(Original Devlog published at WelcomeToWoodside.com)
It's nearing the end of spooky season and you won't be surprised to hear that we've been enjoying a whole bunch of horror this month! 🎃
It's nearing the end of spooky season and you won't be surprised to hear that we've been enjoying a whole bunch of horror this month! 🎃
Today felt like the perfect time to introduce our 'Inspiration' post series, where we'll talk about some of our favourite horror media across games, movies and books, and the influence they've had on the creation of Woodside.
In 'The Horror Games That Made Us (Part 1)', we share a few inspiring horror games from our past.
Alice - Gameplay Design/Atmosphere
Fatal Frame Series
"I was always so fascinated by Fatal Frame/Project Zero's ability to create two completely different dread-filled atmospheres that are both so incredibly effective in their own way.
"I was always so fascinated by Fatal Frame/Project Zero's ability to create two completely different dread-filled atmospheres that are both so incredibly effective in their own way.
First, you have the slow, creeping exploration of deeply unnerving locations, perfectly captured in environment and audio design.
You never know what to expect, when the next ghost will appear, what's lurking just around the next corner.
In some cases, even bringing your camera up outside of combat can be a terrifying ordeal.
And then you have the up-close ghost encounters. Inescapable terror in first-person perspective.
The mournful groans and cries of the ghosts that is both frightening and sympathetic.
It stays with you long after the encounter ends."
Lauren - Creature Design
Silent Hill Series
"I always love learning the lore and backstories for the different enemy designs.
"I always love learning the lore and backstories for the different enemy designs.
I really enjoy how much symbolism is present in each enemy and how they relate to the protagonists current state of mind.
When designing the [REDACTED 🤫], I was always trying to think of how to represent trapped souls, so they'd often appear in pain or straining to escape!"
Angus - Audio Design
LIMBO/INSIDE
"Inside and Limbo are my absolute faves.
"Inside and Limbo are my absolute faves.
Limbo was one of the first audio implementation breakdowns I watched.
The ambience … they create empty spaces so well.
Which sounds weird, as it seems like quiet stuff would be much easier, but they're very good at making you feel completely isolated and alone. Lots of very subtle ambience."
In our next 'Inspiration' post, we'll take a look at some of the iconic horror movies that have become a part of the fabric of Woodside.
And don't forget to stay tuned for Part 2 of "The Horror Games That Made Us".