Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare

"Playing in the dark has never been this great!"

Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare is a game that is not going to get the attention it deserves. The series that started the beloved survival-horror genre has been thrown in the shadows of it followers, Resident Evil and Silent Hill, to name a couple. This series started it, and while other games brought the genre into the lime-light Alone in the Dark deserves a place right up there with the best of 'em.
Gameplay This game gives you that fun feeling! The kind of fun feeling you get when you're scared to death! The game surrounds the player in a spooky environment, leaving you worrying about what's lurking around the next corner, waiting to feed on your flesh, will there be enough ammo/ first-aid kits to survive, and will I have enough pairs of underwear left to make it through this game. Every aspect of the game adds to the experience, the music increases your worry and fear, the dark atmosphere with dark shadows for unholy things to lurk in and unsettling pools of blood inspires your mind to imagine what probably is going to happen to you very soon. It stays true to the survival- horror genre, giving you enough ammo and first-aid to get you through the game but to always rack your nerves wondering how long it's gonna last. If you've played Resident Evil you'll know exactly how this game controls. Awkward at first but once you get use to it you won't give it a second thought. The game's harder than normal, requiring the player to think by conserving ammo and first-aid and by solving lots of puzzles.
Story On a dark and stormy night, a small plane transports two people to a dark and uninviting island. The two, unknown to each other and brought to the island by their own reasons, will soon learn the horrid secrets contained on Shadow Island. Edward Carnby, a private eye, has come to Shadow Island escorting Aline Cedrac, our second traveler, with the ulterior motive of cracking the mystery of the death of his best friend, who recently died at Shadow Island. Aline Cedrac, a language professor from Boston University, comes to verify the translation of ancient tablets found on the island, ultimately enticed by discovering the truth behind her past. Soon, the two violently arrive at their destination and begin the fight for their lives.
Audio/ Video Graphics- Coming late in the life of the Playstation 1, AinD sports graphics shining with the best the PS1 has to offer. The game, while dark, is still clear, and the flashlight is recreated very realistically, pouring light on objects just right. This effect add very well to the atmosphere of the game. The FMVs are all right, nothing new here.
Sound- The sound here is somewhat grainy, lumped together and doesn't sound very clear. This hurts the excellent music in the game. The beginning music is very good and the music throughout heigthens your emotions with hard, pounding music scaring you even more, notifying you an enemy lurks about. In nice lighted halls, the music is mellow, making you feel at ease, which can be a big mistake... And as a reward at the end, while the credits roll, you are even treated to the theme song! Yes! It may come off as corny at first, but it becomes very catchy and you'll want to hear it again. This came would be much less without the music.
Replayability Each of the two characters has his/her own quest, while though different, tie into each other, are each unique. However, after beating both there is nothing left to do. Nothing. You won't pick this game up again except for the fond memories. The game does promise a sequel, though.
Final Word This game is great. It will suck you in, play with your emotions, and leave you wanting more. The story is logical for the most part (as video games go) and is clever in the places where it makes you jump with fright. It keeps you on your toes as you try to peer into the darkness beyond the beam of your flashlight, frightened by the howls and demonic cries coming from before you, and from your own memories of things past. The gripping music takes control of your emotions, manipulating them in just the right way. The dialogue sometimes sounds tinny and robotic, but toward the end of the game you'll find yourself liking the characters. There are some spelling/ grammar errors, but you'll forgive it those when you see the care that went into making the other parts of this game. If you enjoy other survival-horror games, like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, then you will love this. Other non-fans: you should at least give this title the worthiness of a rental. This game unfortuneatly is very underrated, so don't let its lack of hype keep you away. Pop in Alone in the Dark, shut the door, turn off the lights, and enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/23/02, Updated 06/23/02