Survival horror at it's best.
User Rating: 9.4 | Clive Barker's Undying PC
Graphics: For the time these graphics are superb. Despite having a few glitches they really add to the atmosphere of the game. The lighting is excellent the shadows equally realistic, and though the surfaces lose some of their luster under close scrutiny, the visuals as a whole do more than enough to immerse you in the eerie story and do justice to the survival horror experience. Some of the environments are so well done for their time you'll often find yourself looking around just to take in the visuals. Paintings in the game are often beautiful and detailed while at the same time being creepy enough to make you almost scared to explore the mansion section of this game. The visuals in this game beg to be explored so each time you reach a new section of the game it is an exciting thing as you know you're probably in a for a visual treat. Gameplay: Has all the elements you'd want in a great action/adventure game. Tight first person shooter based combat a good variety of weapons and spells if not a bit of a small list. Believable A.I and some very creepy monsters at every turn. The game plays out in a fairly linear fashion while at the same time allowing for exploration as some of the environments are rather large and bear examination for hidden items and the like. Caverns and dungeons that at first seem simple often will snake-hand into many hidden areas, adding to the feel that you're getting yourself deeper and deeper into something bad. Enemies will pop out at key moments making exploration exciting and spine tingling. Though the game is heavy on the action there are some interesting light puzzle solving moments to keep the game from being too repetitive. Also the enemy A.I is smart enough to keep you on your toes at each battle. After killing the same monster countless times I found myself no less bored at enemy encounters. Enemies will approach you from behind, come down from the ceilings, up from the ground around corners. There is no dull moment even when encountering the same monster over and over. Also certain enemies can be best dispatched by using certain weapons and or spells. I found this to be an interesting challenge if not a bit frustrating at times. Man those skeletons can be irritating after you've killed them 10 times in a row. Story: Clive Barker is very adept at the macabre and the psychologically disturbing. His expertise shines in the story of this game. Undying is heavy on the occult and that is a good thing. The story plays out through listening to NPC dialogue well done cut scenes and finding parchments, letters and notes throughout the game. These aspects carry the story along beautifully . The reasons behind what is happening is as scary as playing the game itself. The story is tight and creepy. The characters are memorable. From start to finish you feel as if you're part of the story playing Patrick Galloway. There are no obligatory moments in Undying. Everything that unfolds is worth listening to. Every document you find, at least in my opinion, is worth reading. Sound: The game really shines here. From the shrieks of the demented beasts you'll encounter in the game, to the voice acting, to the creepy ambient sounds of wind or the tormented wails of some unknown horror lurking in the shadows, every sound only adds to the ambiance. Also though the music in this game is sparse, it queues up at perfect moments filling out the atmosphere of the game and when it does, it does it well. I wish there was more of this quality music in any game in fact. Not only is the music great in this game, but it is NEVER overbearing, it leaves you wanting more. Overall: This is how games should be. Aside from a few minor and forgivable glitches I had an incredibly fun time playing this game. The developers really put some thought into the creation of this game from all aspects, I salute them and damn I wish they would make part 2! Also, for this game's current price it is one hell of a bargain. Developers of Undying, wherever you are, I wish there were more of you out there! 
