Written by Zea
A particular game genre is well-liked by players among various video games, which is pixel horror games. Well-known games like House and Faith have been around for quite some time. Ib’s new release on Steam also received high praise in 2022. They typically have unusual plotlines, a distinct spooky atmosphere, and a distinct pixel art style. All the elements have the power to captivate players.
Pixel games usually do not have intricate dialogue systems, rich game scenes or complex interaction.
The player may see everything triggered within an orthogonal space. Nonetheless, game designers can still dazzle their players with unexpected horror components based on mechanics. In Faith, the protagonist, controlled by players, can only move on two legs in a rudimentary manner. In contrast, the horror monster can move faster and with greater precision. The exact pixel characters using different ways of moving and speed make players who are accustomed to more accessible modes feel caught off guard.
Driven by the simple mechanism, most pixel games opt for a single-space narrative, where the story unfolds within a confined location. Due to the limited space and resources, players may face time, material or other constraints, increasing urgency and intention.
Moreover, the pixel aesthetic also gives the whole game an air of oddity, which people often have unique pursuits for. Things happening in an abstract space can quickly disrupt the inertia of a player’s world logic. In At Home Alone, when players get used to the cozy environment created by warm colours and rich furnishings, the scene abruptly changes to all black and white, leaving the main characters at the center of the screen. The technique can be found in similar games, and people always enjoy the visual tricks.
Another significant factor contributing to the genre’s popularity is the relatively short length of the games. The time players go through the entire game is usually constrained to a few hours. It makes it easy for people to enjoy an exciting story quickly.
Pixel horror games have been a longstanding presence in video game history. Each year, there will be many outstanding pieces with attractive stories and remarkable techniques catching people’s attention. It is like a small game to build a LEGO house using basic blocks, challenging but interesting enough, and gamers are always expecting.