Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare - PC

Alone in the Dark is not the best-known video game series in the world. Fans of survival horror should sit up and take note, however. How can you not be at least seduced by the title? Originally released back in the early nineties, these games were visually simple, but posed an enormous challenge. Completing these games was no mean feat. After a quiet period in the latter half of the decade, the series is back. Infogrames has released the fourth instalment of the series, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare for PC.

The infamous supernatural detective Edward Carnby is back to avenge the death of his best friend. His findings prompt him to embark upon a survival-horror adventure to recover three tablets. If he fails, a door will open and an incredible and dangerous power will be unleashed. Do you have the nerve?

Although the game has been pre-rendered in 3D, you only get a fixed camera perspective. But this actually proves beneficial to the minimum specs for the game, which are indeed minimal. A reasonable display coupled with a good graphics card enhances the experience considerably, though. Environments are generally dark and moody, but boast a high level of interactivity and atmosphere. Moving around within a game like this is generally slow-paced, but the plot is engrossing and the puzzles are challenging.

You will initially be armed with only a flashlight and pistol, so survival will be your top priority. As long as you keep your nerve and use the clues you gain, you should be okay – hopefully.

Overall, The New Nightmare’s terror factor is similar to Resident Evil and Silent Hill, and it offers some amazing gameplay. Turn off the lights, pump up the volume and be afraid. Be very afraid.
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