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

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.

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.

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 ourselves. 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.

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.