Alone in the Dark is loaded with eerie music, and graphics which, by falling short of most modern games, actually preserves the horror of the game. Without extreme detail, the monsters seem scarier!
I found the gameplay difficult at first, it wasn't until years after my initial purchase, that I was able to pick the game back up.
Upon trying it once more, I found that it wasn't so hard after all, especially since this game allows the player to save at any time.
The house is as creepy as the monsters inside it, providing a naturally chilling landscape, without having to splash blood everywhere for a cheap scare.
The following statistics stand true for the 3DO version:
Graphics: 7.5 Although, technically, the graphics for the characters themselves aren't all that great, the house itself is done beautifully.
Sound: 9.5 The books, read by voice actors, provide extra background on the game's story. The walking, doors opening, fighting, all have realistic sound, without overdoing it. Also, the music has a subtle horror about it.
Controls: 6.0 Fighting, at first, can prove difficult. The Action button is constantly replaced (By pausing, selecting things like Look, Fight, Push, etc. the button takes on the form of various tasks.)
Gameplay: 8.0 The main character can seem slow at times, though running is possible. Saving is fast, loading is almost as quick, and the difficulty, in the face of the ability to save anywhere, anytime through the pause menu, is easy enough.
Entertainment: 10 The house is creepy in a genuine way, without taking the easy way out by covering the walls with blood. The 2 selectable characters aren't superheros, they're everyday people, which adds to the horror, as well as the realism.
This game remains my favorite Survival Horror game. It is available for PC and the 3DO.
I also recommend the game's sequels:
Alone in the Dark 2: One eyed Jack's Revenge (PC/3DO/Playstation) Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (PC/Playstation)
My overall rating for this game, based on comparison to other games of the genre, is *****/*****
I found the gameplay difficult at first, it wasn't until years after my initial purchase, that I was able to pick the game back up.
Upon trying it once more, I found that it wasn't so hard after all, especially since this game allows the player to save at any time.
The house is as creepy as the monsters inside it, providing a naturally chilling landscape, without having to splash blood everywhere for a cheap scare.
The following statistics stand true for the 3DO version:
Graphics: 7.5 Although, technically, the graphics for the characters themselves aren't all that great, the house itself is done beautifully.
Sound: 9.5 The books, read by voice actors, provide extra background on the game's story. The walking, doors opening, fighting, all have realistic sound, without overdoing it. Also, the music has a subtle horror about it.
Controls: 6.0 Fighting, at first, can prove difficult. The Action button is constantly replaced (By pausing, selecting things like Look, Fight, Push, etc. the button takes on the form of various tasks.)
Gameplay: 8.0 The main character can seem slow at times, though running is possible. Saving is fast, loading is almost as quick, and the difficulty, in the face of the ability to save anywhere, anytime through the pause menu, is easy enough.
Entertainment: 10 The house is creepy in a genuine way, without taking the easy way out by covering the walls with blood. The 2 selectable characters aren't superheros, they're everyday people, which adds to the horror, as well as the realism.
This game remains my favorite Survival Horror game. It is available for PC and the 3DO.
I also recommend the game's sequels:
Alone in the Dark 2: One eyed Jack's Revenge (PC/3DO/Playstation) Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (PC/Playstation)
My overall rating for this game, based on comparison to other games of the genre, is *****/*****