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Alone in the Dark (2024) Review – Survival Horror Returns on PC

3–5 minutes
Edward and Emily at Derceto gates on Alone in the Dark (2024) cover

Alone in the Dark (2024) revives classic survival horror with eerie atmosphere, Lovecraftian mystery, and clever puzzles despite some technical issues.

Alone In The Dark (2024)

Released: March 20th, 2024

Developer(s): Pieces Interactive

Publisher(s): THQ Nordic

Platform(s):

Steam platform icon
Good Old Games (GOG) platform icon
Linux Penguin icon
Xbox Series platform icon
PlayStation 5 icon

Completed on PC, both Carnby and Emily at least once.

HowLongToBeat Time: 7.5 hours | My Clear Time: 13 hours 20 mins.

  1. Background
  2. Experience
  3. Impressions
  4. Verdict
  5. TLDR
    1. References

Background

This year marks the third reboot of Alone in the Dark, with Mikael Hedberg of Amnesia and SOMA fame taking the reins as the writer and director. Joining him is Guy Davis (known for his work on Pacific Rim, The Strain, and Crimson Peak), who designed the monsters in the game. The game was released for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms. Alone in the Dark (2024) received a blessing from series creator Frédérick Raynal.

‘I think that Mikael and the team at Pieces did a great job preserving the core feeling of the game. They even went further than everything I could expect 30 years ago‘.

(PlayStation, 2023)
Carnby exploring Derceto Manor in Alone in the Dark (2024)
Just your average walk through a nightmare mansion.
Carnby explores the eerie halls of Derceto Manor in Alone in the Dark (2024).

Experience

My last attempt at playing a game in the series was with the 2008 reboot, which failed to hold my interest. Since completing the 2024 reboot, I’ve acquired the GOG versions of AITD 1-3, New Nightmare, and have AITD: Inferno on PS3. In terms of survival horror, I’ve completed every Dead Space game, been immersed in Resident Evil since 1999, and conquered multiple Silent Hill titles, among other survival horror games.

Carnby and Emily uncover hidden painting under bed in Alone in the Dark (2024)
When in doubt, check under the bed—creepy art included.
Carnby and Emily find a hidden painting beneath the bed in Alone in the Dark (2024).

Impressions

The combat system has the fun yet janky feeling of older survival horror titles such as Silent Hill 1, and the game grabbed a lot of things from the previous games in the series to use for the reboot. The writing is what I expected, which is more of that campy B-movie Raimiesque writing that would please Evil Dead fans.

Thematically, the game leans harder into the H.P. Lovecraft feeling of the 1992 original. The music here is also fantastic, and fits the overall adventure atmosphere of the game like a glove. The puzzles require a bit of thought and will have players cross-referencing riddles with the previous lore entries they’ve obtained.

Map of Derceto Manor in Alone in the Dark (2024)
Your haunted house GPS, now with extra dread.
Detailed map of Derceto Manor used for navigation in Alone in the Dark (2024).

Verdict

Alone in the Dark captivated me with its trippy atmosphere, use of Lovecraftian horror, and a memorable soundtrack that perfectly complemented the eerie setting. The campy B-movie writing added charm and entertainment value, making both the Edward and Emily playthroughs thoroughly enjoyable.

Despite encountering technical issues like shader stutter and random crashes, the game’s overall experience remained compelling. It fulfilled the potential that the 2008 reboot lacked, offering a refreshing take on survival horror.

I’m hopeful that Alone in the Dark will receive the recognition it deserves and pave the way for a sequel. With its strong atmosphere and engaging storytelling, it stands out as a prime example of how to respectfully reboot a classic, something often lost in the genre today.

TLDR

Pros
  • Engaging Combat: The combat system captures the nostalgic yet janky essence of older survival horror titles like Silent Hill 1, offering a unique experience for fans of the genre
  • Campy Writing: The writing style, reminiscent of campy B-movie horror, delivers an entertaining narrative that will delight fans of the Evil Dead franchise.
  • Lovecraftian Theme: Thematically, the game leans into the H.P. Lovecraft atmosphere of the original 1992 release, adding depth to the horror experience.
  • Fantastic Music: The soundtrack enhances the adventure atmosphere of the game, complementing the gameplay with immersive audio.
  • Streamlined Puzzles: The puzzles require thoughtful consideration and encourage players to cross-reference riddles with lore entries, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Cons
  • Janky Combat Mechanics: While nostalgic for some, the combat system may feel awkward and dated, potentially turning off players accustomed to more modern gameplay mechanics
  • Limited Appeal: The campy writing style and Lovecraftian theme may not resonate with all players, particularly those seeking a more serious or realistic horror experience.
  • Performance Issues: Shader stutter and random FATAL ERROR crashes detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game, highlighting technical shortcomings.*
  • Potential for Improvement: Despite its strengths, the game still has room for improvement, particularly in addressing performance issues and refining gameplay mechanics.

Rating: 8.5/10

In Summary: Despite some technical issues, Alone in the Dark is the best it could have been rebooted as and offers a compelling atmosphere and enough replay value to justify its asking price.

*Additional Note: Multiple patches have been released since the review was published on April 13th.

References

  1. YouTube (2019, October 15). [Video] Alone in the Dark – Official Trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1-HARRgn74&t=375s

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