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Graphics
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Gameplay
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Story
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Audio
Summary
Pros:
– The story and setting provide a compelling and atmospheric horror experience, with a modern twist on the original game’s premise.
– Many puzzles in the game are engaging and offer a range of difficulties that add depth to the gameplay.
– The acting performances by Hollywood stars like David Harbour and Jodie Comer have received high praise, which adds to the immersive experience.
Cons:
– The combat mechanics are rudimentary, lacking refinement.
– Despite the memorable environments and locales, the visuals sometimes disappoint.
– Some buggy elements, which detract from the overall experience.
A seminal survival horror title, the ‘Alone In The Dark‘ series has inspired countless nightmares and imitators in equal measure. The 1992 original set the benchmark – and many of the tropes – in what is now a burgeoning genre, from fixed camera angles to inventory management and visceral (albeit pixellated) horror elements.
Returning for a retelling on modern consoles and computers – complete with bonafide acting talent in the form of Jodie Comer and Stranger Things’ David Barbour in the lead roles – can this 2024 blend of nostalgia and innovation frighten another generation?
Read on for our review of the latest instalment on the Xbox Series X to find out more!
Story
The narrative is where Alone in the Dark has always shone, and this version is no different. Weaving a complex tale of occult mysteries and personal demons against the backdrop of the ‘roaring 20s’, this thematically rich tale explores the nature of insanity as well as the thin line between reality and the supernatural.
Penned by the writer of acclaimed, thought-provoking horror classic ‘Soma’, players of Alone in the Dark will find themselves engrossed in the story of Derceto Manor, its sprawling rooms and passageways almost becoming another character as you uncover the truth both behind its dark legacy, and those who roam its halls.
The dual protagonists of Emily Hartwood – in search of her missing relative – and Edward Carnby as the gumshoe assigned to the case, are both well-rounded as you walk through the game’s chapters. Whilst slightly heavy-handed on the symbolism and with some well-telegraphed twists and turns, it is an interesting story on the whole.
By the end of the roughly eight-hour runtime, you’ll certainly have been through a tangled web of intrigue, with plenty of lore consigned to missable clues and audio logs which fill in a huge amount of the gaps and heavily reward those inclined to pay attention.
Even then, the story’s not over as both protagonists have slightly different tellings of proceedings, meaning multiple playthroughs to collect the many collectables strewn around the manor and learn the full gory tale.
Graphics
The visual style of the game is a play of light and shadow, which perfectly suits the horror theme. Thanks to the Xbox Series X’s powerful hardware, Derceto Manor is brought to life in breathtaking detail. From the tiny dust particles floating in a beam of moonlight to the ominous silhouettes lurking in the corners, every aspect of the game is incredibly detailed.
The main characters in the game are impressively designed, capturing the emotions and expressions of their real-life counterparts with great realism.
However, the other denizens of the manor – a particularly eerie child named Grace springs to mind – aren’t quite lavished with the same level of detail, and some lower-quality textures affect the overall immersive experience. The environment is eerie and unsettling, filled with ominous locations which succeed in making the player feel truly uneasy throughout the game.
The game takes advantage of the advanced capabilities of the Xbox Series X, with a selection of graphic and performance-led options depending on whether players are looking for fluidity or fidelity. The developers are committed to improving the game post-launch, addressing a litany of technical issues that players may have encountered in a recent patch.
Gameplay
The gameplay of ‘Alone in the Dark’ is an intriguing balance of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game remains faithful to the mechanics that defined the original but with a modern, Resident Evil 4-inspired twist. Players navigate the manor’s labyrinthine corridors, uncovering secrets and piecing together the narrative through environmental clues and classic puzzle-solving. Combat is deliberate and tense, with a focus on resource management and strategic engagement over brute force.
Another interesting facet of combat is that it’s clearly and cleanly divorced from exploration segments, with each often occurring in distinct alternating sections. This does defuse tension somewhat, as it becomes quite apparent on which side you’re currently navigating, and allows for extended periods where the game remains spooky, but falls decidedly short of scary.
Puzzle-solving is a core component of the exploration gameplay, with challenges that range from simple lock combinations to elaborate riddles that need a bit of lateral thinking on occasion. The manor itself is a puzzle, with hidden rooms and secret passages that reward thorough exploration…but the game loves a sliding block puzzle to the point of distraction.
Simply too many brain-teasers involve stitching and rotating pieces of a puzzle, and as such those do wear out their welcome. However, there are some elements which feel a little more like true detective work, and require a keen eye and some dedication to figure out.
The combat side of the coin in ‘Alone in the Dark’ is a tense affair, but one where you do find yourself fighting with slightly stiff controls in addition to the psychologically unsettling enemies on occasion.
With only three or four enemy types and a fairly effective dodge alongside increasingly powerful guns and inventive melee weapons (albeit with limited durability), foes remain an inconvenience rather than a source of fear.
Audio
The sounds in the game are a perfect example of auditory horror. The creaking of a floorboard, the distant echoes of a storm swelling over the bayou, and the sudden crescendo of the orchestral score all work together to increase tension. The voice performances are generally strong, with both Joide and David earning their fees in delivering convincing portrayals that add to the storytelling. The occasional audio bug saw the vocals fall out of sync on occasion, but not too much as to detract from the overall polished sheen in the audio department.
Verdict
‘Alone in the Dark’ for the Xbox Series X marks an effective – if not triumphant – comeback for the franchise. The game successfully captures the essence of the original that made it so beloved among fans, while also making updates to cater to a modern audience.
It offers a captivating – and refreshingly period – mix of horror, mystery, and gameplay that is both challenging and gratifying. Although it might not revolutionize the genre and boasts a few more things to be ironed out, it stands as a robust addition that pays homage to its roots, is chock full of surprises and delivers a solid experience for survival horror enthusiasts.
