A Story that Begins with a Story

I have long since wanted to create things, through drawing, through animating, or writing. Like many others my aspirations have been bogged down by life. I have found myself wanting to begin anew, to finally create something I could look back on and be proud of.

This led me to start creating my first novel I have tentatively named Neon Streets. This will be a Cyberpunk book that focuses on rival gangs and syndicates with no real protagonist. I want the readers to decide who they find connection in and get drawn in to whatever branching storyline they find most compelling.

However writing this book is a long process, not to mention the difficulties in publishing as well. So, on the side I have created a small network that will allow me to do some freelance writing and artwork. Thus the creation of this site as well.

I hope you will find what I post here compelling and interesting enough to see through this journey with me.

5 Ways to Actually Make Your Horror Story Spine-chilling

It can be quite difficult to write something truly horrifying. Even in most horror movies, with the added benefit of being able to visibly show their chilling tales, they suffer from cheap jump scares in order to actually scare anyone. So as a horror writer, what are you to do? In this article, we will discuss the basis of fear and what elements you can incorporate into your story to not only make it grimmer but a better story in general.

Creative Characters

Too often in horror are we told the story for the sake of the monster, killer, or threat. The story is functionally written around the antagonist, not the protagonist and thus we are “gifted” with bland, hollow characters that many readers, by the end of the story, wish would just meet their end.

This way of writing is not only a detriment to that character and the story, but also to the villain. If we, as the reader, are going to follow a character through their journey, filled with trials and tribulations, then we must connect with them. We need to hope that they make it through whatever situation they find themselves in, not just watch them go through it.

So now you need to decide what makes a good character, and how do I get people to care? This is not a teen drama book, with boring self insert characters, create someone who has interests of their own, someone who has flaws and their own personal morals.

Create a character who also isn’t just a stereotype or a troupe. If the reader is able to pinpoint a character’s interests and political persuasion just based on what they are wearing or after they speak for the first time. Then it is obvious that though did not go into the making of this person, and they are simply there as another casualty.

While readers may not always agree with the character in the story, it will help to humanize them, making their possible gruesome end far more morbid. Which is great for horror!

Being Alone

Humans are biologically social creatures, and many people fear isolation. Many have even gone insane from types of solitary confinement, so introducing this with the added horror of whatever the story is about, creates another layer of fear and dread within the viewer.

This will also force you as the writer to not incorporate throw-away characters, just to show how scary the threat can be. If you wish to show off whatever your menace will be, do so by having it actually brutally harm your character, or by giving the internal dialogue of how terrified the character is, and by what specifically.

This trope also works great for unique and strange settings. If your threat is of the world or location itself, having your character tepidly explore the ominous environment alone, puts the reader on edge throughout the entire journey. This tactic is great for fluid world and character building.

Famous fiction is built off solitude, and a character’s survival or downfall of it. Often times characters are added, so that the main character can show off their own personality by speaking with them or more prominently, to add to the body count. In many of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, his characters are reciting their inner thoughts or noting them in a personal diary. Showing that other characters are unnecessary to do so. This also plays into his ever-present anthology of madness and its slow progression throughout the narrative.

Fate Worse than Death

Perhaps it is the dark Millennial/ Gen Z humor that has made death not as bleak or scary. Or perhaps it is due to the emergence of horror as a genre of its own, that makes a character’s death seem like just another Tuesday. Whatever the cause, death in horror is a given, and is harder to make it seem as dark a subject as it does within other genres. So what is a writer to do?

Sometimes in horror fiction, the writer will pose a twisted question of a given fate, such as: if you were to turn into one of the mindless walking dead, featured constantly within the genre. Does your character truly die? Are their minds trapped behind their now blistering grotesque form? Do humans truly have souls and if so, could they be made to suffer even worse than our living existence?

This is the type of threat that keeps the genre fresh and interesting. By having your character try to escape damnation or corruption, the threat is no longer a sweet release but infinite pain. This theme is not just present within zombie fiction, much of what Cronenburg has created are horrid abominations that are far from just being mindless. Instead, they are altered physically and mentally, creating a bastardization of the person or being they were before.

If you do choose to have death be the end-all of the story, then describe the injuries in detail. Gruesome injuries should be written as such and not glanced past. The actual death itself can also be tear-jerking and terrifying if you write death as it truly is, something prolonged, painful, and haunting.

Style and Ambiance

Your verbiage as a writer as well as how you describe things are some of the fundamentals when it comes to creative writing. Many will struggle to use a voice that is not their usual one, but if you are using a type of narration from your character’s perspective, you must learn how to alter your written words to compliment the mood.

Whichever style of narration you end up choosing, you must remember that this book is about something. Try and match the colorful imagery with the era or location that you are writing about. For example, if your work is about Jack the Ripper, you would write in a more fanciful English tone, with descriptions of the damp streets, with a hazy fog that covers the cobblestone buildings. If you were to write in a dialect that is obviously not era-appropriate, it may take the reader out of the immersion.

Creating the book’s specific style will also help in developing the ambiance and overall tone you are setting. If you were to aim for a thriller, you won’t want to use melancholic language, because you want to keep the reader in suspense!

Uniqueness

Ghosts, slashers, and zombies litter the genre, and while some may be successful, there are a hundred more that are just cookie-cutter copies of something someone else has already done. Even creating a new interesting monster isn’t enough, it simply gets clumped into the creature feature category. Many writers will simply put a new spin on one of these constant themes. This may work for some, but truly it is the skill of the writer that makes them successful not the small new detail or twist.

To make something with a recognizable name, something that actually scares someone instead of just using a creative idea from someone in the 18th century, you have to look at the big picture. Is your Big Bad in danger of becoming just another trope? For example, Stephen King’s “It” was extremely popular, one reason was that his creature would be out in broad daylight, leaving the reader realizing the characters are never truly safe.

So does the horror in your writing do something the readers would not expect? Does its desire confound the mind? The reader should not be able to finish writing your story for you, you should always strive to progress the genre not copy it.

Like other genres you must think about the world and characters, and what helps shape what they are. Creating some monster that lives in Nevada is far less interesting than creating a creature that functions off the strange ecosystem of its own alien environment. This helps set the scene and makes the story more believable while still being fiction.

Understanding these concepts and being able to implement them, are some of the foundations of not only horror but also proficient writing in general. While some may be vague concepts, it is up to the creative mind of the writer to flesh them out. These ways to make your story spine-chilling, often flow together, setting the tone for your narrative, and helping to set the scene and the characters. Pushing to develop the plot, and the ideas of the story moving forward.

Horror is the least developed major genre, yet it is the one with the most flexibility. You can incorporate it, into almost any other genre and still have it be a success. However, it can also be one of the hardest to get right, and not everyone will always be scared of the same thing. You must look deeper into humanity than its romance or its comedy, you have to understand human desire and their animalistic fear to actually affect the reader. To have the simple written words on a page, actually, send a shiver from the neck to the spine. That is successful horror.

January 6, 2024 0

How to Create a Believable Psychopath for Your Novel

Throughout fiction and non-fiction alike, a certain type of person has made a lasting impact on those who are introduced to them: psychopaths. Whether they be true-to-life killers such as Ted Bundy, or imagined ones like Hannibal Lecter, people always find themselves interested in the complex character archetype. So it would go without saying that creating such characters for your story would give it depth and intrigue. Especially for those creating horror or thrillers. However, the idea of creating such a character and successfully doing so are two separate things.

Take the bombastic character of the Joker, in The Dark Knight movie played by Heath Ledger. His performance was widely acclaimed and is viewed as an amazing portrayal of the flashy style of a psychopath. On the other hand, the performance by Jared Leto playing the same character in Suicide Squad was widely criticized, not just for the acting, but for the writing of the character. So what was the defining difference between a beloved and a hated character under the same name?

In this article, we will be exploring the founding principles of what makes a realistic psychopath as well as how to create an interesting one. So that when you are writing in your own psycho, he will be a Ledger and not a Leto.

There are many ways to define a psychopath’s characteristics, but for the sake of time, we will be going over three founding principles of a psychopath.

Lack of Empathy

Psychopathic characters always have a lack of feelings for others, which oftentimes gives them their air of menace. Being able to commit atrocities without feeling any remorse, the mass death of others, committing torture, or even the lack of drive to save someone who was close to them. These characters are not without their own feelings, however. Some will hold their own lives in much more esteem than others, and will often break when their own mortality comes into question. Other characters will desire the protection of their fixation over all else. Such as their “art,” which often is the macabre mutilation of their victims.

Manipulative

Psychopaths frequently manipulate others, and due to their lack of morality, take no issue with this. This manipulation is often done to uphold their “mask” of being a normal person, persuade their victims, or simply for the pleasure of being better than someone. In their eyes, it is not their fault that others are so gullible or weak as to be manipulated, and some may think that their victims deserve this treatment as recompense for their naivete.

Attention Seeking

While some psychopaths do have more emotional range than others, there does seem to be a pattern of attention-seeking among them. Some will find enrichment in leaving behind cryptic notes on their identity, making the hunt for a serial killer more exciting for the perpetrator. Others will make their killings an extravagant show. Or perhaps they find pleasure in the intimate experience of the killer and victim. This is all under the same idea that they wish to be seen, in one way or another.

Now that we have an idea of what determines a psychopathic character, it is up to the author to give life to this idea. Simply plopping in a psychopath with the stereotypical tropes, isn’t going to earn the eye of the reader. Like any character, you must flush out their character to devise their placement within the story. However, you must think differently when creating this style of character. To help formulate them, these questions can be used. What role does the psycho play in the story? What does their “mask” look like, compared to the real them? What is the character’s drive, such as needs, fixations, or goals?

Role

One might assume that this psychopath is the antagonist in the story. This is not always the case, even though it is easiest to place them there. You may also see into the distorted mind of the psychopath as the protagonist in some stories. Lastly, and my personal favorite: they will simply be in the story as a side character.

The psychopathic character also does not even need to be a killer or even a bad person. You simply often find these traits attributed to a psychopath, due to their gravitation toward these actions. This character may find ease in taking a life and have a need to be seen; however, that does not dictate in which way. Oftentimes in actions or thrillers, the main character is a killer, but also deemed a hero. The hero finds it easy to kill, while also adorning the attention of others- how familiar.

Making the psycho a grey character is another excellent path to choose, showing off the full versatility of the character. Perhaps they are on the villain’s side one moment, and on the protagonist’s the next? They simply have their own will, and find themselves to be of the most importance, so why pledge allegiance to anyone else?

Mask

It may be human nature to feel like you are putting on a show for others, and not showcasing your true personality. Psychopaths know that they are putting on this mask, and do it for their aforementioned traits, in order to manipulate and to garner attention. You must devise almost two separate characters for a psychopath. The personality they show the world, and the personality inside their minds.

It is very possible that this character never actually shows their true self, even in private with another or even alone. Some will hold tight to their mask, only revealing their true selves inside the narrative of their mind or perhaps for only the author to know, but not acknowledge.

Devising these personalities is a key moment, especially for those whose psycho is the protagonist or antagonist. This dichotomy of the mask-vs-self almost sets the tone for the book in some cases. If this prominent character’s mask shines through and connects with the audience enough, the impact of revealing their true self will be that much more meaningful.

This mask also separates the concept of the characters from the passive ones, such as Hannibal, to that of the Joker. While Hannibal’s mask is that of a thoughtful caring man, the Joker almost literally wears one. The Joker we see is never the man who is actually behind the makeup. You can ascertain the thoughts of the character behind his portrayed personality via the words he says.

Goal

The desires of this type of character may be hard to grasp and complex. Their minds work differently so their wants and desires may not function the same as our own. This can almost be a twisted biological desire to do things. Some people may get a random voice in their head to do some absurd thing, that is instantly quelled by logic and morals. Instead, however, there is no corrective thought after the instant strange urge to do something, possibly morally wrong.

That is simply the surface level though. Some, while still being a psychopath, have a bigger picture in mind. Perhaps they see the world as wrong, weird, or strange and wish to correct it. Or maybe the character has more human desires and simply just wishes to finally feel safe or happy and needs to find whatever that is for themselves.

This is another shining moment for the author to create uniqueness for their psychopath and perhaps help develop the story in doing so. For example, if your psycho’s desire is to surround themselves with a horde of people that admire them, whose lives he can manipulate and play with at will, what does he need to do to achieve this? What mask helps him accomplish this? What happens when he achieves this and does this fulfill him if he succeeds?

Lastly, let’s take a look at some psychopaths in media to draw inspiration from. Just remember to simply take inspiration and not copy outright.

The Master- Doctor Who

The Master is a character throughout Doctor Who, but let’s narrow the lens to his appearance in season 3 of modern Doctor Who. He is a lively and comedic character in his mask, but internally he is a sadistic man plagued by “the sound of war” which is often heard as a drum beat in his head. This is an excellent show of a psychopath, that also creates the character open enough to see all sides of him.

He lacks empathy almost to an inverse level, finding joy in the pain of others, so much so that it is nearly his goal to do so. His stated goal, however, is to control the universe, which can be deduced as his need to be seen by all. His role is obviously that of an antagonist, but he still shares a strange connection with The Doctor, giving more complexity to his character than just a villain. He is also seen manipulating others with not only his charmful personality – his mask- but in true Doctor Who fashion of subliminal mind control.

The Governor- The Walking Dead

The Governor is the first true antagonist in the show, other than the hordes of zombies wandering around. He is seen by the people under him as a charismatic leader who knows how to get the job done, while those who go against him- or even those caught on his warpath- find a calloused and heartless killer who simply wishes to control everyone. If he does not get his way, he will sacrifice all his pawns just so that others suffer for defying him.

The Governer easily ticks all the boxes almost immediately upon encountering him in the show. His lack of empathy for killing those who are innocent and guilty alike without any remorse. His manipulation of an entire town who unknowingly follows him to kill others who are innocent, and that he disposes of at his own digression. Lastly, his need for attention, from the same denizens of his town that he needs to look up to him. Making him an obvious psychopath, but a prominent one.

Daenerys Targaryen- Game of Thrones

Yes, everyone’s favorite mother of dragons is indeed a psychopath and a more discreet one at that. Her role was that of a protagonist throughout most of the show, while at the end immediately reversed. Since this is a more complex example I will go into more detail for this one.

Her lack of empathy can be confusing throughout the show, you see her care for those close to her while also throwing thousands of lives away simply because she was angry or wanted to get her way, even those who she portrayed as close to her. Her attachment to these people was not from human connection, but as beloved belongings.

Her manipulation of these people seemingly fell into her lap throughout the show, perhaps it was her doing perhaps it was her luck, but most likely it was both. Near the end of the series, she had dragons, lords, and armies of several nations under her command.

“Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons” -if her attention seeking was not evident.

Her role was that of a hopeful protagonist to go against the surmounting enemies throughout the series, and in fact, she does so. That is, until the end of the series, when she has lost too many of her “possessions” and has decided that she no longer wishes to keep holding onto her mask and does away with enemies and allies alike.

Her mask was that of a caring queen who wishes to free slaves and save the world. Unfortunately, her actual purpose in doing many of her actions was to have control over more and more.

Her goal was obvious: to be the ruler of the seven kingdoms.

These characters are all prominent within highly famous media. Some are obvious examples, while others require more depth to perceive. Since this article was focused on the writing of these characters, you must show a purposeful amount of what you wish to reveal about your psychopath. To make a memorable meaningful character, one must delve into the mind of the psychopath. Just remember to find your way out when you’re done.

January 6, 2024 0

5 Anime that did Dark and Gruesome, before Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, is one of the most popular anime, not only in recent years but as a whole. It is known for its bloody and mature content, which may have spearheaded its arrival into the anime scene, but held its place above the others with its in-depth world-building and unformulaic story design. However there are anime that are even darker and have been around for much longer, we will be exploring those in this article. (The order in which these anime are presented does not have any correlation with their ranking.)

1) Gantz

“In order to save a life, you must throw another life away”-Nishi Joichiro. It tells the story of Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, both of whom died in a train accident and become part of a semi-posthumous “game” in which they and several other recently deceased people are forced to hunt down and kill aliens armed with a handful of futuristic items, equipment, and weaponry. (X) The anime adaptation of this popular Manga series was released in 2004 and ended in the same year. A total of 26 episodes that mostly hold true to the manga, as well as including more side character development. This anime will leave you with seared and lasting imagery that you can’t forget. Its constant portrayal of violence and sex leaves the viewer with a feeling of something dark and primal. Its older style of animation also adds to its almost drug trip-like feel. Gantz is not for everyone however, fans of AOT (Attack On Titan), may look to this anime to fill the void. However, its old age and treatment of its characters can make some put off this picture. It is worth mentioning the movie adaptation that takes place further into the storyline called Gantz-O, is a beautiful 3D rendition of a segment of the Gantz story. Those looking for something even darker can read the Manga that it is adapted from. Its final Arc is extremely long and has even darker imagery and situations than the anime itself.

2) Mirai Nikki

“Everything in this world is just a game, and we are merely the pawns”-Yuno Gasai. The plot depicts the Diary Game, a deadly battle royal between 12 different individuals who are given “Future Diaries”, special diaries that can predict the future, by Deus Ex Machina, the God of Time and Space, with the last survivor becoming his heir. (X) The anime known as Mirai Nikki (Future Diary), was released in 2011. This is the anime/manga that bred the term “yandere” (The prefix is yanderu, which means “to be sick,” and suffix is deredere, used here for “lovestruck.”) This results in the lovable and psychopathic character of Yuno Gasi. Mikasa of AOT is also known to fit within this “yandere” trope. While this story may be a bit lighter on gore than AOT, its dark mystery story holds it above the basic fear of being killed. It also released an OVA in 2013, after an outcry of depressed fans, begged for a happier ending. If you love supernatural mysteries and don’t mind incompetent protagonists, then the twisting and corrupt anime of Future Diary is for you.

3) Deadman Wonderland

“My bones may be broken but I’m not”-Kiyomasa Senji. After being falsely convicted for the murder of his entire class, a young man must learn to survive in a mysterious prison with a perverted take on incarceration while also looking to clear his name. Ganta, the sole survivor of the brutal murder of his entire class, is framed and ends up falsely convicted for it. (X) The anime adaptation was released in 2011 and was canceled after its first season. Yet another anime featuring the “yandere” troupe with its albino love interest Shiro. This anime has an entire magical power system based on blood, so you would imagine this to be extremely gory, however, its artist seemed to hold back on the details, giving it a less vile feel. Its story aims to be brooding, however, its lack of main character deaths holds it back. It still holds a place on this list for what it aspired to do, and what elements it has in its story.

4) Berserk

“Blood and Guts, and guts and blood”-Shirō Sagisu. Guts is a lone warrior who was born from a hanged corpse and raised as a mercenary by adoptive father Gambino, whom he was forced to kill in self-defense. His fearsome reputation catches the attention of Griffith, the charismatic leader of a mercenary group known as the Band of the Hawk. (X) This juggernaut of a Manga has seen its work translated into animation several times throughout the years. The 1997-era berserk series that many fans were disappointed with, due to the fact that it only adapted a single arc, which was less fantastical than what the series is known for. The 2012 “Golden Age” movies, decided to animate the exact same arc that was already animated, but in partial 3D. Then the infamous 2016, 3D animated series that takes place directly after the Golden Age arc. Many fans believe that this manga was cursed to never get a good adaptation, and with the recent death of Kentaro Miura, the manga itself has come to a sudden and sad end. With all that being said, however, the 1997 anime is still the best in the bunch and is worth the watch, for bringing forth the grand-daddy of dark fantasy. This work is so historic it actually inspired the Dark Souls series, and is referenced in all types of fiction.

5) Hellsing Ultimate

“I wanted to send this friendly little letter to inform you of your imminent demise”- Alucard/Takahata101. The mission of Hellsing is to search for and destroy the undead and other supernatural forces of evil that threaten the queen and the country. (X) This gorgeous animated series came out in 2006. Is painted in a deep red in both visuals and story. This 10-episode series had so much character development with such fantastic pacing, you almost forget how short it is. (Note the episodes are longer than most anime). This is a must-see for AOT fans who love the brutality and flashy animation. There is the original anime simply titled Hellsing, and is in a much older style animation, with a weaker story.

Honorable mentions:

Higurashi: When They Cry

School Days

Elfen Lied

Full Metal Alchemist

Chaos Head

Fate/ Zero

Another

January 6, 2024 0

Monster Hunting for Dummies: CH 1

(The Neebs Gaming Inspired Monster Hunting Web Series)

Chapter 1: Small Town Big Problems

Cruising down the empty highways of the midwest, a dark blue 1965 Plymouth Barracuda hums. The land is flat, with sporadic trees and billboards along the road. The sun beats down, as it does for most of the year. The Plymouth passes a sign that says “11 Miles to Chillicothe.”

Inside the car sit two men: one is a well-groomed man in his 40’s, rocking a young Col. Sanders look. While the other is in his late 50’s with a horseshoe mustache and curly, balding hair. The older man looks out the window with a bored expression, whilst munching on a large sub-sandwich. The younger man peers at his ride-along who is quickly filling the otherwise clean car with hordes of crumbs.

“Pete can you please, fucking, not fill my car with the debris of your goddamn sandwich?”

Pete quickly turns his head, with the ingredients of the sub filling his facial hair. “What?!” Pete shouts, defensively, spraying the other man with chewed food particles.

The car veers slightly, before quickly correcting itself.

“Ah! God, what the fuck Pete? If I wasn’t wearing these sunglasses I’d be fucking blind!”

“I’m just eating my sammich!”

“Can you not wait till after the job? Or at least not while you’re in my car! I swear I always have to clean up after you ride with me.”

Pete continues eating his sandwich and rests back in his seat, facing away from the annoyed driver. “So, what’s this place called again, the town we’re going to?” Pete asks while making chewing noises.

The driver, giving up on the argument, says, “Some tiny town in the middle of nowhere. You know, where old people go to die. Hey, maybe we should drop you off there, Pete.” The driver glances at his companion with a shit-eating grin.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it, I’m old, haha.” Pete continues to look out the window, resisting the goad.

Silence passes through the car for only a moment before Pete speaks up again. “So Jed, remind me what the job is supposed to be here again?”

Jed stares at Pete, almost dumbfounded. “I swear to god, Pete, you have Alzheimers.”

“No! I just don’t fucking listen!”

“That’s not better, you old asshole!”

“Can’t you just tell me what it is without crawling up my ass?!”

“Why should I, how am I supposed to know if you’re paying attention this time or not?!”

As the two argue, a blue flip phone rings from a cupholder in the car.

Jed grabs the phone, and answers it, “Yo.”

A man with a high-pitched voice and a thick southern accent comes through the phone. “Hey, Jed, I got you on speaker.” Another voice comes through, a soothing deep voice with an accent that is hard to pin down. “Heyo, how you doin’?”

“Hey, guys what’s up? Hope your ride is going better than mine,” Jed says whilst glaring at Pete.

The man with the thick southern accent says, “Yeah all good under the hood. We’re just letting you know to turn off at this next exit.”

“Alllrighty,” Jed says.

The Plymouth turns off at the exit, followed by a white 1996 Dodge 2500 Passenger Van and another man driving a 2001 Harley Davidson with a side car attachment. The small caravan of vehicles all stop at the entrance of the small town that looks as if it was under attack by a group of pyromaniacs.

The men all start exiting their vehicles and gathering their gear. Pete and Jed walk up to the two other men whom they were speaking with over the phone, who were driving the van. The van doors swing open. From the driver’s side stands a tall lanky man with a green tank top that once held the name of a band, but is now too worn to recognize. On the other side of the van a large, muscly, ethnically ambiguous man with drowsy eyes, slowly hops out of the passenger seat. He sees his compatriots approach and waves a large hand.

Jed walks up to the two, “Hey Aut, I got a question for you. Why is it that whenever we get to some place for a job it’s always on fire? Like it doesn’t even matter what the issue is. Does some guy just feel the need to start lighting shit on fire?”

Aut looks to the town ahead of them, seeing no one in sight, with looted buildings and several fires indiscriminately across the ruined town. “I don’t know, my first instinct would be to hotwire some car, and get the heck out.”

The large man looks at the town as well. “Maybe they were cold,” he says trying to hold back a laugh from his own joke.

Meanwhile, in the background, Pete takes a piss right next to the Harley motorcycle.

The young man who was driving the bike immediately starts yelling at Pete. “Why, Pete? Go piss somewhere else!”

“What the hell do you want me to do, walk into one of the gas stations that are on fire?!”

“No, just don’t piss right next to my bike!”

The German Shepard that was riding in the sidecar hops out, and lifts its leg right against the bike, almost as if following Pete’s lead.

The biker says almost defeated, “oh…just magical, thanks for teaching Caine a new trick Pete.”

Pete, continuing to pee, says, “Yeah, don’t mention it, kid.”

As the group continues its banter, a lone, shambling man, walks toward the group. His eyes are blood-red, with limbs just barely holding on. The man lets out an inhuman wailing moan.

Pete looking over his shoulder, while continuing to use the restroom says, “Ooohh, it’s zombies.”

Jed calls out to the group, “Alright everyone, let’s gear up, it seems like it’s just the slow ones, so no hurry.”

The zombie meanders towards the group as they gather their weapons and ammo. Aut walks up to his large ride-along, “Hey Em, have you seen my machete? I swear I had it next to Damion’s shotgun in the van but I didn’t see it.”

Emory gestures over to the Plymouth, “Yeah, remember you put it in Jed’s car after the werewolf job?”

“Oh shit, you’re right! Good lookin’ out!”

The zombie, now closer to the group, starts flailing its more attached arm towards the gang. The group almost ignoring the very slow threat continues gathering their gear.

The biker walks up to Aut and Emory, followed by Caine. “Why do these towns even end up like this? Like, I would understand if it was the fast ones or the abnormals, but these Romero zoms are just laughable.”

Aut actually ponders the question and starts to give a genuine response, but is cut off by Jed, who shouts: “It’s ‘cause people are idiots!”

The zombie is now within 10 feet of the group, the biker quickly takes out a revolver and fires off two rounds into its head, turning the zombie’s face into a spaghetti-like substance.

Emory looks at the dead ghoul with a queasy face, “Why do you always shoot twice, Damion?”

Damion, reloading the used shots, says, “What, never heard of double-tap?”

Emory looks back at the creature with nearly no head. “I don’t know, seems a bit like overkill is all.”

The shot, echoing through the town, starts to bring the rest of the zombies out of the woodwork.

The group all line up and draw their guns. Jed looks to his compatriots, “Alright everybody, time your shots, and make sure they hit… ammo’s ‘spensive.”

Over the next ten minutes, the group stays in formation and lights up the town with shotgun, sniper, and rifle shots, obliterating any zombie that crawls out of any hide. At some point, Aut had turned on one of the car radios to play Let’s Stick Together, by Bryan Ferry.

The poor townspeople who have now turned into the walking dead, crawl from under cars, bash through windows, and some fall from rooftops. Each zombie tries to limp towards their next meal, but those far off from their target, get snipped from Emory’s McMillan TAC-50. The main mass of the creatures staggering towards the gang quickly get turned into swiss cheese from Jed’s HK33 and Pete’s Smith & Wesson Model 29. The lucky few, who manage to get within 10 feet of them are hit by Damion’s Mossberg Maverick 88 Pump-Action Shotgun and Aut’s custom pipe gun.

As the noise of the guns start to die down, and the last zombie wails its final moan, the group stands victories over several mounds of still warm ammo. Damion immediately starts looking around the town and looting the bodies of the recently re-deceased.

Aut, calls out to his younger friend, “Hey! Stop takin’ stuff ‘till we find out if there’s any survivors!”

Damion with his motorcycle helmet still on, quickly looks to his left and right, and then immediately goes back to rummaging through coat pockets. “Nope, no survivors.”

“What if your stealin’ from someone’s gran-gran?!”

“Nope, this one’s a guy.”

“You know that’s not what I mean!”

Meanwhile, Jed walks through the town streets with the rest of the group following behind him. “Hey, if anyone’s still alive out there, you should make yourself known, otherwise the kid’s gonna start hauling off everything not bolted down.”

An older man emerges from a small fortified auto shop. “Where did you all come from? D-did the government send you?”

Jed lowers his eyelids and holds back from rebuffing such a stupid question. Most of his group look like they just came back from some kind of trucker convention. “Dude, do we seriously look like we’re one of those M.I.B. motherfuckers?”

The old man takes another good look at his odd saviors, “I, uh, I guess not.”

“You all there is? Got a ride? If not we can take you to the next town over, but I would advise against staying here.”

“W-why is that?”

“‘Cause those M.I.B. guys I just mentioned usually don’t treat lone survivors the nicest. Let’s just say they don’t usually pay people for their silence.”

Pete chimes in from behind Jed, “Usually just send them to the great big farm in the sky.”

Emory looks dryly at Pete, “Wow, man.”

“What?!”

The old man looks down, with a slightly tired and nervous expression. “I-I’ve got a car, t-thank you again.”

The old man walks back into his auto shop, seemingly packing his bags. The rest of the group follow Damion’s lead and start gathering cash and supplies from the now ghost town.

Emory walks up to Jed, with the slight grin he makes right before telling a joke. “Hey Jed, guess what the name of this place is.”

Jed looks up for a second, presumingly trying to explore his imagination. “Burny town?”

Emory chuckles slightly still trying to hold in his joke. “N-no, i-its Mass-evil.”

Jed looks to Emory, obviously not buying the bullshit that he just spewed. “No fucking way this place is called Mass-evil.”

The two walk over to the nearby sign that shows the name of the town, Massieville.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

August 7, 2022 0

Top 10 Games Like Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen

While Dragon’s Dogma offers a lot of content, and a great reply value, some may want to experience something new while still getting that Dragon’s Dogma feel. Unfortunately, the game brings such a unique air to its gameplay, that it can be quite difficult to find something similar. I’ve curated this list from games I’ve experienced first-hand, that will try and scratch the Dragon’s Dogma itch.

10. Pokemon Arceus (Nintendo Switch)

Trailer

Pokemon Arceus is the latest Pokemon title that brings a new experience to the series by creating an open world. It introduces a new mechanic for capturing and battling with your monster friends, by having the character see and interact with the wild creatures. Explore the Hisui region with your colorful companions, and discover the mysteries throughout the land.

Last in the top 10, yet still making the cut, pokemon Arceus may seem like a bit of a far cry from Dragon’s Dogma. However, with this pokemon title, in particular, you explore a land that is mostly devoid of human life, battling all types of creatures while relying on your allies (Pokemon) to get you through the journey. Sound familiar? While the combat may be quite different, the Japanese roots from both games will inspire a nostalgic feeling while playing.

9. New Assassin Creed Games (PlayStation, Xbox, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

From Assassins Creed Odessy to the most recent, Valhalla, the series has implemented a much more RPG-based system. Exploring large maps while completing missions and leveling up. Each game takes place in a different time period and location allowing each of the titles to have its own theme, while still utilizing most of the same mechanics.

You will mostly fight against humans in the game, but the Assassins Creed series has also made a habit of allowing some supernatural creatures and elements bleed into their games. Some of the epic creature boss battles can feel extremely similar to DD (Dragon’s Dogma). Compared to DD, however, the AC games are far more developed and offer many more quests and optional story elements.

8. The Witcher Series (PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

The Witcher Series is another open-world RPG in which your hunt and slay monsters of all varieties. You play the character, Geralt of Rivia, who is one of the last monster slayers. Utilize magic, traps, and skill with a sword, to defeat or overcome the diverse bestiary you will come across. This world is also not a set story, allowing you to make choices and changes to the world and characters around you.

Slaying monsters is the obvious comparison to the games, but also the setting. Set in a typical medieval-based high fantasy, while also giving a dark grimace to the setting, that makes both titles feel more realistic and unique. While the combat is different in both series, the solitude in the Witcher series makes it a very different feel, than getting to fight with your pawns in DD.

7. Way Of the Samurai Series (PlayStation, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

The way of the samurai is a semi-realistic hardcore RPG. The game is set in different times throughout mostly the feudal era of Japan, allowing the players to have their character be anyone. With its punishing yet exploitable combat and completely missable story, the game gives an odd and mysterious ambiance.

While DD may not be as punishing and has a much more fantastical fantasy setting compared to the Way of the Samurai series, it is difficult not to compare the two. Often in both games, you will just wander into the story rather than be told a cohesive one. You will also find yourself against foes that you are not meant to face, and must master the free combat system of both games if you wish to escape with your life.

6. Dark Souls Series (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

The namesake for incredibly difficult games, the Souls series has always drawn those who love dark fantasy and punishing gameplay. In today’s age, we are offered many titles that are soul-like however there is no replacing the original, which brings forth brilliant combat and a world teeming with backstory if you have the eye for the details.

Often times DD is compared with the souls series. While being quite different from each other, the story and world of both games are melancholy and gripping. Both titles are difficult in their own style, and both offer boss fights that you will never forget. Essentially the Dark Souls series is just one long Bitter Black Isle from DD.

5. Elden Ring (PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

The inheritor of the Souls Series, Elden Ring takes everything that was loved from Dark Souls and made it bigger. This open-world, Fromsoft title, broke into the presses filled with praise and accolades. Venture into the unforgiving, yet beautiful world to battle against demigods and monsters.

Much like Drak Souls, Elden Ring is another title that shares its bruting and gorgeous atmosphere. However, Elden Ring is simply more similar to DD based on its open world. “The roads are safer than the brush, but still we’d best stay wary”.

4. Shadow of Mordor/War (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

Set in the Lord of the Rings universe, this two-game series offers a fun insight into the world, while also allowing the player to have fun battling against hordes of Orcs and Uruk-hai. Playing quite similarly to the aforementioned title of the Assassin’s Creed Games. Scale structures, utilize stealth, battle against forts, and strongholds filled with recruitable foes.

The series often involves a much more coherent story and mechanic system than DD, however, the love of having customizable and recruitable allies is somehow so rare in games, that this title gets its place on the Top 10 list. The hype of the Shadow of War castle sieges compares directly to the thrill of fighting along with your pawns against a boss whose engagement will scorch the battlefield you fight on. This bond lingers and grows as you play through the game with your favorite orc/pawn.

3. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch, Wii U)

Trailer

Offering legend of Zelda fans an experience they either always wanted, or simply something for them to enjoy. This title brings the game series from a pseudo-open world to one that is fully actualized. Explore the dilapidated world of Hyrule, after Ganon had emerged and ravaged the land. Find rare weapons and armor, discover pockets of civilization, and stomp out this imposing threat.

If DD was a bit too dark for your taste, the light-hearted yet still intimidating world of Hyrule may suit your fancy. While unable to customize your character besides what armor you wear. Its rigorous item and weapon management will bring you back to your days of trekking through Gransys. Through DD, it can feel extremely lonely even with your pawns, but in Breath of the wild finding those safe bastions through the corrupted world, really feels like a reassuring presence.

2. Monster Hunter Series (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows)

Trailer

A 20+ game series, stretching back to the early 2000s, over many different console generations, dwells the Monster Hunter series. A game where the one and only goal is to hunt deadly creatures of nightmarish proportions. Craft weapons and armor from defeated foes, only to allow you to best even stronger ones. Play the style of your choice and ally with friends to feel these great beasts.

If what inspired you to play DD, was the manga/anime Berserk. Then nothing encapsulates the essence of going against hulking monstrosities, than the Monster Hunter series. While the series may not fit the tone you’re looking for, all you have to do is play some of your favorite music, and slay some monsters with weapons that could only be used as such. Even the titular Dark Souls series can’t quite complete the feel that this game gives when you mount and gouge into the gargantuan adversary.

1. Shadow of the Colossus (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3)

Trailer

The Granddaddy of cult classic games, Shadow of the Colossus. Its name, just as towering as the enemies you encounter within it. The goal of the game is to slay the massive colossi within the game, empty and oppressive landscape. Your only solace in the game is your horse and your sword, the rest is up to your tenacity and wit, to fell these god-like creatures.

Shadow of the Colossus is not the most similar in gameplay or world. What it does, is it takes the feeling you feel in DD, and ramps it up to a dream-like level. You are in a world that is beyond your comprehension, and you, a mere human, must do battle for a reason that is foreign to you. You are chosen, and you must accomplish this prophetical task.

August 3, 2022 0

5 Ways to Actually Make Your Horror Story Spine-chilling

Creative Characters

While readers may not always agree with the character in the story, it will help to humanize them, making their possible gruesome end far more morbid. Which is great for horror!

Being Alone

Fate Worse than Death

Style and Ambiance

Uniqueness

July 8, 2022 0

Top 15 Games I refuse to Play because They are too Scary

I love horror, in films, in aesthetics, and even in real life. When It comes to horror games I just cant handle it. So here are my top 15 horror games/series that I just cant play.

15) Silent Hill Games

Of this list, this is one of the rare few that I actually attempted. Specifically silent hill 2. The creepy sound effects, the enemies that just won’t stay down, and the impossible controls just freak me out, way too much to finish this title. (The movies on the other hand are decent, they could be a lot scarier, however.)

14) Bioshock 1 & 2

This seems like a cool game with an awesome setting, with gameplay similar to Dishonored. However with its creepy, twitching, laughing enemies around dark corners. That is going to have to be a no from me. A lovely game that I will most likely watch a playthrough of.

13) Dying light (at Night)

This one is a bit of cheating. I actually somehow managed to get through and beat all of the first Dying Light. However I absolutely panicked during the nighttime missions, and never of my own accord ventured out at night. Cool side quest with an awesome reward that needs me to go out at night, nope not doing.

12) Left 4 Dead

Now I can play this game if I have friends, however, if I am alone I will not touch this game. Zombies freak me out and I just can’t do it. On the other hand, zombie movies are an old past-time that I will gladly watch alone in the dark.

11) SOMA

I have seen a playthrough of this game, and absolutely loved the story and the cool underwater atmosphere. However, its shambling and corrupted, screeching enemies, have halted me from even attempting a playthrough. Plus I’ve already seen the story so there’s really no need right? Right?!

10) Subnautica

I’m not even sure if Subnautica is technically even a horror game. However, I do know that there are horrible things that lurk in the dark. I don’t even have that bad of fear of deep water and ancient leviathans that may inhabit it. Though I do fear that I will see one, so for that, I’m out.

9) Any VR horror game

The budget could have been 5 dollars to make whatever playdoh like design, but if you put in creepy music, and anything that chases me. I will be too scared and will throw something (most likely the headset).

8) Amnesia

The games that have the monster always creeping around somewhere, get me the worst. I’ll never take a breath my heart will pound the entire time and I will not be able to play it for longer than 10 minutes otherwise ill have a heart attack.

7) Five Nights at Freddie’s

Any of the games in the series are too scary. Not only do the mechanics seem almost luck-based with their insufficient resource management, but the fact that they will just come at you at random reminds me of a long drawn-out jack-in-the-box.

6) Alien Isolation

The Alien movie is an absolute classic, that I have seen countless times. Though, much like in amnesia, if I know that it is constantly chasing me at all times. I’d rather just die and get it over with. I believe when I attempted to play it, and the creature was chasing me I sat the controller down and accepted my fate, and then never touched it again.

5) Old Resident Evil games

Combine zombies mixed with horrible controls and you get yet another game I don’t ever want to play. While there are remakes that make the controls more manageable, I still won’t do it.

4) New Resident Evil games

It’s almost ironic that the resident evil movies are not even horror, yet Resident Evil 7 is what it is. This may be the game that I would want to play the least. It’s claustrophobic, it has a mix of jump scares, as well as looming horror, with the graphics to enhance the experience.

3) Fatal Frame Series

What’s worse than seeing some horrible abomination meandering towards you? Well knowing that there is something there, but being unable to see it. Unseen horror is prominent within the genre and the Fatal Frame series does it to a great extent, so much so that I will never even try any title in the series.

2) DreadOut

Extremely similar to the last title, this game is a Japanese horror where there are a plethora of eerie phantoms, constantly all around you. Even better dealing with these yokai-esk spirits, isn’t a simple or even possible task. Horror games love to make you feel powerless.

1) Dead Space Games

Dead Space was the first horror game I was ever introduced to. I was a child and a fan of the Halo series. So when I saw the title Dead space I was ecstatic that I had found another space shooter. I was so horribly wrong, and now Dead Space will have a special place in my heart. I still won’t play it though.

June 8, 2022 0

How to Make the Perfect Vampire the Masquerade Film

There are countless vampire films, well at least I’m not going to count them all. Though within the vampire genre, there is the cult classic franchise of “Vampire: the Masquerade” by White Wolf Publishing. This Goth-punk franchise has spanned video games, novels, comics, and its original RPG tabletop game. Rumors have spread of a possible TV show set in the World of Darkness setting. So let’s discuss, if we receive a Masquerade show or film, what it needs to succeed.

The essence of this multi-monstered universe is that of an eerie melancholy with exciting hidden secrets in its darkest alleys. It’s a world that is controlled by shadowy puppet masters that are controlled by something even more ancient, but the world you see as the viewer must be that of the lowest level. The reason for this is due to the fact that this world thrives on ghostly secrecy. It helps the world feel so much wonderous when there are things to uncover.

The setting is almost always that of a city, not necessarily a major one, but there has to be at least one nightclub for the Camarilla to prowl. Whilst being a large city it must also feel slightly empty and decrepit, to give nuance of that grunge feel. Having a strong nightlife is imperative in anything that incorporates vampires, because if it’s a vampire in the suburbs that just becomes boring. Lastly throwing in some nice mist/haze along with some color-toned filters will give the film its needed crimson style.

Something that the world of Darkness excels at, that most other supernatural society TV series or movies do not incorporate. Is a type of living and believable power or government system. It is not a masquerade film if they don’t incorporate the masquerade and the different factions within the story. These vampires are composed of new and ancient characters, that should reflect this in their interactions. Sure you may be a vampire with impressive powers, but what can you do against someone who has lifetimes of knowledge, power, and political sway. The film would need to show the differences in the lives of these creatures from the homeless Nosferatu, to the elegant Toreador.

There are many routes they could choose for whatever story they wish to utilize. The main features that would give this story a strong presence would be following several different characters that occasionally interact. This would give the viewer a wide view of the world. It would need to have a complex political power struggle element, aligned with a sinister supernatural power. This power would shift the world, without the populace aware of its manipulation.

The final picture would be enhanced with superior filmography that heightens the scene. Creating gorgeous visual lighting and effects paired with stylized camera angles would give the noir feel that follows the story.

Many fans of the masquerade will most likely view this new film (series), but I have no doubt that the producers will most likely try and gather a new audience with its arrival as well. As fans of the series, we must hope that they hold true to the essence and not lose that special touch that made us all fall in love with this universe.

May 23, 2022 0

Never Heard of M: Aurelio Voltaire

“Never heard of M” is a new specialized segment dedicated to less known musical artists and giving details about who they are as well as their music. Today we will be discussing Voltaire, the gothic folk musician.

To many people’s surprise, they may have heard or seen Voltaire’s work in one form or another. Before Voltaire kick-started his career in music, he worked in stop-motion most notably for “MTV”. His Claymation stop motion figures can be seen at the “School of Visual Arts” in New York City. Professors also stated that from time to time, Voltaire himself would come to teach classes.

What really brought Voltaire into the limelight was his music, which genres can be described as, dark cabaret, deathrock, and darkwave, but most would simply say gothic. The song that reached the most people, without them knowing who they were hearing. Those being the boys and girls of the early 2000s who watched “Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.” Voltaire created the song “Brains” for the giant intergalactic brain that crash-lands on earth in the episode “Little Rock of Horrors”, which fits Mr. Aurelio’s aesthetic, quite nicely. (Fun fact, when approached by the cartoon network representative to create the song, he didn’t initially believe them and almost wrote them off)

This jack of all trades didn’t just stop with music and animation. His talents extend to acting, such as his role in the “ABCs of Death 2,” in which he plays a suddenly grieving father on Halloween. This musician has a constantly expanding repertoire and can be held due to all of his interests and goals throughout the years.

To truly talk about artists, one must understand the music that they produce. Voltaire has a theme throughout his music, he tells the listener a story throughout the song. Such as in “Crusade” or “Beast of Pirates bay,” you hear the melodies, but also the journey within them. This is something you can expect throughout many of his compositions.

He would not be a gothic singer if he did not speak about death, devils, and evil. Yet he has a jolly note to his songs, that tell the listener while things may be bad they can get better. Such as his anti-suicide song “The Last Word.”

So if the dark is your home, and you love all things ghoulish and vile. You will find comfort in listening to some Voltaire songs before you make a night out, to whatever dim-lit den you find yourself in…

May 13, 2022 0

Are Games getting Worse?

The year was 2007, the Great Recession was kicking off, couch co-op was at its peak, and Halo 3 had just released. Many of us remember this time with nostalgia, especially gamers. Though, was it a better era in gaming than it is now?

Currently, Elden Ring, the Fromsoft title, is taking the gaming community by storm. Flush with raving reviews from the public, as well as prominent video game news companies; such as IGN, Metacritic, and Gamespot. So with all the praise for a recently released game, that would give you an obvious answer to the articles question, would it not? Not quite.

Games currently have features that have been progressively getting better, such as graphics, complex mechanics, and scale. However it appears, that once important features have fallen by the wayside for many game studios. One of those features is free games with live service. What that means is instead of paying the universal 60$, for a AAA game. You instead get it for free, depending on what subscriptions you have, for a game that isn’t quite finished. Sometimes these features would be game-breaking, but with the game being a “live service,” this is allowed.

In 2007 if your game wasn’t finished and you sent it out, that would be a disaster, because at that point not everyone was using online services and would not be able to receive the update, that would hopefully fix this game-breaking glitch. Though like I stated, the game came out for free, so why should it matter if it works or not? Well, although not all of them are free, it also breeds the creation that began with mobile games. That’s right, pay to win or more currently loot box mechanics all under the hated name of microtransactions.

You can see how some issues can create a type of domino effect, that creates more. Pay to win, released unfinished games, only online multiplayer, microtransactions, and games only working if connected online. None of these issues were around back in the day, which has created this belief that gaming was better years ago.

Though, the advancement that we have with games now, vs back then is immense. The creation and development of Virtual Reality and motion tracking have come so far from the days when the Wii, by Nintendo, was first released with its “game-changing” controller tracking. This was something we could only dream about not so long ago. VR is still in its infancy, however, this is what is truly advancing gaming for many people.

Truthfully there is no correct answer to an opinionated question, but I can see two different paths the gaming industry can take that will either send it to collapse or bring it into the limelight that will cause people of every age and upbringing to be playing them.

We can either see these schemes and ploys to gauge money from players while also abusing the company’s workers. That will cause many to fall back on the games in the past that they loved, and no longer indulge the companies’ greedy ambitions.

Or we can see an outcry of users to these new gimmicks, forcing companies who wish to keep their reputation from doing them, while also developing fun and engaging new ways to play games that will broaden their customer base. Only time will tell…

May 12, 2022 0