Board 8 > Post topics and I'll give you my top 10 with write-ups

(+) Yeah! (+)

Length of write-ups guaranteed to be at least 1 word and up!

Post only one topic until yours is done. You know the drill.

Topics I don't care about enough will be skipped. Don't worry, I have a pretty high threshold.
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JSA members
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2018 movies
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Chess players
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Tables you've used.
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Pop albums

scarletspeed7 posted...

JSA members

1. Sandman/Wesley Dodds
Sandman Mystery Theater, 'nuff said.

2. Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson
The in-depth spirituality Kent is often presented with is always a fun read.

3. Manhunter/Kate Spencer
A pure badass, Marc Andreyko's Manhunter is required DC reading.

4. Doctor Mid-Nite/Charles McNider
Always loved his costume and powers.

5. Starman/Jack Knight
I like how "normal" he is and how he's relucant to take up his father's mantle. Feels realistic.

6. The Flash/Jay Garrick
Maybe not the best Flash, but there's something to be proud of for being the first. Classic character with a huge legacy.

7. Damage/Grant Emerson
Super underrated, should be used more. Got done dirty in New52.

8. Starman/Ted Knight
Joel McHale let's gooooo

9. Red Arrow/Connor Hawke
His martial arts feats are incredible and he has a satisfying and well-developed relationship with Oliver.

10. Power Girl
Strong, independent, cute, plus she's got those big, beautiful -
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Kate, Jack, Jay, Connor, Peege? My boy DAMAGE? Well-played.

Ten video game characters who would be good deaths for a video game Crisis on Infinite Earths
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movies from the 1990s
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mcflubbin posted...

2018 movies

1. The Endless
One of the most clever, smart, and ambitious films I've ever seen. Expands on the equally genius Resolution to craft an immersive experience that challengers our relationships to fictional worlds. And taken by itself it still has plenty to say about family and real-world assimilating after traumatic upbringings which feels painfully real, whilst being plenty scary in that ethereal way.

2. Annihilation
One of the best body horror and sci-fi films I've seen in a while. Natalie Portman and the rest of the cast do incredible work here, and like The Endless, it manages to be scary in extremely weird ways and I always love that.

3. Deadpool 2
The whole X-Force sequence is the hardest I've laughed at a movie probably since Shaun of the Dead. Everything about it is pure genius. I'm really thankful they expanded the plot a lot more this time around, and didn't just take place on a bridge for what felt like 75% of the movie. Cable and Domino are so much fun, and I'm not really that big a fan of Cable in the comics but I enjoyed his arc here and I like that they did take him seriously as a threat even with a few funny jabs at him here and there. Russell as a villain maybe was a little weak, but it didn't really detract from the film too much. I rarely find most comedy films that funny, but Deadpool 2 is a rare laugh-a-second film and I can't wait to rewatch it.

4. Incident in a Ghost Land
Production issues aside, Incident in a Ghost Land is a film that made me feel nasty, crazy, and sick to my stomach. It really plays into the psychological aspect and has a twist I did not see coming which threw me for one of the biggest god-damn loops of my life. The two main girls do incredible work in it and make the film as good as it is.

5. Searching
The "films that take place on a computer screen" genre can often feel gimmicky, but Searching is masterful in its direction, and John Cho's desperation, anger, love, and sadness while keep you glued to your screen, and you'll find yourself investigating and making conclusions too as the film runs on.

6. Thoroughbreds
Love the set design of this film. It may be too quirky for some but I think it gives the film a certain creepiness to it that borders on horror even though it really isn't. The film also has a posthumous Anton Yelchin appearance and naturally he's great here.

7. Avengers: Infinity War
Became my favorite MCU film. Thanos is compelling, and it juggles many characters and plots without ever feeling bloated. The snap is a legendary film moment that I'm glad I saw in theaters and I don't say that too often.

8. Upgrade
Slick and stylized as hell. The action scenes are really well-directed and I love the kinetic and fluid feel of them. Good use of futuristic use of technology that feels like a Black Mirror episode.

9. Isle of Dogs
The animation style is extremely charming and I love the characters, there are some well-done funny moments and action scenes too.

10. Unsane
Claire Foy does an excellent job here, and the film being shot with an IPhone gives the film an intimate, claustrophobic, and frenetic atmosphere, and it's portrayal of mental health and paranoia will give you nightmares for sure.
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2018 video games
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5's in Snake5555555555
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Deaths in the Final Destination series.
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Calintares posted...

Chess players

Have to pass this one sorry, I don't much beyond the most well known players.
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Snake5555555555 posted...

mcflubbin posted...

2018 movies

5. Searching
The "films that take place on a computer screen" genre can often feel gimmicky, but Searching is masterful in its direction, and John Cho's desperation, anger, love, and sadness while keep you glued to your screen, and you'll find yourself investigating and making conclusions too as the film runs on.

Searching was amazing!! Personal favourite of 2018 alongside Vice probably.
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Snake5555555555 posted...

Calintares posted...

Chess players

Have to pass this one sorry, I don't much beyond the most well known players.

I think you're searching for Bobby Fischer.
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All I know is I spent one night in bangkok and the bars are temples but the pearls ain't free.
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board 8 topics
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Survival horror VGM
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LOLIAmAnAlt posted...

Tables you've used.

1. Do desks count as tables? They do now.
My main computer desk where I spend way too much time at but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.

2. My grandma's dinner table
My grandma has this table since the 1960s and it's still holding strong.

3. My other grandma's dinner table
It was rarely used as such, but it was extremely regal, high, and had a beautiful glass top and made you feel like royalty.

4. Black wooden folding table
Sometimes it's nice to kick back on the couch and still have a table for your meal. Also serves has a handy laptop table.

5. Small glass folding table
Super-handy for drinks or little snacks during gaming.

6. Huge coffee table
The apartment was way too small for this tbh but I loved it as a kid because you could crawl through it.

7. Couch end-table
The quintessential location of seasonal decorations.

8. Little circular table at a Days Inn in the Catskills
This hotel was amazing and super-cozy, and this little table was the perfect place to set-up shop for a laptop area.

9. Table at the local pizza place
Maybe not the flashiest or let's face it, the cleanest, but I've spent a lot of time there nonetheless.

10. I AM THE TABLE!
Wait, how did James Hetfield get into this account?
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Real life blonde girls.
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Proud of you
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garetha200 posted...

Pop albums

1. Taylor Swift - 1989
The entire production on this album is incredible. The song-writing on every track is catchy and attention-grabbing, and in my opinion are the strongest and most introspective lyrics she's ever written. The synth soundscape is both playful in some songs, and dark and atmospheric on others. It's a truly one-of-a-kind listen.

2. Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You
Again, the songwriting here is great; it's edgy but in a way that's satirical and self-aware. Fuck You is always an hilarious song to break out once in awhile. On the other hand, songs like Chinese and Who'd Have Known are cozy, sweet songs. Never Gonna Happen is a personal fave with a fun ska-influenced sound.

3. Lady Gaga - Born This Way
The eclectic use of genres on this album has always astounded me, and it speaks volumes to how much Gaga actually appreciates all types of music. Born This Way and You and I are two special jams that I love belting out to whenever they come on.

4. Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
An album that almost defies explanation and analysis. It's the type of album you just sit back with and close your eyes, letting its wonderful sound take you over. Side two's concept piece is of special note and a unique addition to the experience.

5. Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest
Brave is fun of course, but it's tracks like Eden and 1000 Times that keep me coming back for more. I really love how all the tracks are arranged and produced. They all come with nuance and unique messages.

6. Lorde - Melodrama
Lorde's passion here is evident, with strong vocals on both the album's fantastic hits and album cuts like The Louvre. The songs are ordered with purpose to have maximum impact on the listener, feeling much like a theatrical production at times. It truly lives up to its name.

7. Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Though not as tight as It's Not Me, Alright, Still boasts incredible songs I have absolutely played to death. LDN will always be one of Lily's greatest takedowns of society. Smile is pure perfection though, and a top 10 of all time for me.

8. Adele - 21
I think this might be the one most accessible pop album. The forceful and emotional Rolling in the Deep and Set Fire to the Rain are universally appealing, whilst foot-stompers like the rock-tinged Rumour Has It can bring even the most furious pop haters into the mix.

9. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
There's something for everybody here: some tracks feel retro, some are fun party tracks, some are meaningful, there's even a song for the goth crowd on here.

10. Dido - Life for Rent
It was a toss-up between this and No Angel, but Life for Rent really shows a fined-tuned craft with songs that really grow on you over time.
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scarletspeed7 posted...

Ten video game characters who would be good deaths for a video game Crisis on Infinite Earths

I'm only doing games currently out, so not taking into account anything that may happen in the Rocksteady JL game. Also, games already part of pre-existing universes will be revealed to have just beeen their own universe all along.

1. Supergirl (Injustice)
It's not really a Crisis without killing a Supergirl. It would be impactful after she joins the JL in the Batman ending of Injustice 2.

2. Sub-Zero
Raise the stakes by killing a character from another franchise.

3. Superman (Superman 64)
A cathartic death for wasted childhoods.

4. Lego Anti-Monitor
Because there has to be resolution.

5. Joker (Telltale)
Would be an interesting turn for the generally villainous character.

6. Robin (Arkhamverse)
Would be impact following the ending of Arkham Knight with his and Oracle's wedding. It could also hurt whoever the new Batman is (in my head, it's Azrael or still Bruce.)

7. Flash (Injustice)
Same principle as Supergirl.

8. Any of Mr. Freeze, Riddler, Deathstroke, or Killer Croc (Arkhamverse)
Fan favorite Arkham villains who would be sorely missed

9. Batman (NES)
A good way to get the classic games into the mix and provide a nostalgic, sad death.

10. Darkseid (Justice League Heroes)
His return would be a red-herring, with his arrival and quick death signaling the danger to come.
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Sonic characters
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Interesting. I wasn't expecting you to primarily stick with actual DC characters. Lego Anti-Monitor is brilliant.

80s comedy films
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SuperNiceDog posted...

movies from the 1990s

1. Reservoir Dogs
Nearly my favorite movie of all time. Its presentation and story-telling are genius and timeless. Any other film would spend 50% of the time on the planning of the heist and focusing highly on its execution, but Reservoir Dogs is much more interested in its character drama and interpersonal issues. There are so many quotable lines and memorable scenes, including what is my favorite opening to a film of all time, which establishes each character in such a short amount of time.

2. From Dusk till Dawn
This is THE perfectly executed genre switch. Both halves of the film are equally compelling in their own ways, as Clooney and Tarantino hold down the film with strong characters, but it's the horror turn the film takes that makes it endlessly rewatchable.

3. Jacob's Ladder
By far one of the strongest influences on the Silent Hill series, Jacob's Ladder is a film that's creepy and contemplative, saving its biggest scares on scenes like the infamous journey through a hellish asylum. Tim Robbins is incredible in it, exuding the solid everyman qualities of a horror protagonist yet beneath the facade is a deeply troubled individual plagued by PTSD. It's one of the best executions of psychological horror you will ever see.

4. Man Bites Dog
A really unique film that shows a camera crew documenting a serial killer's vicious crimes. It's often times sick and hard to watch but on the other hand it has strong elements of satire and is even darkly hilarious at times. I really like the turn the film takes, as the crew starts becoming more and more involved with the killer's activities. It's shot completely in black-and-white which adds a neat charm to the whole thing. As an aside, it inspired the amazing short film Truth in Journalism, which is a Man Bites Dog take on Venom of Spider-Man fame. It's actually how I originally got to know this film!

5. Trainspotting
An often times too real look at the life of several drug addicts. It's also a film rich with personality, culture, and humor, a perfectly preserved snapshot of its era in all its beauty and ugliness. You may sympathize, you may criticize, you may feel repulsed, and the fact that Trainspotting can bring out all of this is an incredible testament to its staying power.

6. Wes Craven's New Nightmare
One of my favorite dissections of the horror genre. Craven tears down the genre he helped established, and yet Freddy has never been scarier as he starts to become a reality for everyone involved. Craven puts his feelings on display, reflecting on how Krueger has become an inescapable reality for the director, commenting on how Krueger no longer belongs to him but rather, to the fans that adore him, and also poking fun of the inherent silliness of the slasher genre. Like all good satire, New Nightmare celebrates the genre as much as it lampoons it, and that's the hidden ingredient that makes this film so good.

7. The Truman Show
Just as hilarious as it's creepy implications, Jim Carrey's great improvisational performance really anchors the whole film down. It's a great satire that could apply to all of us, even if it's not as extreme as being part of a TV reality show (but who's to say?). It makes you think about how much of the mundanity of our lives really are just manufactured.

8. Fargo
It's a dark comedy but amazingly it never manages to feel too bleak. I like the small-town aspect of the film and the great atmosphere, and plus the characters are all great, especially the criminals, establishing a trend extending to the current-day TV series.

9. Thelma & Louise
A great comedy of errors, and Susan Sarandon & Geena Davis are the quintessential lady duo by far. It's great how the film escalates further and further, with increasing stakes, it's paced extremely well.
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10. The Usual Suspects
Boasting a screenplay that's endlessly inventive, twisty, and even funny, The Usual Suspects is propelled by a talented ensemble cast that you just love to see together. I like how the story is framed with an unreliable narrator, creating a really tense dynamic whether we're in flashback mode or current day in the police interrogation.
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Final Fantasy party members
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MetalmindStats posted...

2018 video games

This list will definitely change after Christmas, plenty more games I want to get to this year.

1. God of War
One of the most impactful narratives I've played through in a while. Combat is satisfying as hell, and you can feel every hit and blow and swing even when you're not hitting anything directly. That's the sign of an excellent game.

2. Remothered: Tormented Fathers
Where as NightCry was a little too rusty around the edges that made it a frustrating experience at times, Remothered is a well-polished Clock Tower throwback that invokes the classic PS1 era of survival horror in all the best ways. The stalkers are terrifying and difficult to avoid, progressing through the mansion is gradual and satisfying with plenty of key item finding and puzzle solving, and the story is really interesting with twists galore.

3. The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories
Coming from the unique mind of SWERY, J.J. Macfield is a puzzle-platformer in the vein of Limbo or Inside which starts off sweet and innocently at first, but gets more horrific and fucked up as it goes on. You see, the main gameplay hook of this game is utilizing self-harm to solve its puzzles. The story is really emotional because of this.

4. Spider-Man
Finally a Marvel game that captures the high quality of the Arkham series. Some parts don't feel wholly original, but there's a lot of care put into the lore and history of Spider-Man, the swinging is amazing, and the combat is fluid and uses Spider-Man's abilities well.

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
While a lack of campaign is sad, the multiplayer is satisfying and one of the most skill-requiring ones in the series. Zombies took a step back from complexity for the better, satisfying the casual and hardcore fans alike. And of course, there's Blackout, the battle royale mode that's endlessly fun and super exciting to win, because you really have to work hard for it.

6. Vampyr
A sadly under-looked game from the Life is Strange devs, it reminds me of a more streamlined Vampire: The Masquerade game. The different vampire abilities are fun to use in combat and I like the little town the game takes place in.

7. Death Mark
I'm not usually a VN type of guy, but the story and art style of this one really hooked me. It deals with a Japanese urban legend and is surprisingly scary at times.

8. Closed Nightmare
I have not played this one personally as it is Japanese-only but I watched a stream of it. It's an FMV style game which is a rare sight nowadays. It's like watching a fun horror movie with puzzle breaks, and it's well done much like how the obscure PS2 title The Fear was.

9. Cultist Simulator
A cute little card game that invokes Lovecraft and cosmic horror as the main objective is to build up a cult following for yourself. It's very neat and I haven't played it too in-depthly but I love the art style and narrative nature of it.

10. The Inpatient
I inherited several VR headsets this year from my uncle and I really dived into that part of gaming this year between PSVR and Vive. The Inpatient was one of the first of these experiences, set in the Until Dawn universe. It's kinda janky, but you do feel immersed and some parts are genuinely frightening, like when you have to stand completely still in front of a Wendigo. I've played way better VR games (from other years), but Inpatient was still a fun experience.
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JONALEON1 posted...

5's in Snake5555555555

1. The fifth
Because 5

2. The first
It starts the chain

3. The second
because it starts a trend

4. The third
I like thirds

5. The tenth
The one that ends it all

6. The ninth
Gettin' near the end

7. The seventh
Lucky number slevin

8. The sixth
It comes after the fifth, a bittersweet march towards the end

9. The eight
It's an awkward number

10. The fourth
It's rule of threes dummy
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Shows/movies/games/crossovers/etc. that would make for good fighting games
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Raka_Putra posted...

Deaths in the Final Destination series.

1. Candice Hooper - Final Destination 5
https://i.imgtc.com/omXbZuI.webm
A bit fantastical but the end results are pretty gory and fucked-up.

2. Terry Chaney - Final Destination
https://i.imgtc.com/1uAwWqE.webm
You can just drop fucking dead.

3. Hunt Wynorski - The Final Destination

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tzjLxKDtYs" data-time="
Gets stuck in the pool vacuum, blood spurts out like a fountain. Hilarious.

4. Olivia Castle - Final Destination 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYaeqVxN7I" data-time="
Oh fuck, not the eye please.

5. Nick OBannon, Lori Milligan, and Janet Cunningham - The Final Destination

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQPBkYcAoKs" data-time="
The Mortal Kombat x-ray effect is pretty cool.

6. Samantha - The Final Destination
https://i.imgtc.com/Pm4WkVc.webm
I've got my eye on you.

7. Lewis Romero - Final Destination 3
https://i.imgtc.com/p0d88Rt.webm
I like a good head explosion.

8. Nadia Monroy - The Final Destination
https://i.imgtc.com/HaZM5DM.webm
Holy damn that comes out of nowhere.

9. Brian Gibbons - Final Destination 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FutLdlSiSvM" data-time="
It's pretty funny the way his mother reacts.

10. Kat - Final Destination 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FrnrF3LtKs" data-time="
Kinda ridiculous but in a silly, fun way.
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No Nora Carpenter and Valerie Hawthorne? I tend to like the drawn-out dramatic deaths more than the quick and sudden ones I guess.
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Also, YouTube channels.
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On second look Nora should've definitely made the cut actually.
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NFUN posted...

board 8 topics

1. Scarletspeed7 Ranks the Batman Villains
Still the gold standard for board rankings imo. Also the first that really inspired me to start doing my own.

2. Johnbobb Ranks Anything Horror Related
It was a great ranking and inspired one of my now favorite yearly traditions.

3. Scarlet Ranks User-Nominated Comic Teams
Great write-ups in this one and I always enjoy when there's a bit of creativity involved in the nominator's parts too.

4. Cast It!
This was a fun series that I wish was brought back.

5. All-Purpose Horror Topic
Kinda cheating since I technically started it but I love having a place to just post anything horror related and discuss a few things.

6. Save MY DC Character
Probably wouldn't be on the board all that much if not for this series.

7. Scarlet's comic crossover
Another ambitious project, it was fun while it lasted for sure.

8. Charon's survival horror playthrough
This topic will be obscure to pretty much everybody but I still remember it fondly and I loved the ambitious nature of it.

9. Various Top 5 topics
Probably cheating too but I always like when these pop up

10. Prof's album rankings
Simple topic but very fun and I'm a bit biased cause I think I got the #2 spot with Life Lessons by Handguns lol.
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Damn Cast It! was a great series. I say we bring it back in the new year.
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Yes, 2 in the top 10!

3 if you count All-Purpose Horror, which I didn't start but I did make the most recent topic
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I'm glad to see the love for Cast It! still remains. It's legitimately probably my favorite series I've run, I only wish it caught on a little stronger
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It will have many participants in the new year, I'm sure of it!
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I will participate for sure.

Also, I'm glad my Batman villains list has held up in your eyes, Snake. It's my favorite little project for sure. Although I did love the story of John Constantine in the crossover. He was going to make it to the end. I had a really cool homage to Alan Moore planned for the final scene.
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Yeah I think I remember you mentioning that at some point. Wasn't it based on an untold comic or something to that effect?
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Yeah, it was going to be the ending from Twilight of the Superheroes by Alan Moore. The whole thing would be erased and only John would remember it. And he'd never find Jane Porter again, and he'd be left in the bar where he started, crying into his bar over the loss of the one person he ever loved.
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That would've been a fantastic ending.
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azuarc posted...

Survival horror VGM

1. Silent Hill 3 - You're Not Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDCktKqHBGQ" data-time="

An excellent guitar-driven track with beautiful, passionate vocals from Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. You can feel the emotion in the song's climax and it gives me the chills every time.

2. Resident Evil - Macabre Hallway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpNSsZw9t7Y" data-time="

My quintessential ambient piece. It is absolutely haunting; a low-grumble permeates the underbelly of the track, as if the mansion itself was breathing in anticipation of your eventual death. I love the slight use of rain sounds, a subtle cue that trends towards sadness and longing.

3. Silent Hill 2 - Theme of Laura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LB7LZZGpkw" data-time="

An absolute VGM classic for good reason. It juggles many emotions through-out its run-time, from crushing loneliness to desperate determination. The variation of instruments used in this track is impressive, ranging from the primary heavy guitar to the mandolin. The track's heavy nature balanced with the more melancholic sounds perfectly captures the game's various shades of horror.

4. Koudelka - Waterfall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Eu_zij3Rz8" data-time="

I discussed this track at length in my most recent horror rankings, so I won't go on too long here. It is one of the battle themes of Koudelka, and it has a strong open-aired feeling of freedom that at the same time invokes caution and importance. I've easily left this track on repeat for upwards of an hour at times just because of how calm and focused it makes me feel.

5. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis - City of Ruin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipW5ARYXMfU" data-time="

This is a very key track for the game, so memorable I can pinpoint the exact moment when it begins to play in game. It exudes all the central motifs of the game, from the sorrow of a city's downfall to the pounding heart-beat of escaping from the game's titular antagonist. While playing, you can feel the track working its magic on you, making you second-guess your every step, especially after hearing the news from Brad of a monster killing off remaining S.T.A.R.S. members.

6. Haunting Ground - Endless Zero

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgr5N-c1Vf0" data-time="

Bells and fragmented industrial beats punctuate one of the most emotionally shattering vocal performances found in a video game. It's a track that scratches on the nerves and is reflective of the journey Fiona goes through in the game's events, a callous commentary on unwanted sexual advances and a static, empty feeling that comes with being violated against your will.

7. Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water - In This Cage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X4yNQWjqw0" data-time="

Tsukiko Amano puts her all into this very powerful performance reflecting on the game's curse and its terrifying nature of eternal entrapment.

8. Resident Evil 2 - The Front Hall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGQd4P6oTnE" data-time="

Nostalgic as hell. It feels grand and epic but at the same time those feelings are towards something ultimately empty and foreboding. The front hall of the RPD is huge and this track has an echo to it that really works well in tandem with the environment.

9. Resident Evil: Outbreak - Main Theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc671bo3fbw" data-time="

A classically focused track with piano and violin, I love the various build-ups in the song, especially at 1:27. It invokes memories of Resident Evil 2 and 3 but also has its own feeling to it, as life as you know it is about to become irreversibly changed forever.
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10. Parasite Eve - Arise Within You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=955gglmIMvY" data-time="

It's the game's battle theme, much like Waterfall. Also like Waterfall, Arise's trance-like synths keep the player calm and focused while a more frantic electronic beat battles with it to try and break the player's nerves. It's not a track that invokes horror or much fear at all really, but it's still a catchy track I love listening to.
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Search engines
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Koudelka shout-out
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