Alone in the Dark

Alone in the Dark is a survival horror game developed by Infogrames Europe and published by I-Motion in 1992. It was initially released for DOS but was later ported to several other platforms.

As the first 3D survival horror game, it is considered one of the ancestors of the entire genre and influenced later franchises like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. I also see a lot of its influence in the game Eternal Darkness (2002), still one of the best games for Gamecube.

The master of the manor has allegedly committed suicide inside his home. Playing as either the master’s niece or a private investigator, you must investigate the mysterious death. After entering the house, the door slams shut, trapping you inside. You soon find out that the local rumors about the place are true, and it is inhabited by all manner of things that go bump in the night. Playing through a multi-floor mansion, you must survive long enough to solve the puzzles that will free you from the house. As you explore, you find items, documents, weapons, and hideous creatures. You can fight with your bare hands, so you do not necessarily need a weapon, but it helps. Not all enemies can be dispatched using brute force, so you’ll have to play it smart. The game also requires inventory management, but don’t worry; you can always come back and retrieve discarded items. Strongly influenced by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, the game is a truly spine-tingling experience.

Initially, Alone in the Dark was intended to be a part of a different series, but it created a franchise all its own. Gaining critical acclaim, the game made quite a name for itself. It won multiple awards and is included on many “Best” lists. It was put into the Computer Gaming World Hall of Fame and is featured in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die. Go back to the beginning of a genre and live it for yourself.