The Archives
Welcome to The Vault Files, a historic archive chronicling the evolution of survival horror from 1981 to 2025. This collection preserves the legacy of every title that shaped the genre, including games released long before survival horror was formally defined by Resident Evil in 1996. These early titles have been classified by The Vault as Precursors, as they set the foundations for decades of terrifying experiences to come. Each entry includes a detailed article featuring a game summary, gameplay overview, visual style and atmosphere, its importance within survival horror history, as well as a comparison between its original reception and its lasting historical value. You will also find information on availability and collectibility, along with developer and publisher details, screenshot galleries, and trailers when available. The Vault Files stands as a living record, dedicated to honoring the creators and preserving the haunting worlds that made survival horror what it is.