- Concept
- Graphics
- Sound
- Playability
- Entertainment
Penumbra Black Plague is an episodic game that takes advantage of the criticisms received for one episode, so that the second episode can be better. If you liked the first installment of this on-going adventure, you will be thrilled with the latest version because things have gotten better.
Concept
When you begin to play Penumbra Black Plague you are once again playing the role of Phillip, who has been stricken by a virus or infection while on his mission to make his way to the surface. The virus is mainly a psychological mind altering sickness that leaves you unsure a lot of the time if you are hallucinating or if you are seeing the things you think you see.
You will spend a lot of your playing time in attempts to rescue someone who is suppose to know the cure for what is ailing you. You will encounter many creepy things in your quest to free this soul, and thus free yourself from the mental effects caused by your illness. You will play the game on the edge on insanity, and definitely with uncertain trepidation because you cannot quite decide if you are mad or not.
There are puzzles scattered throughout the game that require you to solve them before you can advance and continue on your quest. The puzzle episodes are quite fun, and sometimes the answer is so obvious you wonder if the creators made a mistake when they designed that one. There was no mistake they are just lulling you into a sense of false confidence before they give you the real puzzles to solve.
Graphics
Have you ever heard the old phrase; there is nothing new under the sun. Well for sure there is nothing new in the visual components of Penumbra Black Plague. The graphic elements are dated to say the least, and they have been done more times than we care to remember. They do not totally ruin the game for you, but they do not enhance the game at all.
Sound
Visually speaking the game is not much to brag about but just about the time you think the game is going to be dated and lame, then the sound track will delight you. Amazing quality of sound, perfect precision to the timing of sound to visual aspects of the game and pleasantly creepy at all times. The soundtrack to the first game was great and the second time around they did not disappoint either.
Playability
If you did not play the games previous version you may be worried that you will not enjoy the second coming. You would be totally wrong in assuming that. The game can stand well on it’s own merits, but we would suggest you start at the beginning and work your way through so that you get the full advantage of the story line.
Anyone can play the game, and everyone will enjoy it. The various puzzles and their different levels of difficulty make the game challenging at some points for every player. That is what keeps us returning, the challenge. We like to be forced to use our skill, and to figure out the logical moves needed to advance.
Entertainment
The story line is good, and the new psychological twist will keep you entertained, as well as curious.
Replay Value
Every rose has its thorn, and the thorn for Penumbra Black Plague will have to be the replay value it has. Once you have beaten the puzzle, and discovered whether or not there is a cure for the virus, you lose some of the interest in the game.
