The world of video games is home to a diverse array of genres, each with its unique set of characteristics and gameplay mechanics. Among these, horror games stand out for their ability to evoke fear, tension, and unease in players. But what exactly defines a horror game, and does Prey, the 2017 first-person shooter, fit the bill?
The Horror Genre: A Brief Overview
To understand whether Prey is a horror game or not, it’s essential to delve into the defining features of the horror genre. Horror games typically aim to scare, unsettle, or disturb players through various means, including:
Atmosphere and Setting
Horror games often create a foreboding atmosphere, immersing players in eerie environments that foster a sense of fear and uncertainty. This can be achieved through the use of dim lighting, creepy sound effects, and unsettling visuals.
Jump Scares and Tension
Jump scares, or sudden, loud noises, are a staple of horror games. These unexpected events can trigger a fight-or-flight response, making players feel anxious and on edge. Tension is also a crucial element, as it builds anticipation and fear through the use of suspenseful music, camera angles, and narrative pacing.
Storytelling and Character Development
Horror games often feature complex, psychological storylines that explore themes of trauma, loss, and the human condition. Characters may be flawed, relatable, and sometimes, even unreliable, adding to the sense of uncertainty and fear.
Gameplay Mechanics
Horror games may incorporate unique gameplay mechanics that enhance the sense of fear and vulnerability. These can include limited resources, stealth-based gameplay, and resource management, forcing players to think strategically and make tough decisions under pressure.
Prey’s Genre-Bending Gameplay
So, where does Prey fit into this horror game framework? Developed by Arkane Studios, Prey is a first-person shooter with a strong focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and player choice. The game takes place on the Talos I space station, where players assume the role of Morgan Yu, a scientist who wakes up with no memory of their past.
A Science Fiction Setting
Prey’s setting is more sci-fi than horror-inspired. The Talos I space station is a futuristic, high-tech environment with a sleek, modern design. While the station’s eerily empty corridors can be unsettling, they lack the dark, foreboding atmosphere typical of horror games.
Combat and Stealth
Prey’s combat system is more action-oriented than horror-focused. Players have access to a variety of weapons, including guns, gloves, and tools that allow for creative problem-solving. While there are stealth elements, the game encourages experimentation and improvisation over fear-inducing tension.
Storytelling and Character Development
Prey’s narrative is more focused on mystery and intrigue than outright horror. The game’s story explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the blurring of lines between human and artificial intelligence. While there are intense, unsettling moments, the overall tone is more thought-provoking than frightening.
Fear Factor Analysis
While Prey lacks some of the core elements of traditional horror games, it does feature certain elements that could be considered frightening or unsettling:
The Neuromod System
The game’s Neuromod system, which allows players to upgrade their abilities and enhance their physical and mental capabilities, can be unsettling. The process of injecting these mods into Morgan’s brain can be disturbing, especially as the game progresses and the player’s sense of identity becomes increasingly blurred.
The Typhon Entities
The Typhon entities, the game’s primary antagonists, can be terrifying in their own right. These alien-like creatures are capable of manipulating space and time, making them unpredictable and formidable foes. Their presence is often accompanied by unsettling sound effects and visuals, adding to the sense of tension and fear.
Environmental Storytelling
Prey’s environment tells a story of its own, with eerie, abandoned areas and cryptic messages scrawled on walls. These environmental clues can create a sense of foreboding, hinting at a deeper, darker narrative beneath the surface.
Conclusion: Is Prey a Horror Game?
While Prey features some elements of horror, it cannot be classified as a traditional horror game. The game’s sci-fi setting, action-oriented combat, and thought-provoking narrative place it firmly in the realm of science fiction and exploration. However, Prey does incorporate certain frightening and unsettling elements, making it a game that can evoke fear and tension in players.
In the end, whether or not Prey is considered a horror game is a matter of personal interpretation. For some, the game’s Neuromod system, Typhon entities, and environmental storytelling may be enough to classify it as a horror experience. For others, the game’s overall tone and gameplay mechanics may not meet the criteria for a traditional horror game.
- Prey is a game that defies genre classification, blending elements of science fiction, exploration, and action to create a unique gaming experience.
- While it may not be a traditional horror game, Prey is capable of evoking fear, tension, and unease in players, making it a game that can appeal to fans of horror and science fiction alike.
In the world of video games, genres are constantly evolving, and Prey is a prime example of this evolution. Whether you classify it as a horror game or not, one thing is certain – Prey is a thought-provoking, unsettling, and deeply unnerving experience that will leave you questioning the boundaries of human identity and the nature of consciousness.
Is Prey a traditional horror game?
Prey is not a traditional horror game in the sense that it doesn’t rely on jump scares and gore to frighten players. Instead, it uses psychological horror elements and a sense of unease to create a frightening experience. The game’s atmosphere is tense and unsettling, making players feel like they’re walking on eggshells, waiting for something to happen.
The game’s use of psychological horror elements is more subtle and nuanced than traditional horror games. It uses the player’s imagination to create fear, making the experience more personal and terrifying. This approach to horror is more effective in creating a lasting sense of fear and unease, rather than relying on cheap jump scares.
What makes Prey a horror game?
Prey is a horror game because of its atmosphere and the sense of unease it creates in players. The game takes place in a deserted space station, where players are alone and vulnerable. The station is filled with strange and unexplained noises, making players feel like they’re being watched and stalked. This creates a sense of tension and fear that permeates the entire game.
The game’s use of psychological horror elements, such as the mimic enemies that can disguise themselves as everyday objects, adds to the sense of unease. Players are constantly on edge, unsure of what’s real and what’s not. This uncertainty creates a sense of fear and paranoia, making players question their own perceptions and sanity.
Does Prey rely on jump scares?
Prey does not rely on jump scares to frighten players. Instead, it uses a more subtle approach to horror, creating a sense of unease and tension through its atmosphere and sound design. The game’s use of creepy sounds and unsettling environments makes players feel like they’re walking on eggshells, waiting for something to happen.
While there are some moments in the game that could be considered jump scares, they’re not the primary way the game creates fear. The game’s focus is on psychological horror, making players feel uneasy and uncertain. This approach to horror is more effective in creating a lasting sense of fear and unease.
Is Prey a survival horror game?
Prey is not a traditional survival horror game, but it does share some elements with the genre. The game takes place in a deserted space station, where players must scavenge for supplies and resources to survive. The station is filled with danger, from the mimic enemies to the hazards of the environment.
However, Prey is more of an action-adventure game with horror elements than a traditional survival horror game. The game’s focus is on exploration and combat, rather than survival and resource management. While players do need to manage their resources and health, the game is not as punishing as traditional survival horror games.
What kind of horror elements does Prey contain?
Prey contains a wide range of horror elements, from psychological horror to paranormal phenomena. The game’s use of mimic enemies, which can disguise themselves as everyday objects, adds to the sense of unease and uncertainty. The game also contains elements of body horror, with players encountering strange and unsettling creatures.
The game’s atmosphere is also deeply unsettling, with a sense of unease and tension that permeates the entire game. The game’s use of sound design and visuals adds to the sense of horror, making players feel like they’re walking on eggshells. The game’s horror elements are designed to create a sense of fear and unease, rather than relying on cheap jump scares.
Can Prey be considered a sci-fi horror game?
Yes, Prey can be considered a sci-fi horror game. The game takes place in a futuristic space station, where players must navigate the dangers of advanced technology and alien life forms. The game’s use of sci-fi elements, such as artificial gravity and advanced robotics, adds to the sense of unease and uncertainty.
The game’s horror elements are deeply intertwined with its sci-fi setting, creating a sense of unease and fear that is unique to the genre. The game’s use of advanced technology and paranormal phenomena adds to the sense of horror, making players question what is real and what is not.
Is Prey a scary game?
Yes, Prey is a scary game, but not in a traditional sense. The game’s use of psychological horror elements and atmosphere creates a sense of unease and tension that is deeply unsettling. Players will feel like they’re walking on eggshells, waiting for something to happen, and the game’s use of creepy sounds and visuals adds to the sense of fear.
However, Prey is not a game that relies on cheap jump scares or gore to frighten players. Instead, it uses a more subtle approach to horror, creating a sense of fear and unease that is deeply personal and unsettling. If you’re looking for a game that will leave you feeling uneasy and uncertain, Prey is definitely worth checking out.