Flashlights play a key role in games. They help create atmosphere and, depending on the situation, tension or all out terror. There is also a sense of security when you press F and see the friendly glowing circle around your crosshair.
I know I've mentioned Half Life 2 quite a bit but it, out of the many games I have played, captured the role of the flashlight pefectly. In Hl2 the flashlight is used in many a dark passage, bringing horror along with it.
The flashlight has a strong relationship with horror. They dine often together. Wherever one goes, the other must follow. With a flashlight its impossible to walk round a dark corner without fear of what that innocent beam of light might reveal. A health supply? Some ammo? Or a mutilated corpse, ripped to pieces by the zombie who is now creeping up behind you.
The flashlight feels like a part of my body. The sights we have seen. From beautiful, welcoming health vendors to the disgusting zombies, the mutilated corpses and ominous blood splats.
In short then the flashlight is something to care for and be proud to possess. It's the FPS's answer to The Companion Cube, providing solace in times of difficulty, comfort in times of sadness and light in times of darkness.
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3 comments:
Until a FPS forces you to throw you flashlight into a incinerator to continue then it will never replace the companion cube for emotional attachment.
Too true. But you do steadily grow attached to the flashlight :)
The flashlight will always be a faithful friend in FPS.. I can't think of another word beginning with F. Anyway, grats on making the blog.
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