10 Video Games That Left Genuine Psychological Wounds

9. Pokemon Red And Green - Lavender Town, Depression And The Power Of Suggestion

'Lavender Town syndrome' as it has commonly become known as, refers to the spike in child-related suicides and illnesses in Japan, in February 1996, shortly after the release of Pokemon Red and Green. Whilst the connection is dubious at best, the legacy of the tale is powerful. As the player progresses they will come to Lavender Town, a place inhabited by ghosts and overshadowed by a mass-pokemon graveyard. Yet, it was the distinctly high frequencies and dull melodies, played under a slow tempo and looped endlessly, of which the strange phenomenon was attributed to. Reports of children jumping from heights, hanging themselves, migraines and irrational behaviour were judged to have been influenced by Lavender Town's music. Although entirely speculation, with no concrete evidence linking Lavender Town to the incidents, the developers felt compelled to change the frequencies of the music. Psychological Effects The subsequent legacy and myth of Lavender Town syndrome has created a powerful element of suggestion: namely, the fear of depression. Not only does it raise the question of weather such simple music can have a profound effect on suggestible children, there has been an obvious shroud of fear now cast upon Lavender Town, with gamers reluctant to listen to the looping tones for too long - sometimes switching the volume off altogether. After bearing with Lavender Town's music for a while, one begins to question whether it is having the rumoured depressive effects, which creates a perpetual cycle of fear and worry, enough to deter those of a more suggestible nature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sOadAaGiq4