The Evil Within

As you progress you do feel like you are edging closer to the truth, a horrific truth that will probably be covered in human intestines and gnawing the limbs off screaming babies, but a truth nonetheless. Despite borrowing a lot of well-worn themes from other games and movies, The Evil Within feels fresh and exciting. It’s easy to recommend to fans of the original Dead Space and the earlier Resident Evil games.

Instead of creating a genuinely fearful environment, the game simply attempts to frustrate the player and hopes that this will result in the desired effect. Still, the gameplay might not be unique, but it is solid and enjoyable in its own way, and the wildly varying level and character designs helps to create a game that keeps you coming back just to see what will be around the next corner. If only the shifts had been better explained along the way, players might be able to enjoy the ride a little bit more.

Horror fans shouldn’t let the disappointing story deter them one bit, however. Few Paranormal Activity fans care how these malevolent demons come back again and again – what truly matters is that the audience’s nerves are frayed until they’re raw. The Evil Within excels at keeping your palms sweaty while delivering a harrowingly rewarding gameplay trial. Watching the credits roll with a sigh of relief doesn’t feel like winning; it feels like surviving.