Customer Reviews

Alone in the Dark

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

HP Lovecraft's work is an inspiration for this 3D action adventure game, perhaps the first game which could be termed 'survival horror' and thus an inspiration for hits such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Jeremy Hartwood has committed suicide in his Louisiana mansion. You take the role of either Edward Carnby, a private investigator, or Emily Hartwood, Jeremy's niece, and investigate the suspicious death. The three-floor mansion is reputed to be haunted by its eccentric past owner. Very quickly, you realise that it is. Warped rats, zombies and giant worms are among the foes who are after you, and you must somehow escape.

The graphics combine 3D people with pre-rendered backgrounds in a manner that was new at the time. Limited weaponry means that you can't go in all guns blazing, you have to plan your attacks. Books in the rooms are not mere props, they can be read to gain further information and clues to solving the game's puzzles. Most of the game is non-linear and encourages exploration.

Many people think Alone in the Dark was a big influence on Silent Hill. I personally don't think so. Why? Because a game like Silent Hill takes horror to a completely new level. I'd say this game was maybe more of an influence on Resident Evil- games that offer a small amount of fear, but not enough chills and goosebumps to make you afraid to turn out the lights at night.

However, a creepy atmosphere is not the only thing Alone in the Dark has going for it. You also get to experience one of the very first 3D horror video games ever released. Sure, that alone doesn't make a game good, but in this case, survival horror is really awesome in my world, so I will give the game 5 stars.

When this game first came out it was unrivaled. "Real" 3D polygon graphics, 3D objects you could move and interact with, and all in a game where pure combat wasn't as important as running away and finding a solution to the problem and forwarding the storyline. And it has a real sense of atmosphere. A real classic; along the lines of X-Com, Mechwarrior, and the Castle Wolfensteins.
Of course, by today's standards, it is really dated. I've played it again just for laughs, and it still has some scary parts, but the limitations of its day (CPU speeds, memory, graphics/sounds cards, etc) are apparent in its makeup. It is dwarfed by today's games, but this is the one that put Survival Horror on the gaming map.
If you're interested in old games you should really check this one out.

Having played this title for over 300 times, I assume you that is a masterpiece.
Most horror games inherited AITDs features, first 3D camera movement, GREAT horror music and stuff composed one of the best horror games ever produced.

Don't allow a chance to miss it.

This video game reeks of an attempt of creating an atmosphere of "chills, thrills and intrigue."

first, I despise games that have ordinary bullets that can rip monsters to shreds. Second, the graphics were crummy and the game play was awkward at best. I hated the camera angles and could never get used to it. The story made little sense, but I guess one doesn't play games for the story. The music, which SHOULD be good for "horror and suspense" games stunk.

how this became a cult hit AND a crummy movie (starring a crummy actor), is beyond me. Not worth the $40 I paid for back when it came out, if I had kept it, I would've ebayed it or burned it.