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Jess Hinds
South Africa
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2022
Video games are more than just entertainment-they're a reflection of culture and a creative storytelling medium. Through thoughtful video essays and deep dives, this channel uncovers the mechanics, narratives, and industry inside info shaping the games we love and the way we play.
@thejesshinds across all social media for other content
@thejesshinds across all social media for other content
Decoding Fear: The scariest game ever made
Welcome to our deep dive into why Alien: Isolation is hailed as the scariest horror game ever made! In this video, we explore the unique elements that make this game a masterclass in horror and survival. From its unpredictable AI and relentless xenomorph to its immersive atmosphere and slow-burn tension, we break down what sets Alien: Isolation apart from other horror titles.
We also discuss the newest film in the franchise, Alien: Romulus, and how it draws inspiration from Alien: Isolation, including nods to the game’s iconic design and its impact on the franchise. All movie spoilers are avoided when mentioning Alien: Romulus, except for the mention of one reveal at 01:39-01:55. Older films in the Alien franchise are mentioned along with major plot spoilers being discussed and shown in the footage.
Keywords: Alien: Isolation, Alien Romulus, scariest horror game, survival horror, xenomorph, Alien franchise, horror game analysis, game design, immersive horror, Alien lore, Alien: Isolation AI, Alien: Isolation canon.
0:00 Intro | The Alien Universe - A look at the impact of the original Alien film.
01:56 Alien: Isolation | Game Summary - A general overview of the game’s plot and timeline.
03:45 Why Games are Scarier Than Films - An analysis of what makes video games more immersive than film.
03:51 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Interactivity and Agency
04:12 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Real-Time Feedback
04:20 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Personal Involvement
04:40 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Exploration and Discovery
05:07 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Tactile Sensory Input
05:24 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Active Problem-Solving
05:42 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Emotional Investment
05:58 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Replayability
06:35 Decoding Fear - The unique game design choices made by the developers of Alien: Isolation.
06:48 Decoding Fear | The Alien’s Anique AI
10:21 Decoding Fear | Survival Over Combat
11:30 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact
11:42 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Sound Design
12:32 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Persistent Threat
12:44 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Game’s Setting
13:35 Decoding Fear | Character Design
14:09 Present Impact | Alien: Romulus - The connection between Alien: Isolation and the latest film.
15:31 Is Alien: Isolation Canon? - Examining the game’s place in the broader Alien universe.
17:20 Conclusion - Summarizing why Alien: Isolation stands as the scariest game ever made.
We also discuss the newest film in the franchise, Alien: Romulus, and how it draws inspiration from Alien: Isolation, including nods to the game’s iconic design and its impact on the franchise. All movie spoilers are avoided when mentioning Alien: Romulus, except for the mention of one reveal at 01:39-01:55. Older films in the Alien franchise are mentioned along with major plot spoilers being discussed and shown in the footage.
Keywords: Alien: Isolation, Alien Romulus, scariest horror game, survival horror, xenomorph, Alien franchise, horror game analysis, game design, immersive horror, Alien lore, Alien: Isolation AI, Alien: Isolation canon.
0:00 Intro | The Alien Universe - A look at the impact of the original Alien film.
01:56 Alien: Isolation | Game Summary - A general overview of the game’s plot and timeline.
03:45 Why Games are Scarier Than Films - An analysis of what makes video games more immersive than film.
03:51 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Interactivity and Agency
04:12 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Real-Time Feedback
04:20 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Personal Involvement
04:40 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Exploration and Discovery
05:07 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Tactile Sensory Input
05:24 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Active Problem-Solving
05:42 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Emotional Investment
05:58 Why Games are Scarier Than Films | Replayability
06:35 Decoding Fear - The unique game design choices made by the developers of Alien: Isolation.
06:48 Decoding Fear | The Alien’s Anique AI
10:21 Decoding Fear | Survival Over Combat
11:30 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact
11:42 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Sound Design
12:32 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Persistent Threat
12:44 Decoding Fear | The Psychological Impact - Game’s Setting
13:35 Decoding Fear | Character Design
14:09 Present Impact | Alien: Romulus - The connection between Alien: Isolation and the latest film.
15:31 Is Alien: Isolation Canon? - Examining the game’s place in the broader Alien universe.
17:20 Conclusion - Summarizing why Alien: Isolation stands as the scariest game ever made.
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What is Real in Hellblade 2?
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Here is my interpretation of reality in Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 | CONTAINS GAME SPOILERS In the world of Hellblade, the lines between reality and hallucinations are often blurred. We delve into the second story of Senua’s Saga to uncover what is real to Senua, what is real to everyone, what is both, and neither. Are her companions, Fargrimr, Astridr, and Thorgester, real? Are the Giants and t...
The Rise of LGBTQIA+ Representation in Gaming
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Today we explore LGBTQIA representation in gaming as it stands. With 1 in 5 gamers identifying as LGBTQIA , it's crucial for studios and developers to reflect the very people playing their games in the worlds they create. Did you think there was already a lot of representation? Well, this video might just change your opinion. Watch now to discover: -The current state and trends of Queer represe...
Hellblade 2 Explained: Meaning and Analysis
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Here is my analysis of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 | CONTAINS GAME SPOILERS We delve into the haunting world of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 to uncover the hidden symbolism, and emotional depth behind this visually stunning game and its story. We dissect the narrative and characters such as Fargrimr, Astridr and Thorgester through an in-depth exploration of a game that has had a huge impact on me an...
What a fantastic video
This is and will always be a masterpiece!! Unbelievable piece of art 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This is and will always be a masterpiece!! Unbelievable piece of art 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love Prometheus 2:42 So you’re telling me the movie game takes place between the movies that’s kinda funny😅 2:43
cool game story idea, shit game to play.
I love Alien Isolation-but the scariest game of all time is Dead Space.
Muscimol that basically a GABA deliriant that bit like a mix of Datura & LSD but only the euphoric parts, It much closer to having actual psychosis than Psychdelics. Still view psychosis can unmask some high strangeness wither from having a condation or doing a deliriant hallucinogen. They have Amanita muscaria in iceland which Is where Muscimol comes from.
Thank you so much for this 🙏 Glad to know it wasn't an insane reach
@@thejesshinds It would explain 98% of folklore in Europe & America before the 1900s. Even Alcohol can do the same If your having a binge drink session since It also a GABA-A agonist just like Muscimol.
would love to watch your playthrough!
Unfortunately it was years ago on Twitch, but my neighbors definitely knew about it as well 😅
Who is the streamer with the hilarious scream?
Dary Dude Gaming :) I found them after this clip went viral, it's literally my favorite moment.
I so wish I could be a part of the creation of a Union of Progressive Peoples series.😢
8:09 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
One small correction: isolation takes place BEFORE Aliens, not after. This is because Ellen Ripley was revealed to have been in stasis for 57 years, at the beginning of the Original film's sequel. From her daughter's perspective, she had only been missing for 15 years. Also in Aliens, there was a deleted scene where the fact her daughter had passed away from cancer at the age of 66 was revealed to Ellen, showing a photo of Sigourney Weaver's late mother.
The timelines don't add up then as Alien takes place in 2122, and the game’s timeline is in 2137? The whole plot of Isolation is that Amanda is searching for answers regarding her mother’s disappearance after the events of Alien. I did also mention Amanda Ripley's passing in the Aliens director's cut at 16:13 :)
@thejesshinds your reply is correct, but you are still confused? Ellen is still drifting in space waiting to be found while he daughter is looking for clues from the remains of the space station featured in Alien. The timeline makes perfect sense to me
@@briangiven7399 Oh Sorry, I read "Alien" haha. Yes the infographic had a mistake from what I said.
@@thejesshinds All good! I'm still on my first play through and love how terrifying this immersion can be. You presented this masterpiece flawlessly, AMAZING job, my friend!
I just wanted to comment that I really appreciate your video style and quality. I was surprised to see you are such a small creator.
Thank you so much! 😊🙏 I do prefer creating content outside of the algorithm without the pressure of a big audience 😅
I hated the Working Joes. Ruined the game for me.
If you see this, a sequel has been officially announced! If you've been hiding in a locker for years (like me), this is our motivation to get out ❤️ x.com/AlienIsolation/status/1843305291322200488?t=nCVSIIYw4VGmcwthjel7Kg&s=19
Great video analysis! super underrated channel btw! :)
Thank you, it's much appreciated 😊🙏🙏
Where can I find the clip at 8:00 in
It's from Dari Dude Gaming (@daridudegaming9239) here on TH-cam 😊🙏
@@thejesshinds thanks
Wow, is this video really this new? It feels like it's popped up in my recommended videos for ages :D Anyways, really good video essay on the subject. I'm so glad Romulus has raised interest in Isolation recently. I noticed three things Fede hid as nods to the game in Romulus, but didn't spot the save station. I hope you'll make more gaming video essays. I like how this video was put together, very professional. It also brought up new ideas about the game, and I've watched a lot of Alien: Isolation content. This video and your channel deserve so much more views and subscribers!
I appreciate this so much! 😊🙏 Definitely more to come, I put together a script whenever I hyperfocus on something new. Romulus has made me want to replay, but I honestly don't think I have the heart for it anymore, so I'm sticking to watching others for now.
Excellent observations and commentary on this spooky game. Liked and subscribed!
Thank you so much! 😊🙏🙏
I'd hardly call this the scariest game ever made. PT likely still holds that title. And it was a demo. Comprised of only a couple gigs of storage iirc. That played out over an hour in total using nothing but a hallway and a bathroom. But even looking beyond that example there are much scarier games. Isolation was more of a puzzle game than a horror show imo.
Heart attack inducer.
Honestly!
Very good video, you explained the "are the giants and companions real?" better than I could ever manage.
thank you!
Love this analysis! You inspected the story from the perspective of senua especially, which I quite liked because I usually struggle to immerse myself in as senua. Whenever she confronts her past I get thinking about myself and lose the plot a bit (in a good way for me but maybe not for my understanding of her specific plot details). I think there is quite a bit more to be said about the themes as they apply to a society of people, too. If you get outside Senua's head a little, there is messaging about reaching out (Ingunn), forgiveness (Saegirr), and mercy (Goði). There's a warning there, too. The Goði had no empathy and was made leader through his physical strength. He used his leadership position to protect his people the best way he knew, but lacked an understanding of emotional strength through empathy. He was emotionally isolated neglectful in his leadership and because of that, giants sprung across his country from people having traumatic breakdowns. The message of the three giants being that at an individual level, a village level, and a societal level, people should not neglect the emotions of people, especially those who are traumatized. Empathy and trust keep societies alive through the worst of disaster. And one should forgive themselves or others for actions taken from extreme distress such as starvation or the death of loved ones.
You bring up an interesting point, I think there were parallels with placing Senua as a leader to be different from bother her father and the Godi as leaders and a lot about the responsibility of having power or giving power to the right people. In the broadest terms, I think their message was ''those who don't want power are usually the best suited to wield it"', but I stand to be corrected.
❤
So amazing that this has still stood the test of time
It just goes to show what happens when we don't just prioritize graphics and realism.
My first playthrough of Isolation took me nearly 50 hours lol. I get lost easily, am bad at puzzles, and was juggling college, raising a sick neonatal kitten*, AND getting the piss scared out of me by this game. But was so worth it. Picked it back up a few days ago for a replay one year later and it's still just as terrifying. Knowing how the AI works somehow doesn't break the immersion for me. It actually kinda amps it up to know this thing is THINKING. Really cool, always will be one of my favorite horror games! I wish we had the ability to connect a microphone on the PC version. My first run was on a laptop that overheated each time I booted up the game, and the sound was coming through its low-quality speaker. But now I'm on a beefy PC with some good headphones and good lord the atmosphere is SO MUCH MORE TENSE with directional audio. I was scared the first time, now I'm on the edge of my seat. I upped the difficulty this time around too. It's been an all around really fun experience. Isolation usually goes on sale for SUPER cheap in April. Felt like I got away with stealing. I'm not sure if the DLCs are worth checking out but I think I'll give 'em a try sometime. Every horror fan should play this. Every Alien fan should play this. (*the kitten's name is Ripley. I found him 4/24, just a few days before Alien Day ^_^. He's alive and well, now a fully grown and healthy cat.)
This is legitimately my favourite reply, and I really wish we could post photos so I could see Ripley now <3 I also saw at the time of this video it was up for free on Games Pass (assuming because of the film causing the resurgence in playerbase), and I've just been kicking my feet watching all the new players experience this game. Mostly because I will never have the heart to finish it myself haha.
i now understand why this game wasn’t as commercially successful as it should have been. everyone was too scared to play it 😂
Honestly, it makes a lot of sense hahah
I love just walking around the station and taking in the architecture and aesthetic. Also hearing the sounds of the station.
I think you're built different, because I am RUNNING away
So good, I’ve bought it four times. And the DLC. I’d give CA anything for a sequel.
Agreed! I need them to stop making Total War games for one second and focus 😅
Alien: Isolation is a masterpiece. It also becomes a lot easier if you've ever played the legendary Thief trilogy. Sound is a much better tool for detecting the creature than the motion tracker, just like in The Dark Project or The Metal Age.
Oh I'll take a look into the Thief trilogy, I haven't heard of that before 🫡🙏
@@thejesshinds Be aware: The games are over 20 years old so expect some adjustment to both the controls and graphics. But if you can get them down, you'll play some of the finest Stealth experiences the industry has to offer. And each game has a horror style mission, with the third one, Deadly Shadows, having one of the scariest gaming levels ever made. If you wanna get the best experience out of them, go to the Through the Looking Glass forum (Looking Glass Studios was the developer). The community has created mods that improve visuals controls, some QOL features, and even fan missions.
I love how in the movies, in numerous scenes the Alien/s are hidden in plain sight. The first time you see them, you dont see them until you re watch them. So well done. Alien: Isolation - The best Alien game to date hands down.
It's like we, as the audience, are being stalked too! Such a clever choice 🙏
@@thejesshinds 100%! Almost a 4th wall interaction with the audience. Great point 😊👍🏻
You're right about the psychological aspect of the game. I picked up Isolation after Covenant came out. Loved the movie, picked up the game. Started in 2017 on Nightmare and it took me 3 years to finish because one section just got too stressful. Fast forward to Romulus and I reinstalled the game. Not even 5 seconds after you get to walk on Sevastapol and I already got tense and filled with anxiety. No game, not even non-horror like RDR ir Kingdom Hearts, has hit me that hard on a replay.
I cannot believe you STARTED on Nightmare 😭 You couldn't pay me to even try it haha. You're so right, this games replayability is fantastic because you'll never get the same jumpscares.
I absolutely love Alien: Isolation! I currently have 2,339.5hr play time with it on Steam.
I'm assuming you have the heart of a horse with that 🤣 I really admire putting yourself in this situation for so long
Very very well written and you used so many great sources to expand your conversation. This deserves so many views!!
I appreciate that so much thank you 😊🙏🙏
Amazing video! Subscribed
Thank you so much! 😊🙏
Only recently got around to restarting and finishing it (prompted by the release of Romulus) When I bought and played the game back in 2014, I could not make it more than a few missions in, not out of difficulty but because I was new to horror games and the game was just too scary for me to continue (hiding under a desk while the Alien looked for me, I was too stressed and just gave up)
I STILL haven't finished it, I don't think I have it in me, so I'll enjoy playthoughs from far haha 😅 But its so cool that you got through!
Regarding Romulus.. the baby is called The Offspring.
Thank you!
Great video, my favorite part of the game is how it’s the complete opposite of a normal video game power fantasy. Even on the easiest difficulty the Alien can still instant kill you which means no matter what you have to learn to be patient. You get powerful weapons but they are useless against the alien, besides the flame thrower, which if used too much the alien will grow immune. You can’t run because you’ll be heard and the alien is much faster than you. You can’t even hide forever because the AI will eventually narrow down your location. The only thing you have on the Alien is that you are smarter. You have to learn how to avoid, track and listen for the alien. Use gadgets, the environment, or other people to distract it. The scariest part is the aliens unpredictably, you can play a level where the alien never shows up or won’t leave you alone. Another great horror game I think people don’t talk about enough is SOMA, which is scary for much different reasons.
I totally agree! It's way more realistic, because we wouldn't have a single chance with a real alien 😅 Someone else also mentioned SOMA and I definitely want to check it out. I brushed it off because I thought it was another predictable chore-fetch-quest game, but I've since been convinced 😊
@@thejesshinds It's very different, don't read much about it before playing, I played it blind and fell in love with it
This video explains really good why the Game is so terrifying and shows the reasons for why it is the best horror game ever made!
Thank you!
Bro Alien Isolation came out 10 YEARS AGO WHAT?! Ive sat here thinking it was like 4/5 years wtf this has ruined my night
I have literal grey hairs now, everything feels over a decade old to me 😭
It's much less scary if you play it without the music 😊
Try it in VR. I can only play for about 20 mins before stopping, in case I have a heart attack.
I absolutely will not be able to try the VR hahaha
this is some crazy top notch editing, all the props to you for making this
Oh my goodness thank you so much! 😊🙏🙏
You need to try Alien Isolation in VR
I couldn't be paid to do this 😅
The scariest game ever made? That's says a lot about how numb I've become. To me the alien was an annoying obstacle, that I didn't enjoy at all. Just like Amnesia The Bunker, the game is best when the monster is in the walls and doesn't show.
A few people have had this sentiment, I totally get it 😊🙏 I think if you're big brain enough to figure the AI out or get used to the alien, it loses the fear factor. I never got super into the Amnesia games because I have a personal disdain for "I woke up and don't know how I got here" horror 😅 But the one level with the invisible entity in the water was truly terrifying to get through.
Excellent video, great editing and analysis. glad I found this channel, think this style of video will go far 👍🏼
I appreciate this so much, thank you! 😊🙏
Aliens is my favorite movie ever. Isolation one of the best game i ever play/ But the scariest game - is Silent Hill 2.
The Silent Hill games are horrendous to play (in a great way)!
The mushrooms in the forest are actually Amanita Muscaria!! They were widely used in rituals by the Nordics due to their alucinogen effects, you can look it up! I think the fact they included them in that specific segment of the game is no coincidence. That's the way ordinary people could have the same experiences that of the shamans who, most likely, had what we call today psychosis
OMG! So happy to learn this wasn't an insane reach, thank you!
Great video! I'm a long-time fan of the game (even before I've watched the original Alien) - I've watched many TH-camrs do their own playthroughs for years before I worked up the nerve to buy the game myself. Played it on Easy mode first before working my way up to Hard mode, where I'm currently in. Scariest game ever, but it's also so so good!
Thank you! I don't think someone could actually pay me to pick up this game again, let alone do it on any level over easy haha, so I take my hat off to you.
@@thejesshinds hahaha totally get you - i felt like passing out even in Easy mode, but then i had a funny encounter where i accidentally jumped out of a locker i was hiding in straight into the Alien, and then it felt a bit like i stepped on a really angry cat😭 anyways, i hope you keep making great videos like these! and maybe even someday surprise yourself & play it again lol
what a sick video I love the analysis! I always wondered how the alien ai worked in alien isolation and why it always found me hiding in a locker 🤦 great video, I subbed.
Thank you! I also forgot to mention it had a Menace Guage, so it would also give you a bit of 'break' if it found you too easily and it would appear less. But yeah, as a fellow locker-camper, I salute you haha.