Alone in the Dark: Inferno (PS3)

[  1 | 2 | Next Page »  ]

We were really rather excited about Atari's Alone in the Dark. For about a year leading up to release we were treated to numerous demonstrations that all showed the game as one to look out for. A year ago at Games Convention 2007 we saw a tech demo and were blown away. The fire propagation technology looked amazing and hinted at potentially brilliant gameplay situations, and the in-game inventory system seemed to be a unique idea that others would copy. Fast forward to June this year and Alone in the Dark released on Xbox 360 and PC (also Wii and PS2, but we're better off forgetting about those) to a rather negative reception. Alone in the Dark wasn't the game we wanted it to be, tied down by camera and control issues, and an awful lot of bugs. The Xbox 360 game is the epitome of our 6/10 Disappointing rating. So, one year after our first look at the game we're back at Atari's Games Convention booth to see whether developer Eden Games has managed to make the PS3 version what the 360 game should have been.

So just what has been changed? The PS3 game is still a few months from release (Atari is targeting a November launch) but the build on show at Games Convention 2008 certainly suggests PS3 owners will be getting the definitive version of the game. We've been fooled by impressive demonstrations before though, and we're not making the same mistake again. We've got a list of things we want improving, and we've found out if they will be.

 Advertisement

Something David Nadal, Game Designer on Alone in the Dark was keen to point out before our presentation of the game began is that none of the innovations from the Xbox 360 game have been removed from the PS3 version. At its core the PS3 game is the same as what Xbox 360 and PC gamers have been able to play since June, but numerous, significant improvements have been made in key areas.

One of the biggest complaints levelled at the original release is how awkward Edward Carnby, the main character, is to control. In the PS3 game this has been improved by changing the camera system and by making him more agile. Instead of the almost locked camera that stuck behind Carnby in the 360 release, now it's completely free. By using the right analogue stick you're able to get a much better view of the surrounding area, and this gives you a greater sensation of freedom. Eden Games has also made his movement on the left stick more responsive and made running dependent on how far forward you're pushing the stick. Atari found that many players simply forgot to press the run button in the Xbox 360 game, getting them into trouble when trying to get away from enemies.

Players of the previously released versions will know that melee combat was handled entirely with the right stick while using a third-person camera. The same is true of the PlayStation 3 version, although you need to press L2 in order to switch between free-cam and a locked view-point, freeing up the right stick to swing items all around you. Melee combat is an essential part of the game, as enemies need to be burnt to be killed. By smashing them with a heavy object you're able to knock them out, allowing you to drag them to a fire. Thankfully Eden has made it easier to knock down enemies, so you'll feel more confident about a good outcome when you're picked on by an unsavoury enemy.

While melee combat is performed when using a third-person camera, shooting is only possible from a first-person point of view. The shooting mechanics haven't been changed, but Eden has made the view more immersive and in keeping with what gamers expect from an FPS. The Xbox 360 and PC versions didn't feel right when played in first-person, and the subtle changes made to the view bob and additional animations make it a far more believable view point. Aiming has also been tweaked, so it's now slightly easier to target enemies with your reticule.

[  1 | 2 | Next Page »  ]