Nintendo Once Made One of the Greatest Horror Games of All Time (& Everyone Wants a Sequel)

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Nintendo isn’t often associated with horror games, but one of their attempts at the genre is still considered a masterpiece. Typically, Nintendo consoles are celebrated for providing fun, multiplayer experiences for the whole family. However, the GameCube broke from that tradition, becoming the first console to host popular horror games like Resident Evil 4.

I still remember when this console first launched one of the most praised horror games of all time – though honestly, I don’t think people were quite prepared for it back then! Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is still a standout in the genre for me, a really creepy mix of Lovecraftian horror and adventure gaming. It’s got such a memorably unsettling vibe and a scary story that easily goes up against the best of the best. It didn’t exactly fly off the shelves when it came out, but Eternal Darkness has stayed with fans – and snuck into our nightmares – for over two decades now.

Eternal Darkness Is An Overlooked Horror Classic

First released on the GameCube in 2002, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is still considered a hidden gem in the gaming world. Created by Silicon Knights, Eternal Darkness was a very bold game that combined elements of cosmic horror with the gameplay of a classic 3D action-adventure. It was also the first game published by Nintendo to receive an M rating from the ESRB, and the story takes place across various different time periods and settings.

The story primarily follows Alexandra Roivas, and her search for her grandfather’s killer draws her into a conflict with terrifying creatures from beyond our world. The game’s expansive scope is further enhanced by branching storylines and multiple characters you can play as, all while tracking the schemes of four powerful, ancient evils and their plans for the world. To fully experience the game’s true ending, you’ll need to play through it multiple times, unlocking a wonderfully frightening backstory that continues to stay with players long after they finish.

Though disturbing and scary, Eternal Darkness was also captivating and heartbreaking. Its innovative use of features like “Sanity Effects”-which altered what players saw, the game environment, and even broke the fourth wall-really heightened the suspense. Eternal Darkness has clearly influenced many games since its release, with several titles adopting similar ideas. For example, recent games like Silent Hill f feature a sanity meter that functions much like the one in Eternal Darkness, showing how a character’s mental state deteriorates as things get more chaotic. This demonstrates the groundbreaking and progressive horror design that Silicon Knights brought to the game, and explains why it still feels remarkably modern even after twenty years.

Upon its release, Eternal Darkness received excellent reviews, which was fitting given its complex story, immersive atmosphere, and strong gameplay. However, these positive reviews didn’t lead to high sales numbers. The game didn’t even sell 500,000 copies globally, and was therefore considered a commercial failure. Consequently, many players unfortunately missed out on a truly unique gaming experience, particularly on the GameCube, a console not usually known for horror or games with mature themes.

Why Fans Are Still Holding Out Hope For Eternal Darkness 2

I was one of the lucky few who got to play Eternal Darkness when it first came out, and honestly, it’s a game that’s really stuck with me. Over time, I’ve seen its reputation grow, and so many people now consider it one of the greatest horror games of all time. There have been a lot of attempts to bring it back – whether that’s through a sequel, a game that feels like it, or even a complete remake. Even back in 2006, the game’s director, Denis Dyack, was talking about wanting to make a sequel! But sadly, every time we get our hopes up for a follow-up, those plans seem to fall through. It’s frustrating, because even though it was meant to be a one-off, people clearly want more!

Problems behind the scenes also derailed an effort to crowdfund the ideas and story for a follow-up to the game Shadow of the Eternals. Despite this, Nintendo keeps renewing the game’s license and even includes nods to it-along with many other titles from its history-in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This has kept fans hopeful that the game could potentially be revived someday.

The popularity of this game has only increased over time, and excitement for its future remains high. Eternal Darkness seems ideally suited for a Nintendo Switch 2, particularly since the GameCube is now part of the Nintendo Classics lineup. It could attract a new generation of players who are more open to horror games on Nintendo consoles, considering how much the genre has developed since its original release. Eternal Darkness was a terrifying experience for those within its story, but it’s still a dream come true for anyone who wants to see the unsettling themes and frightening creatures of a Cthulhu tale brought to life. Eternal Darkness is a classic horror game and essential playing for dedicated fans of the genre.

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2025-10-01 03:13