Middle-Aged Heroines Who Redefine Video Game Horror

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Summary

  • Older protagonists still play a big role in horror game narratives, testing their resilience and wisdom.
  • Angela, Linda, and Virginia are examples of mature characters who bring depth and complexity to their stories.
  • These characters challenge stereotypes and offer a fresh perspective on horror game protagonists.

Horror transcends age boundaries, encompassing individuals of all ages, a fact clearly demonstrated when playing horror video games. Characters on the younger end are more frequently encountered in both mainstream (AAA) productions and independent (indie) projects, as exemplified by popular games like Silent Hill 3, and lesser-known titles such as Fran Bow.

Speaking of the elderly, those who have amassed wisdom over time, they also hold a significant role. However, it’s regrettable that their life experiences haven’t equipped them for the challenges that lie ahead. The older female protagonists in horror films, on the other hand, will be put to the test both physically and mentally as they navigate the terrifying ordeals before them.

7. Angela (The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope)

This Aging Student Has Life In Her Yet

  • Age: 48

Angela is a senior student on an educational tour, which leads them to traverse a spooky ghost town whose name the game takes. Unfortunately, their bus meets an accident on the road, forcing them to venture into the mist in search of assistance. However, they discover that the place holds no living souls; instead, it is filled with visions from the 1600s and spectral entities that relentlessly shadow their movements.

In the game, Angela isn’t exactly known for her sunny disposition; her blunt demeanor often leads to disagreements among other characters. However, despite her initial impression, Angela at 48 years old demonstrates an impressive resilience that belies her exterior. Her life experiences, including a challenging marriage and divorce, have shaped her into a more self-reliant individual. The evolution of Angela’s character in Little Hope is significantly influenced by the player’s choices, allowing them to decide whether Angela leans towards self-centeredness or develops compassion for her peers.

6. Linda Castle (The Casting Of Frank Stone)

A Horror Director Finds Herself In A Horror Story

  • Age (2024): 61/62

The Production of Frank Stone is an unexpected collaboration between two titans in the horror game industry: the mythology of Dead by Daylight, combined with the narrative and character development skills of Supermassive, who have previously demonstrated their talent through games like Until Dawn and numerous Dark Pictures titles. This merger presents two separate storylines, one taking place in the 80s where a group of three friends are working on creating their own horror film, and the other happening in 2024 as various intriguing individuals receive invitations to a vast, isolated island, and the reasons for their attendance soon become clear.

Linda appears in both storylines, serving as the director for her friend’s low-budget film in one timeline, and a seasoned director with numerous horror productions to her name by 2024. Despite being an exceptional director, Linda is also highly likable, particularly in her later years. She has become less self-conscious and more empathetic, qualities that are beautifully showcased during her interactions with Madi.

5. Virginia (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)

Portrayed By A Horror Legend

  • Age: 36

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre video game has taken steps to avoid the same destiny as numerous other asymmetrical multiplayer horror games and move on to a larger server farm, signaling its continued existence. In March 2024, an extensive DLC expansion was added to the game, which should delight many fans of the horror genre.

The unfortunate character named Virginia, played brilliantly by Barbara Crampton, becomes the latest captive of the Sawyer family. Trapped on their farm, she endeavors to find a way out using her nursing skills and a couple of cunning tactics – including blood buckets and Sissy’s flower powder – that might just increase her chances of escape.

4. Susan Ashworth (The Cat Lady)

A More Grounded And Relatable Video Game Protagonist

  • Age: 42

The Cat Lady stands out as one of the saddest and spine-tingling horror games ever crafted, exploring heavy, authentic themes that resonate with some harsh truths about life. It’s a deeply personal narrative centered around Susan, her battles with persistent depression. On a fateful night, she makes the heartbreaking decision to end her life; however, instead of finding peace, she finds herself in an unfamiliar realm. In this new world, she encounters the Queen of Maggots who tasks Susan with eliminating five individuals who are more deserving of death than she is.

At the beginning of the game, it’s clear that Susan appears unhappy with how her life has unfolded, stirring empathy among the players. Yet, she occasionally lightens the mood with her witty skepticism. An encounter with Mitzi becomes a pivotal moment for Susan, leading her to share her past and develop into a more compassionate and kind person. Compared to many other horror game protagonists, Susan stands out as one who feels more relatable and authentic.

3. Rosemary Reed (Remothered: Tormented Fathers)

Risks Life and Limb for the Truth

  • Age: 35

Rosemary Reed doesn’t back down easily; in fact, she’s more tenacious than many young characters you might find in stories. After deceiving Gloria, Richard Felton’s nurse, about her identity and purpose for being at the villa, Rosemary’s deception is swiftly exposed, leading to her immediate eviction from the property. Far from giving up, this incident only strengthens her resolve to uncover the truth she sought. Under the cloak of darkness, she returns to the villa, but at every turn, she encounters the deranged Felton. This sets the stage for the game “Remothered: Tormented Fathers.

Though Rosemary appears shaken by distressing events like Richard Felton’s wife’s lifeless body and her resolve to end Rosemary’s life prematurely, this doesn’t deter her from her mission, demonstrating her exceptional bravery. However, she is unlike a typical heroine, showing self-centered tendencies as she often prioritizes herself over others, and exhibits a persistent curiosity that borders on nosiness, as shown by her relentless exploration of the villa. These traits give Rosemary’s character depth, making her more sophisticated than the flat characters found in many stories.

2. Ada Wong (Resident Evil 6)

Resident Evil’s Resident Femme Fatale Only Gets Better with Age

  • Age: 39

Throughout the Resident Evil series, the character of Ada Wong has made numerous appearances, starting as a mysterious figure in Leon’s campaign during Resident Evil 2. Later, she reappeared in Resident Evil 4. While there is undeniably great chemistry between her and Leon, what truly makes Ada an exceptional character is not this dynamic; instead, she shines brilliantly on her own.

So far, the most recent installment in the series timeline featuring Ada is Resident Evil 6. In this game, it appears that a stand-in was acting under her name for part of it. Once again, Ada demonstrates her strength and independence, rescuing Leon Kennedy from near-certain death at Simmons’ hands. Despite approaching 40, Ada continues to defy the ravages of time, maintaining her toughness as ever.

1. Saga Anderson (Alan Wake 2)

Supernatural Powers Endow Saga’s Investigative Skills

  • Age: 35

The anticipated sequel to the survival horror game, Alan Wake, has finally arrived. In this installment, our protagonist, Alan Wake, embarks on another journey. This time, he’s a writer in need of inspiration, seeking solace on a vacation. However, things quickly spiral out of control when he finds himself entangled in the sinister plot of the murderous Cult of the Tree. The narrative is filled with puzzling scenes that make it difficult for Alan to distinguish between fiction and reality.

In the game, players don’t solely control one character, as Saga Anderson is introduced as an FBI agent working on the Cult of the Tree case, possessing her own unique supernatural abilities. She can delve into her mind palace to analyze potential suspects and victims alike. Given her expertise, it’s not surprising that Saga is 35 years old, with a successful, though perilous, career, and a child she needs to protect from the joint work of Alan and his sinister counterpart, Mr. Scratch.

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2025-03-03 15:35