Survival Horror, as a genre, has evolved quite a bit since it first hit game store shelves almost 20 years ago. But what games started these changes? And why were they seen as such a success in the eyes of horror fans?

IGN takes a look at the games that defined and forever changed the survival-horror genre ...

There's something special about being on the edge of your seat, realising you need to change your underwear for the second time in an hour and trying to remind yourself (unconvincingly) that it's just a game. I mean, what kind of sissy would be scared of a game?

As it turns out, a lot of us. And more to the point – we like it. The horror genre, more specifically survival horror, has delivered an array of classic titles and, like a fine wine, has matured to near perfection. With the upcoming releases of horror titles such as EA's Dead Space and Konami's Silent Hill: Homecoming and Capcom's Resident Evil 5, we thought it would only be fitting to take you on a spine-tingling trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable breakthroughs in horror; from its scaringly humble beginnings to its bloodcurdling golden age. So grab your fluffiest teddy bear, a spare set of undies, plug in that night-light and let the terror begin.

Miss Razz via au.ps2.ign.com »