Wow, this game took me by surprise. I first played the demo and then picked up the game on discount. It's much better than the reviews would lead you to believe!
First off, I think the graphics are very impressive; it might not be Uncharted or Killzone 2, but there's an undeniable artistry in the game designers' post-apocalyptic version of New York City. The lead character, Edward Carnby, also looks really cool, and the monster designs are exceptionally scary.
Like a big summer movie, the action set-pieces in this game are astounding! The designers were obviously influenced by Spielberg's popcorn films, as well as disaster movies in general, as many of the situations you come across seem pulled right out of the cinema (try not to shout "cool!" when you dangle from a wire outside a crumbling skyscraper and the camera pans down to show exploding vehicles from the street far below being flung upwards and nipping at your heels). I particularly liked the final level, which seems like it was pulled straight out of the Indiana Jones/Mummy films.
Alone in the Dark: Inferno is also wildly innovative, which is where you might argue that it falters from time to time (thus some of the scathing reviews)--personally, the unorthdox game design is what impressed me the most with this game. The inventory system in particular is very unique: anytime you need to use an item, weapon, etc, you press a button and the camera switches to a 1st person "inside your jacket" view, where you look through the character's eyes as you pull items from your jacket pockets and equip/combine them on the fly. True, this happens in real time, and it's possible to be attacked while you're doing your doing it, which is why some people might not like it; I think it adds intensity and sets this game apart from others (side note: you can reload without going into your jacket, so combat still works without being too much of a chore).
Another awesome innovation is the DVD-like chapter system that the game employs: it's like when you buy a TV series on DVD--every level of the game is broken down into different episodes and chapters. There's even a cool wrapup every time you resume a saved game: "previously, on Alone in the Dark..."
The writing is a bit juvenile at times (what with the overuse of the "F" bomb), but the story itself is very intriguing, concerning you-know-who (the big bad man with the red horns) attempting to make a comeback and plunge the world into darkness. (Another side note: this game is absolutely for mature audiences, and it does deal with the occult, but without getting into too much gory/incantation reciting details).
"Alone in the Dark" definitely stuck with me after I finished playing; it's an intense experience that I rank up there with the best gaming experiences I've had. It has its flaws here and there, but the good overwhelmingly outnumbers the bad in this case. If you love action/adventure games, I highly recommend it. (Final note: do yourself a favor and start killing the evil weeds AS SOON as the game gives you the opportunity--it'll make the final sections of the game much easier to complete, and you definitely want to see the incredible last level!)
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This game was killed with the reviews the first go and now that it has been rereleased the critics seem to hate it just as much. I was expecting a decent game for the $16 I payed for it but the truth is that this game is excellent. This is the first game I have played in along time that I would actually call hard. Not frustratingly so but it is a good challenge. Another good aspect is that there are times in the game where you will not advance if you can't think. Yes that is right, you must think. I know, it sounds strange given todays shoot 'em up action style of games but this one is so much more. Besides, this game is so cheep that if you are thinking about getting it then just buy it, for 16 bucks this game can seriously surprise you, now that I have played it I would have payed the full 50-60 buck for it. In short, it's a steal.
The bottom line is that this game is a gem and most people will never know...tragic.
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i fell for the demo from PSN and knew that this game had a lot of potential in spite of the other low ratings. So decided to invest in it. But after playing it, i can say that it had a lot of potential that was not utilized. While story background was told with an innovative in-game cell phone text messages, it did not do justice to the story as it almost seemed unnecessary to read the text messages to progress further. Instead they should have used cut scenes to explain the background and for that matter how to progress in the story. While the idea of making your own weapons is innovative, once you know what the few options are, it gets boring. Instead they should have kept it interesting by making them more complex as the story progresses, but the enemies also don't progress in complexity. The boss battles were a joke (the last one is a total let down). The +s are graphics are decent and game tries to achieve theatrical feel that is worth experiencing. The music is also interesting as it tries to be dramatic in many places. In general this would have worked well for cut scenes that don't repeat. But the music gets dramatic even in game play, this does not work very well because every time you repeat a scene, the dramatic music keeps repeating like a broken gramophone record and this sometimes sounds hilarious.
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I was pleasantly surprised with this game. Without going "Hard-core gamer" on this review, the gameplay although a bit buggy, is very satisfying. The cinematic sequences are of top quality and keeps you hanging on to the story. It's a solid, unique, and scary title that deserves to be played! Burn on Eden, burn on!!
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What? yes, what? as far as I remember alone in the dark 1, 2 and 3 had sucky controls and I loooooove those games. About this one, controls are better than the previous games and I also love it. Yes, they still suck but not as bad, its actually kinda part of the Alone in the Dark franchise, so just get over it and enjoy the game, I know I did !
The surroundings are so dynamic I couldnt believe my eyes !
Give it a try. Trust me.
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Thing about this game is that it take a while to get used to. The controls at the beginning are terrible until you get used to it.
If you are an achievement/trophy hunter go ahead and get it because they are quite easy on this game.
If you're up for experimenting, go ahead and get it. Its a very "different" game for pretty cheap
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Back when this game was origanally released i had a playstation 3 a wii and a xbox 360, this was on my list to buy for 360, about a week before release i sold my xbox 360 as becoming a parent i didnt have enough money for 3 systems. Well i still looked for it on wii and ps2 but it got horrible reviews so i waited. I just got it for the ps3 and its a pretty fun game the graphics are from good to poor simply said ive seen better (mgs4-uncharted) and ive seen worse (mercs 2-legendary). i will say the story is hokey at best if youve seen a movie dealing with the occult (end of days) youve seen this. the controls are easy too use there is alot of them however so pay attention in the first chapter. The game keeps you on your toes ill say that and the find the right weapon for the job is cool i also like the inventory screen its neat to look down into your jacket and see what you got. As a person being from ny seeing virtual ny it looks good. This game is definetly worth the new price as sixty is to much for the quality but it is fun give it a go. On a side note this has kept my interest longer than silent hill homecoming but they are both good in there own rights. OH OH OH THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE UWE BOLL MOVIE.
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I'd never played any of the previous four AITD video games so I figured I'd be lost an unable to keep up with this one, but the previews looked good so I added it to my wishlist, where it remained until the price came down.
You play as Edward Carnby, a man who has lost his memory. Edward wakes up in a crumbling Central Park West apartment building. A supernatural force is ripping through the walls and turning the inhabitants into mutated killers. A huge earthquake rips Manhattan apart and on top of that there are ugly monsters spawning all over the park. It's all part of a prophecy (yawn) in which Edward must prevent Lucifer from entering into the world.
The plot is mostly mumbo-jumbo. But the main strength of the game is the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that turns a supposedly safe environment bustling with people (Manhattan island) into a lonely, apocalyptic nightmare. As a survival horror it's not as good as the Resident Evil series, and it doesn't have tension that made those games so good. I never felt scared to look around a corner or felt fear of what was lurking in the darkness beyond the character's view. But it's fast moving enough and gives you plenty of monsters to shoot at (though it's never satisfying enough and totally bloodless). It's also the 86th game in a row I've played that features Central Park.
Despite my complaining, I never got bored with the game or felt it was hard to control (I played the PS3 version, which improves on the Xbox 360 release). Though when driving around a shrub or a bush is completely impenetrable to a two-ton car and it's kinda infuriating. The fact that trophies are handed out left, right and centre makes up for it.
The ending hints at a sequel, which has yet to materialize. But AITD is a fine way to spend a few bucks and a few days playing.
Graphics B+
Sound B-
Gameplay B
Lasting Appeal B
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Everybody is so hard on this game. It's Not that Bad. It's not LAIR!!.
Is very fun and original. The controls and a lot of things were tweaks. That's the great thing about having the "later release" of a game in the consoles.
Same thing will happen with Command and Conquer Red Alert on the Ps3 and Last Remnant.
For 30 bucks, it's enough to catch your attention to this game.
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Atari's Alone in the Dark reboot has finally hit the PS3 (and been re-titled Alone in the Dark: Inferno), and thankfully Atari has taken the extra time to address some of the problems that hurt the game when it first came out not too long ago. The biggest issue with Alone in the Dark on the XBox 360 was the unresponsive controls, many of which have been fixed here. Now, driving around in the game isn't so godawfully difficult to do, even though there are still a few lingering control issues to be found while you're playing on foot. That aside, the game still looks good (despite some occasional graphical oddities), and those jaw-dropping moments that will jolt you out of your seat while playing are still here, and are still pulled off flawlessly. The great item uses remain as well, and the improved camera controls make the gameplay all the more rewarding. All in all, Alone in the Dark: Inferno for the PS3 is definitely the best version of the game to see the light of day, and if you felt burned playing other versions of it, check it out on the PS3, and you'll be much more satisfied with what you get here.
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the game is about this guy who doesn't know his self and find his self in a chaos in central park among monsters that comes out of the ground. you play to discover the secret behind what is happening and what is this strange stone you have around your neck.. overall the game is fun.. i spent few dollars on it because i bought it after it long time of the production.. the sound track is GREAT ! however the video quality is not that great compared to other games, but its not that bad. the game features new way in equipping weapons, you CREATE weapons ! you can mix gas bottles with bandages and other stuff to create maltov bombs or can create also flame thrower, the whole game is about fighting enemy with fire ! good game to spend some time with.. a new feature for those who like 1st person shoters is that you can switch between 2 modes: normal and 1st person shooter. try it !
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The ps3 version is the definitive version of the game. however, that doesnt mean its flawless. there are still some bugs and glitches in the game.
ive had moments where the game froze, where my car was stuck on something that wasn't there ect, where my character was stuck and where a cut scene would not even load.
thats the bad, the good is that this game has some of the greatest moments in gaming history. the controls are decent. they dont accommodate the combat very well, but its a ton better then on the 360 and pc.
the controls also feel a bit loose,its just not something you would expect a 3rd person game to feel.
to be honest, i love this game, even with all its glitches and bugs. its a ton of fun to play, as long as you can play around the bad stuff. that said, for the cheap price you can find this game now, its worth a shot.
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"Alone in the Dark" is a game that had a lot of hype behind it prior to release, but when it finally landed on the 360, Wii and PS2, it was pretty much broken beyond repair. All of the fundamental elements that make a game enjoyable (outside the storytelling aspects) were left in a perpetual state of disarray. Long story short -- it played like an undercooked beta release. Why Eden Games chose to release the title with its fundamentals fractured so terribly is beyond me.
What we've received from Eden Games in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno" is a greatly improved build that, unfortunately, still suffers from some clunky play mechanics.
First, the improvements:
01 - For the most part, the player has been given full control over the game's camera, allowing for a 360 degree view of the environment. Occasionally the camera locks itself down, but this is done in moments that require the cinematic effect. For the most part, it works.
02 - Edward no longer controls like a tank. This change was pretty much a given when the camera was freed up.
03 - The inventory system is less convoluted. The order in which you combine items is no longer dead set, and its easier to navigate in general.
04 - The driving mechanics have been tweaked. Now one of the game's most exciting levels (the final stage in episode 2) is a lot more fun and a lot less frustrating. The cars no longer handle like boats.
05 - A "hint" system is integrated into the early stages to help orientate the player (this may have been in the 360 version, but I certainly don't remember it, particularly during the first driving level).
06 - The storyline is pretty much identical between builds, but there's been a fundamental change made surrounding a quest that in the initial build involves a LOT of painful backtracking. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling things, but this change helps the flow of the game immensely.
07 - A new level has been added mid-way through the game.
Now the problems:
01 - Despite the tweaked control scheme, Edward is still a bit difficult to control. There are times where I'll want him to walk one direction, and he'll sort of wander in a slightly different direction. This was particularly annoying in the later half of episode 1.
02 - It's easy enough moving him around in first person view, but the controls are never as sensitive as one would like in first person, and getting into a gun fight can be really irritating, particularly if you're used to the precision aiming in games like "Resistance".
03 - There is no 5.1 surround support in this game, which is sort of a letdown. It's the only game I own that lacks 5.1. There are also no subtitles, which just feels lazy. One of the people in my house is deaf in one ear and partially relies on subtitles to convey the story. This is probably the only PS3 game I own that lacks subtitle support.
04 - Using melee weapons is problematic. It's a good idea for a combat system, but it's implemented poorly. It reminds me a little bit of that PS2 Jet Li game, but less refined.
There are a lot of big ideas in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno". It's a very ambitious game, and I think that's one of the problems. I get the feeling that this title was just slightly outside the capability of Eden Games. They couldn't quite pull it all together into a cohesive experience.
Having said that, the game features an exciting episodic presentation and a wonderful musical score that utilizes the award-winning female choir known as The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. The voice acting is solid (the guy who plays Max Payne voices Edward Carnby) and there are some excellent set pieces that really get the blood pumping.
If you can look past the slightly awkward control scheme and the occasional graphical oddity, I would suggest picking the game up. The price has already dropped quite a bit (I picked the game up brand new for $29.99 at a local Game Stop) so now's the time.
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This game could have easily been a four to five star game, if they had solved some camera and control problems, the biggest being their weapons system. A person wastes too much time stopping to change weapons which becomes very frustrating. Then you can bareley carry anything and have to stop and go looking. The game used the F-bomb often but not as much as I did towards those who developed the system. These guys should play R.E. 5 to see how well the controls should work.
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Well, I played the demo for this on the psn, and well, I wasn't really impressed. I never played the first game, so I didn't really know what to expect. The first episode wasn't a really good choice in my opinion, cause it starts off slow, yet I love the car scene. Well, I got the game on sale, and it has some major flaws, such as bad camera, I walked into a wall once and died. The controls are somewhat awkward, but can be delt with. The graphics are ok,, sometimes you can see the beauty of what they were going for, but it's like they stopped all of a sudden, and it looks choppy at best. Yet if you continue with the game, the mood gets really creepy, and I love the way they did the episodes, so you are reminded of what is going on, and plus there are some nice cliff hangers. The puzzles are excellent in my opinion. I had to sit and think about the environment which I found to be really interesting. The story line is pretty decent, and the monster fights are awesome. So if you looking for a good horror game, this on is for you. It does have a lot of flaws, but you find a really good game under it all. Just give it a chance. I think you like it.
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