Alone in the Dark is a survival game reimagining the 1992 cult classic of the same name developed by Pieces Interactive and published by THQ Nordic. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth getting for yourself!
Alone in the Dark Review Overview
What is Alone in the Dark?
Alone in the Dark features a psychological horror story with a Southern Gothic theme. In this game, you get to play as either Emily Hartwood, whose uncle Jeremy just went missing, or Edward Carnby, the investigator assigned to Emily. It’s set in the 1920s in Derceto Manor, found in the southern part of the USA, which is a home for the mentally ill filled with "strange residents, nightmarish realms, and dangerous monsters." You’ll be faced with a mystery that "will challenge your core beliefs" and make you question who you trust, what you believe, and what you’ll do next.
Alone in the Dark features:
⚫︎ Dual Protagonist with 2 Different Stories
⚫︎ Survival Horror Game with Limited Supplies and Horrifying Creatures
⚫︎ A-list Actors David Harbour and Jodie Comer Play the Lead Roles
⚫︎ Over-the-shoulder third-person perspective and combat
⚫︎ Environmental Puzzles
⚫︎ Reimagining of the 1992 Classic Horror Game Story
⚫︎ Updated Graphics and Visuals
For more gameplay details, read
Alone in the Dark Pros & Cons
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$59.99 |
Alone in the Dark Overall Score - 82/100
Alone in the Dark emerges as a tightly woven mystery, paying homage to its roots while feeling like a tale taken straight out of a wonderfully written Lovecraftian horror book. Skillfully interweaving a deepening plot with the fear of the unknown, it wonderfully navigates the intricacies of suspense and intrigue. Though its combat feels underwhelming, the game compensates with a gripping narrative, elaborate puzzles, and spine-chilling horror elements.
Alone in the Dark Story - 8/10
The game's narrative is intricately woven, immersing players in an experience reminiscent of an H.P. Lovecraft novel. Its captivating mystery and gripping horror elements blend seamlessly to craft a compelling storyline. While the character development may not be as extensive as I thought, the performances, particularly by the two leads David Harbour and Jodie Comer, were commendable.
Alone in the Dark Gameplay - 7/10
The gameplay draws parallels to the Resident Evil remakes, offering enjoyable investigation and clue-finding mechanics. However, it falters with its somewhat clunky and slow shooting mechanics and occasional tedious backtracking that can sometimes feel monotonous.
Alone in the Dark Visuals - 8/10
Though not as visually striking as the RE remakes, Alone in the Dark compensates with its remarkable sets reminiscent of a 1930s film. It offers a visually captivating horror experience with its intricate monster designs and the blend of beauty and terror in its nightmarish realm.
Alone in the Dark Audio - 8/10
Alone in the Dark achieves a truly immersive experience through its meticulous sound design, effectively capturing even the smallest details like floor creaks and gusts of wind. The developers' attention to detail is evident, creating a chilling atmosphere that adds depth to the game. The music further enhances the experience, ranging from swing jazz to eerie tunes utilizing the Locrian scales, Bach's Toccata, and Fugue in D Minor, to its favor, amplifying the overall creep factor.
Alone in the Dark Value for Money - 8/10
For aficionados of the 1992 classic, this remake is a delightful treat, faithfully capturing the essence of the original. For enthusiasts of survival horror and eerie mysteries, it's a must-try, offering an immersive and spine-chilling atmosphere coupled with a captivating mystery to unravel.
Alone in the Dark Review: A Lovecraftian Letter to Survivor Horror
While I haven't delved into the world of Alone in the Dark before, fans of H.P. Lovecraft's spine-chilling tales, such as The Horror at Red Hook
or the Cthulhu mythos, will find themselves right at home in this game. It feels like a narrative plucked straight from the pages of those eerie novels, capturing the essence of Lovecraftian horror with remarkable precision.
A Gripping Horror Mystery Tale
First and foremost, the story of Alone in the Dark grips you from start to finish. Its impeccable setup keeps you shrouded in mystery throughout the game, never quite knowing what lurks around the next corner. What sets it apart from traditional Lovecraftian tales is its interactive nature, reminiscent of a choose-your-own-adventure horror book.
In the gripping narrative of Alone in the Dark, players step into the shoes of either Emily Hartwood or the resourceful private investigator, Edward Carnby. This duo offers exceptional replay value, as although many story elements remain constant, both playthrough presents a plethora of unique objectives, character interactions, and plot twists.
While the protagonists aren’t as developed as I would have liked, this seemingly deliberate choice adds to the overarching sense of mystery that permeates the game. Instead, these characters are elevated by the haunting atmosphere of Derceto Manor, serving as conduits for the chilling narrative to unfold.
Horror Done Well
Derceto Manor stands as the linchpin of the narrative, serving as a vast labyrinth of enigmas populated by eccentric characters, investigative clues, and, most notably, the nightmarish realm that embodies true terror. The game's horror elements are truly exceptional, immersing players in a chilling world replete with mysterious creatures and ensnared individuals. Navigating through this unexplainable and macabre landscape can evoke a palpable sense of fear and tension, making for a truly gripping experience from beginning to end.
Puzzles Are Great, Combat Not So Much
The initial objective appears straightforward: locate Emily's missing uncle, Jeremy. However, the task grows increasingly intricate and perplexing as you delve deeper into the Manor. Engaging in clue-finding and puzzle-solving becomes an exhilarating endeavor, with each solved puzzle bringing you closer to your goal. Yet, amidst the progress, new enigmatic mysteries emerge, further captivating your attention and keeping you engrossed in the unfolding narrative.
In typical survivor horror fashion, be ready for plenty of backtracking through various rooms and areas. While this may occasionally feel repetitive, it's mitigated by the introduction of new puzzles and lore drops along the way. However, the combat mechanics leave something to be desired.
They're rather basic and can come across as clunky, with a slow and somewhat unpolished feel. The limited arsenal of weapons and the peculiar behavior of enemies further detract from the overall experience, making them feel less threatening than they should.
Despite its shortcomings in combat, the game remains an enjoyable survival horror experience. One of its strengths lies in its accessibility options, catering to both beginners and veterans of the genre. It serves as a commendable reimagining of the classic 1992 game, which pioneered 3D survival horror gaming.
Pros of Alone in the Dark
| Things Alone in the Dark Got Right |
|---|
 Interesting and Compelling Mystery A Love Letter to Lovecraftian Horror Impressive Acting Performances Well-Crafted Puzzles |
Interesting and Compelling Mystery
As a newcomer to the Alone in the Dark series, I found myself deeply engaged in its enthralling storyline, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn as I navigated through the darkness. The game's writing clearly draws inspiration from Lovecraft, with characters serving as conduits for its underlying themes.
Beyond the main narrative, the game world feels richly detailed and immersive, hinting at untold stories waiting to be discovered. Backtracking through the environments became a journey of exploration, as I pieced together the histories of the characters and locations.
By the end, I found myself thoroughly satisfied with the story, understanding why Alone in the Dark is revered as a cult classic and genre pioneer. Its tightly woven narrative stands apart from the need for sequels or larger story arcs, delivering its tale with cinematic flair reminiscent of 1930s horror noir films.
A Love Letter to Lovecraftian Horror
To me, the essence of horror is about the fear of the unknown and the allure of mystery, both of which Alone in the Dark adeptly intertwines to keep players captivated. I found the gradual unraveling of the mystery to be particularly engaging, with the game delivering spine-chilling revelations and surprises without relying on cheap jump scares (for the most part).
Alone in the Dark's brand of horror is truly otherworldly, evoking a Lovecraftian sense of dread and unease. While it may not be the most terrifying game I've experienced, it serves as a homage to Lovecraftian horror with its demonic creatures and eerie scenarios.
The game seamlessly blends the eldritch and the mundane, transporting players between nightmarish realms and the real world, blurring the lines between the two. This juxtaposition creates an atmosphere filled with cursed charms and haunting mysteries, reminiscent of a gripping detective tale infused with eldritch horror.
Impressive Acting Performances
Renowned actors Jodie Comer and David Harbour bring their A-game to Alone in the Dark, delivering standout performances that elevate the game's protagonists. While the characters may not delve into deep complexities, Comer and Harbour infuse them with humanity and relatability through their nuanced acting. Their performances are subtle yet impactful, effectively conveying emotions and delivering lines with conviction. It's evident that both actors fully committed to their roles, and their stellar performances left me hoping for their return should a sequel be in the works.
Well-Crafted Puzzles
The gameplay of Alone in the Dark revolves heavily around solving puzzles, which serve as vital elements in advancing the storyline. From uncovering hidden clues in rooms to repairing switches and piecing together artifacts, puzzles come in various forms and are integral to progression. The game offers a commendable variety of puzzles, ranging from straightforward to genuinely challenging, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion. Players have the option to adjust the difficulty level, allowing for hints and objectives to aid them in their puzzle-solving endeavors. Notably, the inclusion of time-sensitive puzzles adds an extra layer of intensity, requiring quick thinking and decisive actions. Overall, the puzzle mechanics shine as the standout aspect of the gameplay, immersing players in the role of a detective and providing a rewarding and engaging experience.
Cons of Alone in the Dark
| Things That Alone in the Dark Can Improve |
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Clunky and Slow Combat Riddled with Bugs |
Clunky and Slow Combat
Regrettably, the combat mechanics in Alone in the Dark leave much to be desired, feeling like a last-minute addition that really doesn’t have depth. Close-quarters combat is particularly cumbersome and unsatisfying, with melee attacks lacking impact and responsiveness. Additionally, encounters with enemies often feel disjointed and awkwardly executed, detracting from the immersion. While the inclusion of limited ammunition and weapons adds to the survival horror atmosphere, it ultimately feels underutilized, as resource management rarely becomes a significant concern. Despite the unsettling nature of the game's enemies, the subpar combat mechanics diminish their impact, resulting in a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on the survival horror elements.
Riddled with Bugs
I encountered quite a few game-breaking bugs during my playthrough of Alone in the Dark, which significantly impacted my playthrough. One particularly frustrating issue involved becoming stuck in a specific area, rendering me unable to progress further and having to restart the game. However, the most problematic bugs occurred during puzzle sequences, where I encountered numerous instances of the game failing to register my inputs or allow me to interact with objects as intended. For example, I encountered difficulty placing a missing item into its designated location within a puzzle, despite multiple attempts. Ultimately, I was forced to exit and re-enter the puzzle several times before the issue was resolved. While these bugs did detract from the overall immersion of the game, I'm hopeful that future patches will address these issues soon.
Is Alone in the Dark Worth It?
A Compelling Game for All Horror and Mystery Fans!
Despite encountering some drawbacks during my time with the game, Alone in the Dark remains an enjoyable horror ride, particularly for horror enthusiasts like myself. Remaining true to its roots, the game boasts a well-crafted narrative, immersive atmosphere, and engaging puzzles. Priced at $60, it offers considerable value, with its dual protagonists adding replayability to the game. Moreover, it serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre or franchise, featuring customization options to assist with puzzles and clues, and requiring no prior knowledge of the lore. Overall, it stands as a well-executed reimagining that is likely to resonate with fans of the Alone in the Dark series.
| Alone in the Dark |
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| PSN |
Steam |
Xbox |
$59.99 |
Alone in the Dark FAQ
Is David Harbour A Fan of the Series?
The Stranger Things actor, also a protagonist in the game, expressed his love for the series during an interview with Josh Horowitz. He acknowledged the series' history of subpar games and welcomed the opportunity to reboot Alone in the Dark, considering it a cool and enjoyable experience.
Should You Play The Prologue to Understand the Game?
Nope, the game is a standalone game and doesn’t require you to play the prologue called Alone in the Dark Prologue. However, for those interested, the prologue is available for free on supported platforms.
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Alone in the Dark Product Information
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| Title | ALONE IN THE DARK |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 20, 2024 |
| Developer | Pieces Interactive |
| Publisher | THQ Nordic |
| Supported Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | Survival Horror, Action |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | PEGI 18 |
| Official Website | Alone in the Dark Website |
