Developer: Eden Studios
Publisher: Atari
Genre: Action / Adventure
Date posted: 15 June 2008
ScreenShots: 6
Written By: PlayDevil.com Crew
Hands On with AITD !
We've just come back from an exclusive Atari Press event in London, where we got the chance to chat with producers about the upcoming horror title "Alone In The Dark", and then get some serious playtime with the game.
Alone in the Dark is basically finished, and this was the chance for the struggling company to really show off the title.
Firstly, we were treated to a 90 minute presentation detailing every aspect of the gameplay, and the episodic structure of the gameplay, which should enable even the most incompetent gamer to sample all of what the game has to offer. Also, even though the game is a survival horror, the game also incorporates a lot of shooting, and also some driving to boot.
We also saw quite a few of the cut-scenes, and the game looks like it will have a really in depth story, with loads of twists and turns.
The voice acting and facial animation was also to a very high quality.
The gameplay itself is certainly very innovative, featuring the ability to combine almost anything in your inventory, leading to very different ways of figuring puzzles out.
There are also plenty of pyshics and environmental puzzles to figure out.
The graphics in the game are pretty stunning, especially when fire was involved, which lights rooms dynamically, but also spreads realistically and in an unscripted way.
There are plenty of post-processing effects going on, and 'Central Park' looks fantastic, even though it was pretty dark! Lighting effects from other sources, are, as to be expected, also excellent. Also, as aforementioned, the characters look great too.
Then we finally got the chance to try the game out for ourselves. You could choose from many of the episodes, thanks to the gameplay mechanic I've just mentioned.
You start off in a NYC skyscraper, where some of the plot unfolds, before you move into the more expansive and less linear area of Central Park. The move from a linear structure in the first chapters to freeform gameplay is a welcome change, and also an innovative one for the survival horror genre. Even games like 'Resident Evil' that gave you an open mansion to explore do not give you the kind of freedom that was available to us in the wide open space that is Central Park.
Whilst the events here were less scripted than those in the tower block, this again proved to be a welcome change in gameplay styles, and proved, along with the driving sections, that developer "Eden Studios" have successfully managed to merge several gameplay styles into this game.
You can also apparently tackle your objectives in any order which the appear, adding to the appeal of such a large playing area. The environmental sections worked very well, as we had to use electricity and fire to solve puzzles, or at least light our way through darkened sections.
It was also fun combining our items in order to create various different bombs, flares and weapons to use against our foes.
The gameplay style is also pretty good, with a mix of 'fixed' cameras (a la 'Eternal Darkness') and over the shoulder, 'Resident Evil 4' style gameplay.
All the new innovations, coupled with the great graphics, mean that this game should be great when it comes out, and a title that should be looked forwards to not just by fans of the genre, but anyone who likes games in general!
"Alone In The Dark" will be released on 20 June (24 June in North America) by Atari and was developed by Eden Studios for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC version. Developer Hydravision is taking care of the PS2 and Wii versions.
For the fans a limited edition of AITD will be released as well which includes exclusive items including hero figurine, art book and ‘making of’ documentary DVD.
More information can also be found on the official AITD website CentralDark.com
Pictures
  
  
Up
Previous Page
If you want to review your favorite game, or if you work with a computer game company and want your products reviewing, mail info@playdevil.com.
All contributions are welcome.
Join Video Game Network Exchange
Any problems and/or suggestions are always appreciated on
webmaster@playdevil.com
Nothing of this entire Site, animation & logo's included, may be reproduced, stored, saved, transmitted, in any form or means, electronic, written or otherwise without the prior permission of PlayDevil.
Other Logos & Names are Copyrighted Material of its respectful owners.
All Rights Reserved.
PlayDevil Productions © 199/8-199/9-200/0-200/1-200/2-200/3-200/4-200/5-200/6
"rip your own stuff"
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
