Night Trap: How The Controversial '90s Game Created The ESRB

Although Night Trap will always be remembered as the first horror interactive movie video game, perhaps its star Dana Plato (far right) is its second claim to fame? The Diff’rent Strokes actor fell on hard times after the sitcom she is best known for ended, taking any parts she could.

The 1992 interactive movie video game Night Trap was so disturbing that it warranted the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Developed by Digital Pictures and originally released by Sega, the game player is tasked with playing as a special detective as he watches over teenage girls. Throughout the game, an unknown danger is present. The job of the player is to switch between cameras and release traps if a threat is suspected.

The story line follows the concern over the disappearance of five teenage girls who were last seen at the Martin family’s winery estate. The girls were reportedly invited to stay the night by one of the family members. They were not heard from after their stay, but the Martins insist that the girls safely left the property. Therefore, they refused to allow police to search the property. The Special Control Attack Team investigated and discovered a series of tapes… read more >