Through atmosphere. They often use dark and dreary settings, like old mansions or abandoned hospitals. The music and sound effects also play a big role. Creaky doors, strange whispers all add to the horror.
A 'psychological horror visual novel' creates horror in multiple ways. The visual aspect is crucial. Dimly lit scenes, distorted images, and grotesque art styles can make the player feel uneasy. The text itself can be disturbing. Subtle hints at something evil, or the way the characters' thoughts are described in a dark and deranged way all contribute to the horror. And the pacing is important too. Slow build - up of tension followed by sudden scares can really get under the player's skin.
Through atmosphere. They often use dark and muted color palettes, along with eerie music and sound effects. For example, in 'Doki Doki Literature Club', the music changes to a more disturbing tone as the story gets darker.
Through its stories. They often involve disturbing themes like mental illness, trauma, or the unknown. For example, in 'Doki Doki Literature Club', the characters' deteriorating mental states create a very uneasy feeling.
Ecological horror novels create horror in multiple ways. They might use the concept of overgrowth or mutation of natural elements. In novels where insects or plants become overly aggressive or abnormal, it taps into our primal fear of being overpowered by nature. Also, the isolation within an ecological setting can be a factor. For instance, in a story set in a remote forest or island, the characters are cut off from help. And the slow realization that the environment is not what it seems, like in a story where a seemingly normal lake has a deadly secret, gradually builds the horror.
They often use disturbing imagery. For example, in 'Corpse Party', the grotesque scenes of dead bodies and the dilapidated school environment immediately give a feeling of dread.
Through setting. A common trope is the use of isolated locations like old mansions or haunted forests. For example, in many horror visual novels, the moment the characters enter an old, decrepit building, it immediately sets a spooky mood.
The use of music and sound effects is crucial. The creaking of doors, the howling of wind in the old houses, and the eerie music that plays during tense scenes all heighten the sense of horror. It makes the viewers feel like they are in the middle of the horror story themselves. Also, the plot twists and the unexpected turns in the storylines keep the audience on edge, not knowing what will come next.
It uses a lot of disturbing visuals. Like showing grotesque creatures or extremely bloody scenes. This directly shocks the viewers and makes them feel uneasy.
The use of music and sound effects is crucial. The eerie music that plays at just the right moments, like when something is about to jump out, really amps up the horror. And the strange noises in the background, like creaking floors or howling winds, also contribute a lot.
By playing with the reader's mind. For example, using unreliable narrators. If the person telling the story seems untrustworthy, it makes the reader constantly question what's real and what's not. This creates unease.
Through the use of creepy sound effects.