3) Ninjas: Given that Japan is one of the major gestation sites of video games, it’s not surprising that such a classic figure in Japanese history is a major icon of gaming. Once again the complete swathing of the body allows for endless numbers of these stealthy soldiers to be thrown against you without concern over who they were. They’re also an extremely exciting idea, capable of striking from the dark or holding their own in one-on-one combat equally well. On the other hand there are many times that we, as the protagonist in a video game, play as a ninja instead of against them; this is just as fun as killing the pesky star-throwers. With a vast array of weapons and acrobatic techniques, battling ninjas is usually equal parts frustation and enjoyment.
2) Aliens: Visitors from beyond the stars are probably on par with robots for amount of time devoted to them in various science fiction tales across every media. They also allow for a complete range of customization. Some developers choose the classic path; green/grey men with oversized heads and eyes flying around in saucer-shaped craft and abducting creatures for study. Others choose more unique designs for their extra terrestrials, whether they look generally humanoid or completely bizarre. They’re always a popular choice because of the incredible amount of range they can give you. They might far surpass humans in their technology and be seeking to enslave or eradicate us, or they might be a relatively primitive species on a new planet simply hunting humans as prey. The wealth of options they present can be molded to fit any storyline, whether they’re a peripheral threat or the main foe.
1) Zombies: There’s different levels of horror. Some things are horrific because they’re so unusual and dissimilar to the human form. Creatures like The Blob, essentially semi-intelligent devouring masses are frightening because of their implacability. One of the most horrific ideas however is the human form, corrupted and changed and used against us. The idea that anyone could become a groaning beast hungering after your flesh is terrifying beyond words. That’s part of why zombies occupy such an incredible niche in the collective consciousness as demonstrated by the many films and video games. They fit in nearly every genre, whether they’re animated by a necromancer, victims of a horrible plague or corpses controlled by nanotechnology. They can be fast or slow, but they never fail to chill the blood. Unlike animals or aliens they carry fears of cannibalism and seeing a shambling corpse bite down on one of your limbs is far more horrific than a bite by the most vicious dog. In shooters they’re a test of a gamer’s aim and nerves; can you wait the few extra moments to guarantee a clean headshot? Or will the low moans and dim, glassy eyes make you break and run first?
