Alone in the Dark resurrects the iconic survival horror franchise with a modern twist, delivering a chilling, immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Developed by a dedicated team at Pieces Interactive, this latest instalment brings new life to the series while paying homage to its roots. Embark on a journey filled with suspense, mystery, and heart-pounding thrills as you navigate the haunted streets of New Orleans.
Playing the original game released way back in 1993, you can definitely see the huge advancement in newer horror games since then. With a fresh, over-the-shoulder camera angle (thanks, Resident Evil 4), it really feels in line with contemporary games of this genre. It was a little jarring if you compare it to the original experience, but there’s no doubt that it culminates in something that feels essential to this remake, in terms of creating a new horror experience that feels familiar, yet capable on its own.
Horror in the Streets
This new version of the game excels in creating tension through its gameplay mechanics. While time may have changed what is horror and what is scary, the deeper core of this story is still terrifying, and well worth progressing through. From the moment you step into the shoes of your chosen protagonist by selecting either Emily, portrayed by actress Jodie Comer, or Edward, portrayed by actor David Harbour, every corner hides a potential threat, and every decision could mean life or death.
The game seamlessly blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, offering a variety of challenges to overcome. Combat is ultimately familiar to anyone who has played a third-person shooter, but the controls are still intuitive, allowing for smooth navigation of the environment even in the most intense situations. However, occasional camera issues and minor glitches may momentarily break immersion. The meticulously detailed streets of New Orleans are dimly lit, offering an intensely creepy atmosphere that helps the game deliver some truly horrifying experiences.
The core of this story is still the same. A few minor changes make the Derecto Manor home an asylum with multiple events, causing disturbing events throughout the manor. It starts initially as a haunted asylum-style story and then moves into a more reality-bending head twist that takes this game to the next level.
A New Thrill
Visually, Alone in the Dark is a treat for the senses. The environments are richly detailed, with atmospheric lighting and dynamic weather effects adding to the immersion. Character models are well-designed, and animations are smooth and realistic. The sound design deserves special mention, with eerie ambient noises and spine-tingling music heightening the tension at every turn. However, occasional texture pop-ins and minor graphical glitches may detract from the experience.
The updated character models are supported by mocap performances from David Harbour and Jodie Comer, along with some impressive voice performances to cap it all off. That being said, once you have chosen your character, you do have to play the entire game and cannot change during, which is a bit of a bummer. Much like something out of Resident Evil 2’s remake, this brings about some different stories depending on who you choose, including unique puzzles and specific hauntings for each character, giving players some motivation to replay the game at a later stage.
For fans of the talented David Harbour, the option to experience the game through his character’s perspective is a welcome addition. Harbour’s portrayal adds depth and nuance to the story, bringing Detective Carnby to life in a way only he can.
While I had mentioned the solid voice acting across the board, his lines do feel a little one-note as the game carries on, however, it is worth to noting that this feels like the fault of the character, the general writing and how he operates in the world, as opposed to Harbour’s performance alone.
Final Thoughts
Alone in the Dark is a triumphant return to form for the beloved survival horror franchise. Its gripping storyline, immersive atmosphere, and polished gameplay all combine to deliver a truly memorable experience from start to finish.
While minor technical issues may arise, they are quickly overshadowed by the game’s many strengths. Whether you’re a fan of the series or simply looking for a thrilling adventure, Alone in the Dark is a worthy fresh take that will make you fall in love with the classic series all over again.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Slick visuals; Solid character models and voice performances help things feel more authentic
Lowlights: Slight performance issues; Tacky writing at times
Developer: Pieces Interactive
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PlayStation 5 with a code provided by the publisher.
