Game introduction

Penumbra: Overture is a first person adventure game which focuses on story, immersion and puzzles. Instead of using violence to progress the player has to use his/her wits to guide Philip on his quest to unravel the past. Played from a first person viewpoint, Penumbra is very different from other adventure games. Not only is it powered by a 3D engine utilising cutting edge technology, it also has an advanced physics system which allow for a never before seen environment interaction. The player can open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects and more using natural mouse movements creating a highly interactive and immersive game world. The weapon system differs from your average game; swinging a melee weapon is done using the mouse which increases the realistic feel of combat. Fighting enemies is not something best done with brute force though, in most situations fighting is a last resort and the player is often better of using his/her wits. The AI of the enemies will also do its best to hunt and scare the player. The creatures encountered can break down doors, use group co-ordination, interact with the physics and more. Penumbra: Overture will keep players on the edge as they have to explore scary and immersive environments never knowing what is behind the next corner. The world is detailed, graphical as well as a story wise making the player feel part of the world as secrets are uncovered.

Game-o-Meter

Can your computer run Penumbra: Overture - Episode 1? Run the Game-o-Meter and see for yourself!

Review

Starting life as a tech demo, Penumbra: Overture brings an innovative control system, unique graphics and physics engines, plus episodic content to an otherwise empty and formulaic genre. With a strong emphasis on story-telling, puzzle-solving and atmospheric gameplay, this first title from Frictional Games has all the hallmarks of being a great game - read our review to solve this case!