As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the survival horror genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, and games like Signalis and Conscript are shining examples of this revival. Having grown up playing classics like Resident Evil on the PlayStation, it’s heartening to see indie developers tapping into the nostalgia of that era while still pushing boundaries with their creative vision.
The survival horror genre, as we know it today, can trace its roots back to Frederik Reynal’s 1992 game “Alone in the Dark”, but it was 1996’s “Resident Evil” that truly defined and popularized the genre. It’s no wonder, then, that many survival horror enthusiasts consider the fifth console generation, particularly the Sony PlayStation, as the ‘golden age’ of survival horror gaming. Indie developers have capitalized on this era’s pure charm and nostalgia, with games like 2022’s “Signalis” being hailed as a modern classic. Following in the footsteps of “Signalis”, sharing its eerie horror and PlayStation 1-style low-poly graphics, is the recently launched “Conscript”.
Since 2022, the work of solo developer Jordan Mochi, titled Conscript, has been a hot topic among horror enthusiasts due to an outstanding demo showcased during Steam Next Fest. After several years in development, this game found a publisher, Team17, in 2023. Now available to the public, it has received a warm reception with a “Very Positive” 95% user rating on Steam. Conscript is resonating with fans of traditional survival horror who appreciate its homages to genre classics and its subtle exploration of psychological horror and existential dread that more closely resembles the style seen in Signalis compared to Resident Evil.
Conscript’s WWI Setting is Tailor-Made for Meditative Horror Rather Than Jump Scares
As a gamer, I find myself often drawn to the grim reality of World War I – a turning point that reshaped the world’s approach to warfare and ushered in the tumultuous 20th century. The rapid mobilization and devastating conflicts across Europe brought about destruction and casualties on an unprecedented scale, making it a captivating subject for historians. It comes as no surprise that this harsh truth has inspired numerous games, from the thrilling combat of the Battlefield series to the chilling horror of the latest Amnesia installment.
In this new survival horror game, Conscript, we find ourselves once again immersed in a World War I setting, following closely behind Amnesia: The Bunker. Unlike the latter, where players are pursued by a terrifying creature born from human imagination, Conscript‘s horror lies deeper within. There are no monstrous creatures or genetically engineered abnormalities to confront in this game. Instead, the terror is rooted in its oppressive ambiance and introspective explorations of the genuine human toll of war. The psychological impact it has on every participant, from hardened veterans to young soldiers barely of age, serves as the primary source of fear in Conscript.
Signalis and Conscript Make Great Use of Low-Poly Visuals to Enhance Their Atmospheres
Modern games that emulate the low-poly aesthetics of the PlayStation 1 no longer rely on technological constraints to exist; instead, they are chosen for their artistic value. This allows developers to take advantage of modern hardware capabilities in creating stunning effects with lighting and music, resulting in a rich and immersive environment despite the retro visuals. Signalis is often pointed out as an example of a game that effectively utilizes this style to create a captivating atmosphere and eerie tone. However, Conscript also manages to achieve a similar effect with its grainy visuals and muted color scheme.
2024’s “Crow Country” is yet another survival horror game that draws heavily from the classics of the fifth console generation, such as “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill”. However, what makes games like “Signalis” and “Conscript” stand out among many others are their unique approaches to storytelling and music in harmony with visuals. These elements work together to immerse players deeply into the horror experience, gripping them tightly from start to finish.
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2024-08-02 16:04