Classic horror fans are about to get a blast from the past. The critically acclaimed survival horror gameAlone In The Darkis getting a remake. First released in 1992, the originalAlone In The Darkgame set a record for being the first 3D survival horror game ever created. Not only was the title an originator of the now famed survival horror genre, but it also strongly influenced the creation of theResident EvilandSilent Hillfranchises. What some horror fans may not know is thatAlone In The Darkmight have been the first game to incorporate the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
Since almost every modern horror game - fromOutlasttoDead Space -has been influenced by Lovecraft in some way, it might be challenging to think of a time when the creator of cosmic horror was not influencing video game culture and development. Since the upcomingAlone In The Darkremake will feature a new story bySomaandAmnesia: The Dark Descentwriter Mikael Hedberg, the game could further distinguish itself by leaving out Lovecraft’s influence.
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Lovecraftian Horror Games Have Enduring Popularity, But Lack Originality
FromDying Light 2toThe Quarry,the horror genre has been in the midst of a renaissance when it comes to video games. Among the dozens of horror video games released each year, Lovecraft seems to be an enduring theme in a lot of them. While some modern horror games likeDarkest DungeonandCarrionhave put a new spin on Lovecraftand the themes of isolation, darkness, and disturbing atrocities, there have also been titles that directly adapted Lovecraft’s cosmic horror tales. While this isn’t inherently an issue, the sheer number of games directly connected to the Lovecraft Mythos makes the similarities unavoidable.
For instance,horror games likeCall of the SeaandCall of Cthulhuadopt many of the hallmarks of a Lovecraft short story. Both games involve a mystery, nightmares, delusions, loss of sanity, and odd sea creatures, and they even directly refer to beings and events from the works of Lovecraft. While fans enjoyed diving into the world of cosmic horror in the early 20th century, it’s become increasingly difficult to tell these games apart. WhileAlone In The Darkmight have been the first game to adapt the works of H.P. Lovecraft into a survival horror game, the sheer over-saturation of the genre might hurt the remake’s success.
Alone In The Dark Can Be A Horror Masterpiece Without Relying on H.P. Lovecraft
Some fans of the originalAlone In The Darkgame might be skeptical of leaving the game’s roots behind, especially since the game’s DNA is closely tied to Lovecraft. The remake can survive without hedging its bets on cosmic horror tropes and forge a new and unique path without them. For instance, while the upcoming game will still be focused on theprotagonists Emily Hartwood and Private Investigator Edward Carnby, the enemies they face could be based on real-life horrors. Not only could this emphasize player choice - especially if the characters are facing off against their psyches - but it could introduce new enemies.
While the Cthulhu Mythos has remained one of the most famous and influential horror collections of all time, it has unfortunately been all too apparent in modern horror games. Even theupcomingThe Elder Scrolls Online: Necromexpansionis getting in on the Lovecraft gaming craze. Instead of featuring the same creatures first created by Lovecraft,Alone In The Darkcould focus on human enemies like cultists, reality-shifting hostile environments, and the monsters hiding behind trusted allies.
Alone in the Darkis currently in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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