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This thread has been linked to the game 'Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage'.
In his story 'Herbert West, Re-animator', H.P Lovecraft said that 'memories and possibilities are ever more hideous than realities'. It is this fear of the unknown; the 'possibilities' which pullulate entirely in our minds, which makes his work so fascinating. It's no wonder then that Zoetrope Interactive; the developers of Darkness Within, take great pride in their series' Lovecraftian influence. The original was a curious tour through a dark and oft-times frightening world; a study of sanity through a point-and-click medium. The sequel, released this year after a swift change of publisher, was quick to promise even more. What follows is a harrowing exhibit in the dynamism of atmosphere; the product of a developer who has truly listened to their fans.
When the game starts, it is immediately clear that it is indeed a sequel; beginning directly after the originals' somewhat cliffhanger ending. That said, knowledge of the previous game is not a necessity, as apart from a few returning characters, it stands up well on it's own. Protagonist Howard Loreid wakes up cold; alone in a clammy and candlelit cabin. At his bedside, a handwritten note is waiting, his name written upon it. It is from Loath Nolder, the subject of his previous case; who says he has smuggled Howard from the mental institution of which he was locked within. Yet he is not alone; and not safe. He must find Loath Nolder and delve into the depths of the 'darkness within' both himself, and the very world around him. Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is Lovecraftian to the very letter. The whispers of pre-human civilisation, the mental confusion of the desperate protagonist, everything iconic of Lovecraft's work is here. At times the story is purposely vague; you are never entirely sure whether your playing in the 'real' world, or in one of Howard's fevered dream sequences, ripe with back story and persona trauma. Still, this enigmatical aura succeeds in creating a narrative which, whilst not always making sense; gives more than enough psychological suspense to carry you forward through it's many environments.
This forms the sequel's biggest addition; your method of moving throughout the game-world. In lieu of traditional pointing-n'-clicking, Zoetrope have modelled a 3D world with a similar style to that of Penumbra. It's still inherently an adventure game though, and the staples of the genre are abundantly evident. Many puzzles are cryptic and challenging, requiring the collection of keys and items or the study of lengthy documents. These texts can (like it's predecessor) be researched by underlining passages or highlighting certain phrases. These are stored in a separate inventory; known in-game as 'Howard's Mind'; where clues and items can be combined to figure out your next course of action. It's unfortunate though that the inventory is often cluttered and fiddly; with key items getting lost amongst old documents or muddled items. Still, this occasional setback is unlikely to cause more than a temporary pause in your overall progress throughout the game.
As well as traditional puzzle solving, there's also the odd environmental riddle; made possible by Nvidia's PhysX. A good example of this is moving furniture to find an item hidden below the floorboards of a room. These interactive puzzles are one of the game's high points, and it's slightly disappointing that the PhysX involvement was not used to this effect more often. Of course, the added freedom of 3D control lends itself well to an open world, and while the game is not entirely non-linear, it allows a certain flexibility not seen in it's forerunner. Environments are larger, more explorable than before; and the addition of character models/conversations further add to the sense of immersion.
This immersion is without doubt the game's greatest achievement. It is remarkably atmospheric; far more so than many of it's higher budget peers. There may be no combat or true ability to 'fail', but the slow paced gameplay and tenebrous narrative create a dark semblance which is hard not to admire. At one point, you are tasked with exploring an underground cavern with a suffocating gas-mask covering your view. Around you, swarming insects and esoteric machinery rot with the passages of time and desertion. Another time your in a desolate manor house; snow and blizzards pounding at it's windows. Shadows seem to dance in the corners, and your lantern flickers to a constant mood which, when played in the dark, is of a truly meritorious quality.
Driving this peerless atmosphere is of course an exceptional soundtrack. Indeed, the game's use of ambient audio is yet another notable accomplishment. Voice acting may be just teetering on average, but the sounds and music accompanying the gameplay are amongst the best in it's sub-genre. Dark, murmuring melodies are combined with shrill noises and unnerving effects. It supplements the game with a harmony so rich that the experience would falter without it, leaving a title who's soundtrack is just as important as it's gameplay and aesthetics.
Graphically, of course, it looks superb. On the highest settings the game is encased with excellent lighting and detailed textures; a real step up from the original's sharp yet pre-rendered locations. That said, even when set on the lowest quality, the graphics and textures are smooth and polished; easily comparable to genre bestsellers. It may not be flashy or brazenly high-spec, but it achieves a styling which compliments it's Lovecraftian theme with charm.
For horror fans, Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is a hidden gem which is sure to surprise and captivate from it's very outset. It's a prime example of independent development; an unpretentious adventure game with a unrivalled aura of genuine trepidity. It might not be perfect, and is certainly not for everybody, but it's quality production and challenging gameplay is time-well-spent for any adventure fan.
9/10
When the game starts, it is immediately clear that it is indeed a sequel; beginning directly after the originals' somewhat cliffhanger ending. That said, knowledge of the previous game is not a necessity, as apart from a few returning characters, it stands up well on it's own. Protagonist Howard Loreid wakes up cold; alone in a clammy and candlelit cabin. At his bedside, a handwritten note is waiting, his name written upon it. It is from Loath Nolder, the subject of his previous case; who says he has smuggled Howard from the mental institution of which he was locked within. Yet he is not alone; and not safe. He must find Loath Nolder and delve into the depths of the 'darkness within' both himself, and the very world around him. Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is Lovecraftian to the very letter. The whispers of pre-human civilisation, the mental confusion of the desperate protagonist, everything iconic of Lovecraft's work is here. At times the story is purposely vague; you are never entirely sure whether your playing in the 'real' world, or in one of Howard's fevered dream sequences, ripe with back story and persona trauma. Still, this enigmatical aura succeeds in creating a narrative which, whilst not always making sense; gives more than enough psychological suspense to carry you forward through it's many environments.
This forms the sequel's biggest addition; your method of moving throughout the game-world. In lieu of traditional pointing-n'-clicking, Zoetrope have modelled a 3D world with a similar style to that of Penumbra. It's still inherently an adventure game though, and the staples of the genre are abundantly evident. Many puzzles are cryptic and challenging, requiring the collection of keys and items or the study of lengthy documents. These texts can (like it's predecessor) be researched by underlining passages or highlighting certain phrases. These are stored in a separate inventory; known in-game as 'Howard's Mind'; where clues and items can be combined to figure out your next course of action. It's unfortunate though that the inventory is often cluttered and fiddly; with key items getting lost amongst old documents or muddled items. Still, this occasional setback is unlikely to cause more than a temporary pause in your overall progress throughout the game.
As well as traditional puzzle solving, there's also the odd environmental riddle; made possible by Nvidia's PhysX. A good example of this is moving furniture to find an item hidden below the floorboards of a room. These interactive puzzles are one of the game's high points, and it's slightly disappointing that the PhysX involvement was not used to this effect more often. Of course, the added freedom of 3D control lends itself well to an open world, and while the game is not entirely non-linear, it allows a certain flexibility not seen in it's forerunner. Environments are larger, more explorable than before; and the addition of character models/conversations further add to the sense of immersion.
This immersion is without doubt the game's greatest achievement. It is remarkably atmospheric; far more so than many of it's higher budget peers. There may be no combat or true ability to 'fail', but the slow paced gameplay and tenebrous narrative create a dark semblance which is hard not to admire. At one point, you are tasked with exploring an underground cavern with a suffocating gas-mask covering your view. Around you, swarming insects and esoteric machinery rot with the passages of time and desertion. Another time your in a desolate manor house; snow and blizzards pounding at it's windows. Shadows seem to dance in the corners, and your lantern flickers to a constant mood which, when played in the dark, is of a truly meritorious quality.
Driving this peerless atmosphere is of course an exceptional soundtrack. Indeed, the game's use of ambient audio is yet another notable accomplishment. Voice acting may be just teetering on average, but the sounds and music accompanying the gameplay are amongst the best in it's sub-genre. Dark, murmuring melodies are combined with shrill noises and unnerving effects. It supplements the game with a harmony so rich that the experience would falter without it, leaving a title who's soundtrack is just as important as it's gameplay and aesthetics.
Graphically, of course, it looks superb. On the highest settings the game is encased with excellent lighting and detailed textures; a real step up from the original's sharp yet pre-rendered locations. That said, even when set on the lowest quality, the graphics and textures are smooth and polished; easily comparable to genre bestsellers. It may not be flashy or brazenly high-spec, but it achieves a styling which compliments it's Lovecraftian theme with charm.
For horror fans, Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is a hidden gem which is sure to surprise and captivate from it's very outset. It's a prime example of independent development; an unpretentious adventure game with a unrivalled aura of genuine trepidity. It might not be perfect, and is certainly not for everybody, but it's quality production and challenging gameplay is time-well-spent for any adventure fan.
9/10
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In his story 'Herbert West, Re-animator', H.P Lovecraft said that 'memories and possibilities are ever more hideous than realities'. It is this fear of the unknown; the 'possibilities' which pullulate entirely in our minds, which makes his work so fascinating. It's no wonder then that Zoetrope Interactive; the developers of Darkness Within, take great pride in their series' Lovecraftian influence. The original was a curious tour through a dark and oft-times frightening world; a study of sanity through a point-and-click medium. The sequel, released this year after a swift change of publisher, was quick to promise even more. What follows is a harrowing exhibit in the dynamism of atmosphere; the product of a developer who has truly listened to their fans.
When the game starts, it is immediately clear that it is indeed a sequel; beginning directly after the originals' somewhat cliffhanger ending. That said, knowledge of the previous game is not a necessity, as apart from a few returning characters, it stands up well on it's own. Protagonist Howard Loreid wakes up cold; alone in a clammy and candlelit cabin. At his bedside, a handwritten note is waiting, his name written upon it. It is from Loath Nolder, the subject of his previous case; who says he has smuggled Howard from the mental institution of which he was locked within. Yet he is not alone; and not safe. He must find Loath Nolder and delve into the depths of the 'darkness within' both himself, and the very world around him. Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is Lovecraftian to the very letter. The whispers of pre-human civilisation, the mental confusion of the desperate protagonist, everything iconic of Lovecraft's work is here. At times the story is purposely vague; you are never entirely sure whether your playing in the 'real' world, or in one of Howard's fevered dream sequences, ripe with back story and persona trauma. Still, this enigmatical aura succeeds in creating a narrative which, whilst not always making sense; gives more than enough psychological suspense to carry you forward through it's many environments.
This forms the sequel's biggest addition; your method of moving throughout the game-world. In lieu of traditional pointing-n'-clicking, Zoetrope have modelled a 3D world with a similar style to that of Penumbra. It's still inherently an adventure game though, and the staples of the genre are abundantly evident. Many puzzles are cryptic and challenging, requiring the collection of keys and items or the study of lengthy documents. These texts can (like it's predecessor) be researched by underlining passages or highlighting certain phrases. These are stored in a separate inventory; known in-game as 'Howard's Mind'; where clues and items can be combined to figure out your next course of action. It's unfortunate though that the inventory is often cluttered and fiddly; with key items getting lost amongst old documents or muddled items. Still, this occasional setback is unlikely to cause more than a temporary pause in your overall progress throughout the game.
As well as traditional puzzle solving, there's also the odd environmental riddle; made possible by Nvidia's PhysX. A good example of this is moving furniture to find an item hidden below the floorboards of a room. These interactive puzzles are one of the game's high points, and it's slightly disappointing that the PhysX involvement was not used to this effect more often. Of course, the added freedom of 3D control lends itself well to an open world, and while the game is not entirely non-linear, it allows a certain flexibility not seen in it's forerunner. Environments are larger, more explorable than before; and the addition of character models/conversations further add to the sense of immersion.
This immersion is without doubt the game's greatest achievement. It is remarkably atmospheric; far more so than many of it's higher budget peers. There may be no combat or true ability to 'fail', but the slow paced gameplay and tenebrous narrative create a dark semblance which is hard not to admire. At one point, you are tasked with exploring an underground cavern with a suffocating gas-mask covering your view. Around you, swarming insects and esoteric machinery rot with the passages of time and desertion. Another time your in a desolate manor house; snow and blizzards pounding at it's windows. Shadows seem to dance in the corners, and your lantern flickers to a constant mood which, when played in the dark, is of a truly meritorious quality.
Driving this peerless atmosphere is of course an exceptional soundtrack. Indeed, the game's use of ambient audio is yet another notable accomplishment. Voice acting may be just teetering on average, but the sounds and music accompanying the gameplay are amongst the best in it's sub-genre. Dark, murmuring melodies are combined with shrill noises and unnerving effects. It supplements the game with a harmony so rich that the experience would falter without it, leaving a title who's soundtrack is just as important as it's gameplay and aesthetics.
Graphically, of course, it looks superb. On the highest settings the game is encased with excellent lighting and detailed textures; a real step up from the original's sharp yet pre-rendered locations. That said, even when set on the lowest quality, the graphics and textures are smooth and polished; easily comparable to genre bestsellers. It may not be flashy or brazenly high-spec, but it achieves a styling which compliments it's Lovecraftian theme with charm.
For horror fans, Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is a hidden gem which is sure to surprise and captivate from it's very outset. It's a prime example of independent development; an unpretentious adventure game with a unrivalled aura of genuine trepidity. It might not be perfect, and is certainly not for everybody, but it's quality production and challenging gameplay is time-well-spent for any adventure fan.
9/10
When the game starts, it is immediately clear that it is indeed a sequel; beginning directly after the originals' somewhat cliffhanger ending. That said, knowledge of the previous game is not a necessity, as apart from a few returning characters, it stands up well on it's own. Protagonist Howard Loreid wakes up cold; alone in a clammy and candlelit cabin. At his bedside, a handwritten note is waiting, his name written upon it. It is from Loath Nolder, the subject of his previous case; who says he has smuggled Howard from the mental institution of which he was locked within. Yet he is not alone; and not safe. He must find Loath Nolder and delve into the depths of the 'darkness within' both himself, and the very world around him. Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is Lovecraftian to the very letter. The whispers of pre-human civilisation, the mental confusion of the desperate protagonist, everything iconic of Lovecraft's work is here. At times the story is purposely vague; you are never entirely sure whether your playing in the 'real' world, or in one of Howard's fevered dream sequences, ripe with back story and persona trauma. Still, this enigmatical aura succeeds in creating a narrative which, whilst not always making sense; gives more than enough psychological suspense to carry you forward through it's many environments.
This forms the sequel's biggest addition; your method of moving throughout the game-world. In lieu of traditional pointing-n'-clicking, Zoetrope have modelled a 3D world with a similar style to that of Penumbra. It's still inherently an adventure game though, and the staples of the genre are abundantly evident. Many puzzles are cryptic and challenging, requiring the collection of keys and items or the study of lengthy documents. These texts can (like it's predecessor) be researched by underlining passages or highlighting certain phrases. These are stored in a separate inventory; known in-game as 'Howard's Mind'; where clues and items can be combined to figure out your next course of action. It's unfortunate though that the inventory is often cluttered and fiddly; with key items getting lost amongst old documents or muddled items. Still, this occasional setback is unlikely to cause more than a temporary pause in your overall progress throughout the game.
As well as traditional puzzle solving, there's also the odd environmental riddle; made possible by Nvidia's PhysX. A good example of this is moving furniture to find an item hidden below the floorboards of a room. These interactive puzzles are one of the game's high points, and it's slightly disappointing that the PhysX involvement was not used to this effect more often. Of course, the added freedom of 3D control lends itself well to an open world, and while the game is not entirely non-linear, it allows a certain flexibility not seen in it's forerunner. Environments are larger, more explorable than before; and the addition of character models/conversations further add to the sense of immersion.
This immersion is without doubt the game's greatest achievement. It is remarkably atmospheric; far more so than many of it's higher budget peers. There may be no combat or true ability to 'fail', but the slow paced gameplay and tenebrous narrative create a dark semblance which is hard not to admire. At one point, you are tasked with exploring an underground cavern with a suffocating gas-mask covering your view. Around you, swarming insects and esoteric machinery rot with the passages of time and desertion. Another time your in a desolate manor house; snow and blizzards pounding at it's windows. Shadows seem to dance in the corners, and your lantern flickers to a constant mood which, when played in the dark, is of a truly meritorious quality.
Driving this peerless atmosphere is of course an exceptional soundtrack. Indeed, the game's use of ambient audio is yet another notable accomplishment. Voice acting may be just teetering on average, but the sounds and music accompanying the gameplay are amongst the best in it's sub-genre. Dark, murmuring melodies are combined with shrill noises and unnerving effects. It supplements the game with a harmony so rich that the experience would falter without it, leaving a title who's soundtrack is just as important as it's gameplay and aesthetics.
Graphically, of course, it looks superb. On the highest settings the game is encased with excellent lighting and detailed textures; a real step up from the original's sharp yet pre-rendered locations. That said, even when set on the lowest quality, the graphics and textures are smooth and polished; easily comparable to genre bestsellers. It may not be flashy or brazenly high-spec, but it achieves a styling which compliments it's Lovecraftian theme with charm.
For horror fans, Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage is a hidden gem which is sure to surprise and captivate from it's very outset. It's a prime example of independent development; an unpretentious adventure game with a unrivalled aura of genuine trepidity. It might not be perfect, and is certainly not for everybody, but it's quality production and challenging gameplay is time-well-spent for any adventure fan.
9/10