Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare

"RE clone? No Way. Maybe a RE killer...."

Gameplay: 9/10
I noticed alot of people seem to be complaining about the save system. I think it works fine. This is not to say that it doesn't have its quirks. It is much better then the Resident Evil save system. You don't need to find a typewriter to save. You have ''Charms of Saving'', which you can use any time. Any one who runs out of these, are definetly saving too often. I am 1/2 through the game and I have an extra 5 charms. The problem lies in the when you load your game. Everything you accomplished in the room you saved in has been lost. It saves as if you just entered that room. It takes awhile to get used to... thats all.

I personally don't like the fact that you use the digital pad to control your character and use the analog stick to look around. I'd much prefer to hold a button to ''look'' and use the analog for looking and walking. There also seems to be times when I want to look behind myself, but you have to actually turn around and look. You can't just swing the look around.

The movement is the same as in Resident Evil. Up is forward, no matter which way you are facing. I prefer his type of movement for a variety of reasons. The main reason is because of the camera angles. I don't want to have to stop and think about which direction I have to push when the camera pans around to a different location. If i'm running forward and the camera changes, I just keep hitting up.

The game is scary. If you have a rumble pack, your controller shakes at every lightning strike amongst other situations. The game was very fun to play.

Story: 9/10
The game doesn't start you out with too much besides a quick overview of whats going on. The story really starts as you play the game. I found myself reading every book, article, diary, etc.. that I picked up in the game. The story is pretty deep, sick and twisted.

Graphics: 10/10
The graphics are simply awesome. The backgrounds are all pre-rendered, but look 10 times better then any Resident Evil game. The lighting effects are the key to the game. They are great. You really get into the game when you are walking around looking for things with your flashlight. The light reflects off mirrors, cause shadows on walls and can really creep you out. I've seen MUCH worse on the PS2. My only complaint is actually the FMV. The FMV (full motion video) actually looks worse then the game play itself. That doesn't happen too often.

Sound: 8/10
If I was rating just the sound effects that are generated in the game, I would give this a 10. All the gun shots, monsters and other sound effects that are used in the game sound great. It's what the game is lacking that keeps this score down. A rapid heart beat or scarier sound effects would of added to the game. There really isn't any background music, but that does add to the effect of the chilling effect. I just want to stress that the sounds that are there, are great. The game could of used a bit more.

Replayability: 6/10
Like most horror games, there isn't much of a replay value. That just comes with this type of game. This is no fault of Alone in the Dark. Actually, they tried to make it more interesting by adding to different plot lines with 2 different characters. After you beat the game with the first, you can always go back with the second to try to beat it in a different fashion. I don't know if I will or not. Not right away atleast.

Buy Or Rent?: Buy
Unless you can beat this game in 1 or 2 nights, then I would suggest buying it. Come on... it only cost $19.99 retail new. How can you beat that. This game will keep you interested for weeks to come. Buy it now. Its awesome.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/13/01, Updated 11/13/01