Survival horror games are usually console fare, but the suspense genre is making its way to the PC with a few notable titles in 2008. It's been a few years since the last Alone in the Dark release, and the first two games in the series will be remembered as genre-defining experiences (the third and fourth installments: a bit lackluster). Alone in the Dark: Near Death Investigation features the same protagonist as the first game, Edward Camby, only now he finds himself wandering through present-day Central Park. Developer Eden Games is crafting an open game world which makes ample use of light effects to flesh out the atmosphere. The improvisational weapon system is also key, and allows for ad-hoc problem solving. Need to distract enemies? Tape a blood bag to an enemy and watch him become the target. Want to light up an enemy? Make use of a lighter and a can of spray paint. Alone in the Dark: Near Death Investigation looks to have promise, and we'll know for certain come March when the game is released on the Atari label.
Look for Atari's Alone in the Dark 5 in early 2008
Alone in the Dark 5 makes ample use of fire in combat
Swedish developer Frictional Games is delivering a follow-up to their spooky first-person horror game Penumbra: Overture, which was released to generally favorable reviews in early 2007. Penumbra: Black Plague, scheduled for a first-quarter release, is built on an updated version of the same internally developed engine which powered the first Penumbra. Black Plague picks up where Overture left off, and protagonist Philip continues the investigation into his father's death. The unique interaction system makes a return as well, though players had a love/hate take on the physics-heavy puzzles and controls. Penumbra: Black Plague will be the final game in the Penumbra story, and it will be curious to see if Frictional Games wraps the story up in a satisfying manner.
This year's Call of Juarez didn't exactly burn up the sales charts, but it was one of the first PC games to make use of DirectX 10 features. Developer Techland is gearing up for a new release in 2008 with Dead Island, a survival horror game that pits you against a horde of zombies on a once-pristine vacation island. As you search for your girlfriend and for a way off the island, almost all items are at your disposal for use as weapons. Techland is particularly proud of the melee combat and free-roaming exploration. Screenshots show that the game is no slouch in the visuals department, but gamers were burned more than once in 2007 with great-looking duds. If Techland can pull together a cohesive, enjoyable experience in time for the projected second-quarter release, then the PC may finally get an enjoyable zombie thrasher.
The rather empty PC survival horror genre gets a 2008 title with Dead Island
Dead Island combines melee combat with a horror-themed plot
Sam Fisher, CIA veteran and former Navy Seal, makes his return as protagonist of the Splinter Cell franchise in Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Conviction. Another victim (or beneficiary, depending on your point of view) of the success of Assassin's Creed, Splinter Cell: Conviction recently earned a delay until sometime after April 1. The game features and aged and gruff-looking Sam Fisher in a return to the Third Echelon, picking up two years after the events in Splinter Cell: Double Agent. Ubisoft Montreal is using a similar crowd-based stealth mechanic as in Assassin's Creed, and previews have emphasized the unique combat system and advanced physics engine. The Ubisoft hype machine is well-oiled and operating at full-bore these days, but the extra development time gives the team an opportunity to hone the gameplay.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction uses advanced physics and a new combat mechanic
Crowd-based stealth - a la Assassin's Creed - is a key mechanic in Splinter Cell: Conviction
Graphics gurus Remedy Entertainment last released a game in 2003 (Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne), but they haven’t been resting on their laurels. Their upcoming thriller Alan Wake is receiving its fair share of press for its advanced graphics and physics engines, which make the most of available PC technologies to enhance the gaming experience. Technology demos and screenshots back up the assertion that Alan Wake is likely to be one of the most sophisticated games when it’s released sometime next year.
But a game is more than a pretty canvas, and though details on the open-world game are light, the premise is intriguing: a horror author’s writings begin to shape the world around him. The combat system hasn’t been revealed, though Remedy have let slip that light will be a factor. With a plot that rolls out in episodes and scripted NPC dialogue, Remedy’s trademark knack for drama will no doubt play a major role in game progression. What’s been shown of the game so far is impressive, and here’s to hoping the completed Alan Wake doesn’t disappoint.
Alan Wake is an atmospheric thriller from Remedy Entertainment, the creators of the Max Payne series
The Vista-exclusive Alan Wake promises excellent visuals
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