Game for your Buck: Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Nearly every "horror" game I've played has wound up being an action title with monsters that go "Boo!" when you least expect it. This is one of the very few "horror" games where I've truely been scared.

Horror Factors:

You might be thinking "Other games have scared me before." And you might be right. There is no tangible measurement of "fear" as everyone experiences it differently. Though, we must understand the difference between the three main types of scares in media so I can make sure we're on the same page.

Startling

"Boo!" Loud noises. Monsters exploding out of vents. Zombie babies exploding. The perfect example would be Dead Space. You await the next thing to pop out and make you jump. This is the easiest and cheapest type of scare.

Torture

Blood, gore, scat, pain. Everything your body naturally rejects. Anything that makes you queasy. Most horror movies use this tactic. This is also quite a cheap scare as you simply fear losing your lunch.

Paranoia

Something is going to happen. You feel helpless. Someone is following you... but there's nothing there. This is the fear of the night. Of the unknown. Of the dangers your imagination creates within the portrait that is darkness. This is what Amnesia primarily utilizes.

Amnesia's Horror Factor:

The enemies are designed to give you paranoia. The environment is perfect for feeling helpless and trapped. There are of course a few startles and torture bits. Though, they're usually sprinkles on top of your paranoia flavoured icecream. Just enough to add some tang, but not so much that your icecream is crunchy. Here's a good teaser video.

Combat:

You are defenseless. You can't fight. At all. You know why? Because whenever you can fight, "horror" games tend to transform into action titles. This ensures that you are the prey.

Gameplay:

As you cannot fight, this is a puzzle game. Find your way through rooms while balancing sanity and health. If you stay in the dark too long, or witness unsettling events (monsters, moving objects, dead people, etc) your sanity will drain and you will go insane. The less sanity you have the more sounds you think you hear. The more monsters you think you see. The harder the game ultimately is. So use your handy dandy lantern when going through dark parts and look away from monsters.

What? Look away from monsters?

Yes.

How am I supposed to know where they are?

You won't. Looking at monsters not only drains your sanity, but causes your character to breathe heavier and panic. Increasing the chances the monster detects you. So you have to hide in the corner and listen as they leave. Or listen as they breathe heavily right infront of the crate you're hiding behind... and wait for them to leave.

Okay, don't look at monsters. Sounds easy enough. I'll use my lantern to light the dark and make it through the game.

Your lantern has limited oil. That, and the light increases your chances of being seen.

So wait... using the lantern increases my chances of being mauled, but keeps me from going insane... but -not- using my lantern increases my chances of going insane, but lowers my chances of being mauled?

Yep.

Story:

The story is much nicer than your typical horror game. Though, being titled "Amnesia" you'd expect your character's primary aspect is amnesia. What's notable about this cliche story tactic is that it's done well.

Monsters:

I cannot emphasize how scary they are. I'm not even sure how to describe it. Probably all of the aforementioned factors really add up to make them seem like the ultimate punishment and obstacle. The monsters can very easily mean failure and death, whereas most horror games make enemies mere target practice.

Should I buy it?:

How much this game is worth really depends on you. It also depends on how many friends you have that will willingly play this game. That's because you get to watch them piss their pants at parts you've played through. It's hilarious, trust me.

The price also depends on how much you'd like a good scare. Not a cheap scare, a good scare. There's also hundreds of custom player made maps. I've never screamed, or sweat in fear, at a video game before. That is, not until Amnesia: The Dark Descent. So, if you still get freaked out from Minecraft's zombies, you'll probably end up buying a game that you'll be too afraid to ever play.

Game for your buck?