The Grandaddy of Horror Games

What comes to mind when you think of survival horror games? Maybe Silent Hill or Resident Evil, right? How about a game that you are exploring a maze? While being chased. By a dinosaur.

3D Monster Maze was released in 1981, first for the Sinclair ZX81. The game is programmed to give the perception of depth to the player and simulate moving in a 3D environment. The idea is pretty simple: you enter a maze and, while looking for the exit, a T-Rex chases you.

There is not really a way to beat the game, as the dinosaur will always catch you, sooner or later. You can exit a maze, though, and enter a new one. But still, the big guy will be there to chase you around.

Image taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:3D-monster-maze-T-rex-2-steps-away.png

What the game does masterfully is evoking the senses of tension and stress. This is done by messages, such as “FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING” or “HE IS HUNTING FOR YOU,” whenever the dinosaur is coming your way. Add to that the emptiness of the maze (there is nobody to help you) and the sudden appearances of the beast, and you get some guaranteed chills up your spine, even if you play the game today.

The game has been hailed as a pioneer in horror games, and it is widely beloved in the retro gaming communities.

Want to get a taste yourself? Check the video below. After all, many of the games you play these days have probably been inspired by it.