Alone in the Dark: Rushing Playthrough Takes 8 Hours, but That’s Not All

The anticipated horror game, Alone in the Dark, has recently been detailed to offer an approximate eight-hour gameplay experience if players rush through the main story. However, the developers at Pieces Interactive emphasise that at least two playthroughs are required to fully grasp the narrative, as players will need to explore the perspective of both protagonists, Edward and Emily. Pieces Interactive, a 40-person team, has reimagined the 1992 classic and tapped Hollywood talent, with David Harbour voicing detective Edward Carnby, and Jodie Comer as Emily Hartwood, who are jointly delving into the mystery of Jeremy Hartwood's disappearance.

Contrary to some players' concerns from the demo, Pieces Interactive assures that the game is not a "walking simulator" but instead incorporates a blend of exploration, dialogue, puzzle-solving, and combat. Furthermore, Edward's character design sees a departure from past games, specifically ditching the iconic mustache, in favor of a "scholarly detective" persona to fit alongside Emily's tormented backstory. Creative director Mikael Hedberg has described Edward's transformation from a mustached private detective to an action hero, ultimately settling into a "reluctant hero" role.

Reassuring fans, the developer also confirmed that Alone in the Dark will not include microtransactions or other monetisation tactics and can be enjoyed entirely offline. The game aims to provide a classic horror experience with a story told from two different perspectives. Set for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC on March 20, 2024, Alone in the Dark promises to deliver on combat, puzzles, and exploration in its reinvented horror world.

To complete the main story of Alone in the Dark, a single playthrough takes roughly eight hours if rushed. However, for a comprehensive understanding of the story, players should anticipate at least two separate playthroughs, experiencing the events from both Edward and Emily's perspectives.

Alone in the Dark is a series credited as a pioneer of the survival horror genre. The original 1992 Alone in the Dark game is regarded as one of the first 3D games to implement a horror-based storyline, influencing later series such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Set in the 1920s, players originally took on the role of Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood to investigate the mysterious Derceto Mansion. As the game was renowned for its Lovecraftian horror elements and innovative gameplay features, the upcoming reimagining by Pieces Interactive seeks to capture the essence of the original while presenting a fresh narrative and updated mechanics to modern gamers.