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Review of Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo May 2001
Cover image of Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 18 May 2001
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Darkworks
Publisher: Infogrames

Introduction

Welcome to the realm where every shadow has a sinister secret, where light is not just a friend but your main weapon, and where monsters lurk out of sight while you're just trying to find the bathroom! Yep, it's time to dive into 'Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare'. Released way back when in 2001, this gem is packed to the brim with thrilling gameplay and horrific charm. Trust me, your teddy bear won't be able to protect you this time.

Gameplay

So grab your trusty flashlight and pray for the best! In this installment, you play as Edward Carnby, a hard-boiled detective whose good buddy, Charles, decided to take a permanent vacation after a mysterious death. Now it’s up to you to crack the case, and if you’re lucky, figure out where he went wrong. The gameplay features two protagonists to choose from—Carnby, who takes on the monsters with style and bullets, and Aline, who's all about solving puzzles and channeling her inner Sherlock. Together they will tease the plot and each other, because who doesn’t love a little tension? As you make your way through the dilapidated buildings and eerie forests, gather items (yeah, macguffins), solve frustrating puzzles that’ll have you whispering sweet nothings to your TV, and fend off those pesky Creatures of Darkness. The game’s monsters are basically giant shadows that despise light. Think of them as that roommate who refuses to go out during the day. To combat them, use your flashlight to scare them into submission; if that fails, you’ve got your trusty double-barreled revolver for serious negotiations. Also, don't forget to stock up on light-producing ammunition like magnesium and phosphorus shells—after all, nothing says terrors of the night like a good ol’ chemical burn of a bullet.

Graphics

Now let’s talk tech, shall we? 'Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare' was quite innovative for its time. The developers were real trailblazers; they somehow crafted a graphics engine that allowed the protagonist’s flashlight to illuminate the world around them while casting shadows on the 2D pre-rendered backdrops. Say whaaat? I can hear your brain gears grinding! The graphics are not state-of-the-art by today’s standards (whatever those are), but for the PS1 era, they were pretty neat. The cutscenes evoke a cinematic quality, while the animated sequences were quite simply... uh, the animated sequences were. It’s like a trip back to the early 2000s where the lines between pixels were both straight and jagged. So grab your nostalgia hat, and enjoy the quaint graphics that make you feel like you’re stuck in a haunted Pinterest board. That said, prepare for some unintentional comic relief, because while the monsters are scary, the occasionally awkward animations can have you chuckling amidst the frights. Ever seen a creature awkwardly clip through a wall? Priceless. That’s an added horror for you right there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare' is a thrill ride, albeit an occasionally bumpy one. If you’re a fan of survival horror or just feel like experiencing the more charmingly outdated parts of gaming history, look no further. The thrill of running from creatures unseen, the tension of hallway ambushes, and the joy of solving maddening puzzles are all here for your enjoyment. So load it up, channel your inner monster hunter, and get ready for a wild ride filled with spectral shenanigans and bizarre glitches! Because nothing spells fun like running around in the dark with a flashlight and a gun—just remember, if you hear ominous noises, it's better to investigate than to call for mom!

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