Slender References

The Darkness II (2k Games, 2012) is a good example of how video games haven chosen 'darkness' or 'shadow' as a focal concept. Whether to convey a specific theme through aesthetics or to generate a unique game play style. The Darkness II (2k Games, 2012) utilises the concept of 'Darkness' to not only express the visual style of the game, but to also to represent the emotions associated with it. It also uses the theme of darkness to express the core mechanics of the game by using shadow to strengthen your character and so on. In addition to The Darkness II (2k Games, 2012), another similarly themed title known as 'Slender' (Parsec, 2012) also uses shadow to generate atmosphere and produce a unique game play experience. Both The Darkness II  (2k Games, 2012) and Slender (Parsec, 2012) utilise 'shadow' instead of light as a focal point to express the nature and emotion of the game. However, both games use shadow in alternative ways. The Darkness II (2k Games, 2012) uses shadow to strengthen the player, whereas Slender (Parsec, 2012) uses it to weaken.

The concept of 'Slender' (Parsec, 2012) began 3 years before it's initial game release in 2012. It began on a contest thread to produce paranormal photographs using Photo shop skills that would make the images appear realistic. Alongside the photographs, various urban legends and stories were added to the idea of 'Slender' (Parsec, 2012) which became viral all over the Internet (Zander, 2012). Slender (Parsec, 2012) or his name 'Slender man' (Victor Surge, 2009) is a fictional character who is known to be a tall, 'slender' like creature in a black suit, with no facial features and elongated limbs. He is recognised to be an entity that kidnaps children and is often located in areas in which they are known to be. (slendergame, 2012) He conceals himself in shadow and camouflages himself in tall trees so that his victims are unaware of his presence. This tale generated a lot of interest, that many of it's audiences began believing in it's concept and started a scare trend worldwide. (WriterX, 2012) As the stories developed, a famous Youtube channel known as Marble Hornets (Alex Chapin, 2009), began producing and filming scenarios associated with the Slender (Parsec, 2012) legend. It's Blair Witch Project (Haxam Films, 1999) style recording and creditable special effects brought the concept of Slender (Parsec, 2012) to life and in result rapidly began scaring millions of viewers and encouraging their curiosities. It had become the most terrifying fictional legend and through it's popularity, resulted in a new way to frighten it's audience. Making it a into a video game. Throughout the most part of 2012, Slender (Parsec, 2012) had become the scariest game of all time. (hephaetus, 2012) This is because although the game has no real narrative or outstanding graphics, the way in which suspense is conveyed really generates a strong feeling of terror. This is created through the effective use of light and shadow and how it creates atmosphere surrounding the events that unfold in the game. (hephaetus, 2012)

The real power of Slender (Parsec, 2012), is how it conceals the player into a state of the unknown through compelling lighting technique. The game objective forces the player to explore an incredibly dark environment, where you must locate certain items in order to complete the game. Your only asset is that of a flashlight, which is used to guide the player around the puzzling environment and locate the hidden items. (WriterX, 2012) However, over a period of time, the flashlight gradually loses power and your surroundings begin to darken. Within the darkness lurks Slenderman (Victor Surge, 2009), the famously terrifying antagonist which looms closer to your character as you collect the hidden items. In result of your slow progression, Slenderman (Victor Surge, 2009) gradually increases the frequency of his appearances and closes the distance between you both. Without a map or sense of direction, you are left in a state of complete terror, unaware when your foe will appear next and how you hope to evade him. It's very interesting how light and shadow both play particular roles depending on the fear in which the player is experiencing. Your only light source is there to guide you to the hidden items, but is also the only way in which you will actually see your frightening foe. The darkness can also be used for assurance as it conceals your enemy, making it virtually impossible to him. However, keeping to the shadows will only make it difficult to locate the hidden items and although you cannot see Slenderman (Victor Surge, 2009), does not mean he cannot see you.(WriterX, 2012) This terrifying concept of being watched and the unpredictability of the appearances generates a deep immersive experience. The player is entirely in control of their decisions but they have to think fast and sensibly in order to succeed. The fear of the unknown and the inability to comprehend what is the light or the darkness, can become incredibly overwhelming and really grasps the player into a unbearable state of panic. "Lightness versus darkness. The less you know, the more easily you're spooked...When players find that the light levels are falling, the can interpret this as a warning. If they keep on going, they are accepting the challenge of whatever awaits them" (Bartle, R.A, 2004) This quote supports the way in which unpredictability in light and shadow can really alter how we as players realise 'fear'. Using this concept in Slender (Parsec, 2012) is what makes it a truly immersive experience, because not only is the physical appearance of light and shadow terrifying in its visual style, but it is also the way in which players emotionally perceive which of the two harbours the most fear through coherent decision making.


Bibliography:

2K Games (2012) The Darkness [video game] Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3

Parsec Productions (2012) Slender [video game] PC

Slendernation.forumotion.com (2012) The History of "The Slender Man".. [online] Available at: http://slendernation.forumotion.com/t2753-the-history-of-the-slender-man [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

The Slender Man Wiki (2009) Victor Surge. [online] Available at: http://theslenderman.wikia.com/wiki/Victor_Surge [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

WriterX (2012) Slender Review - Don't look at him! - AlterGamer| AlterGamer. [online] Available at: http://www.altergamer.com/slender-review/ [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

IMDb (2012) Marble Hornets (TV Series 2009– ). [online] Available at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1885304/ [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

IMDb (1999) The Blair Witch Project (1999). [online] Available at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185937/?ref_=sr_1 [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

hephaetus (2012) Slender: Scariest Game of the Year - Mibba. [online] Available at: http://www.mibba.com/Reviews/Game/4840/Slender-Scariest-Game-of-the-Year/ [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

slendergame.com (2012) The Legend. [online] Available at: http://slendergame.com/legend.php [Accessed: 6 Feb 2013].

BARTLE, R. A. (2004). Designing virtual worlds. Indianapolis, Ind, New Riders Pub.