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Alone in the Dark on PS3 by Autumn, possibly with episodic content
If you were miffed by the formerly vague "sometime in 2008" release schedule for Alone in the Dark, then take comfort in the new "Autumn 2008" forecast. Brilliant. A whole season has finally been pinned down for the PS3 version. While the game has endured delays in the past, it looks like all other versions of the game (excluding the PS3) will be released on June 24. On the bright side of things, there is an incentive for PS3 gamers looking to get lonely in the dark several months behind their console cousins. The PS3 version won't be a simple cut-n-paste port, but will be a specially adapted game with the possibility of episodic content. Worth it? That remains to be seen. Let's stay positive and hope so.
Rumor: Test Drive Unlimited 2 under development?
GRY Online, a Polish game publication states that Eden Studios is working on a sequel to Test Drive Unlimited, with March 2008 as their target release window. Their trusted source also divulged other useful tidbits of information, such as Test Drive Unlimited 2 featuring over 2400 km of roads, off-road racing capabilities and dynamic weather. So, have you played the first TDU? Did you enjoy your Hawaiian vacation? We'll be sure to bring you more news should this prove true.
Alone in the Dark isn't survival horror, actually...
According to Eden Studios, the term "survival-horror" needs to be replaced with story-driven action. At least for Alone in the Dark, which is shaping up to be very, very cool looking. Why? It takes player immersion to the next level with the inventory pocket system -- the main character has a gun in one pocket, and the other pocket(s?) hold all the items you pick up. The game moves forward by allowing the use of cars, making it intuitive and easy to move to the passenger seat, back seats, etc in order to avoid attacks or get a good shot off. A bunch of fantastic effects were shown in a technical demo, as the screen clearly illustrates. A story surrounding conspiracy theories about Central Park in New York City really brings the story to life, as opposed to a fictional setting.Finally, the episodic release idea. Imagine the game more like a television series: you can buy the first piece of the "series" in stores (since it's not a complete game, let's hope it's not a complete price...) and then download future episodes from the internet. If the downloads are free, then a complete price may be worthwhile. Maybe. You might also be able to buy the "complete season" in stores. It's up in the air. This game looks awesome. Look for it on the PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 next year.
Alone in the Dark to bite TV formula
Eden Games has decided to adopt an episodic format for its next-gen horror sequel, Alone in the Dark. The game will be chopped into episodes, each containing 30–40 minutes of gameplay that ends with a cliffhanger and a preview of things to come. In addition, each episode will be preceded by a brief video summary of previous events. Eden is hoping that this format, popularized by TV dramas, will get players "permanently hooked."Rather than digitally distribute each episode, the entire "season" with be packaged onto one disk. Players are free to play through multiple episodes in one sitting, but the idea is to approach the game in short bouts, as if following a weekly television series.It's different than what we've seen in most contemporary adventure games, which tend to mimic feature films, but Alone in the Dark is still biting from an established format. With that said, does the game industry need to stop holding the hands of the film and television industries and step, alone, into the dark?
