Penumbra: Black Plague: Alone in the Dark
Company: Paradox Interactive
Show of hands, how many people remember Jurassic Park: Trespasser? I can't see your hands, but I would imagine the number of readers who remember the game almost equals the number of people who would raise their hand if asked by a preview. Though epic in scope, Trespasser easily ranks among some of the worst games ever made; which is surprising because you really have to try to ruin a game with dinosaurs. By now you're probably asking why I'm bothering to bring up such a bad game, especially since the one this preview is about has no connection to it. Well, it sort of does - at least when it comes to a few gameplay features. I never had a chance to play Penumbra: Overture, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I popped in the five level preview copy of Penumbra: Black Plague, the sequel to Overture. Much like Trespasser, Black Plague looks like an FPS, but plays more like an adventure game. This is also where the two games split. While Trespasser tried to be something it wasn't by adding FPS elements, Black Plague knows what it is and does a good job at doing it.
One of Black Plague's greatest strengths is its atmosphere, which is apparent the minute the game begins. The main character, Phillip, is locked in a dull, dank room with no exit or idea as to why he's there in the first place. His questions are answered as he searches the room and finds several clues suggesting that he isn't the room's first occupant. As he begins to piece the clues together, he discovers that several point to the way out.
As previously stated, Black Plague uses an FPS style control mechanic, which makes navigating the creepy, dilapidated environments easy. The difference, and the element that reminded me of Trespasser, is how you use the mouse pointer. Rather than simply pressing an all-purpose "Use" button, you instead use it to manipulate items in your environment. Sometimes you are required to move objects around, while at other times, you'll have to twist and turn objects, similar to the system used in Trespasser, only they work.
For example, opening a desk drawer requires you to first click on the drawer, then pull the mouse back to pull it open. Another puzzle requires you to pry a rusty door open by pushing on the pipe. Everything is physics based, which adds a new type of puzzle element. The system is different, though the inclusion of the more familiar movement mechanics does take a bit of the edge off the learning curve. Though short, my time with Penumbra: Black Plague was fun. The atmosphere is great and the new twist on traditional mechanics is a nice change of pace. If you're a horror fan looking for your next scare or an adventure fan searching for a new one, Penumbra: Black Plague is one to watch.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: Penumbra: Black Plague -- Official Site Paradox Interactive
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