By Dean Moses
Game: Alone in the Dark
Platform: PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
Throughout the history of video games, horror titles have had a significant role in the medium, from genre giants such as the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series to lesser-known names like Prey and Clock Tower. However, while protagonists Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield are credited with kick-starting survival horror, Edward Carnby actually did it four years earlier with Alone in the Dark.
GamePlay
This survival horror game follows Emily Hartwood as she hires Edward Carnby to investigate the disappearance of her uncle at a home, that feels very much like an insane asylum, known as the Derceto Manor. As players unravel the mystery with its Southern Gothic flare, they will realize there is more than meets the eye as the shift between worlds similar to Silent Hill.
The return of the legendary franchise has been a longtime coming for many patient fans, replacing the old, pixelated polygons with shiny, sleek character models. Not only that, actors David Harbour and Jodie Comer take the roles of Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood, respectively. The pair give the game a sense of extra polish, which goes further still thanks to the fact players are afforded the ability to pick which character they wish to play as.
Things are not without issue, however. While playing the game before release the Spring Creek Sun ran into several game-ruining bugs. During multiple instances our character would seem to get stuck to an object on the ground and no matter our best effort, they could not be freed. This resulted in us having to shut down the came to reload our last save. Please note that this could be fixed in an update.
The gameplay itself consists primarily of two sections, one being the exploration and puzzle solving around the mansion of Derceto with the next being more combat focused missions pitting players against all manner of monsters. This juxtaposition works well and although fights can feel somewhat clunky, the arsenal of weaponry provided throughout the story keeps things interesting and fun.
Conclusion
Alone in the Dark will convert non-horror fans to the genre nor will it have fans of the macabre dubbing it a masterpiece. However, it provides those looking for a creepy time a steady, satisfying experience.
