Summary

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Shooter
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developers: Computer Artworks
Publishers: Black Label Games, Konami

The Thing (2002): A chilling masterpiece of horror gaming

Released in 2002, The Thing is a survival horror video game developed by Computer Artworks and published by Vivendi Universal Games. Loosely based on the 1982 film of the same name, the game follows a group of American soldiers who are sent to Antarctica to investigate the mysterious deaths of a team of scientists. Upon arriving at the research station, the soldiers quickly discover that they are not alone. A shape-shifting alien creature is lurking in the shadows, and it is up to the soldiers to stop it before it kills them all.

The Thing is a master class in horror gaming. The game’s atmosphere is thick with tension and paranoia, and the player is constantly on edge, never knowing when or where the creature will strike next. The creature itself is a truly terrifying creation, and its ability to mimic the appearance of the soldiers makes it all the more deadly.

The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The player quickly becomes invested in the soldiers’ plight, and the game’s many twists and turns will keep them guessing until the very end.

The Thing is also a very challenging game. The creature is incredibly difficult to kill, and the player must use all of their resources and wits to survive. The game’s many puzzles are also challenging, and the player will need to think carefully in order to progress.

Overall, The Thing is a masterpiece of horror gaming. It is a tense, atmospheric, and terrifying experience that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing. If you’re a fan of horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Thing.

Gameplay

The Thing is a third-person survival horror game. The player controls a squad of American soldiers as they investigate a research station in Antarctica. The player must use a variety of weapons and tools to fight off the creature and complete their objectives.

The game’s most unique feature is its “blood test” system. When a player character comes into contact with the creature, they will become infected. The player can then choose to either kill the infected character or attempt to cure them. If the player chooses to cure the infected character, they will need to find a blood test kit and use it on the character. If the blood test is successful, the character will be cured of the infection. However, if the blood test fails, the character will transform into a creature and attack the other soldiers.

The blood test system adds a great deal of tension and paranoia to the game. The player is never sure who they can trust, and they must constantly be on the lookout for infected characters. The game also features a number of other challenging puzzles and obstacles, which the player must overcome in order to progress.

Setting

The Thing is set in the Antarctic research station from the 1982 film of the same name. The station is a vast and desolate place, and the player quickly gets a sense of isolation and claustrophobia. The game’s atmosphere is further enhanced by the use of dark lighting and eerie sound effects.

Characters

The player controls a squad of American soldiers, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The player must learn to use each character’s strengths and weaknesses to their advantage in order to survive.

The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the player quickly becomes invested in their plight. The game’s many twists and turns will keep the player guessing until the very end.

Reception

The Thing received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its atmosphere, story, characters, and gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The Thing is considered to be one of the greatest horror games of all time. It is a tense, atmospheric, and terrifying experience that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing. If you’re a fan of horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Thing.

Legacy

The Thing has had a lasting impact on the horror gaming genre. The game’s unique blend of survival horror and science fiction has inspired many other games, including Dead Space, Resident Evil 4, and Alien: Isolation.

The Thing is also notable for its use of the blood test system. This system has been used in a number of other games, including Left 4 Dead and The Last of Us.

The Thing is a true classic of horror gaming. It is a game that will continue to be enjoyed by fans of the genre for years to come.