March 2012 was supposed to be the biggest month ever for SILENT HILL.

If gone as planned, last month alone would’ve seen the release of three new games for the series. While SILENT HILL: BOOK OF MEMORIES for the PlayStation Vita was ultimately pushed back to an unspecified date this spring, fans can still rejoice knowing we received two great SILENT HILL games.

If you've been keeping up with BIOGAMER GIRL on FANGORIA, you'll know that Slant Six Games' RESIDENT EVIL OPERATION RACCOON CITY was one of the most anticipated survival horror games of the year. When you consider everything that was to be combined into the game—namely the chance to play as the evil Umbrella Corporation’s henchmen to kill heroes from the past RESIDENT EVIL titles and literally rewrite history as we know it—the new twist on Capcom's classic series had amazing promise. The introduction of six individual characters, each with their own class and upgradeable skill sets, was a big drawing point as well, as it took something that the classic RESIDENT EVIL OUTBREAK used, and advanced it a few steps beyond what that game accomplished with its character choices. That said, RESIDENT EVIL OPERATION RACCOON CITY didn't quite live up to expectations upon last week’s release, but it's still a fun ride that any RESIDENT EVIL fan should catch.

Back in 1996, the first RESIDENT EVIL was a pioneer and important moment of survival horror. Over 15 years later, Capcom has introduced six numbered entries into the franchise (counting RESIDENT EVIL 0), and RESIDENT EVIL 6 is now scheduled for a November 20, 2012 release date. It's pretty evident that the king of the genre is resting comfortably on its throne, and it doesn't look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, following the release of RESIDENT EVIL REVELATIONS last month, this month will see yet another huge title hit shelves, and Capcom recently gave Fango a special preview of the upcoming release, RESIDENT EVIL OPERATION RACCOON CITY.

A franchise will typically release one or two games a year, if fans are lucky. However, game developer and publisher Konami is making March the biggest month ever for SILENT HILL fans with the release of SILENT HILL DOWNPOUR, SILENT HILL HD COLLECTION and SILENT HILL: BOOK OF MEMORIES, all within a three week span. 

Con Nooga is a multi-fandom convention featuring many famous guests from various forms of entertainment fields— including actors, artists, authors, musicians and paranormal investigators—that took place at the legendary Chattanooga Choo Choo over the weekend of February 17-19, 2012. Of course, the convention also hosted numerous special events including fashion shows, a parade, Q&A panels and, Ms. BioGamer Girl.

One of the great things about survival horror is that it hasn't been around all that long. Considering the genre wasn't really born until the release of RESIDENT EVIL back in 1996—it’s only been around for about half the time of most gaming genres—this allows game developers to introduce new, innovative titles. Most recently, Remedy's ALAN WAKE comes to mind, and a great looking spin-off is coming to Xbox Live Arcade on February 22, 2012. 

What would survival horror be without video games like RESIDENT EVIL or SILENT HILL? These titles not only named but defined the genre we know today, and 2012 is boding to be one of the best years ever for these two horror-gaming giants.