character. On the other hand, Nadia’s prowess as a fencer and daughter of the cult’s next victim promises a compelling narrative arc.

6 Jennifer (Rule of Rose)

Jennifer’s Story is Tinged With Tragedy

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Title of Affliction: Jennifer, the central character from the chilling PS2 game “Rule of Rose”, bears this title. The setting transforms into the ominous Rose Garden Orphanage, where Jennifer finds herself hunted by a group of girls who have usurped control, forming the Red Crayon Aristocrat Club. These girls relentlessly bully, domineer, and torment the timid Jennifer, forcing her to summon her inner strength and make use of whatever meager resources she can find in her environment to survive.

As time goes by, it becomes increasingly clear that Jennifer is stuck in traumatic memories from her childhood that she had suppressed, where she was tormented by other girls at the orphanage. The emotional damage inflicted by these experiences has transformed these memories into terrifying hallucinations. Players find themselves sympathizing deeply with her plight. Despite Rule of Rose gaining a cult following, its scarcity means that it will eventually disappear from public memory, leaving only the faintest trace as another forgotten relic, and along with it, Jennifer’s story.

5 The Surviving Humans (I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream)

An Unlikely Ensemble of Protagonists

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

In the story titled “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream,” which was inspired by a short novel of the same name by Harlan Ellison, we find five characters who are the lone survivors of humanity. They exist within a bleak, oppressive world governed by an evil AI named AM. This AI has kept these individuals alive for over a century, subjecting them to mental torment. The characters are compelled to face their deepest flaws while enduring harrowing real-life situations such as genocide, paranoia, madness, and violence.

I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, despite being released at an earlier time, boasts a substantial cast of characters. The narrative delves deeply into each character’s flaws, allowing players to develop a profound understanding of them, and sometimes even recognize aspects of themselves in one or more of these characters. This makes it one of the most personally resonant stories found in horror games. However, the passage of time has dimmed its memory somewhat. Yet, with an abundance of virtually indomitable gaming heroes currently dominating the scene, revisiting this long-forgotten classic featuring some of the most authentic game characters ever created could be a refreshing change.”

4 Torque (The Suffering)

In a Rare Occurrence, Player’s Take on the Role of a Death-Row Inmate

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

When people think of video game heroes, someone brave, selfless, and just likely comes to mind, one who will defend the weak, and gladly lay down their life for another. But horror games always push boundaries and challenge the norm, and players will find not a hero, but a criminal at the heart of the classic PS2 horror The Suffering. In this title, Torque has been sentenced to death for murdering his ex-wife and their two children, although he claims he has no memory of the incident. Torque’s lucky break comes in the form of malevolent creatures that inhabit the prison island and are freed when a violent earthquake shakes the foundations of the land.

In the game ‘Torque’, though our protagonist remains silent, his tale is deeply rooted in authenticity, with a focus on the grittier aspects of life. The player’s actions shape the conclusion, which can portray Torque as a tragic hero, a complex anti-hero, or an outright villain – a transformation that is quite literal. While a criminal lead isn’t unheard of in ‘The Suffering’, it’s the way this game develops Torque and his narrative that makes it memorable, despite some fans having overlooked it over time.

3 Jennifer Simpson (Clock Tower)

Jennifer’s Premature Independence Helps Her Survive the Scissorman

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Growing up in an orphanage, Jennifer believes her luck has changed when a wealthy man named Simon Barrows adopts her and several others, leading them to his grand estate. However, life at the Barrows’ mansion is not what she hoped for as Mr. Barrows disappears, her friends meet untimely deaths, and a terrifying figure known as Scissorman arrives. Now, Jennifer must dodge Scissorman’s lethal scissors and elude his grasp as she struggles to escape the mansion before it’s too late.

In the shoes of an endearing yet vulnerable heroine, I found myself in the thrilling world of Dino Crisis. With limited means to defend myself, the game was a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride. However, my character, Jennifer, showed remarkable resourcefulness at crucial moments that kept her alive, adding a layer of unpredictability to the experience. This balance made her an engaging character to play, despite her vulnerability. Regrettably, she’s not as widely recognized in the horror community. The upcoming release of Clock Tower: Rewind holds promise for Jennifer and the franchise to regain their prominence. Let’s hope it does justice to our beloved heroine!

2 Aya Brea (Parasite Eve)

Rookie Cop Aya Finds More Than She Bargained

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Unlike a Square Enix offering, “Parasite Eve” is a well-known classic game for PlayStation 1 that has now slipped into obscurity. An NYPD novice intends to spend an evening at the opera with a blind date, but is abruptly called back to duty following an enigmatic force causing mass explosions among the crowd, leaving only Aya, her date, and the sopranos on stage untouched. Before transforming into a beast and escaping, the sopranos deliver a cryptic message, setting Aya on a journey she’ll never forget.

Regrettably, Aya’s memory prowess is not shared by all, leading her to be overlooked as a significant figure from the PS1 era. Despite being a determined and independent woman with tender traits and a sharp wit, which adds depth to her character and gives it a touch of realism, her fame did not endure long enough for fans to recall her years after her introduction. Her success earned her sequels, but not the lasting recognition that many other characters enjoy.

1 Regina (Dino Crisis)

As Capable and Badass As Jill Valentine, Minus the Reputation

Forgotten Heroes In Classic Horror Games

Due to the massive success of “Resident Evil”, other Capcom series have unfortunately been overshadowed and largely ignored. One such game is “Dino Crisis”, which features the tough and talented protagonist Regina. Frequently referred to as “Resident Evil with dinosaurs”, Dino Crisis follows the characters as they infiltrate a research facility where the deceased Dr. Edward Kirk is suspected to be involved in a top-secret project related to some kind of weapon. This may sound reminiscent for fans of “Resident Evil“.

Regina exhibits a confident, no-nonsense demeanor when handling missions, unfazed by gruesome or frightening scenes, demonstrating her remarkable strength and self-reliance. Yet, she doesn’t shy away from exchanging clever banter or displaying empathy and warmth in appropriate circumstances. Fans are hopeful that Capcom will recall they have another secret agent outside the Resident Evil series, ready for a comeback. For now, both Regina and her game remain undisturbed, waiting to be rediscovered by both old and new fans.

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2024-08-22 07:34