
Originally launched on Nintendo GameCube in 2002 as an exclusive title, “Eternal Darkness” earned its place among cult classics thanks to its distinctive design elements. The story isn’t particularly remarkable, chronicling various characters spanning two millennia as they battle an ancient, malevolent entity aiming to subjugate humanity. However, the innovative ways that “Eternal Darkness” conveys and presents this horror narrative are what make it a standout and unique game.
For instance, this game employs a “sanity effects” mechanic, where the mental states of in-game characters are portrayed through peculiar visual and auditory aberrations that occasionally breach the fourth wall. Nintendo even patented this feature, preventing other developers from incorporating it. Yet, that patent has now expired, potentially paving the way for similar mechanics to emerge.