Adventure gaming is struggling desperately to grab the attention of the modern video game market after a supreme command in the 80s and 90s. Thankfully, developers are inventing new ways of interpreting an adventure game from its point and click roots. One of those innovations is Penumbra. Starting out as a tech demo from yet unknown Swedish developer Frictional Games, Penumbra adds a fully 3D environment as well as a chilling horror setting to really bring something new to the table.
With game play innovations like using real time physics to slowly open doors and drawers with mouse movements, to AI enemies actually thinking of how to reach you in seemingly “safe” places, Penumbra offers an experience that draws you in and scares the hell out of you at the same time.
Like with any game that tries to be unique, some would be quick to point out flaws that are really only misunderstandings. Like how your character is too helpless against the environment, making even attacking an enemy with a pick-axe very frustrating, but this was purposefully done to make you use your head and the environment to progress through the game, and tries to teach you that hiding is sometimes a better option than fighting, just like if Penumbra’s situation actually happened.
Overall this game is a bit on the short side, but at $20 retail, with an eerie horror setting, a sense of helplessness, interesting and innovative puzzles, a good use of physics, and decent graphics, all from just a handful of developers, Penumbra is a game that should be experienced by anyone willing to play something a bit different. Bring on the next two episodes!
To learn more, visit the official site at www.penumbra-overture.com
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