Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Adventure, Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Publishers: Atari, Inc.
Alone in the Dark: Illumination – A Lovecraftian Descent into Darkness
Released in 2015, Alone in the Dark: Illumination is a survival horror game that draws heavily from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Players take on the role of one of four heroes tasked with battling monstrous hordes that have emerged from beyond the realm of nightmares to sow chaos on the town of Lorwich.
Alone in the Dark: Illumination is a spiritual successor to the original Alone in the Dark, which is widely recognized as the “Father of the Survival Horror Genre.” The game retains the dark and eerie atmosphere of its predecessor, while introducing new gameplay elements such as dynamic environments and a party-based combat system.
Gameplay
Alone in the Dark: Illumination is played from a third-person perspective. Players control one of four characters: Edward Carnby, a private investigator; Emily Hartwood, a doctor; Ted Stryker, a police officer; and Sarah Flores, a journalist. Each character has their own unique set of abilities and weapons.
Players must battle their way through dynamic environments filled with bloodthirsty beasts. The game features a variety of enemies, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must use their wits and the environment to their advantage to survive.
In addition to the main campaign, Alone in the Dark: Illumination also features a number of side quests. These quests offer players the opportunity to learn more about the game’s world and characters.
Setting
Alone in the Dark: Illumination takes place in the town of Lorwich, a small town on the coast of Maine. The town has been overrun by monstrous hordes that have emerged from beyond the realm of nightmares.
The game’s world is dark and eerie, with a heavy emphasis on Lovecraftian horror. Players will encounter a variety of strange and disturbing creatures, as well as ancient ruins and forgotten lore.
Characters
Alone in the Dark: Illumination features a cast of four playable characters:
- Edward Carnby: A private investigator who has been drawn to Lorwich by the strange events that have been taking place.
- Emily Hartwood: A doctor who is trying to help the people of Lorwich survive the onslaught of monsters.
- Ted Stryker: A police officer who is trying to maintain order in the chaos.
- Sarah Flores: A journalist who is trying to uncover the truth behind the events in Lorwich.
Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations. Players will learn more about the characters as they progress through the game.
Reception
Alone in the Dark: Illumination received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s atmosphere and gameplay, while others criticized its technical issues and repetitive level design.
Despite the mixed reviews, Alone in the Dark: Illumination is a solid survival horror game that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s dark and eerie atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and interesting characters make it a worthwhile experience.
Conclusion
Alone in the Dark: Illumination is a Lovecraftian descent into darkness. The game’s dark and eerie atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and interesting characters make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the survival horror genre.
Review Score
7/10