I’ve started reading Cell, Stephen King’s new horror novel. I’m really enjoying this new take on zombie lore, although, I fear that the story might become too much of a sci-fi supernatural story towards the end. There is something to be said about the strength of the intro where everyone in the world who was on their phone at 3:03 PM turns to a violent and mindless drone. King borrows many images from recent catastrophes (9-11 and Katrina are strong examples) to illustrate the kind of mayham that would ensue upon a zombie infestation. These narrative plots that are rooted in reality are the ones that resonate with me the most – I can see it happening like that. However, as the story progresses and the characters and the world around become more supernatural and alien (to what I know), much of the intial immersion is lost.
A couple of games spring to mind that have a similar problem in their narrative structure. Both Condemend and Indigo Prophecy contained a compelling first half that lost much of its luster as the two games lost their footing in the world we know. As the stories became more and more outragous I found myself losing much of my interest in them. Perhaps it is time for a suspense/horror game that doesn’t feel pressured to turn sci-fi. I know I’d love to play such a game.