© THQ Nordic
In the 90s, a new genre emerged on the video game scene: survival horror. If Capcom's essential Resident Evil will explode the genre when it is released on PlayStation, the inspiration comes from another game, launched in 1992 (and made in France): Alone in the Dark. The one who can be considered the “dad” survival horror has spawned numerous descendants, starting with Resident Evil of course, but also the other horror series of the time: Silent Hill. In 2024, the Alone in the Dark saga is back, with not a remake or a remaster, but rather a complete replay of the very first episode.
Alone in the Dark, more than 30 years later!
In this new Alone in the Dark, we follow the misadventures of Emily Hartwood (played by Jodie Comer) and private detective Edward Carnby (played here by David Harbour) as they go to the Derceto mansion, in order to find out what they are doing. #8217;investigate together the disappearance of Jeremy Hartwood, Emily's uncle. Unlike a Resident Evil 4 Remake (to name just one), Alone in the Dark is a “small” budget, an aspect that will impact certain aspects of the game.
© THQ Nordic
Obviously, goodbye to the “old-fashioned view“, and here we have a more modern gameplay, with a camera that sits behind the player's shoulder (although with a few surprises). Those who have gone through the recent Resident Evil games will therefore not be disoriented, even if Alone in the Dark plays on another terrain. The game from Pieces Interactive certainly offers action, but also wishes to pay homage to the original material.
This is transposed onto the screen with a more calm atmosphere, which you will have to know how to appreciate when playing in good video and audio conditions. The oldest will undoubtedly find this little “something” survival horror from the period, with a little nostalgia side (despite a resolutely modern style) which clearly works in favor of this Alone in the Dark.
So of course, visually we are sometimes treated to some very beautiful lighting effects, and to varied environments, but it's difficult not to wince when faced with fairly (and even sometimes very) generic faces, or even very (very) heavy travel.
© THQ Nordic
Ditto for the puzzles, always with this “old school” which will push the players to rack their brains (as before ultimately), the solution not always being before our eyes. A point which will be appreciated by the “oldies”, but which will undoubtedly put off the new ones.
On this subject, it is possible to activate retrogaming-style filters, which allow for example to play with characters directly from… from 1992. Nice.
So yes… But…
However, if Alone in the Dark is an excellent surprise in terms of the atmosphere, the staging or even its side “respect for the franchise& #8221;, we must admit that the game has difficulty holding its own when it comes to action phases.
The latter (almost) never offer the slightest element of surprise, but it is above all the confrontations themselves which lack dynamism, sensations, the fault of the heaviness of the controls, and a camera which sometimes struggles ( often) to position themselves. Add to that enemies with as generic a design as possible, and you will quickly tend to breathe when a confrontation looms. What a shame…
© THQ Nordic
In terms of lifespan, allow a little less than ten hours to see the end of the adventure during your first session. As in Resident Evil 2 in its time, Alone in the Dark allows you to play two characters (to be defined at the start of the adventure).
© THQ Nordic
Thus, it is possible to redo the game with the second character, however, one should not expect a major change, the adventure remaining substantially identical in the major lines. Allow around fifteen hours to complete the game with the two heroes (with several possible endings).
Subscribe to Lemon Squeezer
Ultimately, Alone in the Dark is modernized yes, with a rather well thought out and very respectful rereading, but the game also suffers from various shortcomings, notably its technique, a very rigid side, but also (and above all) its phases of # 8217; fairly failed action.
And if some (notably the “oldies”, who appreciate the relaxed atmospheres and this somewhat “old school” style of play) will appreciate the title despite its many imperfections, the majority will tend to be (more or less) disappointed by this return of the license.
Our opinion on Alone in the Dark (2024)
Very respectful of the original game, this rereading of Alone in the Dark is a good experience… for those who appreciate old-fashioned games. Like RoboCop Rogue City launched at the end of last year, this is a modest, very classic game, with the added bonus of some technical shortcomings and uninspired combat (and enemies). This does not prevent this new Alone in the Dark from having a real atmosphere, with even excellent discoveries (without ever inventing anything), and a pure desire to do well from the developers. To be tested therefore, but with full knowledge of the facts.
📍 To not miss any news from Presse-citron, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.