PC Critic Reviews
Filter by platform
73
Metascore
Mixed or Average
positive
16(57%)
mixed
12(43%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 28 Critic Reviews
87
The highs definitely outweigh the lows and this game breathes new life into an old genre.
83
How you react to Penumbra depends entirely on how, uh, adventurous you are feeling when you load the game up. If you are a hardcore traditionalist, you could quickly get turned off by the game's 3D engine, sluggish controls, occasional combat and drab environments. However, if you are open to a new experience and are willing to take the game as it is, you could have a spooky and rewarding gaming experience that could even stretch your idea of what an adventure game can be.
83
A creepy and atmospheric horror adventure. The advanced physics engine makes the experience truly immersive. On the minus side, combat is a bit cumbersome and the plot could use some polishing. Still, very promising. [Aug 2007]
81
Where Penumbra really wins through however is in its storytelling and puzzle solving.
80
Penumbra: Overture will surely strike a chord with fans of adventure and horror games.
80
Creeping around in the dark with only a flashlight to hand whilst the wind whistles through a passageway and footsteps can be heard around every corner can be extremely disconcerting, and it's a testament to good game design that it manages to unsettle right from the start.
80
The only charge that can really be brought against the game lies within the the aesthetics of the environment.
80
Penumbra: Overture focuses on delivering immersive gameplay by providing an engaging storyline, a surreal atmosphere, and a very creepy playing experience.
80
At a cost of only £15 for an online download, it's an absolute must for any PC adventure gamers out there.
80
It's short enough to come across as an appetizer, this pilot episode's ending leaving you more confused than when entering the first tunnel of the mines
