Great dive into this style. I recently spent some time trying out X-Files (1998) on PS1 and it's very much a time capsule of the sort of thing some of these aim to nail - old school computer UI's, lower-grade FMV/audio, etc. Though it may not be analog specifically, that vibe certainly comes through, and I can see hints of it in what you've shared above.
I love Maple Catalog! I hope we get to see more analog horror-inspired videogames soon. It's such a fascinating subgenre with a lot of potential for interactivity. I'm excited to check Home Safety Hotline out!
Although not quite analog horror, I can see how Who's Lila? might've been influenced by those aesthetics. It basks in all its uncanny valley weirdness—at least partly created by the player, since the main mechanic is to manipulate the player character's face to show appropriate emotions in each situation. The low-poly, dithered look has some of the retro crunchiness of other analog horror. Most importantly, though, it really pushes those themes of identity, being replaced by an unnervingly similar other, and eldritch beings that analog horror loves. (My favorite thing about it is the ARG elements though—that's another thing more horror games could really be enriched by!)
Water Womb World is another great one! Retro look, horrible eldritch beings, and losing your mind to the incomprehensible terrors. It's short but sweet!
Great dive into this style. I recently spent some time trying out X-Files (1998) on PS1 and it's very much a time capsule of the sort of thing some of these aim to nail - old school computer UI's, lower-grade FMV/audio, etc. Though it may not be analog specifically, that vibe certainly comes through, and I can see hints of it in what you've shared above.
So glad you enjoyed it! I haven't played that particular title - perhaps I should!!
I love Maple Catalog! I hope we get to see more analog horror-inspired videogames soon. It's such a fascinating subgenre with a lot of potential for interactivity. I'm excited to check Home Safety Hotline out!
Although not quite analog horror, I can see how Who's Lila? might've been influenced by those aesthetics. It basks in all its uncanny valley weirdness—at least partly created by the player, since the main mechanic is to manipulate the player character's face to show appropriate emotions in each situation. The low-poly, dithered look has some of the retro crunchiness of other analog horror. Most importantly, though, it really pushes those themes of identity, being replaced by an unnervingly similar other, and eldritch beings that analog horror loves. (My favorite thing about it is the ARG elements though—that's another thing more horror games could really be enriched by!)
Water Womb World is another great one! Retro look, horrible eldritch beings, and losing your mind to the incomprehensible terrors. It's short but sweet!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the tips - I'll check these out!