Alone in the Dark

"AitD can be summed up with two words: Flawed Perfection"

Alone in the dark has been out for a few days now, and, to be honest, I've been looking forward to this game for a while. I'm glad to say I wasn't dissapointed.

Story: 10/10

The story is told masterfully, and while not the greatest story ever told, it has a way of grabbing you and pulling you in, enveloping you in the experience. The game begins with the main character, Edward. You wake up and things go from bad to worse pretty fast. Pretty much anything that has to do with the story is a spoiler, but all I can say is that you have to see the story play out to truly appreciate how it is told.

Gameplay: 8/10

This game is probably one of the first of its kind in that you can switch between third and first person view at anytime. It's a nice feature, so you don't have to play all the way through in third person view with an over-the-shoulder type aiming or all the way through as first person and not being able to see what's around you half the time. The game is rather simple, actually. Find items to survive, and combine those items in new ways to kill your enemies (this usually involves fire). When you're not doing that, you're probably going to be navigating one of the "puzzles" of the game, or in a horrid driving sequence. The problem with the driving sequences isn't the driving itself, it's not bad, but it's not exactly good either.

The problem is is that you have to die at almost every turn just to find out where to go next. I mean, it's nice that you can start from the beginning, but do we really need to do the whole sequence again when we were at the end and just missed a jump? I don't think so, but that's just me. But, the driving sequences are few and far between compared to the rest of the game, and that's really my only major gripe.

Also, there is the introduction of a totally new health system. Instead of a health "bar", you get injuries as you get attacked. You have to enter a "healing mode" and use either bandages or healing spray to heal your wounds. Don't worry, if you investigate and don't bull rush the game, you should have a healthy supply of healing equipment. Also, ammo, while not given away generously, is in good enough supply that if you use it wisely (ie with explosive bottles or something) you shouldn't have a problem.

Graphics: 9/10

Probably one of the better looking next gen games in a while. Great graphics and beautiful environments. Hair seems kind of plastic and doesn't move real well, and lips matching voices just doesn't work. Other then that a very well designed game.

Sound/Music: 7/10

There really isn't that much music in the game, usually only when something big is happening (which is often), but my gripe is that the voices are soft compared to everything else, so I have to turn up the volume when people are talking (don't know if it was just me or if it's the game). Other then that there isn't really anything wrong with the sound effects/music.

Here's a quick summary:

Pros:
-Great graphics
-Innovative and interactive gameplay
-Amazing story

Cons:
-DRIVING
-Voices/lip-syncing
-You die a LOT

Alone in the Dark isn't for everyone, it's mainly for the people who like survival horror games (such as RE). I personally found it a great gaming experience, although it was a little short (about 12 hours for me), it was still very fun.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/30/08

Game Release: Alone in the Dark (US, 06/23/08)