For a long time I’ve been invested into internet oddities ranging from group writing projects such as the SCP Foundation to more obscure media like alternate reality games, commonly referred to as ARGs. Within the past several years I’ve become enamored with analog horror.
Analog horror can be described as storytelling typically through the means of 1960s-1990s technology. Think of it as an indie film, though if it were much more unsettling, nostalgic, and seemingly confusing all at once. Though the real horror that these series convey often rely on their existential themes or real world commentary.
What I find most fascinating about these art projects aside from the storytelling itself is the contribution given by the fandoms. The sheer speculation and divulging into these stories provides hours of content outside of the story itself. Moreover, most all of the media in this genre is on YouTube as it is currently the best format to produce this type of storytelling.
These series cannot be done justice within a single post, so I will provide a brief introduction to some noteworthy candidates. I highly recommend checking them out and supporting the creators!
Mandela Catalogue by Alex Kister
Not everyone is who they seem. In a world full of what is referred to as “Alternates” can anyone truly be safe from these seemingly paranormal entities? Law enforcement is ignoring calls for help and public broadcasts are warning people of these beings. You will be able to observe the lives of people living in this reality.
Welcome Home by Clown Shaped Coffin
This one rides the line between an alternate reality game, but still utilizes analog horror elements. Welcome Home is about a 70s puppet show for younger audiences. As you delve deeper through the website claiming to salvage this show that seemingly disappeared from air darker secrets will emerge.
Walten Files by Martin Walls
This series is heavily inspired by Scott Cawthorn’s Five Nights At Freddy’s, but is certainly not a clone. The voice acting in this series is jarring and spectacular. The story focuses on a failed business, haunted animatronics, and the lives that surround the shocking events of the story.
Vita Carnis by Darian Quilloy
Meat, cultists, and the government. This one much like any analog horror series is difficult to explain without simply watching. A new species arrives on Earth… or rather, it was always here? The species has in some capacities integrated into human society, while on the other hand it brutally destroys it.
These are only a handful of titles in this genre. If this mode of storytelling interests you I highly recommend checking it out. Especially since they are usually free because the uploading format is commonly YouTube.
Featured Image: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UBbvEA8uh6Ulc6ax1Zs0g
