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- Platform: PlayStation 3
- BBFC Rating:
Suitable for 15 years and over. Not for sale to persons under age 15. By placing an order for this product, you declare that you are 15 years of age or over. - Media: Video Game
- Item Quantity: 1
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
There’s something strange and frightening happening in the middle of New York City’s Central Park; something whispered to have been intentionally kept secret; something that players are compelled to explore in Alone in the Dark.Known today as a safe haven for New Yorkers yearning for relief from the stresses of their chaotic metropolis, history records that Central Park was built on a useless swamp, yet as the New York City skyline hurtled towards the sky over the last 150 years, making the city the most expensive real estate in the world, the park has remained untouched. Why? Civic pride? Perhaps, but the recent strange happenings in and around the park are casting doubt on that, doubts that require investigating.
Enter Edward Carnby, Paranormal Investigator
Despite the title, Alone in the Dark is actually the fifth game in a series that dates back to 1992 and centers around the experiences of Edward "the reptile" Carnby. A paranormal investigator by trade, Carnby is looking for answers to the strange events and horrific creatures reported in and around the park, but gets more than he bargained for when all the mysteries and terrors of the park spill out over the course of one apocalyptic night. It’s the player’s task to avoid the new frightening dangers of the park as you search for the answers to what these supernatural occurrences mean and why they are happening.Gameplay Based on Full Player Immersion
Packed full of action and vivid in its realism Alone in the Dark goes to the extreme to keep players engaged and immersed by plunging them into the heart of the action in real-time at every turn and challenging them to survive using full movement control. The goal here is to allow players to do or at least feel that they can do more or less whatever is possible in real life, within the game.Need to avoid a blast of steam or an eruption of fire that has shot up in your path? You can simply side-step it or you can handle the obstacle with a little more panache by using the environment around you, for example by swinging around it using reachable pipes or wires. In another situation you may be challenged by attacking monsters. No problem. You can take the path of least resistance, again by side-stepping them or placing an obstacle between yourself and them, but if you are feeling like taking out a little aggression you can pick up a board, chair, box, etc. and have at it. Nearly anything that you come across that would be usable in real life is usable in game and can be wielded in several different ways.In addition, game developer Eden Studios has done away with a few in-game conventions in favour of real life upgrades. Instead of old-fashioned health bars Alone in the Dark uses realistic body damage and physiological effects to show players how much damage has been done to Carnby by the new dangerous nightlife of Central Park. Basically this means if Carnby has been taking a licking he’s going to be a little bloody. Monsters use sensory perception of all kinds to find their victims, so players need to keep aware of Carnby’s physical state, as well as the impact he has on his surroundings. Also gone are traditional inventory systems that take players out of the game while you switch or check items in your possession, replaced by an in-game inventory system where items are carried in the folds of Carnby’s trench coat. This allows you to stay in the action the whole time. Sticking with the realism theme, the number of items that Carnby can carry is limited, but since ingenuity is built into the system, items can be combined or their uses altered, mostly with tape, so players can adjust as challenges arise.TV Style Intensity That Keeps You Hooked
Built around a unique television style episodic narrative game structure, the storyline of Alone in the Dark is split into a number of distinct 30-40 minute episodes, doled out one at a time as you play. This new way to progress through the storyline ensures that players can enjoy the game regardless of the amount of time they have available without ever feeling lost. Each time a saved game is launched, the episode will begin with a video summary of the previous episode to quickly re-immerse the player in the story, removing the need to remember where you were or what you were doing at the end of your last play session. In addition, every episode will also close with a nail-biting, cliff-hanger ending to rattle players’ nerves. And when you choose to leave the game, a video teaser of the next episode will play to leave players always wanting more.Vivid Photographic Rendering
Even on a bad day, and this will be a bad one, Central Park and New York City are something to see. With Game developer Eden’s proprietary Twilight technology and rendering engine, players can expect to see everything from the City’s famous landmarks to the manifestations of the evil that have been festering in Central Park come to life as if you were there. This lavishly detailed game world takes advantage of highly realistic and advanced cinematographic effects including depth of field, camera focus, numerous light sources, moisture, reflections and High Dynamic Range effects.Whether it’s the innovative game play, the unique episodic game structure, the advanced physics or the return of a ground-breaking protagonist recast in the modern era, Alone in the Dark holds something for players willing to take on the mysteries and dangers at the heart of Central Park.
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Despite the title, Alone in the Dark is actually the fifth game in a series that dates back to 1992 and centers around the experiences of Edward "the reptile" Carnby. A paranormal investigator by trade, Carnby is looking for answers to the strange events and horrific creatures reported in and around the park, but gets more than he bargained for when all the mysteries and terrors of the park spill out over the course of one apocalyptic night. It’s the player’s task to avoid the new frightening dangers of the park as you search for the answers to what these supernatural occurrences mean and why they are happening.Gameplay Based on Full Player Immersion
Packed full of action and vivid in its realism Alone in the Dark goes to the extreme to keep players engaged and immersed by plunging them into the heart of the action in real-time at every turn and challenging them to survive using full movement control. The goal here is to allow players to do or at least feel that they can do more or less whatever is possible in real life, within the game.Need to avoid a blast of steam or an eruption of fire that has shot up in your path? You can simply side-step it or you can handle the obstacle with a little more panache by using the environment around you, for example by swinging around it using reachable pipes or wires. In another situation you may be challenged by attacking monsters. No problem. You can take the path of least resistance, again by side-stepping them or placing an obstacle between yourself and them, but if you are feeling like taking out a little aggression you can pick up a board, chair, box, etc. and have at it. Nearly anything that you come across that would be usable in real life is usable in game and can be wielded in several different ways.In addition, game developer Eden Studios has done away with a few in-game conventions in favour of real life upgrades. Instead of old-fashioned health bars Alone in the Dark uses realistic body damage and physiological effects to show players how much damage has been done to Carnby by the new dangerous nightlife of Central Park. Basically this means if Carnby has been taking a licking he’s going to be a little bloody. Monsters use sensory perception of all kinds to find their victims, so players need to keep aware of Carnby’s physical state, as well as the impact he has on his surroundings. Also gone are traditional inventory systems that take players out of the game while you switch or check items in your possession, replaced by an in-game inventory system where items are carried in the folds of Carnby’s trench coat. This allows you to stay in the action the whole time. Sticking with the realism theme, the number of items that Carnby can carry is limited, but since ingenuity is built into the system, items can be combined or their uses altered, mostly with tape, so players can adjust as challenges arise.TV Style Intensity That Keeps You Hooked
Built around a unique television style episodic narrative game structure, the storyline of Alone in the Dark is split into a number of distinct 30-40 minute episodes, doled out one at a time as you play. This new way to progress through the storyline ensures that players can enjoy the game regardless of the amount of time they have available without ever feeling lost. Each time a saved game is launched, the episode will begin with a video summary of the previous episode to quickly re-immerse the player in the story, removing the need to remember where you were or what you were doing at the end of your last play session. In addition, every episode will also close with a nail-biting, cliff-hanger ending to rattle players’ nerves. And when you choose to leave the game, a video teaser of the next episode will play to leave players always wanting more.Vivid Photographic Rendering
Even on a bad day, and this will be a bad one, Central Park and New York City are something to see. With Game developer Eden’s proprietary Twilight technology and rendering engine, players can expect to see everything from the City’s famous landmarks to the manifestations of the evil that have been festering in Central Park come to life as if you were there. This lavishly detailed game world takes advantage of highly realistic and advanced cinematographic effects including depth of field, camera focus, numerous light sources, moisture, reflections and High Dynamic Range effects.Whether it’s the innovative game play, the unique episodic game structure, the advanced physics or the return of a ground-breaking protagonist recast in the modern era, Alone in the Dark holds something for players willing to take on the mysteries and dangers at the heart of Central Park.
Product Description
Thereâ?TMs something strange and frightening happening in the middle of New York Cityâ?TMs Central Park; something whispered to have been intentionally kept secret; something that players are compelled to explore in Alone in the Dark.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Stevie G
VINE™ VOICE
Fun:
2.0 out of 5 stars
The PS3 release of Alone In The Dark (sub titled Inferno) is supposedly an improvement over the earlier release on consoles, with flaws ironed out and critiscisms worked on. Despite a handful of innovative ideas, the execution still leaves much to be desired.
The visuals are disappointingly poor, and highlight how long this was in development. Graphics are rough and jagged, and characters display a waxy complexion. Yet AITD has plenty of atmosphere. The apocalypse is conveyed well by the games environments. Collapsed buildings and strewn corpses add to the feeling of sudden and devastating carnage.
Inventory items are stored in Edward Carnbys coat, which is accessed in real-time. It has very limited space, so re-arranging and discarding items will take more time than necessary. Combining items is also tricky, and needs performing in the correct order to register. This leads to a frustrating case of trial and error, especially when first playing. Items like blood packs, which can be used to distract enemies, are fiddly to use. This leads to no experimentation, favouring guns and violence over more thoughtful approaches. The sluggish controls dont help. AITD can be played in both 1st and 3rd person perspectives, but neither mode is particularly fun. Specific actions are better performed in a certain mode, so its soon a matter of convenience, rather than personal preference.
The games many set pieces are well designed and imaginatively presented, but emphasise how linear the game is. The Central Park sections even have invisible trigger points. Vehicle sections are slightly awkward, breaking into a car is fun the first few times, trying to hotwire or find the keys, but the driving feels like a sub standard rally game.
Puzzles are formed out of obstacles in the environment, possibly the games strongest aspect. Redistributing weight on a bus teetering over a cliff is one highlight. Hooking an electrical cable out of water demonstrates how the puzzles are both logical and realistic.
Another innovative feature is how injuries are displayed physically on Carnby's body. Minor injuries can be sprayed back to health, but more serious wounds require bandaging before a timer counts down. It's a novel approach, and makes a change from the standard health bar.
AITD's story is presented in a similar style to TV shows like Lost and 24, with the game split into Chapters. Each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger, and a 'previously on' section recaps events so far. However, the narrative struggles to entertain, and lacks the characterisation of its inspirations. Carnby himself is dislikeable, and his amnesia feels like an amateur plot device. However, the explosive set pieces keep things moving along.
Also, every chapter is available to play outright, so the game can be played out of sequence. Presumably this is to remove sticking points, but ruins any sense of achievement once the credits roll.
Ultimately Alone In The Dark : Inferno is a game crippled by its own ambition, with most ideas feeling like a compromise.
The visuals are disappointingly poor, and highlight how long this was in development. Graphics are rough and jagged, and characters display a waxy complexion. Yet AITD has plenty of atmosphere. The apocalypse is conveyed well by the games environments. Collapsed buildings and strewn corpses add to the feeling of sudden and devastating carnage.
Inventory items are stored in Edward Carnbys coat, which is accessed in real-time. It has very limited space, so re-arranging and discarding items will take more time than necessary. Combining items is also tricky, and needs performing in the correct order to register. This leads to a frustrating case of trial and error, especially when first playing. Items like blood packs, which can be used to distract enemies, are fiddly to use. This leads to no experimentation, favouring guns and violence over more thoughtful approaches. The sluggish controls dont help. AITD can be played in both 1st and 3rd person perspectives, but neither mode is particularly fun. Specific actions are better performed in a certain mode, so its soon a matter of convenience, rather than personal preference.
The games many set pieces are well designed and imaginatively presented, but emphasise how linear the game is. The Central Park sections even have invisible trigger points. Vehicle sections are slightly awkward, breaking into a car is fun the first few times, trying to hotwire or find the keys, but the driving feels like a sub standard rally game.
Puzzles are formed out of obstacles in the environment, possibly the games strongest aspect. Redistributing weight on a bus teetering over a cliff is one highlight. Hooking an electrical cable out of water demonstrates how the puzzles are both logical and realistic.
Another innovative feature is how injuries are displayed physically on Carnby's body. Minor injuries can be sprayed back to health, but more serious wounds require bandaging before a timer counts down. It's a novel approach, and makes a change from the standard health bar.
AITD's story is presented in a similar style to TV shows like Lost and 24, with the game split into Chapters. Each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger, and a 'previously on' section recaps events so far. However, the narrative struggles to entertain, and lacks the characterisation of its inspirations. Carnby himself is dislikeable, and his amnesia feels like an amateur plot device. However, the explosive set pieces keep things moving along.
Also, every chapter is available to play outright, so the game can be played out of sequence. Presumably this is to remove sticking points, but ruins any sense of achievement once the credits roll.
Ultimately Alone In The Dark : Inferno is a game crippled by its own ambition, with most ideas feeling like a compromise.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Fun:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Alone in the Dark" is a game that had a lot of hype behind it prior to release, but when it finally landed on the 360, Wii and PS2, it was pretty much broken beyond repair. All of the fundamental elements that make a game enjoyable (outside the storytelling aspects) were left in a perpetual state of disarray. Long story short -- it played like an undercooked beta release. Why Eden Games chose to release the title with its fundamentals fractured so terribly is beyond me.
What we've received from Eden Games in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno" is a greatly improved build that, unfortunately, still suffers from some clunky play mechanics.
First, the improvements:
01 - For the most part, the player has been given full control over the game's camera, allowing for a 360 degree view of the environment. Occasionally the camera locks itself down, but this is done in moments that require the cinematic effect. For the most part, it works.
02 - Edward no longer controls like a tank. This change was pretty much a given when the camera was freed up.
03 - The inventory system is less convoluted. The order in which you combine items is no longer dead set, and its easier to navigate in general.
04 - The driving mechanics have been tweaked. Now one of the game's most exciting levels (the final stage in episode 2) is a lot more fun and a lot less frustrating. The cars no longer handle like boats.
05 - A "hint" system is integrated into the early stages to help orientate the player (this may have been in the 360 version, but I certainly don't remember it, particularly during the first driving level).
06 - The storyline is pretty much identical between builds, but there's been a fundamental change made surrounding a quest that in the initial build involves a LOT of painful backtracking. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling things, but this change helps the flow of the game immensely.
07 - A new level has been added mid-way through the game.
Now the problems:
01 - Despite the tweaked control scheme, Edward is still a bit difficult to control. There are times where I'll want him to walk one direction, and he'll sort of wander in a slightly different direction. This was particularly annoying in the later half of episode 1.
02 - It's easy enough moving him around in first person view, but the controls are never as sensitive as one would like in first person, and getting into a gun fight can be really irritating, particularly if you're used to the precision aiming in games like "Resistance".
03 - There is no 5.1 surround support in this game, which is sort of a letdown. It's the only game I own that lacks 5.1. There are also no subtitles, which just feels lazy. One of the people in my house is deaf in one ear and partially relies on subtitles to convey the story. This is probably the only PS3 game I own that lacks subtitle support.
04 - Using melee weapons is problematic. It's a good idea for a combat system, but it's implemented poorly. It reminds me a little bit of that PS2 Jet Li game, but less refined.
There are a lot of big ideas in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno". It's a very ambitious game, and I think that's one of the problems. I get the feeling that this title was just slightly outside the capability of Eden Games. They couldn't quite pull it all together into a cohesive experience.
Having said that, the game features an exciting episodic presentation and a wonderful musical score that utilizes the award-winning female choir known as The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. The voice acting is solid (the guy who plays Max Payne voices Edward Carnby) and there are some excellent set pieces that really get the blood pumping.
If you can look past the slightly awkward control scheme and the occasional graphical oddity, I would suggest picking the game up. The price has already dropped quite a bit (I picked the game up brand new for $29.99 at a local Game Stop) so now's the time.
What we've received from Eden Games in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno" is a greatly improved build that, unfortunately, still suffers from some clunky play mechanics.
First, the improvements:
01 - For the most part, the player has been given full control over the game's camera, allowing for a 360 degree view of the environment. Occasionally the camera locks itself down, but this is done in moments that require the cinematic effect. For the most part, it works.
02 - Edward no longer controls like a tank. This change was pretty much a given when the camera was freed up.
03 - The inventory system is less convoluted. The order in which you combine items is no longer dead set, and its easier to navigate in general.
04 - The driving mechanics have been tweaked. Now one of the game's most exciting levels (the final stage in episode 2) is a lot more fun and a lot less frustrating. The cars no longer handle like boats.
05 - A "hint" system is integrated into the early stages to help orientate the player (this may have been in the 360 version, but I certainly don't remember it, particularly during the first driving level).
06 - The storyline is pretty much identical between builds, but there's been a fundamental change made surrounding a quest that in the initial build involves a LOT of painful backtracking. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling things, but this change helps the flow of the game immensely.
07 - A new level has been added mid-way through the game.
Now the problems:
01 - Despite the tweaked control scheme, Edward is still a bit difficult to control. There are times where I'll want him to walk one direction, and he'll sort of wander in a slightly different direction. This was particularly annoying in the later half of episode 1.
02 - It's easy enough moving him around in first person view, but the controls are never as sensitive as one would like in first person, and getting into a gun fight can be really irritating, particularly if you're used to the precision aiming in games like "Resistance".
03 - There is no 5.1 surround support in this game, which is sort of a letdown. It's the only game I own that lacks 5.1. There are also no subtitles, which just feels lazy. One of the people in my house is deaf in one ear and partially relies on subtitles to convey the story. This is probably the only PS3 game I own that lacks subtitle support.
04 - Using melee weapons is problematic. It's a good idea for a combat system, but it's implemented poorly. It reminds me a little bit of that PS2 Jet Li game, but less refined.
There are a lot of big ideas in "Alone in the Dark: Inferno". It's a very ambitious game, and I think that's one of the problems. I get the feeling that this title was just slightly outside the capability of Eden Games. They couldn't quite pull it all together into a cohesive experience.
Having said that, the game features an exciting episodic presentation and a wonderful musical score that utilizes the award-winning female choir known as The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. The voice acting is solid (the guy who plays Max Payne voices Edward Carnby) and there are some excellent set pieces that really get the blood pumping.
If you can look past the slightly awkward control scheme and the occasional graphical oddity, I would suggest picking the game up. The price has already dropped quite a bit (I picked the game up brand new for $29.99 at a local Game Stop) so now's the time.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Inspector Gadget
VINE™ VOICE
Fun:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I'd never played any of the previous four AITD video games so I figured I'd be lost an unable to keep up with this one, but the previews looked good so I added it to my wishlist, where it remained until the price came down.
You play as Edward Carnby, a man who has lost his memory. Edward wakes up in a crumbling Central Park West apartment building. A supernatural force is ripping through the walls and turning the inhabitants into mutated killers. A huge earthquake rips Manhattan apart and on top of that there are ugly monsters spawning all over the park. It's all part of a prophecy (yawn) in which Edward must prevent Lucifer from entering into the world.
The plot is mostly mumbo-jumbo. But the main strength of the game is the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that turns a supposedly safe environment bustling with people (Manhattan island) into a lonely, apocalyptic nightmare. As a survival horror it's not as good as the Resident Evil series, and it doesn't have tension that made those games so good. I never felt scared to look around a corner or felt fear of what was lurking in the darkness beyond the character's view. But it's fast moving enough and gives you plenty of monsters to shoot at (though it's never satisfying enough and totally bloodless). It's also the 86th game in a row I've played that features Central Park.
Despite my complaining, I never got bored with the game or felt it was hard to control (I played the PS3 version, which improves on the Xbox 360 release). Though when driving around a shrub or a bush is completely impenetrable to a two-ton car and it's kinda infuriating. The fact that trophies are handed out left, right and centre makes up for it.
The ending hints at a sequel, which has yet to materialize. But AITD is a fine way to spend a few bucks and a few days playing.
Graphics B+ Sound B- Gameplay B Lasting Appeal B
You play as Edward Carnby, a man who has lost his memory. Edward wakes up in a crumbling Central Park West apartment building. A supernatural force is ripping through the walls and turning the inhabitants into mutated killers. A huge earthquake rips Manhattan apart and on top of that there are ugly monsters spawning all over the park. It's all part of a prophecy (yawn) in which Edward must prevent Lucifer from entering into the world.
The plot is mostly mumbo-jumbo. But the main strength of the game is the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that turns a supposedly safe environment bustling with people (Manhattan island) into a lonely, apocalyptic nightmare. As a survival horror it's not as good as the Resident Evil series, and it doesn't have tension that made those games so good. I never felt scared to look around a corner or felt fear of what was lurking in the darkness beyond the character's view. But it's fast moving enough and gives you plenty of monsters to shoot at (though it's never satisfying enough and totally bloodless). It's also the 86th game in a row I've played that features Central Park.
Despite my complaining, I never got bored with the game or felt it was hard to control (I played the PS3 version, which improves on the Xbox 360 release). Though when driving around a shrub or a bush is completely impenetrable to a two-ton car and it's kinda infuriating. The fact that trophies are handed out left, right and centre makes up for it.
The ending hints at a sequel, which has yet to materialize. But AITD is a fine way to spend a few bucks and a few days playing.
Graphics B+ Sound B- Gameplay B Lasting Appeal B
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A masterpiece thats a bit clunky
There are not enough games like this where you get immersed into the story as if you are part of the tv show or movie. Read more
Published 8 days ago by hari
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nil stars but have to One star it or review wont work
It wasnt even a good buy for 6 quid. Dodgy controls, poor camera view and no Dolby surround sound. What were the devs thinking while making this. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Lucodeath
1.0 out of 5 stars
I just stood in a pile of dog poo in the dark park
What a complete waste of time, money, time and so horribly and utterly frustrating.
Played the previous Alone in the Dark back on the old PS many years ago and loved it. Read more
Played the previous Alone in the Dark back on the old PS many years ago and loved it. Read more
Published 19 months ago by D. Bethell
5.0 out of 5 stars
alone in the dark
it was a very fun game to play overall espicially with my mates......very scary and addictive to play,i would higly recomend it
Published 19 months ago by jordan minty
2.0 out of 5 stars
alone in the dark
ok alone in the dark looked like right up my street but sadly when you star the game you lost ur memory and you haven't got a clue wat goin on and i wish it was the guy you play... Read more
Published on 9 Sep 2010 by chris183
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cool Game
This Game is awsome!
Good Graphics,Cool Gameplay!
Good Physics,Story?...ok...well....
But it is fun to play and sometimes really scary
Buy Buy Buy
Good Graphics,Cool Gameplay!
Good Physics,Story?...ok...well....
But it is fun to play and sometimes really scary
Buy Buy Buy
Published on 17 Aug 2010 by Sabine Sandholtet
3.0 out of 5 stars
Alone in the dark burnt!
Ok the title is a bit of a stretch I know but that is how I feel after finally completing this game.. sort of! Read more
Published on 5 July 2010 by Bruce Banner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique Game that takes you out of the repetitiveness that you see...
This game is the best offline PS3 game so far (cuz I think COD-MOD2 is the best online game).. I've always been a big fan of horror games like Silent hill and resident evil .. Read more
Published on 28 April 2010 by M. Alshaikly
4.0 out of 5 stars
Daring, Different but flawed
I was quite impressed with this game. It is very different. For a start there are few weapons and you have to combine things to make effective weapons. Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2010 by Mr. R. J. Wilson
4.0 out of 5 stars
richtderby
Intriguing, underrated and occasionally genuinely creepy survival horror game. Alone in The Dark Inferno boasts improved camera, controls and difficulty from the Xbox 360 version... Read more
Published on 23 Oct 2009 by R. J. Thomas
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