When it comes tohorror, it’s common for games to focus on combat, and the current dominance ofResident Evilproves that survival action is as popular as ever. EvenSilent Hill, which often encourages players to run instead of fight, still emphasizes the action more than ever in theSilent Hill 2remake. Although hide-and-seek horror games can also do well, it makes sense that dynamic action would often prove more exciting than running away, so it is no surprise that games likeResident Evildo particularly well.
While this may be the case, there was once a time whenhorror games featured female protagonists who used their intelligence and wisdom to get out of frightening situationsinstead of facing them head-on in unknown or hazardous environments. Male protagonists have also done the same, but female characters provide a way to explore objectification and real-life horrors like stalking and obsession. Games in this vein includedClock Tower,Rule of Rose,Fatal Frame, andHaunting Ground. While some are being revived,others likeRule of RoseandHaunting Groundhaven’t gotten the remakes they deserve.
Haunting Ground Is A Terrifying Survival Horror Game
A Time When Vulnerability Was A Prominent Face Of Horror
Haunting Groundis one of few horror games thatimplements a hide-and-seek mechanicwell.WhileHaunting Groundallows players to fight back as Fiona and her dog Hewie, her gameplay is very limited. She can’t punch or shove, essentially only being able to kick below the calf. For obvious reasons, this does barely any damage, and one ofHaunting Ground’s first foes is a gigantic man named Debilitas. Instead of focusing on damaging or fighting an enemy, Fiona can kick in unison with Hewie’s maul attack to help stun the enemy or send them fleeing temporarily.
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Because combat isn’t a key component of this survival horror,players are forced to rack their brains to find the best optimal hiding spot. Sometimes, it can be an obvious option, like underneath a bed or within a wardrobe. Other times, however, creativity is necessary to stay hidden. The number of times the hiding spot was used consecutively can also sometimes impact whether the hiding spot is deemed sufficient. There’s still the option to mount an offense, though. As players navigate the castle, they can often find powders or refined alchemy which can later on be turned into ways to fight back.
Haunting Groundalso rejuvenated the horror genre with some memorable ideas.The game’s panic attack mode triggers whenever Fiona’s panic reaches too high, making her trip over herself. The picture raises its contrast in turn, making the player feel just as panicked as Fiona. And while fixed-camera angles can be more of a nuisance in a lot of video games, when done right like inHaunting Ground, players can find themselves fearing every corner of the map. The only real help when it comes to identifying danger comes from thedog companion Hewie.
It’s been common for horror game remakes to remove fixed camera angles, butHaunting Ground’s are used to such strong effect that maintaining them would be worthwhile.
Haunting Groundis terrifying for the vulnerability it gives the player, forcing them to be stalked and have very little to do about it and to be powerless over their own choices inside a contained area. Its controversial story of objectification toward women also earned the game some infamy. Fiona was vulnerable because she had a womb that could give birth to the main villain of the game, Ricardo, and give him immortality. Fiona is sexualized and objectified, and both she and the players are made to feel uncomfortable as a result.
Haunting Ground Is More Beloved Now Than Ever
It Serves As An Inspiration To Other Horror Games
Though controversial in the past for its sexual objectification of women,Haunting Groundhas proven to be a beloved remake.EvenHaunting Grounddeveloper Capcom has recognized that players continue to loveHaunting Ground, as it has released a skin of Fiona Belli for Cammy inStreet Fighter 5. IfHaunting Groundwas not as loved as it was, Capcom would never have released an outfit as part of a crossover event.
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Discussions around objectification in video games have come a long way, and alook atStellar Blade, a game with provocative outfits in 2024, provides a good example of the market’s willing reception.Haunting Ground’s commentary on its own objectification remains intelligentand valuable. Not to mention,Haunting Groundis a unique experience that has served as inspiration for the development of video games. It’s one of the inspirations for other hide-and-seek mechanics in horror games that came later, and it has shown that female characters in horror can be strong in more ways than one.
What A Haunting Ground Remake Could Bring To The Table
Could Haunting Ground Bring Innovation To The Horror Genre?
Should Capcom bringHaunting Groundback and remake this PlayStation 2 classic, it would again revitalize the survival horror genre in ways that no other game can. Even today, a lot of horror games rely on combat, and it’s hard to find good horror games that focus on hiding as opposed to fighting. Video games need a reminder thatvulnerability is absolutely good in a horror experienceand often more terrifying than facing danger head-on.
Haunting Groundwas innovative and controversial in the past for good reason. It told a terrifying story of not just monsters and terrifying creatures, but also one that was based on real-life experiences faced by women. It showcased the horrors that women faced in the real world, and that itself is the real horror ofHaunting Ground. Innovative and terrifying,Haunting Grounddeserves its remake just as much as any other horror franchise out there.
