The Evolution of Horror Video Games: The 9 First Games & How They Created the Genre

Almost Something Retro Gaming releases a new episode that looks at the horror genre's roots. The segment notes that early horror games were so primitive they sometimes required a piece of plastic to be placed over the television to function. It emphasizes the genre's long-standing role in video games.

The video walks through nine pioneering titles, beginning with Haunted House at 0:20 and moving through Hunt the Wumpus, AX-2: Uchuu Yusousen Nostromo, 3D Monster Maze, a second Haunted House entry, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Shiryou Sensen: War of the Dead, Sweet Home, and concluding with Alone in the Dark at 10:21. Each segment highlights what made the game effective within the emerging horror framework.

The compilation credits contributors and references the broader concept of evolution, mirroring its biological definition. Viewers gain insight into how these early experiments laid the groundwork for modern horror gaming.

Watch the video to see how early titles defined horror gaming:

Comment highlights:

"😳😮😳 @ 7:24 That was actually pretty creepy! Amazing what they were able to do & to achieve with such limited hardware!!!" - @StreamofLifeYT

"Kinda crazy how similar the gameplay in AX-2 is to games like Lethal Company" - @mattkidroske

"Sure thing, let's see a follow-up video.😎" - @MrDiddlebug