Penumbra: Overture PC

1. MrWeezee

   Jul 30, 2011

   10

   This game was awesome. Truly one of the best horrors out there. Great story, great gameplay, and the ending leaves you wanting to play BlackThis game was awesome. Truly one of the best horrors out there. Great story, great gameplay, and the ending leaves you wanting to play Black Plague right away.… Expand

   • 6 of 8 users found this helpful
2. MarkM

   Nov 2, 2009

   10

   This game is best Horror game i have ever played. A great Storyline, some really tough puzzles and overall wonderful atmosphere. A must buy!

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. devenlg

   Mar 1, 2014

   9

   Some people say this is a copy of Amnesia, but that's not true. In fact, it's made by the same people, and even was made before Amnesia.Some people say this is a copy of Amnesia, but that's not true. In fact, it's made by the same people, and even was made before Amnesia. Although, Amnesia is scarier, the Penumbra series is still a great series.
   
   The game has clever puzzles, interesting characters, and a great story. It may not be that scary, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The atmosphere is pretty good for a survival horror game, and area in which you can explore is pretty big. Overall, this game is pretty good, but what about the bad parts? Well, the game is short, the notes you collect through out the game can sometimes be a bit confusing, and the graphics aren't amazing. Although, for its time, the graphics aren't to bad. It's enough to live with, but not so bad that you'll quit playing the game instantly.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
5. rogermorse

   Aug 18, 2014

   8

   Ok, after so many years I was finally able to play the whole chapter. I am very sensitive to horror games....I was never able to go past theOk, after so many years I was finally able to play the whole chapter. I am very sensitive to horror games....I was never able to go past the first level, I tried many times and I always stopped. Once I got used to the 'fear' system of the game, the game stopped being too scary for me and I started enjoying instead of seeing it as a torture (this is a message to the chicken people like me who are scared by such games).
   
   Anyway, the game is cool enough. First of all, keep in mind that this is a Chapter. The game has no end, it is a cliffhanger ending so if you are one of those (like me) that hate unfinished things, keep in mind that even if you don't like the game so much, you will have to play all three chapters (overture, black plague, requiem) to see the end of the story.
   
   This chapter is quite short (6 hours are enough). Puzzles are nice, physics serve well that purpose. Graphically it is pleasant. Sounds is also still good enough for today's standards and controls are interesting. Can't say about the story because I have to play 2nd and 3rd chapter yet, but what can I say....so far so good ! 75/100… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. FFStudios

   Jun 21, 2012

   7

   Having played Amnesia and being terrified witless, I decided to buy Frictional's first foray into Survival horror, and first game ever. First,Having played Amnesia and being terrified witless, I decided to buy Frictional's first foray into Survival horror, and first game ever. First, the positives. It's very atmospheric; the environments are creepy & unnerving and the first encounter with an enemy is unforgettable. Certain plot elements are well done and the character of Red is memorable. The physics system is just as clever as ever, perhaps even more so than Amnesia thanks to the more grounded setting and difficulty in using doors. Negatives: combat. The problem with the combat isn't that it's sticky or useless, it's because it's there! Something that's scary loses its sting when you can kill it, and fighting in this game you will inevitably find the exploit to easily deal with any enemy you encounter. The plot also relies too much on written notes and your character pointing out the obvious. I wish FG would decide if they want Phillip to be a silent protagonist or not: he goes through a long monologue at the beginning and then seems to lose his voice once the game begins, even when a particular character tries to contact him he still says nothing. Overall though, I liked Overture, and if you're looking for a good spook then I definitely recommend it.… Expand

   • 1 of 2 users found this helpful
7. xZippy

   Dec 2, 2012

   7

   Unlike most games out there, Penumbra: Overture isn't exactly "packed to the brim" with content, but it's still pretty damn good. I playedUnlike most games out there, Penumbra: Overture isn't exactly "packed to the brim" with content, but it's still pretty damn good. I played Amnesia: The Dark Descent before this one, and I still find Penumbra just as enjoyable. The writing is unarguably clever, and does nothing but add interest and atmosphere to the game while taking away absolutely nothing. The psychological and physical horrors in this game are well done. The graphics are a bit simplistic and lazy, but don't do any damage to the game as a whole. The puzzles are well done. Even if you're a Halo/Mass Effect/Half-Life 2 kind of player, you still might find yourself loving the Penumbra series.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. CriticoDubioso

   Mar 11, 2016

   1

   I have played this game on release on a much less capable computer, and I've played it with my current gaming and productivity computer whichI have played this game on release on a much less capable computer, and I've played it with my current gaming and productivity computer which is capable of playing games at 4K resolution, video editing etc;
   
   I still feel the same way I about it now as I did then. I don't understand why making the player struggle with terrible controls for interaction, whether it be weapons, trying to barricade a door or just general movement, is supposed to be a fun experience. It's not even as "immersive" as some would claim because you have to fight with the controls.
   
   This is not a retro game on an old console with hardware limitations. It shouldn't behave like it is.
   I don't much care for this idea in their games where you are this completely helpless and basically stupid character who doesn't think to pick up a weapon to defend themselves. In this game you can kind of fight back, but the controls make what should be easy to learn combat, frustrating and unrewarding. But just check out some of their other games and you'll see what I mean.
   
   This game had some good ideas and had a great framework for a very atmospheric series.
   Instead their games are mainly puzzles or running away from enemies who could be easily handled if you actually had weapons to fight back.
   
   Sure, people may argue that its not scary when there are weapons to fight back, but I disagree.
   A game can still be scary while allowing you to fight the enemies, and I mean legitimately scary, not jump scares. There can be scary dark environments, environments full of strong enemies who take strategy to defeat because their A.I. is very challenging to contend with, dangerous environments with all kinds of damaging hazards to be mindful of. All while allowing for the player to explore the game world.
   
   The player should have the ability to improve themselves, weapons, armor, helpful items, rewarding the player for exploring areas and breaking open containers, unlocking items locked away, is a good thing.
   
   Anyway, I give the game 1 point for making the framework and ideas, but the experience overall is brought down by the developers not being open to the ideas I have described to you here.… Expand

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful

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