I’m a huge fan of horror movies, so it only seems appropriate that I would like horror games as well. Honestly, I’ve never delved into the genre. I don’t think I have a particular reason for this, I’ve just never gotten around to it.
I recently played Outlast, which was released for PlayStation 4 on Feb. 4 (it has been out for Windows since September). On Steam, it’s only $20, which I think is worth it for the estimated five hours of gameplay you’ll get.
You start the game as Miles, a journalist who is going to Mount Massive Asylum to capture the horrors going on within the walls. The only thing you have with you is your camera.
The trailer tells you that Mount Massive was closed after three scientists were murdered by a patient. The whole time you’re playing the game, you can’t help but feel like the government is hiding something from you about this asylum — which you soon find out is absolutely true.
I found this game to be actually pretty scary. It has a Saw-meets-Blair Witch Project feel, which just happen to be two of my favorite movies. Patients frequently pop out at you and make you jump out of your seat. There are also a lot of truly disturbing things going on in the asylum that, sadly, probably have happened in real life as well.
You play the game with zero weapons or ways to defend yourself. To survive, you have to avoid patients, hide and attempt to escape the asylum. Through the game, you navigate the asylum hoping to get the best kind of footage. Inside are patients in a variety of different mental states. Some will chase you and try to hurt you, others will not notice you, and others will interact with you in ways I don’t want to spoil.
A lot of the building is dark, and you have to use the light on your camera to see. It quickly loses battery, and you’ll find replacements scattered throughout.
There is a very interesting storyline to the game. You routinely find confidential documents that unravel the story of the patients inside. I quickly became intrigued by this world. It also has what I found to be a very unexpected ending. I don’t want to spoil it, but be prepared.
For those needing a scare that’s cheap in cost but rich in terror, I highly recommend Outlast.
Sophie Kruse is a sophomore studying journalism and is a writer for The Post. Have any spooky game recommendations? Email her at sk139011@ohiou.edu.
