Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Battlefield 6 Classes - Support trailer image

    Battlefield 6 Really Wants You To Play Support (But Knows You Won’t)

    07/31/2025
    Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal promotional image

    Battlefield 6 Classes, Maps, And More: Everything You Need To Know

    07/31/2025
    A glimpse at all the upcoming Star Wars stories coming to the galaxy

    Star Wars Stories: What We Learned At SDCC 2025

    07/25/2025
    Blindspot episode still

    It’s been 5 years since ‘Blindspot’ ended. Why haven’t you watched it yet?

    07/24/2025
    Strange Scaffold

    Strange Scaffold Summer Showcase Delivers Bizarre And Brilliant Games

    07/22/2025
  • Fantasia Festival
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
But Why Tho?
Home » PC » REVIEW: ‘Alone In the Dark’ Is A Descent Into the Shadows Of Being Human (PC)

REVIEW: ‘Alone In the Dark’ Is A Descent Into the Shadows Of Being Human (PC)

Katherine KongBy Katherine Kong03/19/20245 Mins ReadUpdated:01/13/2025
Alone in the Dark
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Alone In The Dark returns as a reimagined love letter to its 1992 original. It is a survival horror adventure by Pieces Interactive and THQ Nordic that pulls out all the stops in merging the old and new. This seventh installment of the title brings an acclaimed cast and incorporates elements from its groundbreaking origins. Mikael Hedberg, writer of Soma and Amnesia, crafts a compelling new narrative that is fitting for its 1920’s Lousiana jazzy, noir setting.

In a hazy twilight, the peculiar Derceto Manor nestles in the deeper parts of the American South Bayou. Its unpaved roads trail a cloud of dust as you approach it. Mystery and cigarette smoke cling to the humid air as Emily Hartwood (Jodie Comer) recalls a disturbing letter from her uncle Jeremy Harwood. Determined to uncover his whereabouts, Emily hires Edward Carnby (David Harbour), a private detective, to accompany her.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Host to overgrown greenery and in need of upkeep, Derceto Manor is home to the mentally stricken. Contrasting its haunting exterior, however, are striking Greek paintings and surreal sculptures scattering the interior. Additionally, residents are mildly cordial and “normal.” Something is amiss as it is anything but your typical asylum. No one knows where exactly Jeremy is. As Emily or Edward, you begin uncovering the truths within the manor.

As players settle into Derceto Manor, the attention to detail in sound design and environment creates paranoia. From the subtle creaks of floorboards to spacial murmurs, Alone in the Dark’s atmosphere is disconcerting. The jazz-infused soundtrack, while evocative of a noir detective vibe, occasionally feels out of place. At times, it momentarily disrupts the immersive experience. Yet, this seeming incongruity reminds players of the present reality while reengaging with the cinematic aspects of the title.

Alone in the Dark Directo

Emily and Edward’s times in the manor differ slightly. While the overall plot remains the same, cutscenes and dialogue are unique for each character. Accordingly, a second or third playthrough reveals areas and secrets formerly not accessible. Collectables called Lagniappes, for example, are nonessential items that come in sets of three.

When a set is found, these “small gifts” unlock forbidden knowledge, items, and more. While not necessary to collect, the obscurity of these items complements the game’s detective noir ambiance. They builds curiosity and serve as a boon for lore-driven players and completionists. However, not all sets can be found in one character playthrough. Some sets and areas are only discoverable in either Emily’s or Edward’s arc.

Puzzles are integral to progression in Alone In The Dark. They serve as a gateway to new environments beyond Derceto Manor. They’re also keys to unraveling the game’s narrative mysteries. They also work in sets of threes, meaning successfully solving core puzzles requires three numbers or three elements. Often non-linear, puzzles require players to backtrack to other locations or sift through documents to find the solution. A notable feature is the fully voiced-over documents and evidence players acquire. It breathes life into the title by giving each a unique voice and enhancing the cinematic quality of the gameplay.

While drawing inspiration from Lovecraftian horror elements, Alone In The Dark is a slow descent into the shadows of being human. As a survival horror adventure, these two concepts pair really well together thematicaly. As players navigate through ominous environments, they not only confront external threats but also grapple with the internal struggles of the characters they inhabit.

The darkness serves as a metaphor for the psychological traumas and moral dilemmas that people tend to bury in the deepest corners of themselves. Rather than relying on jump scares (which there are some), Alone In The Dark immerses players in a narrative that confronts the complexities of human existence.

Alone in the Dark Gameplay

The scarcity of ammunition in Alone In The Dark deepens the intersections of survival horror. There is an intensified feeling of vulnerability placed upon the player to survive and endure. While you will come into possession of various guns, relying solely on firepower isn’t always the best solution. Opting to sneak around enemies can often yield the best outcome for survival.

Bricks, for example, can serve as effective diversions to sneak past adversaries. Should players choose to go in guns blazing and run out of bullets, tossable items like Molotovs and melee weapons can provide a lifeline. Although melee weapons offer a viable alternative, their durability degrades quickly.

For players well-versed in the genre, the beat of the title won’t come as anything profoundly new or reinventive. It simply wants to bring a cult classic to the present with modern bells and whistles. Fans of the 1992 original and horror veterans can appreciate the iconic elements that have paved the path for the horror genre.

Conclusively, Alone In The Dark properly writes its love letter while creating appeal to a wider audience through cinematic aspects. The classic horror elements and nods to its origins are seen, heard, and felt from beginning to end.

Alone In The Dark releases on March 20 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alone in the Dark
  • 7.5/10
    Rating - 7.5/10
7.5/10

TL;DR

Conclusively, Alone In The Dark properly writes its love letter while creating appeal to a wider audience through cinematic aspects. The classic horror elements and nods to its origins are seen, heard, and felt from beginning to end.

  • Get Now on Green Man Gaming with Our Affiliate Link

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue #9
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Late Night With The Devil’ Is A Horror Great
Katherine Kong
  • X (Twitter)
  • Instagram

Former horror game lover turned softie. When not shootin’ and lootin’ can be found on the couch binge-watching K-dramas and cooking shows.

Related Posts

Key art for Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
9.0

REVIEW: ‘Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound’ Is Excellent Nostalgic Chaos

07/30/2025
Tales of the Shire screenshot of personal playable character.
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Tales Of The Shire’ Has Magic, Even If Its Sometimes Hard To Find

07/28/2025
Killing Floor 3 promotional key art
7.0

REVIEW: ‘Killing Floor 3’ Is Co-op Chaos With A Familiar Flavor

07/25/2025
Wildgate promotional key art
9.0

REVIEW: ‘Wildgate’ Is Co-Op Space Mayhem Done Right

07/25/2025
Wheel World promotional keyart from Annapurna Interactive
8.0

REVIEW: In ‘Wheel World’ The Ride Is The Story

07/23/2025
Wuchang in WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers
9.0

REVIEW: ‘Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ Elevates The Genre With Exploration And Creativity

07/22/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Wildgate promotional key art
9.0
PC

REVIEW: ‘Wildgate’ Is Co-Op Space Mayhem Done Right

By Adrian Ruiz07/25/2025Updated:07/30/2025

Built for friends and tuned for competition, Wildgate is messy in the best way: smart, surprising, and bursting with room to grow.

Glass Heart
7.0
TV

REVIEW: ‘Glass Heart’ Offers Messy, Musical Catharsis

By Allyson Johnson07/22/2025

The musical drama series ‘Glass Heart’ soars when it focuses on the epic performances of it’s fictional band, TENBLANK.

Simon in An Honest Life But Why Tho
3.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘An Honest Life’ Is Terribly Dishonest About Its Own Politics

By Jason Flatt08/02/2025

An Honest Life is an overly severe misfire about a law student who falls in with anarchist burglars that can’t decide who it resents more.

World of Warcraft The War Within Ghosts of Karesh But Why Tho Interviews

‘The War Within’ Patch 11.2 Addresses Raid Trash, Magic-Focused Comps, And More

By Mick Abrahamson07/31/2025Updated:07/31/2025

WoW Sr. Producer and Asst. Lead Quest Designer address The War Within 11.2’s Manaforge Omega, Reshii Wrap rewards, and Mythic+ balancing.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here