Unleashing the Ultimate Thrills: Why Horror Game-Based Movies Lack a Crucial Ingredient

Highlights

Most movies based on horror games fail to capture what makes the games scary - the key component of resource management.

In horror games, resource management is a vital aspect that highlights the sense of despair and compels players to carefully choose their actions. Displaying resource management visually can heighten the tension and authenticity of horror game adaptations, ultimately providing a more immersive experience for the audience.

Gamers are always thrilled when they hear that their favorite game is going to be successfully adapted for the big screen. This excitement doubles when the chosen game falls under the horror genre. However, in the past, it has been believed that horror or family-friendly genres are the best fit for game-to-movie adaptations. Unfortunately, most horror game-based movies tend to neglect a crucial element that makes the games truly scary and exhilarating.

Over the years, several games have been adapted into horror movies. Some of the most noteworthy examples include the hugely popular Resident Evil films, the two live-action Silent Hill movies, Alone In The Dark, and even the successful first-person shooter game Doom. While these movies have had a mixed reception and garnered varying degrees of acclaim, there is one simple element missing that contributes to the issues faced by each film.

Horror Games Utilize Resource Management

Resource management is a common mechanic in horror games, especially in the survival horror genre. It is often credited to Resident Evil for revolutionizing the genre and making resource management a crucial aspect. Instead of killing every enemy, players must plan their moves carefully to conserve limited healing items and ammunition. Neglecting resource management can result in restarting the game if the player runs out of ammo and herbs to defeat a powerful boss.

Resource management becomes even more important when players have to backtrack through a small and confined location. They must decide what items to carry in order to progress or collect other necessary items. With limited inventory space typically occupied by a weapon, ammo, and healing item, options for traveling become restricted. This limitation adds to the enjoyment of these games and attracts players to the genre. Having to think strategically to survive a horrifying situation reflects realism, as people can only carry a limited number of items.

Resource management can be daunting for new players in their initial playthrough of a game. It is not unusual to come across a multitude of seemingly arbitrary items stored in containers, patiently waiting to be utilized in a complex puzzle. The challenge lies in discerning the specific purpose of each object, as some can be acquired early on in the game only to be utilized later in the final segment of the gameplay.

Resource Management Can Be Depicted On-Screen

While some may believe that showcasing resource management in a visual medium is unattainable, others hold a different perspective. The quandary lies in the fact that numerous horror games adapted into films tend to prioritize a blend of action and horror over mind-bending suspense and enigmatic elements. However, it is absolutely feasible to portray a character unraveling a challenging puzzle on screen, even if said puzzle is exceedingly perplexing. Such a concept could generate even more nail-biting scenarios within the movies in question.

Using Resident Evil as an example, if a character were to come across a key or an intricately designed object in a room within a testing facility, only to have that room suddenly swarmed by enemies, the character would be compelled to hastily retreat. As they progressed in their journey, they would eventually reach a door that could only be unlocked with that specific key or ornate object, making them realize that they would need to return to the now-infested room. The character would need to assess their meager ammunition supply, consider any available options for extra protection or healing, and ultimately devise a plan to navigate through the room, retrieve the object, and return safely without risking their own life. It may seem like a seemingly straightforward situation, but occurrences like these are fairly infrequent in such movies.

Resource Management Forces Characters To Make Hard Decisions

If the same character (for example, Chris Redfield or Wesker) was faced with the dilemma of either confronting a horde or finding an unclear path forward, the decision would become even more challenging if there was a time constraint involved. If the location was about to explode or be demolished, the character would be forced to quickly escape or face certain death. This would require them to carefully consider the risks associated with a daring approach versus a more cautious one, and the repercussions that their choice would have in the future. Such a situation would introduce a layer of tension and anticipation, especially if a character acted impulsively, allowing the audience to anticipate the potential consequences long before they unfold.

Content must be rewritten in English:

Placing an ordinary girl in the same scenario could potentially exacerbate the situation. With no pockets or bags in her costume, resource management becomes even more crucial. Deciding between a weapon and a light source becomes an impossible dilemma. While a simple flashlight may suffice, there is an equal chance that it may inadvertently expose the character's whereabouts. Incorporating small moments in these films where characters evaluate their choices and make calculated decisions will not only enhance the cinematic gaming experience but also showcase that the characters are not merely relying on blind luck to survive their horrifying circumstances.