Penumbra: Black Plague

Penumbra: Overture was a cleverly crafted survival horror title and a welcome addition to an under-populated genre. However, the game had some fiddly combat, repetitive locations and an unsatisfying ending. Thankfully, Black Plague learns from these mistakes and is greatly improved, proving to be an unusual and entertaining experience.

The story continues directly on from Overture, yet it can be played without prior knowledge thanks to a variety of notes and computer entries which gradually fill you in on the more complex back-story. Having made his way through the deserted mine of the previous instalment, the protagonist, Philip, now finds himself in the abandoned research facility which he discovers in Overture's closing act. Still guilt-ridden from his actions and angered at his stupidity, he now wants to unravel the secrets of the complex and find out what happened to his father.

However, there is a problem: the facility isn't as deserted as it once seemed and hideous zombie-like figures patrol the corridors. Previous residents are now infected with a bizarre virus and you must use your intelligence to sneak past and outwit your foes. Philip soon realises he isn't safe and is infected himself, an illness which brings about some strange and unsettling side effects.

The gameplay is very similar to the original title with a heavy focus on first-person exploration and puzzle solving using the excellent physics engine. The graphics look crisper and more detailed than the first game and the lighting in Black Plague has some excellent applications which build a truly unsettling atmosphere. A reliance on the glow stick and torch adds tension as using it has the potential to attract the Infected.

In-game ambience is a difficult thing to get right, but Black Plague manages to really tap into your psyche and you can't help but be drawn into the truly sinister and eerie atmosphere. By eliminating combat entirely from this game, Frictional Games have managed to create a fairly unique experience: a survival horror title where your only defence from the enemies is your own cunning.

Removing the tedious and difficult combat is a great move as not only does it get rid of Overture's most annoying feature but it leaves you completely vulnerable. It is hard to emphasise how weak and defenceless you actually feel, but the sensation you get as you hide in a cupboard as an Infected walks past is definitely one of fear.

The stealth system is a direct continuation of the one from Overture; by crouching and remaining still your eyesight adjusts to the dark giving you a greater field of vision. The chance of you panicking if you get to close to an Infected remains and definitely adds an extra element of dread when you find yourself cowering behind a table. There are far too many "horror" games in which you must blast your way through hordes of generic undead creatures and Black Plague really does stand out as an example of how to do something differently and more importantly: well.

Puzzles are widespread and varied, with the unique mouse interface returning alongside the physics to create a range of challenges. There are plenty of more traditional "find the item" puzzles but the developers have included some interesting and fresh twists on the theme. At times the game can prove very frustrating as you try and find the solution but the sense of satisfaction gained from working it out is a good reward. There is generally a sense of logic and there is seldom a puzzle which is unfair or too oblique.

Black Plague does have its issues. The title is another short one which will probably take you around 4 hours to complete. Whilst it never drags, at times you just wish for more. Your enemies are never overused; in fact there are actually very few encounters with them which is a disappointment. The moments where you are chased or have to desperately avoid the Infected are some of the most heart-pounding and it's a real shame that they aren't exploited more.

The plot itself is unusual and the introduction of the character "Clarence" may not be to everyone's taste, though it certainly helps to put you on edge. I personally enjoyed the story which manages to tap into some good psychological fears. However, at times Black Plague does feel like it is trying too hard and it isn't difficult to anticipate what happens as the game progresses.

At the end of the game it moves in a strange new direction for the final few areas, which some may feel are confusing and out of place. I felt that this was an attempt to try and elevate the plot to something more complex and it only partly works. Thankfully, there is a sense of relative closure unlike the sudden halt of Overture.

If you are looking for an unconventional and different style of horror title then Black Plague has a lot to recommend it. The sinister and overbearing atmosphere, interesting characterisation and demanding puzzles are all definite reasons to try this out. Whilst the title isn't perfect and still lacks the level of polish of the bigger genre titles it has a raw appeal. This really is a game which benefits from a good set of headphones, a dark room and a late night gaming session and for fans of the genre there is no better recommendation.