Discover the Most Inspiring Hero Journeys in Horror Games!

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Summary

  • Heroes in horror games must grow and face personal tests of sacrifice for a greater cause.
  • Last of Us Part 2 showcases Ellie’s journey from revenge to acceptance through selflessness.
  • Players in horror games make crucial ethical choices that determine the hero’s journey outcome.

Joseph Campbell suggested that all narratives adhere to a specific pattern, which he called the Hero’s Journey or monomyth. This structure is widely seen in films like Star Wars, various superhero movies, and numerous adventure video games. However, one might wonder if this pattern holds true for horror stories as well.

The main character must experience significant character development and face challenges that test their endurance. The role of the protagonist in the story is frequently to perform a selfless deed for something greater than themselves. In terms of horror video games, this usually involves facing death or catastrophe.

This list contains spoilers!

6. Last of Us Part Two – Ellie Learns Acceptance

Moving Past Destructive Revenge

In the “Last of Us” series, players witness Ellie’s transformation into a resilient young adult equipped with exceptional survival abilities. They also share in her simmering anger towards Joel, deep sorrow upon his death, and the vengeful anguish that ensues. Throughout the game, Ellie becomes embroiled in a destructive cycle of violence and retribution, a burden that consumes her emotionally.

Her thirst for retribution leads her to ruin relationships as she relentlessly pursues the opportunity to avenge Abby for killing Joel. However, during their ultimate showdown, Ellie experiences a profound change. The harsh truth about the endless cycle of violence becomes painfully clear, causing her to release Abby. After surviving a grueling ordeal, Ellie enters the “Road Back” stage of the hero’s journey.

5. Resident Evil Village And The Sacrifice Of Ethan Winters

Is Resurrection Really Just A Metaphor?

Initially in ‘Resident Evil Village’, Ethan Winters attempts to move past the incidents from ‘Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’. However, fate has other plans as he finds himself unwillingly embroiled in another struggle for power over a deadly bioweapon. This time, his mission is to save his kidnapped daughter.

Instead of allowing his daughter to be manipulated by the antagonist for power and a stand-in daughter, he sacrifices his life so that his wife and child can escape. In a strange twist, even though he dies physically, his consciousness persists as part of the mutamycete, providing a protective presence as his daughter embarks on her own heroic journey within the Shadows of Rose DLC.

4. Dredge – The Fisherman’s Choice

Overcoming The Ordeal

In linear games, the player’s journey is predetermined, with no room for deviation from the set path. However, horror games introduce a degree of unpredictability by giving players choices during the ‘Ordeal’ phase, which often involves characters making selfless sacrifices for a cause beyond themselves. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay experience.

In situations where multiple paths unfold, the final outcome of the hero’s journey is determined by the player. For instance, in the game “Dredge“, the Fisherman finds himself at a crossroads: he could choose to give up his life to save the world or, alternatively, bring about destruction by reviving his wife through a sinister pact with ancient horrors.

3. A Plague Tale – Amicia Versus The Inquisition

A Quest For Vengeance Becomes A Quest To Save The World

In the initial stages of “A Plague Tale: Innocence”, Amicia enjoys a tranquil life in 14th-century France. However, her tense bond with her mother and brother undergoes significant strain when their father meets an untimely death at the hands of the French Inquisition. Forced to run, Amicia assumes guardianship of her sickly brother Hugo. He is beset by a mystical ailment that gives him command over rats, a power particularly potent in plague-ridden Europe.

Hugo’s power attracts Vitalis Benevent, France’s Grand Inquisitor, who seeks to exploit it for his own gain. It falls upon Amicia to face the trials ahead and emerge as the champion her family requires. The second installment concludes with her being forced to make a heart-wrenching choice to preserve their world.

2. The Walking Dead – The Testing Of Clementine

The Hero Becomes A Mentor

In the TellTale Games’ Walking Dead series, when players initially encounter Clementine, she is merely a young girl. As the games progress, she’s compelled to make heart-wrenching decisions and develops a tough exterior as a result of her harrowing experiences. A significant aspect of her development involves striking a delicate balance between the cold-hearted ruthlessness required for survival and her inherent kindness, which could potentially expose her in a post-apocalyptic environment.

Clementine manages to provide care for AJ, even after experiencing difficult events herself. She’s able to let her protective barriers fall enough to become a source of support and solace for him. Her actions often prioritize his security and well-being over her own, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strong moral character.

1. Hellblade 1 and 2 – Senua’s Saga

A Two Game Warrior Hero’s Arc

The Hellblade series might be the most evident representation of the hero’s journey within the horror genre. It’s not surprising that a game which employs mythology to narrate the tale of an extraordinary character would follow the hero’s journey, a narrative pattern that is also known as the monomyth.

Before starting their adventure, Senua encounters her mentor Druth and he leads her on a path toward self-exploration and transformation into the powerful warrior and leader she was destined to become. As she faces the voices in her mind throughout this journey, Senua learns that they are not a cursed inheritance but instead an integral aspect of her own strength.

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2025-01-31 06:45