"Survival horror started in the dark!"

OK, so the term 'Survival Horror' may have been introduced with Resident Evil, but the style was introduced back in 1992 when Infogrames (sp?) put out the classic game 'Alone In The Dark' for the PC and (gasp!) Commodore Amiga. Also, even though it had more of a demonic storyline rather than Sci-Fi, it still was a big hit among gamers, causing them to...err..let's just say that anyone with that game should have bought an extra set of underwear! (OK, it's a lousy joke, but what can I say?)


Graphics: 8/10
The backgrounds are all pre-rendered, which was actually a plus back then. It allowed the developers to have polygonal rendered objects, thus making the game seem very well drawn. Even though some of the animations are a little stiff, and the monsters look a little goofy, the majority of the game is so well drawn that it'll have even the best gamer on the edge of their seats!


Sounds: 7/10
There are a few vocal effects here and there, and the monsters will let fly with various yells. However, the monstrous roaring seems a little out of place with a zombie! The music is well performed, and it changes with every situation. One minute it could be a slow, somber tune, and then a fast, on-the-edge-of-your-seat tune as a monster charges through a window! If you have the CD-ROM version, you can hear your character narrate their prologue. Nothing big though.


Controls: 6/10
I wish I could use a joypad with this! Movement is cake, and actions are mostly simple, but running is another thing. You have to double tap forward to run, and because it's so sensitive, you can end up running when you don't want to, and stuttering forward while trying to run from a monster! To attack, you must hold the action button, and then press a direction. You can swing a sword, shoot a gun, or throw a punch or kick with these. Very interesting.


Storyline: 8/10
You can play as Edward Carnby, a detective sent to the mysterious mansion known as Derceto to retrieve a unique piano for an antique dealer. Or, play as Emily Hartwood as she investigates the suicide of her uncle, the owner of Derceto, Jeremy Hartwood.

Although you can play as two seperate characters, the storylines are pretty much the same.


Replayability: 7/10
Since the storylines are the same, one playthrough might be all that most gamers need. However, the difficulty is rather high, and the unique storyline makes it worth playing through again and again.


Overall: 7/10
If you can find this game, pick it up, especially if you like survival horror games! Now you can see what survival horror was like before Resident Evil! Just make sure you shut the door behind you, or that zombie might- hey wait a sec! AAAH!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/24/00, Updated 07/16/01