E3: Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare impressions

[05.16.00] » The GIA shines light on the newest survival horror title.

   Infogrames was showing the DarkWorks developed fourth title in the Alone in the Dark series, and it looks to be a strong addition to the original survival horror franchise. Alone in Dark: The New Nightmare features two playable characters. Edward Carnby, paranormal investigator and veteran of previous Dark titles, returns. He is joined by new character Aline, a female college student with an interest in the paranormal. The two characters have two separate (yet intertwining) quests and will be able to communicate with each other via radio. Teaming up together is unlikely, however; as the producer told us, the title is "alone" in the dark.

   The DarkWorks team is aiming for a moody feel similar to the films of Wes Craven or David Cronenberg, not the zombie slasher flicks of George Romero. There are three types of fear the team is hoping to evoke from gamers: anguish, horror, and terror. Anguish is a sense of despair that permeates the entire environment; everything in the game should feel this oppressive force. Horror is a building sense of dread that the story and characters create as the title progresses. The more you play, the more horrified you become of what lies around another corner. And terror is visceral, instantaneous fright at something that leaps out of the shadows at you.

   While still early in development, the fourth Alone in the Dark game already looks to build upon the strength of previous titles. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare will be released for PSX, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color this fall.