Horror has been a part of video games since the form's earliest days, and this 2023 publication from Bitmap Books casts an extremely detailed eye over the topic. At a just over 660 pages, this is a hefty tome, handy for dealing with an attack of the undead if you didn't have a chainsaw or two lying around, as well as being an informative read.
Under the guiding hand of Alexander Chatziioannou, dozens of contributors lend their skill on what is quite the ride. As you can see from the image below, it's a hell of a gathering, as is the format list which imitates the title in that it covers everything from (A)rchimedes to the (Z) Machine.
As is standard for Bitmap, the layout is clear and easy to read. White text on a black background helps, the latter also aiding the numerous screenshots in popping out from the page. Given the vast range of systems hosting the titles on show, it's all rather colourful, banishing preconceptions that horror has to be all dark and gloomy.
Each write up is easily readable and informative, and it is evident the there is much care and attention given to the subject. Given the huge variety within the over-arching horror genre (albeit organised as you can see above), it feels pretty safe to say that the average gamer (no matter what their age), will have played at least one of the 130 plus games mentioned. The same can be said for the spread of gaming types: first person, third person, shooters, light gun games, isometric puzzlers, point and click adventures - horror really covers the gamut of gaming. Additional commentary from notable individuals connected to some of the most iconic horror titles enhances the appeal of the book even more.
Like the best of Bitmap's collection, once I had finished admiring the effort put into this book, I felt the urge to start investigating a number of releases here. That was a rabbit hole that I don't think I've entirely escaped, and my "to play" list is looking more like an impossible task these days.
There isn't really much more to say about this, the ninth book in my slowly growing Bitmap collection. With precise attention to detail, great write ups and a lovely eye for imagery, this is another genre-specific release that has, for me, re-kindled an interest in the subject. It will most definitely remain a go to reference, and much like previous Bitmap Books offerings, provide a long list of titles that, with a little time (ha!) and effort, I'll get round to playing. Someday... Maybe...
You can pick up a copy direct from the publisher's website here, as well as order it from the usual physical and online bookstores.
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