When comparing Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition vs Alien: Isolation, the Slant community recommends Alien: Isolation for most people. In the question“What are the best horror games for PC?” Alien: Isolation is ranked 4th while Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition is ranked 26th. The most important reason people chose Alien: Isolation is:
With minimal music, this game generates much of it's atmosphere from the miscellaneous background noises. The audio generally in the forefront is the titular Alien, which loudly thumps along the ground and through vents. This game also uses directional audio as a tool both for and against the player. It uses it to scare the player, but it simultaneously gives the player more information to survive with.
Specs
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Pros
Pro In game physics provide a sense of immersion
Throughout the game the player is tasked with opening doors, rolling barrels, or pulling open drawers, this is done by using certain mouse motions to complete, so say for instance if one wants to open a drawer they need to not only click on it but hold the click while making a pulling motion with the mouse. It is through this realistic portrayal of interaction that allows one to feel immersed in the game environment.
Pro Intuitive puzzles that can be solved realistically
Penumbra offers puzzles in a realistic setting where if one wants to get pas say some oil barrels, the obvious solution is that you can burn them. It is through using puzzles that ask for logical solutions that the game sets itself apart from many puzzle games where solving is not quite so logical.
Pro Excellent atmospheric sound
With minimal music, this game generates much of it's atmosphere from the miscellaneous background noises. The audio generally in the forefront is the titular Alien, which loudly thumps along the ground and through vents. This game also uses directional audio as a tool both for and against the player. It uses it to scare the player, but it simultaneously gives the player more information to survive with.
Pro Beautiful graphics
Aesthetically, this game nails the look and feel of the original film. Both well optimized and incredibly beautiful, this game is a graphical marvel.
Pro Useful tools throughout
The game provides you with many tools and weapons to assist you along the way. Some items you may only find a use for once or twice, but you'll be glad to have them.
Pro Creates a lot of tension
Intelligent A.I. is capable of keeping the game unpredictable. As soon as the Alien starts stalking the player, the game can easily become tense with player never knowing what the Alien will do since the majority of interactions with it are completely unscripted. Especially in VR, you get the feeling like you are actually being hunted.
Pro Excellent, nostalgic design
Environmental design very closely resembles Ridley Scott's Alien. It has the same retro design of the computers as well as a chilling soundtrack. It still works well in the modern age too - the 3D is on point, and the designers have gone into detail. If you dare to spend time exploring, it's a very cool experience wandering around a spaceship and looking out into space.
Cons
Con Sub-par graphics
While the gameplay itself is pretty good the graphics hold the game back as they look pretty poor.
Con Frustratingly difficult at times
Some segments of the game can be frustratingly difficult or even unfair at higher difficulty settings.
Con Unrealistic teleporting alien
The alien will somehow always be somewhat near you no matter how stealthy you are. This does maintain the game's difficulty, but it can seem unfair putting all this work into not getting heard only to have the alien pop out of the nearest vent.
Con The game progresses slowly, and you can lose interest
The game is too long and quickly loses its charm and tense feelings as the game drags. Too many hours of even the best game can become a chore more than an enjoyable experience. Whats worse is that a bunch of the length is incessant back tracking, which frankly is just a lazy way to prolong a game.