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STEAM | July 2014-2 In his house at R'lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming
- Thread starter MRORANGE
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Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
Rhaknar successfully got me in the mood to want to do a horror game write-up, I've decided to finally put down my complicated opinions and impressions of Alone in the Dark (2008).
Alone in the Dark is a 2008 action survival-horror game, and fifth game in the Alone in the Dark series. It is also one of the most profound and fascinating examples I have ever played of something akin to a glorious train-wreck.
There's a story here, I'm sure of it. There are definitely cutscenes with unforgettable hammy acting and dialogue, with such excellent writing and voicing execution like "I don't have your stone, and FUCK you anyway," or, "I'm the FUCK-ING UNIVERSE!!" However, I couldn't rightfully tell you it without looking up a synopsis. I guess New York is in trouble, so there's that.
Alone in the Dark is daring, different, and truly there is no other game quite like it. In this game, you'll find yourself doing everything from racing a car through Central Park as giant bats tear your car apart as you drive it, only to form themselves into a literal giant bat tornado.You will learn the importance of tape with a surprisingly complex crafting system that existed long before Minecraft. You'll drive a forklift through a cave and pick up rocks and bridges. You'll literally be shat out by a giant worm.
If anything, I can say it was ahead of its time. For a 2008 game, it tried things that would later on become parts of much more successful and bigger games, and gaming elements that have become popularized. Climbing segments with things crumbling apart ala' Uncharted before Uncharted. The after-mentioned crafting item system the game features. First-person 'experience' walking simulator sections. This game was ahead of the curveball on what would be hip several years from the time it released.
It just pulled off most of them pretty poorly.
Honestly, the task of things you'll be doing before this game is up is ridiculous. The developers clearly had huge ambitions, but didn't have the time or budget to polish off its ideas. So what you have is a game that controls a bit weirdly, suffers from some hilarious glitches, and somehow tries to wrap up every ridiculous thing that happens into some sort of logical story. Sometimes the game wants to be an atmospheric horror game, other times it wants to be an action game, others a surrealistic platformer, or why not take a moment to take part in a firefighter simulator?
The game even went ahead of itself and made it into an episodic gameplay experience. Split into episodes, the game will literally let you play almost any episode or part of an episode from the very beginning of the game. At any time you are free to skip ahead (or go backwards) in the games storyline... With one exception. You have to complete all the episodes (and partake in one quest involving burning roots in an open-world hub world of Central Park) to play the last episode. I can only think the reason they did this is because they realized a few parts of their game were needlessly difficult, usually because of controls.
This game also has a Soundtrack that it honestly does not deserve, but adds so much to the experience. You'll be listening to over-the-top child orchestras and epic tunes as you drive in a collapsing New York in a taxi that controls like butter. And most of the soundtrack keeps this epic, mysterious tone full of orchestra songs and some just excellent pieces of music that make it feel like the game is telling some deep epic, when most of the time you'll probably have no idea what's going on. The music just adds to the glorious train wreck that this game is.
If you're like me, you'll be playing this and telling yourself that this is a terrible game, and just exclaim out at some new element that baffles on why they decided to go with THIS direction on something, but all the same you'll find yourself both curious, and even excited on what may be around the next bend.
The game isn't all bad, it has interesting ideas, sections, and I would even say the game has some good fun to be had, but it is plagued with problems, and just goes so hilariously and over the top off the rails its almost awe-inspiring. Its problems are somewhat front-loaded, so if you can bear through some sort of dull beginning sections, the game has several loaded guns of things to experience ahead for you, and if you can get past the beginning, you are almost certain to enjoy the crazy ride this game provides.
If someone ever asked me to point them in the direction of the purest B-horror game ever, I would point them to this game. It is the hammiest, corniest, most over-the-top horror game I've ever played. It is ridiculous from start to finish, and it is for this reason I'd recommend this.
Know though the PC version suffers from some problems, mainly some people have trouble running it. Solutions to get around, but still. And the 'best version' of the game is actually on PS3, as it contains an additional chapter and fixes several problems and inputted some better controls.
Still, if you want a B-Horror game, look no further than Alone in the Dark.
Alone in the Dark is a 2008 action survival-horror game, and fifth game in the Alone in the Dark series. It is also one of the most profound and fascinating examples I have ever played of something akin to a glorious train-wreck.
There's a story here, I'm sure of it. There are definitely cutscenes with unforgettable hammy acting and dialogue, with such excellent writing and voicing execution like "I don't have your stone, and FUCK you anyway," or, "I'm the FUCK-ING UNIVERSE!!" However, I couldn't rightfully tell you it without looking up a synopsis. I guess New York is in trouble, so there's that.
Alone in the Dark is daring, different, and truly there is no other game quite like it. In this game, you'll find yourself doing everything from racing a car through Central Park as giant bats tear your car apart as you drive it, only to form themselves into a literal giant bat tornado.You will learn the importance of tape with a surprisingly complex crafting system that existed long before Minecraft. You'll drive a forklift through a cave and pick up rocks and bridges. You'll literally be shat out by a giant worm.
If anything, I can say it was ahead of its time. For a 2008 game, it tried things that would later on become parts of much more successful and bigger games, and gaming elements that have become popularized. Climbing segments with things crumbling apart ala' Uncharted before Uncharted. The after-mentioned crafting item system the game features. First-person 'experience' walking simulator sections. This game was ahead of the curveball on what would be hip several years from the time it released.
It just pulled off most of them pretty poorly.
Honestly, the task of things you'll be doing before this game is up is ridiculous. The developers clearly had huge ambitions, but didn't have the time or budget to polish off its ideas. So what you have is a game that controls a bit weirdly, suffers from some hilarious glitches, and somehow tries to wrap up every ridiculous thing that happens into some sort of logical story. Sometimes the game wants to be an atmospheric horror game, other times it wants to be an action game, others a surrealistic platformer, or why not take a moment to take part in a firefighter simulator?
The game even went ahead of itself and made it into an episodic gameplay experience. Split into episodes, the game will literally let you play almost any episode or part of an episode from the very beginning of the game. At any time you are free to skip ahead (or go backwards) in the games storyline... With one exception. You have to complete all the episodes (and partake in one quest involving burning roots in an open-world hub world of Central Park) to play the last episode. I can only think the reason they did this is because they realized a few parts of their game were needlessly difficult, usually because of controls.
This game also has a Soundtrack that it honestly does not deserve, but adds so much to the experience. You'll be listening to over-the-top child orchestras and epic tunes as you drive in a collapsing New York in a taxi that controls like butter. And most of the soundtrack keeps this epic, mysterious tone full of orchestra songs and some just excellent pieces of music that make it feel like the game is telling some deep epic, when most of the time you'll probably have no idea what's going on. The music just adds to the glorious train wreck that this game is.
If you're like me, you'll be playing this and telling yourself that this is a terrible game, and just exclaim out at some new element that baffles on why they decided to go with THIS direction on something, but all the same you'll find yourself both curious, and even excited on what may be around the next bend.
The game isn't all bad, it has interesting ideas, sections, and I would even say the game has some good fun to be had, but it is plagued with problems, and just goes so hilariously and over the top off the rails its almost awe-inspiring. Its problems are somewhat front-loaded, so if you can bear through some sort of dull beginning sections, the game has several loaded guns of things to experience ahead for you, and if you can get past the beginning, you are almost certain to enjoy the crazy ride this game provides.
If someone ever asked me to point them in the direction of the purest B-horror game ever, I would point them to this game. It is the hammiest, corniest, most over-the-top horror game I've ever played. It is ridiculous from start to finish, and it is for this reason I'd recommend this.
Know though the PC version suffers from some problems, mainly some people have trouble running it. Solutions to get around, but still. And the 'best version' of the game is actually on PS3, as it contains an additional chapter and fixes several problems and inputted some better controls.
Still, if you want a B-Horror game, look no further than Alone in the Dark.
why is he carrying Jenga blocks on his back? the art style looks nice but I want to see it in motion.
Oh god! An action RPG with town building elements!? do I have to wait until 2016 for this game?
MarcoZombieCannon
Member
but.... it's a gif.
lol.. I want to see the movement of the character and how the gameplay looks... it looks nice but it looks like it would be clunky or something mechanics wise
kadab
Member
nvm
Easton Dark
Member
The description makes it sound an awful lot like DayZ.
8 X 11 Printer Paper
Member
Ah that game is made by a Gaf member.
Yeah, it looks very evocative. Good luck to the team.
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
How about this... since it was made by one guy over 7 years and thus worthy of full price... I'll farm some cards. EnchancedSteam seems to think I have like 32 gabens coming to me. WE'LL SEE.
Great, maybe he can tell us the release date. Who is it?
Is there a screenshot somewhere in all that grey?
Pretty good review. Sounds like it'd be a fun ride despite its flaws. If I ever see for cheap and feel like I'm in the mood for a corny horror game, I'll be sure to give this a shot. Thanks for the impressions.
One thing though; Uncharted came out in 2007, before this game.
Vivin is part of the team behind Ashen. I think the game is being targeted for mid/late 2015.
Oublieux
Member
Wow, that looks beautiful aesthetically. Any other media to see what it plays like? Really interested in this now.
phoenix296
Member
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
It is an experience.
Yes and no to Uncharted, the game was first announced in 2003, and the climbing section was first shown in 2005 or 2006 I believe. It was in development hell for a while, which might explain some things.
Pickles Spill
Member
Just noticed Sacred 3 in the coming out soon for RPGs section. Are there any good words about that? Don't recognize the developer.
I expected it but still.
Oh my god.
I wanted a gif like this so bad yesterday, it's like christmas for me now.
-MD-
Member
These reactions lol, I need more.
That last women, I can't even laugh about her, it's too heartbreaking
I expected it but still.
I don't follow. Are you saying Alone in the Dark showed off climbing sections in 2005 before Uncharted released? Eh, the climbing was pretty core to Uncharteds gameplay, and I don't think they could've added it in in the 2 years.
Garcia
Member
Yep, that sounds pretty normal, haha.
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
Uncharted did not copy Alone in the Dark, but I'm saying that Alone in the Dark didn't copy Uncharted, it was a bit ahead of its time, but doesn't deserve to be remembered for it as... Well, if you decide to play it, you shall see.
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
Very well done write up and totally agree with the assertion of the team not being cohesive and trying to do so many things. But I do guess it's part of its time.
I still need to finish it. Probably soon thanks to this.
MarcoZombieCannon
Member
Uh.... no? Not personally, anyway.
Just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your review. It was funny most of the time and so true at the same time.
Also noticed that you repeated the same section about soundtrack in your steam review two times, you might wanna edit it. Other than that, great review.
also no rant about weird lack of simplest multitasking? That's strange...
edited: I suddenly feel like I'm in WC thread or something
yup, thats what I do. You talk to me, and want to go play horror games after :/
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
There is a mod for Resident Evil 6 to play No Mercy with up to 8 people, and a few fun mods to play Mercenaries stages with only boss monsters.
If you don't mind digging, you can even play the campaign with up to 8 people, but it has a few issues and requires more work to get working.
If you don't mind digging, you can even play the campaign with up to 8 people, but it has a few issues and requires more work to get working.
ahh ok, thought I'd ask incase I missed any
Thanks I'll give it a look!
MarcoZombieCannon
Member
Look up. I never really cared for them. But they are pretty neat to screw around with a bit.
Boy this thread movest fast
Honestly though, I played through Dear Esther yesterday. I... don't know what to think, it certainly was... something. The locales were beautiful though, the vistas were quite stunning. I think that might have just been the best looking game I've ever played, or at least very close to that, I was surprised at how beautiful the whole thing was.
A question though, about the plot. I know, open to interpretation yadda yadda but I wonder how two plot point were received.
At least that's how I saw it, if anyone wants to chime in then please do so.
Kappa
Honestly though, I played through Dear Esther yesterday. I... don't know what to think, it certainly was... something. The locales were beautiful though, the vistas were quite stunning. I think that might have just been the best looking game I've ever played, or at least very close to that, I was surprised at how beautiful the whole thing was.
A question though, about the plot. I know, open to interpretation yadda yadda but I wonder how two plot point were received.
So, was the protagonist the one who was drunk driving? I know she, presumably Esther, or protagonist's wife/love, was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, but some of the dialogue led me to believe the protagonist himself was the one who was drunk driving. I know dialogue is randomized, but there were some lines that in my opinon could point toward that interpretation.
Secondly, so the protagonist was in the coma? Again, there were lines that seemed to imply he was in the hospital, hooked to machines, being pumped full of anesthetics and the end was him giving up and passing away.
Secondly, so the protagonist was in the coma? Again, there were lines that seemed to imply he was in the hospital, hooked to machines, being pumped full of anesthetics and the end was him giving up and passing away.
At least that's how I saw it, if anyone wants to chime in then please do so.
well, that will escalate fast, I assume
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
All you'll need for it is fellow GAF'ers Sectus' modding tool for RE6, the Fluffy Manager. It's a tool he's worked on which is incredibly helpful for modding Resident Evil 6, 5, 4, and Revelations. With 6, with a few options checked on and friends joining via IP on the trainer, you can do mercs easily (and the campaign with a bit more work).
The one thing is, and keep this in mind, to make 8-player Mercs not be used for cheating, he's also made it so that your score will be zero when playing using the mod. But still a lot of fun.
The tool can also be made to easily play as whatever character you want in whatever in RE6, and change the game speed (make it so that the game is in slow-motion or super fast).
Yo, kickstarter should start to review projects before they can be started. This stuff is getting out of hand.
Haha. Waiting for someone to start a new thread titled 'Half-Life 3 Kickstarter'.
8 X 11 Printer Paper
Member
I was thinking about it but then thought I don't want to be a immortal Junior so no.
of course not,
you might missed part of the story (if it's possible, I'm not sure of it), but he met with the driver and a had a drink with him. The driver was on drugs, suffering from syphilis, if I remember correctly, it's been a while.
I can't remember it being hinted that protagonist was a driver even once, so I'm not sure what are you talking about.
Protagonist wasn't in coma... His wife was, not sure about coma, but glimpses of hospital are about her, I was sure of it while playing.
I can't remember it being hinted that protagonist was a driver even once, so I'm not sure what are you talking about.
Protagonist wasn't in coma... His wife was, not sure about coma, but glimpses of hospital are about her, I was sure of it while playing.
edited: one thing I don't understand about Dear Esther impressions, why so many people are convinced it is cryptic or can be understood in many ways. Except of history of the Island and symbolism of it, the story is straightforward and simple, even if told in complex way, the main story, I mean. I didn't see anything left to interpretation there,
only the ending itself
He should have made it an Indie Gogo campaign to make a joke of the fact that backers are charged instantly as opposed to when the funding period ends.
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