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Metareview -- Alone in the Dark ... Inferno! (PS3)
Not even leaving the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark on broil for several months was enough to bake out all of the problems maligning Atari's Central Park adventure. While so far the game has escaped the bulk of scathing reviews enjoyed by its Xbox 360 and PC cousins, the re-dubbed Alone in the Dark: Inferno still left many reviewers lukewarm with tepid gameplay resting beneath the title's extra-crispy exterior. 1UP (B-): "Alone in the Dark still has problems; all the technical fixes in the world can't make up for the dopey plot, unsatisfying endings, and the ridiculous reliance on fire to kill virtually all of the game's enemies, and the new PS3 sequence basically amounts to a bonus boss encounter that isn't enough to draw in anyone who's already played the game." Game Informer (73/100): "Unfortunately, the clumsy story remains the same and I still came across the occasional glitch. But make no mistake, Inferno is the definitive version of Alone in the Dark." Eurogamer (70/100): "It's easier to forgive the problems that remain, but you still have to accept that you'll be thrown in the deep end a lot, and that a layer of polish is still absent." Play UK (70/100): "Once you end up burning Lucifer's roots in Central Park there is still the problem of the whole thing just being not very good."
Scared stiff: Why should we care about Alone in the Dark?
The survival horror genre is set to get a shot in the arm in 2008 with a number of high profile, not to mention highly anticipated entries all vying for the opportunity to keep us jumping at shadows and screaming like little girls. Or, for those gamers who are, in fact, little girls, just keep them screaming. But as all of us know, build-up seldom equals pay-off, leaving us to look upon these titles with what could be described as a mixture of cautious excitement and malaise. However, rather than simply sit and wait to see what the games have in store for us, we decided to corner the teams working on this year's more notable survival horror titles, and pick their brains in true survival horror fashion -- with an ice pick. But having left the ice pick at the office (my bad!), we opted to simply ask those working on these titles why we should keep their games on our collective radar. This week we'll be talking with people working on such games as Dead Space, Silent Hill: Homecoming and Project Origin, and kick things off today by asking Eden Games' producer Nour Polloni about her studio's re-imagining of survival horror architect Alone in the Dark, particularly, why should we care?%Gallery-14429%
Alone in the Dark shows off driving gameplay
If you like cheese, then you're gonna love the new Alone in the Dark gameplay trailer after the break. Try to ignore the giant pop-up on how to turn off the car's headlights and just focus on the voice acting, which even Resident Evil fans might cringe at. Who knows, maybe the game is supposed to be filled with fromagey goodness?Considering Alone in the Dark is expected to sell 2-3 million copies this year, that confidence might be a little hard to understand after seeing this "GTA in hell" video. Oh well, hopefully we'll still be able to light plenty of stuff on fire.
Alone in the Dark producer shows Wii controls and gameplay
With the first footage we've seen of the Wii's Alone in the Dark in action, the game's producer, Maxime Loppin, shows off the title to JeuxVideo. To be honest, we know next to nothing of what Monsieur Loppin is saying, but sometimes actions speak louder than words.After the break we've embedded footage of Loppin playing the game (he starts around 1:57). A nice touch: by moving the Wiimote and nunchuk away from each other in a "coat opening motion" players can view Carnby's inventory, which he conveniently keeps inside his coat. And if anyone is feeling super ambitious and wants to translate, be our guest.
Alone in the Dark scares up a limited edition
For pack rats who salivate for all things Carnby, Atari has released images to CVG of what collectors can expect to find inside the Alone in the Dark Limited Edition box. Currently only confirmed for release in Europe, the box will contain an Edward Carnby doll, official soundtrack CD, art book, making-of documentary and the game. There's currently no price attached and the limited edition is available only for Xbox 360, Wii and PC.We'll take this as a sign that the oft-delayed game might actually (shockingly) release June 24. After all, how can there be a "making-of documentary" if the game isn't done, right? Whether the game actually sells as well as Infogrames is predicting ... we'll have to wait and see.
Alone in the Dark 'Descent' trailer looks more than decent
Has anyone else noticed an escalation in intensity from the trailers for Atari's rebirth of the once loved horror franchise, Alone in the Dark? The first bit of video we saw had our hero, Edward Carnby, traipsing throughout all manner of empty (and beautiful) environments, smashing bits of furniture and putting out house fires. Then came the tech demo, where we saw the game's innovative inventory system in action, and learned of the terrible ways one can abuse mutant sewer rats. However, this recent trailer for the game is a one-way ride aboard the Crazy Train -- flaming elevator shafts, headcrab knock-offs, and a high-speed escape from an ominously crumbling New York City? Yes, please. You can check out a cornucopia of recently released videos (including a "piping" hot trailer we've thrown after the break) on the Alone in the Dark Gametrailers channel -- then spend the rest of the day hoping all subsequent media for the game becomes more and more intense, until previews of the game's climactic gunfight on the mouth of an active volcano against a cybernetically-enhanced Bea Arthur begin to surface.
Infogrames CEO: Alone in the Dark will sell 2-3 million units this fiscal year
Infogrames CEO, David Gardner, tells Reuters he believes Alone in the Dark will sell two to three million copies this fiscal year. That means that, between its June 24 release and next March, the title needs to perform better than a game like BioShock. Given the fact that the title is being released on Wii, PS2, Xbox 360 and PC (PS3 is "sometime in 2008"), it just may hit that projection when combining all the systems ... maybe.Gardner's currently focused on getting Infogrames / Atari to stop hemorrhaging money, and has Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison and friends looking to "get a business plan together that gets [Atari] to a break-even level." Unsurprisingly, Gardner couldn't give specifics on when he expects that to happen.[Via GameDaily] %Gallery-14429%
One million signatures to end Uwe Boll's directing career
You'll never be able to get back those eight-and-a-half bucks you blew on your ticket for Uwe Boll's "Alone In The Dark", but those seeking revenge against the infamous German filmmaker will be pleased to know that a recent interview with FEARnet revealed a giant glowing weak point in his floundering directorial career -- amidst Nazi humor and PETA endorsements, Boll commented on a petition, currently at around 18,000 signatures, for him to forever put an end to his game franchise-defiling ways. It'll take more than that to derail his train of box office catastrophes, he claimed -- though one million signatures should do the trick.We doubt one million people have even been exposed to Boll's unique brand of sensory torment -- but still, this remains your best chance to fulfill any vendettas you may hold against the pugnacious producer. With enough door-to-door campaigning and MySpace chain letters, this lofty goal may be attainable. If not, we can always hold out hope for the merciful release of bankruptcy.
Alone in the Dark tech demo shows gameplay, actual enemies
Finally, the rumors that the latest chapter in the Alone in the Dark series would be completely devoid of all life have been squelched by a tech demo for the game, released today. Not only does the video show off the intriguing "Real World Rules" engine (not to be confused with the Real World/Road Rules engine), it gives a small (okay, minuscule) sampling of some of the enemies you'll be going toe to toe with as you wander through Central Park like an acid-addled tourist.Alright, we're done making fun of this game. Between the gorgeous lighting, the innovative inventory management system, and the seemingly endless weapon creation capabilities the game will provide, we must say that our interest is piqued. Hopefully the next episode in the series of tech demos will shed light on further Macgyverisms.
Atari loses more money in Q3, reveals new games
Atari may have a new head honcho ready to turn the company's staggering misfortune around, but it ain't gonna happen overnight. Atari stated in its Q3 report that if it wasn't for the $3.7 million restructuring charge it would have posted a net income of $3.4 million this quarter. It's nice that the company "would have" made some income, but the simple fact is Atari has a net loss of $20 million for its first three quarters. But enough about the never-ending joke of Atari's financials, Eurogamer dug up some game information. Ignoring the scheduling mess which is Alone in the Dark, there are currently plans for another Neverwinter Nights 2 expansion, something called Airborne Rangers, and numerous other titles -- although we're sure everyone is super excited for My Horse & Me 2. Atari says it will be announcing more titles in the coming weeks "one by one." Atari's fiscal year ends in March, so expect the devastating financial results a few months later. Read: Atari posts Q3 loss following restructuring charges Read: Atari financials leak 2008/2009 line up
Latest Alone in the Dark trailer is impressive, empty
So, what's changed in the nearly two years since we first saw a trailer for Atari's oft-delayed update of Alone in the Dark? Well, in some ways, not much. Just like when IGN previewed the game last summer, it still looks more like a tech demo, showing off some of the fancier gameplay elements (what can't you light on fire?) than an action game due to be released in about three months. Where's the nasty monsters ... and can we light them on fire? You won't find the answer in the latest trailer, found after the break.%Gallery-14429%[Thanks, Marcus]
Finally, Alone in the Dark gameplay footage
After plenty of hype and numerous delays, Atari has at last seen fit to grace the gaming public with some actual gameplay footage from Alone in the Dark. It looks as though the game has taken some serious inspiration from Resident Evil 4 and added some new ideas into the mix as well. One of the big focuses of the trailer seems to be the level of interaction players have with various objects. Whether it be setting things on fire (be they random bits of wood or trails of gasoline), destroying innocent furniture with an axe, or knocking down doors with a fire extinguisher, it seems a heavy emphasis has been placed on the manipulation of environmental objects.But who cares about that? This is Alone in the Dark and we want to see monsters, right? Fortunately, there is a glimpse of some of the long-legged beasties you'll be fighting. Unfortunately, it's only a glimpse, so we'll have to wait for a future trailer to show us more. Oh, and just for the record, we hope the final version of the game maintains the creepy children's choir. Creepy stuff. Watch the video after the break.
Surprise! Alone in the Dark delayed until May
It's been a rough week for Alone in the Dark. First, it was reported that the game would miss its projected March release date (which was itself a delay from last November), then Atari made it clear that the title had not been delayed 'til September. However, the company did not confirm a March release. And so here we are with the latest headline: Alone in the Dark has been delayed until May. An even more interesting wrinkle, the PS3 version of the game will not see the light of day in May, and has been pushed to an indeterminate date sometime later in 2008. So there you have it, folks, the final word on Alone in the Dark. Unless they delay it again, of course.[Via Joystiq]
Alone in the Dark delayed until May, PS3 even later
Will wonders never cease? In one week, Alone in the Dark went from being released in March to being released in September to "not delayed until September, but we're not saying when it's actually coming out." Now, according to CVG, the survival horror title will drop on the Xbox 360, Wii, PC and PS2 in May of 2008. As you may have noticed, the PS3 is absent from that list, and with good reason: That version is now due "sometime in 2008." That's especially interesting to those who have been following the AITD release drama, as Atari previously said that the PS3 version would arrive day-and-date with its brethren on other consoles.We have to admit that we're still looking forward to getting our hands on the game, if only to see if all the delays were time well spent. If we could be so bold though, could we suggest that the game ship with a special bonus copy of Chinese Democracy?
Alone in the Dark not delayed, but Atari won't confirm March release
Eurogamer says they've been informed by Atari that a reported delay of Alone in the Dark until September is simply a rumor, but the company wouldn't take the next step and say the game will release as expected in March. Yeah, that's just a bit awkward.If you're having déjà vu about Alone in the Dark delay issues, it's probably because Atari went through this recently with an AitD delay rumor on the PS3. If there's any questions about AitD coming out in March, it's worth noting that IGN wasn't given hands-on time when it did a preview on the game last August. It's only a matter of time before we use "delayed" and Alone in the Dark in the same post again.[Via X3F]
Alone in the Dark not delayed says Atari
Hey, remember when Games for Windows magazine reported that Alone in the Dark was delayed until September? It looks like they may have spoken to soon, as Eurogamer reveals that Atari has taken exception to the article, saying that the Games for Windows report was a rumor. Granted, this isn't an out right denial of the delay, but it looks like Alone in the Dark is at least still scheduled for a March release. We hope so, because we needs our survival horror fix.
Alone in the Dark pushed to September
Delays, delays, delays. They're all over the place aren't they? Of course, towards the end of 2007, delays were expected. After all, there were tons of good games (or at least games that were supposed to be good) coming out at the time, so it only made sense to push certain titles into the new year and out of the crowded holiday season. And now, it's time to delay one of those titles again. The title in question, lest you haven't figured it out by now, is Alone in the Dark. AloneintheDark5.com reports that the latest issue of Games for Windows magazine has the scoop. Originally scheduled for November of 2007 and then pushed to March 2008, the game has now been pushed to September. If the magazine is to be believed, it looks like that's probably a good thing, as Games for Windows spotted some some graphical and technical problems in a recent build.Okay, we're currently waiting for three different survival horror games that just happen to be the fifth installment of each franchise. Here's hoping we get at least one of them this year.[Via Joystiq]
Alone in the Dark not delayed until September [update]
A look back at our coverage of Alone In The Dark reveals that most of the coverage on the game hasn't been focused on its intriguing episodic nature or any of its other features. The bulk of the posts are news of delays, both big and small pushing the game through the years like the world's slowest time machine. But today, friends, today ... we have another one of those posts. Games For Windows magazine reports in their latest issue that the game has been delayed from March to September of 2008.We know that Atari has appeared to lean on AitD's promise a couple of times to try to make its future seem rosier. But, if we were at the helm, we would take the game deep underground until it was actually, really, seriously, no kidding going to come out. The last thing anybody wants is for Edward Carnby to get Nukemed.Update: Atari says its not September.
CES 2008: New titles join Games for Windows portfolio
In another CES 2008 announcement, Microsoft has highlighted nine new additions to its Games for Windows endeavor, promising to "continue the momentum for Windows-based gaming in 2008" and "revive" the PC gaming space. The titles due to be dressed in Microsoft's colors include: Alone in the Dark (Atari) Bionic Commando (Capcom) Conflict: Denied Ops (Eidos Interactive) Empire: Total War (SEGA) LEGO Indiana Jones (LucasArts) Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (Microsoft Game Studios) Sins of a Solar Empire (Stardock) Space Siege (SEGA) Tomb Raider: Underworld (Eidos Interactive) The list not only cements the "Underworld" subtitle to Eidos' next Tomb Raider, but provides reassurance as to the longevity of Microsoft's initiative. Games for Windows is sure to be around for quite some time if Alone in the Dark manages to arrive under its banner. Microsoft's polite press release is also keen to remind us that other expected 2008 titles -- Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Borderlands, The Club, Fallout 3 and Frontlines: Fuel of War -- will stand beneath the flapping emblem.
Central Dark site teases Alone in the Dark (probably)
Man, if we had a nickel for every game-related countdown site on the internet, we'd easily have, like, at least ten nickels. Make that eleven, as a new countdown site by the name of CentralDark.com has popped up. The website was revealed via an email distributed by Atari, and features a video about Central Park. The video discusses how strange it is that Central Park hasn't changed in over a hundred years, citing several fictional newspaper articles by authors with names like "Samuel Raimi" and "Johnathan Carpenter" and concluding that the park has a dark secret.In other words, it looks like a teaser site for Alone in the Dark, which takes place in Central Park and is being published by Atari. The game's release is expected early next year, so it wouldn't surprise us if this is the beginning of its marketing blitz. The countdown ends in twenty-five days. Anyone want to take bets?[Via 360Sync]
