What defines a survival horror?

[GetAgrippa]

A survival horror game is something like Resident Evil 1 or Condemned: CO(Not the sequel which blew massive chunks). You're trapped, confused, and you're piecing the story together, whether through cutscenes or gameplay. You have little to no resources, and the game focuses on large scares to keep you on your toes.

I think Ben Croshaw put it best. There are three different kinds of horror games:
1. You're in a dark room and a guy with a spooky mask jumps out of a cupboard and yells "Abloogy Woogy Woo"
2. You're in a dark room and the guy with the spooky mask is right behind you and you know he's going to scare you at some point but you don't know when
3. You're in a bright-lit room and the guy in the spooky mask yells "Abloogy Woogy Woo" then slowly shuffles towards you.

I love Zero Punctuation .