A really underrated and atmospheric horror game. Too bad it's quite short.
Gameplay: 7/10
- Well, the combat isn't easy, and it's sometimes even frustrating. But really, if you play this game correctly you shouldn't even need to use weapons. Well at least not all of the time. Sneaking around is feels very cool, almost Thief-like. Puzzles are good and not too hard.
Atmosphere & Immersion: 10/10
- Penumbra wins here. The game is easily one of the creepiest, atmospheric games that I have ever played. You *need* to play this at night, alone, lights off, with headphones. Preferably with a CRT monitor since LCD monitors all have very poor black. I guarantee, you will be scared. Unless you watch horror movies alone at night and don't feel at least a bit scared.
Graphics: 8.5/10
- They do their job really well. And considering that this was made by a very small developer team, they are impressive. I think that the noise filter effect could be better, more like what's in Manhunt 1.
Sound: 9.5/10
- The ambient sounds are one of the best I have ever heard in any game. Without them, the game wouldn't be scary. So big respect to the guy who made them. The other sounds are, well, ok. If they would've been a bit better, I would've given it a 10. But, 9.5 it is.
Physics: 8/10
- They work very well, most of the time. Some of them are very impressive. But since Endorphin/Euphoria and Digital Molecular Matter used in some 2008 games, I just can't give a 10 or 9.
Replay value: 3.5/10
- The game is quite linear and there isn't almost any replay value at all, since you already know what's going to happen when. The game is also quite short, so if there's one bad thing about Penumbra this is it.
Value for money: 9/10
- The game costs 30 € unlike most games, and I think I'd happily pay 50 € for it.
Bugs, Stability & Performance: 9/10
- I didn't find any bugs at all, no crashes whatsoever. Only bad thing is that it can lag badly in some places for unknown reasons, since my PC is quite high end.
Will this game be remembered by old school gamers as a classic after 10 years?:
- I really wish it would be, but unfortunately almost no-one knows about this wonderful game. I know that I will remember this game for a long time.
Who would I recommend to buy the game?:
- Fans of Thief -series. Fans of horror games & movies. People who like to think a lot in a game and don't mind sneaking in darkness and waiting around. Oh, and: shooter fans, just go away.
Final score (not necessarily an average): 9/10