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How Metascores Are Calculated
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4 Elements
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Taking inspiration from the presentation style and structure of a number of acclaimed and globally popular TV action dramas, Alone in the Dark is split into a number of distinct episodes in a season-style format. With approximately 30-40 minutes of gameplay comprising each episode, the structure of Alone in the Dark is adapted for an audience familiar with the hard-hitting bite-size delivery of contemporary TV dramas, offering easy accessibility whether the player has hours to devote or only wants a quick TV-style fix. Each time the player launches a saved game, the episode begins with a video summary of the previous episode to quickly re-immerse the player in the story, removing the need to remember where they were or what they were doing. Every episode closes with a nail-biting cliff-hanger ending to rattle players' nerves, and if the player is leaving the game a video teaser of the next episode plays to leave them wanting more. Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment, Alone in the Dark once again strives innovation and excellence within the genre. [Atari]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 82
GameStar
Alone in the Dark is a perfect example of how to stage games: a story with twists, fantastic scripts and interesting characters. It could be a great cocktail of action and horror, but it comes with a bad aftertaste. Every minute obvious design errors can be observed. This could have been avoided with two more months of development time. Players who are easily frustrated should wait until patches fix the problems.
 78
Gamer 2.0
Alone in the Dark proves that with a little time and patience, a good game can be created from innovative ideas.
75
PTGamers
Ambitious and imaginative, it's a guilty pleasure. Those who are able to deal with its issues – that aren't easy to ignore – may end up living a very interesting adventure.
71
Gamers.at
A valiant attempt at elevating Alone in the Dark back into the Pantheon of genre-defining adventure-games – much innovation, and even more atmospheric awesomeness.
65
Game Informer
Alone in the Dark can be applauded for its innovation, but it cannot be saved from its dysfunction. Had Eden Games added polish, or dare I say it, play-tested the game, it could have been a welcome addition for survival horror fans. [Aug 2008, p.85]
64
PC Format
Poor controls and too much reliance on trial and error in order to progress within the game. Hacking up the zombies is good fun, though. [Sept 2008, p.102]
62
Strategy Informer
Buy it on a console if you must play it, but don't expect things to be much of an improvement.
60
Boomtown
There are some unique ideas concerning health replenishment and inventory management.
60
VideoGamer
It has more than enough good ideas to make a brilliant, must-own game, but features even more bad game design and gameplay issues. As such it's without doubt the biggest disappointment this generation of consoles has seen and a game that's impossible to recommend.
60
Cheat Code Central
Despite the numerous obtuse moments, the interesting story should keep you playing at least a little while.
60
Play (Poland)
A horror that isn't scary? Fail. Awkward controls are tiring, gameplay is shockingly plain. There is a lot of new concepts, but technical deficiencies take out the fun from this game. For example the fires are amazing, but fireproof wood does the whole idea in. [Aug 2008]
60
Total PC Gaming
Great environmental puzzles and a chilling soundtrack are sadly let down by a poor port with dodgy controls. [Issue#9, p.46]
55
Computer Games Online RO
Alone in the Dark could have been a great game, but in its current shape it’s just a disappointing failure.
50
PC PowerPlay
For me, this was one of the most frustrating gaming experiences in recent memory. Most frustrating of all is the fact that this could have been a great game. Like a pack of half-starved zombies, the developers have simply bitten off more than they can chew. [Sept 2008, p.57]
49
YouGamers
Alone In The Dark truly horrifies me. How can such a big-budget title actually get to the stores with such unfriendly controls and gameplay glitches? The game is clumsy, completely linear and absolutely no fun to play.
46
PC Zone UK
Hateful game. [Sept 2008, p.60]
39
PC Gamer UK
Almost - but not entirely - worthless. [Aug 2008, p.70]
35
IGN
Nice visuals, great fire effects and valiant efforts at innovation don’t make up for boring combat, frustrating controls, poorly designed levels and a hackneyed story.
28
PC Gamer
Think about it: the developer built in a level skip. I recommend a cheaper alternative: the game skip. [Oct 2008, p.66]
Daniel M gave it an8: Canadian H. gave it a9: TrueGamer gave it a10: Dany T gave it a1: Nuno D. gave it an8: Cloete J. gave it a10: Dan L. gave it a9: |
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