some careful item retrieving and
placement, and therefore are more
difficult. But none of the puzzles are so
stupidly designed as to totally baffle
players. Rather, if one thinks about a
puzzle long enough, the answer will
present itself in a logical manner within
the context of the game universe. Unlike
the semi-retarded puzzles in the Resident
Evil series, in contrast.
There are insanity effects -- hallucinations
that have a major role within the game.
Players will not get specific examples from
us. But if a character 's sanity bar drops
too low, strange things will begin to
happen. Very strange things sometimes.
These occurrences are sure to set the dark
mood of the adventure and have an
impact on the play experience. Going
insane too much can create unwanted
obstacles for players and in doing so may
also endanger one's health and magick
supplies. Some of the insanity effects
we've encountered have proven very
disturbing. Some even attempt to pick at
the mind of the player outside of the
game universe. A few of the effects are
overused, and one or two of them aren't
as scary as they might sound on paper,
but overall this element of the game is
very welcomed, and players will absolutely
adore the crazy things that transpire.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem is my
favorite GameCube title to date. It is also
one of my favorite videogames of all time.
Does that surprise you? It shouldn't. It
comes from a development studio
well-versed in making deep, intriguing
games, and it's a title that has been in
construction for several years. Nintendo
and Silicon Knights have molded the game
into something that might initially trick
some into believing it's a Resident Evil
clone. However, this couldn't be further
from the reality of the situation. The truth
is that the title exceeds the play
mechanics of Capcom's series in just
about every way, from tighter controls, to
a much more compelling storyline, 12
playable characters, the addition of
multiple combat types, and a magick
system that could really become a game
all by itself. The end result is far more
satisfying.
But there is something every gamer
should know going in: Eternal Darkness
doesn't offer an immediate pay off.
Players will have to invest into the
adventure, play, expand, build, learn the
magicks, figure out the story, and really
advance to reap the full treasures the title
has to offer. And don't get me wrong -- the
treasures are grand, beautiful things to
behold.
Simply put, an amazing achievement that
shouldn't be overlooked. Games do not
come any better than this. The greatest
insanity of all would be to avoid playing it.
SCORE