Almost 20 Years Later, This Controversial Horror Game Desperately Needs A Remake

When it comes to horror, it’s common for games to focus on combat, and the current dominance of Resident Evil proves that survival action is as popular as ever. Even Silent Hill, which often encourages players to run instead of fight, still emphasizes the action more than ever in the Silent Hill 2 remake. Although hide-and-seek horror games can also do well, it makes sense that dynamic action would often prove more exciting than running away, so it is no surprise that games like Resident Evil do particularly well.

While this may be the case, there was once a time when horror games featured female protagonists who used their intelligence and wisdom to get out of frightening situations instead of facing them head-on in unknown or hazardous environments. Male protagonists have also done the same, but female characters provide a way to explore objectification and real-life horrors like stalking and obsession. Games in this vein included Clock Tower, Rule of Rose, Fatal Frame, and Haunting Ground. While some are being revived, others like Rule of Rose and Haunting Ground haven’t gotten the remakes they deserve.

Haunting Ground Is A Terrifying Survival Horror Game

A Time When Vulnerability Was A Prominent Face Of Horror

Haunting Ground is one of few horror games that implements a hide-and-seek mechanic well. While Haunting Ground allows players to fight back as Fiona and her dog Hewie, her gameplay is very limited. She can’t punch or shove, essentially only being able to kick below the calf. For obvious reasons, this does barely any damage, and one of Haunting Ground‘s first foes is a gigantic man named Debilitas. Instead of focusing on damaging or fighting an enemy, Fiona can kick in unison with Hewie’s maul attack to help stun the enemy or send them fleeing temporarily.

Because combat isn’t a key component of this survival horror, players are forced to rack their brains to find the best optimal hiding spot. Sometimes, it can be an obvious option, like underneath a bed or within a wardrobe. Other times, however, creativity is necessary to stay hidden. The number of times the hiding spot was used consecutively can also sometimes impact whether the hiding spot is deemed sufficient. There’s still the option to mount an offense, though. As players navigate the castle, they can often find powders or refined alchemy which can later on be turned into ways to fight back.

Haunting Ground also rejuvenated the horror genre with some memorable ideas. The game’s panic attack mode triggers whenever Fiona’s panic reaches too high, making her trip over herself. The picture raises its contrast in turn, making the player feel just as panicked as Fiona. And while fixed-camera angles can be more of a nuisance in a lot of video games, when done right like in Haunting Ground, players can find themselves fearing every corner of the map. The only real help when it comes to identifying danger comes from the dog companion Hewie.

Haunting Ground is terrifying for the vulnerability it gives the player, forcing them to be stalked and have very little to do about it and to be powerless over their own choices inside a contained area. Its controversial story of objectification toward women also earned the game some infamy. Fiona was vulnerable because she had a womb that could give birth to the main villain of the game, Ricardo, and give him immortality. Fiona is sexualized and objectified, and both she and the players are made to feel uncomfortable as a result.

Haunting Ground Is More Beloved Now Than Ever

It Serves As An Inspiration To Other Horror Games

Though controversial in the past for its sexual objectification of women, Haunting Ground has proven to be a beloved remake. Even Haunting Ground developer Capcom has recognized that players continue to love Haunting Ground, as it has released a skin of Fiona Belli for Cammy in Street Fighter 5. If Haunting Ground was not as loved as it was, Capcom would never have released an outfit as part of a crossover event.

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Discussions around objectification in video games have come a long way, and a look at Stellar Blade, a game with provocative outfits in 2024, provides a good example of the market’s willing reception. Haunting Ground‘s commentary on its own objectification remains intelligent and valuable. Not to mention, Haunting Ground is a unique experience that has served as inspiration for the development of video games. It’s one of the inspirations for other hide-and-seek mechanics in horror games that came later, and it has shown that female characters in horror can be strong in more ways than one.

What A Haunting Ground Remake Could Bring To The Table

Could Haunting Ground Bring Innovation To The Horror Genre?

Should Capcom bring Haunting Ground back and remake this PlayStation 2 classic, it would again revitalize the survival horror genre in ways that no other game can. Even today, a lot of horror games rely on combat, and it’s hard to find good horror games that focus on hiding as opposed to fighting. Video games need a reminder that vulnerability is absolutely good in a horror experience and often more terrifying than facing danger head-on.

Haunting Ground was innovative and controversial in the past for good reason. It told a terrifying story of not just monsters and terrifying creatures, but also one that was based on real-life experiences faced by women. It showcased the horrors that women faced in the real world, and that itself is the real horror of Haunting Ground. Innovative and terrifying, Haunting Ground deserves its remake just as much as any other horror franchise out there.

Haunting Ground

Platform(s)

PS2 , PS3

Released

May 10, 2005