Deep editorial dives into PlayStation-era survival horror — the fixed cameras, the dread, and the puzzles that haunted a generation.
Revisiting the games that redefined atmosphere, tension, and design philosophy
How Konami's 2001 masterpiece used fog, geometry, and sound design to externalize grief in ways cutscenes alone never could.
Regina's debut outing borrowed survival horror's grammar and injected velocity into it — yet the series faded quietly before its potential was ever realized.
Blending JRPG combat with biological horror, Squaresoft built something singular in 1998. We revisit why it still deserves a second look from horror enthusiasts.
The pre-rendered fixed camera was never just a technical limitation — it was a deliberate tool for building vulnerability, disorientation, and suspense.
Capcom's overlooked PS2 entry leaned hard into chase sequences and environmental puzzles. We unpack what its structure reveals about tension pacing in the genre.
Fiona Belli's labyrinthine castle is survival horror's most underanalyzed setting — a stage where architecture itself becomes the antagonist. We explore why it matters.
Yes. We welcome pitches from knowledgeable enthusiasts with a genuine perspective on the genre. Reach out via our contact page with a short outline. We prioritize original analysis over general overviews — deep dives are our currency.
We aim for two to three long-form editorial pieces per month. Quality over volume is the guiding principle here. Shorter retrospective notes and commentary pieces may go up more frequently between main features.
Our editorial focus is the PlayStation 1 and 2 generation — the fixed-camera, pre-rendered corridor peak years. Occasionally we draw comparisons to modern successors, but the classic era is where our editorial heart lives.
Absolutely. We read every message that comes in from Cairo and beyond. If a title is underrepresented in the archive and you can make the case for why it matters, we want to hear from you.
The Leisure Boyz is an enthusiast collective. Core pieces come from our regular contributors, all of whom are long-time genre fans with editorial backgrounds. Guest contributors are credited and reviewed before publication.
Written by fans who grew up in the dark with these games
Every piece goes beyond surface-level summary — we trace design decisions, interview archival sources, and connect mechanical choices to intended emotional outcomes.
We write for readers who know what tank controls, ink ribbons, and safe room music mean — no hand-holding, no condescension, just informed peer-to-peer analysis.
No listicles, no hot takes padded to word count. Our articles take the space they need to make an argument worth reading and rereading.
From flagship titles to overlooked regional releases, we celebrate the full breadth of PlayStation-era horror — not just the names everyone already knows.
Explore the full archive of survival horror essays, retrospectives, and design analysis — all written with genuine love for the genre.