Is Prey a Horror Game?
Prey, developed by Arkane Studios, is a first-person shooter game that was released in 2017. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals. But, the question remains: is Prey a horror game? In this article, we’ll delve into the game’s elements and explore whether it can be classified as a horror game.
Direct Answer: No, Prey is Not a Traditional Horror Game
While Prey has some horror elements, it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a horror game. Horror games typically focus on creating a sense of fear, anxiety, and dread in the player, often by using jump scares, creepy atmosphere, and terrifying enemies. Prey, on the other hand, is more of a sci-fi action-adventure game with horror elements.
Horror Elements in Prey
So, what makes Prey a game with horror elements? Here are a few key points:
- The Environment: The game takes place on a space station called Talos I, which is a creepy and abandoned setting. The station is filled with dark corridors, broken equipment, and eerie silence, creating an atmosphere that’s perfect for horror.
- The Aliens: The game features a type of alien known as the Typhon, which are terrifying creatures that can possess and manipulate human bodies. The Typhon are incredibly creepy and can be quite frightening, especially when they appear out of nowhere.
- Psychological Horror: Prey also explores psychological horror themes, such as the protagonist’s identity crisis and the moral dilemmas they face. The game’s story is deeply psychological, and the player is forced to make tough choices that can have significant consequences.
Why Prey is Not a Traditional Horror Game
Despite its horror elements, Prey is not a traditional horror game for several reasons:
- Action-Packed Gameplay: Prey is an action-packed game that focuses on combat and exploration, rather than stealth and survival. The player is encouraged to engage in combat with the Typhon and other enemies, which makes the game more of an action-adventure experience.
- Lack of Jump Scares: While the game has some creepy moments, it doesn’t rely on jump scares to create fear. The Typhon are more of a slow-burning threat, and the player is often aware of their presence before they appear.
- Focus on Storytelling: Prey’s story is its strongest aspect, and the game focuses on storytelling and character development rather than creating a scary atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Prey has some horror elements, it’s not a traditional horror game. The game’s focus on action-packed gameplay, lack of jump scares, and emphasis on storytelling set it apart from traditional horror games. However, Prey’s creepy atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and psychological horror themes make it a great choice for fans of sci-fi and horror games.
Table: Horror Elements in Prey
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Environment | Creepy and abandoned space station |
| Aliens | Terrifying creatures that can possess and manipulate human bodies |
| Psychological Horror | Explores themes of identity crisis and moral dilemmas |
Bullets List: Why Prey is Not a Traditional Horror Game
• Action-packed gameplay
• Lack of jump scares
• Focus on storytelling and character development
• Emphasis on exploration and combat rather than stealth and survival
Subheading: The Future of Horror Games
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, we’re seeing new types of horror games emerge. Games like Alien: Isolation and Resident Evil 7 have pushed the boundaries of what we consider a horror game. With Prey, Arkane Studios has shown that horror elements can be incorporated into a game without making it a traditional horror game. As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect to see more games that blend horror elements with other genres, creating a new wave of innovative and terrifying gaming experiences.