Tension is one of the hardest things to properly build during a video game. Most either end up going a little too slow and boring you or way too quickly and become an action game. In Five Nights at Freddy’s, the game takes control completely out of your hands and simply forces you to try your best to survive. As you sit in your office, waiting to be attacked by killer Chuck E Cheese rejects, you have limited options and power for defending yourself. The game takes it from there and very slowly ramps up the aggression of your attackers, continually surprising you with new rules to which you may not have been privy.
I have video recorded proof of my squealing in terror as I have been attacked in this game. On the surface, it’s easy to just say that the game is all about the jump-scares. Frankly, the most frightening part of this game, and what allows it to earn those jump-scares, are the moments leading up to them. It’s that moment of realization that you forgot to check on the left door just before Bonnie jumps into your lap and you learn just how high-pitched your voice can really be. Add to that, a surprisingly well thought out backstory for the game, that gets fleshed out a bit more in the second game, and you’ve certainly got one of my favorite games of the year. It scarily deserves the number 6 spot on my top 10 list for 2014.
