Alone in the Dark, the eagerly anticipated reboot of the franchise that started way back in 1992, sets the stage for a haunting journey into madness within the confines of Derceto Manor. Developed by Pieces Interactive and published by THQ Nordic, it weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological horror and Southern Gothic charm that pays homage to the origins of the series while taking steps forward in modern survival horror storytelling. Having first seen a developer-led presentation back in 2022 and then playing the demo, we were eager to see how this one had turned out.
From the very start of your adventure, Alone in the Dark manages to captivate with its attention to detail and nods to its predecessor’s history. The narrative unfolds as Emily Hartwood and private investigator Edward Carnby delve into the mystery of Emily’s missing uncle within the labyrinthine halls of Derceto – a name that will be familiar to long-time fans. The game’s compelling cosmic-horror story is enriched by excellent performances from Jodie Comer and David Harbour, whose portrayals (and likenesses) breathe life into their respective characters, Emily and Edward. However, while their chemistry is palpable, the decision to limit players to controlling one character per playthrough somewhat diminishes the potential synergy between them. While we like the replay value that comes from this decision, we also feel that there could have been a more dramatic narrative with an alternating perspective.
However, the real star of the game is Derceto Manor itself, which is a character in its own right, with its elaborate structure and unsettling atmosphere. And for those who remember playing the original through a handful of floppy disks, it’s great seeing it coming alive in vivid detail this time around. As players navigate through its shifting timelines and encounter its eccentric inhabitants, the sense of cosmic dread intensifies, underscored by a haunting jazz soundtrack that sets the tone for each encounter and adds to the southern charm that surrounds the narrative.
Gameplay in Alone in the Dark strikes a delicate balance between combat, exposition, and puzzle-solving. Limited resources heighten the tension during combat encounters, where players must strategically conserve ammunition and employ creative tactics to overcome the game’s disfigured monstrosities. However, some later sections overly rely on combat, detracting from the suffocating sense of dread that permeates the earlier experience in favor or more action-oriented sequences.
Despite its atmospheric setting and engaging narrative, Alone in the Dark is not without its flaws. Technical issues, ranging from minor bugs to more significant glitches, occasionally disrupt the immersion. Additionally, the game’s combat mechanics feel somewhat clunky, detracting from an otherwise immersive experience – and this is especially felt because combat is a bigger part of the latter half of the game.
Visually, Alone in the Dark impresses with its attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of Derceto Manor and its surrounding environments. However, occasional visual inconsistencies, particularly in character models, detract from the overall immersion, and despite a few delays this one still needs a bit of polish.
In conclusion, Alone in the Dark succeeds as a faithful reimagining of the original classic, delivering a compelling narrative, atmospheric setting, and engaging gameplay experience. While it may stumble occasionally due to technical issues and combat mechanics, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to the survival horror genre that offers a haunting tale of mystery and madness that will captivate fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Score: 7.4/10
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