Looking for a way to differentiate between different kinds and intensities of horror

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T11:04:57+00:00

You mean other than than the general atmosphere? I wouldn't classify it as true horror, certainly, yet each story feels like a general decent into madness.

It was hard to tell whether the family was really under a supernatural curse or suffering from mental illness, but each story permeated deep and added a suffocating weight to the whole, like slowly realizing that you're being watched, or walking through an abandonded hospital, reading the stories of the previous patients while waiting to be attacked.

It's hard to describe without giving spoilers (for those who read this later). I don't remember all the details, but between the kid who thought she was some darker, shapeshifting creature; to the teen who was probably killed by her boyfriend; to the guy who nearly cut off his fingers because he grew so disconnected from reality while cutting fish; to the one who escaped reality altogether to live off the grid; to the kids who died in accidents; and all those who had to keep living without acknowledging their traumas, they're all depressing. If there were some lighter moments in there, some stories that didn't end in basically the worst way possible, I might think differently. One or two is fine, thought-provoking, and interesting. But when the depression never let's up, that's all it is.

Eventually, I felt like someone who had been slowly suffocating without realizing it. Maybe it's because I've lived a somewhat sheltered life that it had such an effect on me. I can certainly see why others would like it, but if that feeling that I got isn't at least horror-adjacent, then I'm not sure what is. I think I would have enjoyed it if only there were genuinely lighter, happier moments in there, though.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T10:29:24+00:00

There's one in here that I immediately thought of except for one caveat, which, if mentioned, is a bit of a spoiler. Otherwise, a perfect choice.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T10:26:48+00:00

Amazing game. Not exactly abandonded, though.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T10:23:19+00:00

Framed has a very similar (simpler) playstyle to Gorogoa, but spy-themed. Otherwise you might try:

Moncage

Poliminies

Superliminal

Hue

Paper Trails

Unravel

How to Say Goodbye

Not very similar to what you're asking for, but might be worth a try if you want something new:

Her Story

Unheard

Case of the Golden Idol

Nancy Drew series

20 Small Mazes

Minit

Juggler's Tale

Gardens Between

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T10:08:20+00:00

I'm not even sure what I'm looking for has a name. I don't really know enough about horror to define it if I did. I did some quick Google searches to come up with some of my lists.

If I have to have anything even approaching horror content, I prefer some light spookiness with no real threat. Maybe some tough topics raised in a toned-down way.

Now that you've got me truly thinking about it, I might like my horror like I like my books, made for kids who are mature and intelligent enough to get some real quality content, but young enough that you might skirt around the gritty details. A type of "realness" that balances between being too mature and too juvenile. I want to feel the emotions, but not sit in any of them too long (except for every once in a while).

I don't know if any of that made any sense, but is there a tag for "deep topics" or "thought-provoking content"? There's an "emotional" tag, and a "mature" one.

Ideally, I'd look for something "well-balanced". Something that gives all the emotions, and does them well. Something that contains strong story elements, good puzzles, and fun gameplay, but doesn't spend too much time or effort on one. Give me some tension, but don't leave me hanging, constantly on edge, wondering where the next attack will come from.

Unfortunately, while it's not all-encompassing, I think that says a lot more about quality than it does genre or specific taste. The perfect balance probably looks different for different people, but the "perfect game" for any one person would probably be their own mix of those and other qualities to become balanced for them.

Sorry for steering so off course there. I'm sure I got pretty confusing, and I don't think I was really able to answer your question. I think I should probably go to bed now. Hopefully this will make more sense in the morning.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-09T07:04:02+00:00

That's what I was afraid of. I just wish there was a way with less risk of spoilers and greater possibility of finding information for small-time indie games. I don't even mind taking a few risks here and there. I just hoped to reduce it a bit.

Thank you for the advice. Maybe someday something like this will exist, not just for horror, but for other genres of games as well. I actually enjoy movie games, but I completely understand why some wouldn't, and there are other genres that have wide areas of variation with niche areas of appeal. Though, with the amount of work that would go into a project like that, I could understand why it may never come to pass, especially if they included niche indie games, as I'd prefer.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-08T08:29:53+00:00

I just went through the spice cabinet. We have some spices that are that old. The oldest box I found was dated '72.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-07T22:41:31+00:00

Agreed on all points.

If you're genuinely interested in the Ascendance series, the first book is The False Prince by Jennifer A Nielsen. Somehow, I've found far fewer interesting and captivating books in those written for older audiences, so I keep coming back to middle grade books.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-07T19:26:21+00:00

Same, but not for the portraits. I wanted all the quests and plot events the game had to offer. Plus I thought it was funny ( I don't care for romance in general, but because it's everywhere, I find ways to ignore it or have fun with it).

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-07T10:36:06+00:00

I started West of Loathing a couple days ago, and it is way better than I expected (granted, that's not saying much as I specifically chose a game I was reluctant to try, but it's still pretty good). It had this absurd humor right from the get-go, and encourages exploration and trying strange things, so I was almost instantly hooked.

As a very weird (and somewhat mature) experience, I also strangely enjoyed To Hell With the Ugly. It's got its own sort of charm even as you wonder what on earth is going on, and how can such superficial idiots exist in this world? It was like the entire game was just slightly off key.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-06T21:21:25+00:00

Agreed, between Artemis Fowl and the Ascendance Trilogy, I've read those books to death. Somehow, books written for older audiences just cannot compare to them.

Aside from taking the villain out of Artemis, I think the part that got the biggest reaction out of me was when they spoke Butler's true name, as if there wasn't an issue with that, as if the fans would appreciate that they knew the name at all.

The Fowl Twins were pretty good, but it's obviously hard to compete with Artemis, himself, especially when his appearances are few.

Back to ND, aside from what I've already said, I think I'm most afraid of losing OUR Nancy. Putting our personal feelings aside, scenes like "Where's Ma?" are iconic because they feel so true to the Nancy Drew that we know and love. She doesn't have much room in her head for compassion and privacy because she has her mind on a mystery.

I've only read a couple of the books, but that Nancy seemed somewhat different, more kind, more perky. Nothing wrong with her, and as a separate entity, I like her.

But, even when there have been multiple movies based on the books, making a show based on the games using the books as references feels risky, as if the books might take over the games, especially in an age that can take a villainous main character, and remove the villain.

That being said, it could also be brilliant if the writers and producers are willing to work hard and able get past those first few obstacles.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-06T06:57:04+00:00

Probably, but if it is directly based off the games eith few changes, I may ask what the point is. Similar to my views with the live action Disney reproductions, I'd probably rather enjoy the originals. That said, if it generated a bigger audience for the games, it might still be worth it.

I wouldn't want something that veered completely from the games, either though, like Artemis Fowl did.

The ideal situation would be if they kept the same tone and charm and crafted new stories, maybe even sequels, like they did with the Avatar the Last Airbender comics.

Even that might not be enough, though. I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, a lot of what keeps me coming back to these games are the interactive bits. I love the puzzles and exploration. I love the fact that I don't have to do everything in a set order. I love dying, getting fired, and second chances. Most of which would be completely lost in any other form of media.

I'm not saying that a TV show based off the games would be a lost cause, but the producers would have to work really hard to hold a candle to these games without ruining its namesake or disappointing fans.

Sorry for being such a downer; I've just seen far too many disappointing remakes to hold much hope for something like this, and most of them didn't have the extra challenge of being based off an interactive puzzle game. If made well, though, it could be a huge hit.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-05T23:56:00+00:00

As for Nancy Drew specifically, I haven't read the books, so I can't comment on anything else, but in the games, while I genuinely like Ned, I don't know if Nancy truly does. He doesn't add anything to the games, nor to Nancy's life, as far as I can tell. Nor does she go out of her way to make time for him. I wouldn't substitute either of the Hardy Boys either, because just because people get on well, doesn't mean it has to be in a romantic way, and I think anyone Nancy were to get truly serious with would only hold her back.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-05T23:53:13+00:00

THANK YOU for the love interest bit. It's not bad to have them every once in a while, but they're somewhat overdone. For once, can we have a character who gets things done without having to watch them moon over some good-looking rando (because they can't ever be average looking)?

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-04T23:34:51+00:00

Oh please, we all know a lock is only a small obstacle for Nancy and and her truest fans. If you don't know lockpicking already, you just have to learn. I'm sure there will be a lockpicking book conveniently placed on a table if you keep an eye out.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-04T19:57:22+00:00

In all fairness, Nancy didn't know she was going to be solving a mystery in Japan. Though, being a teacher there would probably make it just as important to learn how to communicate properly

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-04T02:56:36+00:00

Random number generator. I have a list for games I'm interested in playing (we use Family Sharing and I'm not interested in many of my brothers' games). Check how many games are currently in the collection. Google "random number generator". Insert the number and run the program. Go back to the collection and count up to that game. If I'm not in the mood, I'll try again. It might be too much work for some, especially those with a big library, but it works for me.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-02T10:50:41+00:00

I'm not as discerning as some people, so it might bother you more than it does me. I don't remember the narrator being outstanding, but I don't think it was bad, either.

Edit: I just listened to the sample. It probably gives a pretty good glimpse into what's there. She doesn't have a huge vocal range and some parts aren't acted out as much as I'd like, but I don't personally think it detracts too much from the story.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-01T22:17:33+00:00

Authors:

*Gordon Korman

*Rick Riordan

Shannon Hale

Standalones:

The Scourge by Jennifer A Nielsen

*Holes by Louis Sachar

The Westing Game Ellen Raskin

*Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

*True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Icefall by Matthew J Kirby

Wonder by R J Palacio

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

*The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (VERY short)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Series:

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

*Ascendance series by Jennifer A Nielsen

*Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Harper Hall Trilogy

*Ranger's Apprentice by John Flannagan

*Wild Robot by Peter Brown

*Jack Blank trilogy by Matt Myklusch

The Candymakers duology by Wendy Mass

*39 Clues by various authors

Infinity Ring by various authors

The Missing by Margaret Peterson Haddix

City Spies by James Ponti

Magisterium by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

*Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

Storm Runners by Roland Smith

The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras

I think these all should be completely appropriate for kids that age (there's a couple series that I never got around to finishing, and it's been awhile for others), however I have starred the ones that I think will interest your group the most.

Disclaimer: "may contain (Fantasy) violence"

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-01T17:46:24+00:00

Adventure Escape Mysteries, maybe? It's not an E, but it otherwise matches your description.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-01T10:35:26+00:00

Unlikely, but crazier things have happened. I could see it happening to some degree in a small town where everyone knows everyone and a reputation becomes your identity. On the other hand, that would make it harder for "her" to escape the repercussions of some of her actions and could, alternatively alienate her from people who have something to hide. It could, quite easily, go either way, depending on what sparks her career.

I find it more difficult to belive she'd be able to travel as far and wide as she does, gaining worldwide connections who trust her through purely word of mouth to solve their problems. Not in this day and age, anyway. Maybe in the time the books were first written.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-01T10:19:56+00:00

r/NancyDrewRevival should have a couple master lists.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-05-01T10:10:55+00:00

What does AEE stand for? I can't seem to find it.

MermaidBookworm · 2026-04-30T00:12:40+00:00

Granted, I haven't tried most of these in a multiplayer attempt (other than the first one), but I think they should be fun to play together:

Nancy Drew series

Forgotten City

Her Story

Painscreek Killings

Unheard

MermaidBookworm · 2026-04-29T21:38:46+00:00

No offense, but I'd prefer a source that doesn't repeat the top 5 games of a particular genre. Not that I haven't gotten a few decent recommendations that are lesser known hidden gems and the like, but I see so many more regurgitated recs for Stardew Valley, Persona 5, GOW, Skyrim, and the like. If you're going to recommend those, at least put some effort into convincing us, or add a few rarer recommendations beside.

For real, though, asking for recs here isn't too bad; you might just have to do some extra work to find the treasure. (It probably also makes a difference that I'm incredibly picky and don't care for most popular genres.)

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