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"Alone in the Dark" really is a hard sell. I'm sure you've heard all about its weaknesses and maybe even some of its strengths. Inherent in those strengths and weaknesses there are bound to be, of course, many detractors. The game is by no means a masterpiece and I figured I'd get that out of the way immediately.

I think what I should say right off the bat is that this iteration of "Alone in the Dark" is a very different animal - perhaps an altogether different species - than past games in the series. Whereas the first few "AitD" (for brevity's sake, please) entries were slow, methodical survival-horror titles that placed firm focus on scares over neat special FX and vast level design, developer Eden Games have seemingly moved the games away from the spooky settings of the previous games and gone for more of an action-oriented approach that does, indeed, work.

There are even a number of superb creative ideas on display here. Being able to look inside of your coat innards to view your inventory and, in real-time no less, assemble together makeshift flamethrowers and Molotov Cocktails, as well as heal yourself with healing sprays and bandages, for example. The player can even hotwire cars, change seat positions in vehicles, and rewire circuitry and pretty much anything that has multiple sets of wires. Breaking down doors or shooting out locks is also something you will find yourself doing quite often. A lot of the puzzles require a decent amount of thinking but are never too difficult. Assembling together objects and finding ways into new areas is common and it will give you a great sense of immersion.

However, seeing that this game encourages combat over running AWAY from the various creatures that inhabit this universe (ala the "Silent Hill" series), it comes as quite a shock that the combat is too hard to get the hang of (and you never do, really) and it never feels at all satisfying. Switching between first and third-person points-of-view by pressing Y is frustrating as neither view controls fluidly and some actions can only be performed when in a specific POV. Third person movement is clunky and uneven, and the melee combat is no better. Having to charge up your swing with the right thumb stick, then complete it by pushing it in the opposite direction in which you charged it is commendable in terms of adding that extra level of immersion, but far too often the push that should result in completion of the swing is unresponsive.

Driving segments are also a major pain. Thanks to poor car handling and vehicles that are way too light and, without exaggeration, turn and stop on a FUCKING DIME, they are probably the biggest contender for "Alone's..." most mediocre game play facet. A driving sequence that takes place through the outskirts of a crumbling Central Park should have been gripping and intense but because of whacky vehicle handling simply becomes an exercise in frustration.

But I will say this much for the game, even if its firearm, melee combat, and vehicle segments are nothing special; it has one of the best opening acts of any game to date. Having to find your way out of a "possessed," burning building while it comes down around you, replete with slow-motion, creatures on the loose, and some great gore & puzzles sure makes "AitD" seem a hundred times better than it actually is. Hell, even the second chapter gives you that whole "hey, this might actually be pretty good" vibe. But as the game wears on into the 4th and 5th chapters respectively and the world opens up a bit more, the game starts to fall apart at the seams.

Graphically, however, "AitD" is quite impressive. Character models look splendid and facial animations are pitch-perfect. Things get a little rough when it comes to cut-scenes as character movements tend to look a bit jerky, but everything from the environments, lighting, character models, and various effects are top-notch. Sure, there are better looking games available for the 360, but for a series of games that has never really offered up prime visuals, this is rather refreshing.

I wish I could say more positive things about the game to warrant the slight recommendation and three star rating. "Alone..." is actually quite fascinating despite its numerous flaws and many frustrations. Apart from some OK voice acting, an intriguing plot, great visuals, and an "I just want to keep playing despite all of the bullshit" feel oozing from its every orifice, it otherwise squanders all of its promise. Of course, you won't find many survival-horror games on the 360 so that may give you some incentive to at least give this a rent. But, then again, "Silent Hill: Homecoming" was just released and it is, by my calculations, about 1,002 times better than this. Despite the lack of horror and an overreliance on melee combat and various other game play mechanics to enhance the experience, "AitD" is nothing more than a mildly above average game that could have been so much better.

6/10