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When looking at the video games industry, it’s easy to say that Atari have lasted so long because of their established franchises. They have built a history for both their company and their games. The beloved Alone in the Dark is one such series. It is a game that started life on the PC and was quickly known for helping start the Survival Horror genre. The series has seen a decent amount of sequels, but in its latest return a whole fresh start is on the cards.
When announcing the new entry in the Alone in the Dark series, Atari made sure that it was an experience that both new and veteran gamers could enjoy. It’s attempted to bring the modern comforts to an established medium. The game’s ‘real-world’ gameplay is the first feature to undergo the ‘next-gen’ makeover. Items are no longer static and the player can combine objects found in the game. It makes for an interesting experience when you’re trying to find the right link from a variety of combinations in order to progress. To combine items, you’ll need to navigate a real time menu, combining them if necessary. If there are enemies nearby, then this often means certain death therefore making you think about strategy. Players should always be ready before heading into battle. The inventory jacket does have its limits. Heavier objects to knock down doors cannot be stuffed in your clothes. Another key concept is the use of fire. It can be used to help, but also as a device to hinder the player. The developers supposedly spent 3 years on the fire system; an indication of how big a part if plays. Like most games, fire can be used as a torch, but in Alone in the Dark it can also be spread by flammable materials. There are many moments in the game (relating to the story, so we can’t share) where it becomes a core mechanic.  The game attempts to shift between the cinematic and the practical when dishing out combat. Depending on the weapons, it’ll move between first and third person views. Guns get the first person treatment, allowing for simple aiming. They come equipped with a red-dot which makes it easier to lock onto vulnerable spots. The third person is used for movement and melee. Back / forward / left / right on the analogue stick triggers the direction in which the object will be swung. The camera usually does the job, but at times it can frustrate players. The problem lies in the fixed perspective for cinematic purposes, which can result in death. Thankfully, the game isn’t all about violence. There are vehicle sections where driving to locations is a must. While a bit cumbersome to control at first, driving becomes second nature; an essential method of getting around town. So that you don’t get lost, there is a phone with a handy GPS map. There are some nice touches such as hotwiring if there is no ignition key. The hotwiring requires both analogue sticks to be moved inwards, a simple, yet responsive feat. If you’re not smashing creatures with chairs, or racing about town, then there are traditional puzzles to be solved. The puzzle solving requires typical logical thinking, so it’s not too strenuous on the brain. Collecting tasks are optional, as with most open ended games. They manage to make the game last just a tad longer but it’s by no means a monumental task. The music was composed by the famous French musician Olivier Deriviere and performed by the award-winning ‘The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. The haunting voices really add to the atmosphere, chiming in at just the right t moments. Dialogue can be hard to hear at times, but it may be a side effect of not owning a surround sound system. Eden have really attempted to push the boundaries. If a player gets stuck on a puzzle, then it’s possible to skip to a later point in the game. Gaming perfectionists needn’t worry as to see the ending you’ll have to have met certain criteria. The game is presented through different episodes like TV shows, a loose attempt at making sure players don’t lose track. Finally, the menus are easy to navigate. As with most next generation games the graphics are fairly polished; taking full advantage of the hardware. There are moments where Alone in the Dark surprises the player, with fire effects coming to mind. Central Park is mapped right down to the tiniest detail. It makes for some breathtaking views of the ruined city. There is the occasional glitch or texture problem, but it doesn’t impair upon the game. The game does it best at bringing its core ideas together, but be aware that its length isn’t the longest. Eden made some brave promises of implementing real-life physics. They’ve succeeded for the most part. It’s a fantastic attempt at recreating the series which is successful in updating its gameplay for a whole new audience to play. Score: 8/10
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