Alone in the Dark Review (The Dogfather)
Alone in the Dark (2024)
Dark side of the manor
Just a few short years ago, who would have thunk that in the year of 2024 we would see two remakes of survival horror classics, modern revivals of outdated classics that not only plays to the nostalgia factor of the original fans but also brings them to modern audiences with all the technical improvements that accompany a modern game. The 2024 remake of Alone in the Dark, which comes from Mikael Hedberg, responsible for Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Soma, is an ambitious homage to the original classic that birthed the survival horror genre. It brings a well-loved story back but with a modern twist, updating the haunting setting of Derceto Manor and infusing it with fresh visuals, better sound design, and quality voice acting from a strong cast (that includes Jodie Comer and David Harbor) and a 3rd person over the shoulder camera that has become synonymous with these kind of games. However, while their is much to love in the game, it occasionally falls short of the high bar set by recent horror remakes such as this years incredible revival from Blooper Team of the Silent Hill 2 classic considered by most, myself included, to be the scariest game ever made.
Story and Atmosphere:
The game's story, following either Edward Carnaby or Emily Hartwood as they investigate eerie occurrences in Derceto Manor, brings a nostalgic charm with an updated sense of dread. The setting is well-crafted, using shadows and lighting to play with tension, while subtle cues in the environment offer a true sense of a haunted mansion. The choice between two protagonists with different perspectives adds some replay value, though each storyline sometimes feels incomplete or somewhat lacking in depth and I would liked to see the developers give more of each character a different through-line to the end because a lot the game is the same for each protagonist you choose except for their backstories which play out throughout the course of the adventure but aren't nearly as compelling enough. The story itself feels like a classic horror tale with a few unique twists, but it doesn’t break new ground, which may leave genre veterans wanting more.
Graphics and Visuals:
Visually, Alone in the Dark looks good for the most part. The character models and the overall design of Derceto Manor look fantastic, with intricate details that convey the era’s dark, Gothic atmosphere. However, occasional frame rate drops and texture pop-ins disrupt immersion, particularly in areas where smooth graphics would have heightened the horror experience. Enemies are not nearly varied enough, though some designs seem less inspired, borrowing heavily from familiar horror tropes.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Combat, exploration and puzzle solving make up the core gameplay, and Alone in the Dark largely sticks to its roots. Gunplay is straightforward but can feel very stiff at times, echoing the feel of older survival horror titles. Resource management remains essential, forcing players to weigh their options and conserve ammunition carefully, which adds tension to encounters. However, the controls, when in combat, do feel clunky (especially after coming off Silent Hill 2), and the AI lacks the complexity that would add real suspense to fights. Some puzzles are cleverly designed, adding a break from combat, though others feel repetitive or are too simple for seasoned players.
Sound and Music:
The sound design is among the game’s best features. Ambient noises, creaking floorboards, and haunting sounds fill Derceto Manor, building an eerie atmosphere. The musical score shifts from subtly unsettling to intense during key moments, amplifying the tension.The 1920's jazzy soundtrack is also a joy to listen too when the game is not trying to scare you. The voice acting is commendable, with well-delivered performances by both leads that bring depth to the characters, though some dialogue feels a bit melodramatic and underwritten.
Replay Value and Final Thoughts:
With two main character storylines and multiple endings, Alone in the Dark 2024 remake offers decent replay value, especially for those interested in unravelling the full story. While I had an absolute blast playing this game I am cognisant that newer players to the genre may find their impressions vastly different due to the games somewhat clunky and unwieldy combat mechanics. Some may even find the horror a little too predictable. For me it captures the classic horror vibe but without the polish of some of the better titles in the genre, so know what you are getting into before you purchase.
Overall:
I found Alone in the Dark (2024) to be a satisfying trip down memory lane for someone who experienced the original back in the nineties but that it lacks the polish and innovation that could have elevated it. It does justice to the original's eerie charm but doesn’t quite capture the groundbreaking quality it needs to stand out. For fans of classic survival horror and those looking for a solid atmospheric experience, this is a worthy addition, but don’t expect it to redefine the genre.
One word or phrase to sum up the experience
Enjoyable detective potboiler
Performance/Bug related incidents
The games performance is not great, it stutters quite a lot
Similar to games
Resident Evil 2 Remake, Silent Hill 2, The Evil Within 2
Rating ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
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