Obscure

"Vague, indistinct, ambiguous and obscure..."

Talk about horror or survival games... we get the whole idea. The use of darkness, the flashlight, the pistol, the shotguns, and whatnot, the weird surroundings. But perhaps there is one thing that games like Silent Hill or other horror games didn't have; the multiplayer ability. I personally think that the Silent Hill series is at its best to NOT have this feature. Why? It eliminates part of the scare. Obscure however, uses this technique in a slightly different situation and condition. Read on; you might just figure out why.

Let's talk about the Gameplay first. I'll soon move on to the Graphics, the Sound Effects, and lastly, my Overall opinion and rating on the game.

Gameplay - 8/10

Alright, take your time because I have a lot to spill here for you, without spoiling the game in advance. First of all, this is not Silent Hill, nor it is your typical Resident Evil game. No. Perhaps the game bends a little more towards Resident Evil, but just because I said it doesn't mean it is a complete rip-off. This game has a little difference in it. I cannot tell you exactly why; it has great potentials to stretch, if there's even a sequel in the first place. But nevertheless, I will try to put them into words as much as I could.

The game takes place in a huge school, perhaps a size of a castle if you take a look at the trailer, corresponding to a great fast-paced story of 5 friends. You control these unlucky students through the school area (yes the game takes place in the school the whole time) and that you must then find a way out. At the same time, one of these unfortunate students has disappeared and their friends, one of them is the victim's sister, searches for her brother. The storyline perhaps doesn't really glow to "the best storyline for a horror game ever" extend, but it has its shine. It's not mind-scrabbling as Silent Hill, nor is it mind-blowing as Resident Evil. It stays cool, and stays that way. I will tell you why.

Now, you may be wondering on the multiplayer feature. This is true. Instead of having to play different characters for different scenarios (unless the game starts that way), another player may join in to play with the first player, granted that the player joining in has a second controller at hand. With this as a start, players get together as a pair and goes through the game fighting creatures and through dark passages to reach their particular objective, which varies from time to time (though the main objective is to get out of the school compound). This has got to be a brilliant idea as an addition, and I'm greatly satisfied of the result. The experience matters, bear in mind. Note that if this is not enabled, the partner is then controlled by the A.I. aka the game.

Now, lets talk a little bit about the monsters. The monsters are less realistic, or perhaps a little vague and less aggressive (though they get pretty nasty at times). Since the camera angle of the game isn't really close-up, its a negative point for this one. Though when you are facing the enemy one on one, you've got no serious time to chat or even say "buckle up" to get ready for the fight. You just shoot, and shooting without aiming will get to you. I honestly didn't really mind the monsters; they have a bunch of different models as you go through with the game further.

Alright, the game progresses with teamwork. Without a partner, you may not be able to reach certain objects or get additional help from them. Teamwork is essential for the survival of the characters; thus protecting, interacting, helping and understanding the teammates will help you progress smoother. There is a system, using the directional buttons, to give commands to your partner (the A.I.) to do certain things at a certain time. You may switch characters at any time, exchange weapons or items at any moment, and gain advise or help during the game. This system will help you generate commands for your partner.

E.g. Stay, Follow Me or Help Me.

Now, you may think thats it for the gameplay. Wrong. To add to the fun, the developers had something else in mind. They've implemented the "special abilities" for each character, each with his or her's own unique ability to be helpful to the team. You can view this during the game. They have certain special abilities (not special powers, don't mix them together). With this produced, you may want to think twice before pairing two friends together. Its up to you to figure out which pair will be best at the particular moment, etc.

The controls are simple, easy and you seriously don't need a 5-page booklet to help you familiarize yourself. No, its simple, and as soon as I got my hands on the game, I could advance so fast that I could smell the game was finishing. Thus, the controls are manageable, simple and easy to use. As you go through you may have difficulties with advance interaction options, such as exchanging items and/or weapons, combining items together, commanding your partner, and so on. These are the tough ones you will have to learn yourself, unless you already by chance played a similar game, which I doubt you have (though there ARE some similar games out there).

That concludes the gameplay section.

Graphics - 7/10

I'm not sure what to say about the graphics. The lighting is fine, the monsters are fine, the weapons are fine, the character models are also fine. What is dissatisfying here? I guess the game itself has good graphics. Not top=notch, but a good one that rised to its potentials. The cut-scenes are so much better though, with good effects, lighting and textures. During gameplay, the buildings look okay, the characters are fine, and the surrounding (which matters a lot) are also good. Well done. I was only disappointed by the camera. I didn't like it, but if it were close-up, I guess we couldn't see the sides. But, who cares! I mean, seriously though, I just couldn't see what could be in front of me. Its not like players could switch angles, either. This is just something that spoils the atmosphere. If the angle for the camera was just like see-what-players-see kinda angle, the game wouldn't look goofy, or a downfall for such great game.

However, this is completely from me myself, and from my point of view. You could be against me, so the whole thing is to see it for yourself. Moreover, the experience matters so much.

That concludes the graphics section.

Sound Effects - 9/10

I just plain love it! Its just... nice. The rock song that plays during the credit... nah but the sound effects rock! Great, and it could also be improved in my opinion. Its quite scary yes, but my first impression on it wasn't too good, so I though the game has little to none scare factor. I though the opposite soon, as I progress and find myself completely intrigued and attracted by the game. I delved into the game; seeing as I was glued to my seat, I couldn't take my hands off the controller. I increased the volume and got more and more excited. Soon I was playing the game the whole time. You'll feel the experience. If not, at least a little. If none at all, get your ears checked.

That concludes the Sound Effects section.

Overall - 8/10

This is a great addition. Obscure is not a terrifying or mind-blowing game as I mentioned earlier, but simply a different experience. As you read this, you might already be interested, am I right? Well grab a copy, or at least rent. Try it out; you won't regret. I borrowed a friend of mine's and got a copy for myself later as I had to. I know I had to. And its no accident that you're reading this review to be convinced. Don't have to be. Just get a copy. You'll be satisfied. At least a part of you will. "Obscure is totally a different experience".

And that people, was originally my title.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/03/06