About Alone in the Dark 5: Near Death Investigation
Alone in the Dark 5: Near Death Investigation, developed by Eden Games and published by Atari, brings a fresh perspective to the survival horror genre. Inspired by the action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 4, this installment in the iconic Alone in the Dark series introduces players to a modern-day setting, placing them in the heart of New York City’s Central Park. With a unique blend of action, exploration, and a compelling storyline, the game promises a gripping experience that diverges from the claustrophobic environments typical of horror games.
The franchise is being revived by THQ Nordic, a Swedish gaming publishing and development house, with a release in January, 2024. The game will be set in the American South.¹
Setting and Storyline:
Set against the backdrop of Central Park, the game offers an immersive experience with diverse environments such as forests, zoos, lakes, museums, theaters, restaurants, and the surrounding metropolitan area. The decision to use Central Park as the primary setting is twofold: to showcase the open areas in contrast to typical horror game environments and to explore the cultural diversity of the park’s visitors.
The game’s storyline revolves around a paranormal investigation into the afterlife. Players embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the supernatural occurrences in Central Park. As the investigation progresses, the player encounters people from various cultures, each offering unique perspectives on life and death, adding depth to the narrative.
In the opening sequence, an amnesiac paranormal investigator, Edward Carnby, escapes a collapsing building after a failed exorcism. Witnessing gruesome killings and encountering a possessed woman claiming knowledge of his past, Carnby battles the entity and joins forces with art dealer Sarah Flores. They learn about the Philosopher’s Stone and the nefarious plans of occultist Crowley.
Driving into a supernatural-ravaged New York City, they crash in Central Park, where Carnby is entrusted with the Stone. On a quest to meet Theo Paddington, who performed his exorcism, Carnby unravels his mysterious past, discovering his age and the Stone’s dark history. Sarah stays behind to research, while Carnby delves into puzzles beneath Belvedere Castle, meeting an immortal alchemist.
In a final showdown, Carnby confronts Crowley, rescues Sarah, and unlocks a portal to the afterlife. A crucial choice arises: sacrifice Sarah for power or let Lucifer possess her. The ending varies based on the player’s decision, shaping Carnby’s fate and the world’s future.
Gameplay Dynamics:
Alone in the Dark 5 introduces a dynamic and interactive gameplay experience. Players can choose their preferred method of progression, whether through exploration, puzzle-solving, stealth, or combat. Players may navigate through scenarios involving the use of multiple avatars, which are basically a realistic fake ID, as part of the game’s storyline or gameplay mechanics.² The inclusion of Havok 3.0 physics enhances the realism of interactive environments, allowing players to use any item in the area to aid in their survival.
The game’s structure mimics that of a TV series, with each segment lasting 30-40 minutes, complete with action climaxes and plot twists. The choice to lean towards “good” or “evil” influences the game’s outcome, adding a layer of moral ambiguity to the gameplay. This moral choice system, coupled with the ability to switch to a first-person view at any time, offers players a personalized and dynamic experience.
Innovation in Design:
One of Alone in the Dark 5’s standout features is its innovative design, allowing players to interact with the game world in unprecedented ways. The introduction of dynamic fire, where flames spread realistically in real-time, and the ability to utilize any item in the environment for survival contribute to the game’s realism and intensity. The episodic nature of the game, complete with summaries and previews, provides a TV series-like structure, keeping players engaged and eager for what comes next.
Final thoughts:
Alone in the Dark 5: Near Death Investigation revitalizes the iconic series with its modern setting, diverse environments, and innovative gameplay mechanics. By combining elements of action, horror, and morality, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for players. With its focus on Central Park and exploration of the paranormal, Alone in the Dark 5 stands out as a must-play title for fans of the survival horror genre.
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