The Evil Within Review
Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Author: K.D.
Shinji Mikami, creator of the Resident Evil series, is back again with another horror concept that’s sure to knock your socks off! The Evil Within, or its Japanese alternative title Psycho break, is a fantastic new stab at reinvigorating the horror genre that’s been suffused with violence, gore, and quick-time events which are more in line with action (I’m looking at you, Dead Space and newer Resident Evils). This simplistic story, though with its interesting plot twists, is rife with creepy creatures and hell-ish situations through a third-person camera.
Let me tell you a bit about the story: Sebastian and two colleagues investigate a mass murder at Beacon Mental Hospital where they run into (some harder than others) the evil Ruvik! Sebastian is knocked out and wakes up in a topsy-turvy Krimson City where everything from the environment to the inhabitants is surreal. He encounters a few people while trying to catch up to a mental patient named Leslie, and in the process learns more about the evil Ruvik! He got set on fire (and his sister died from the fire) and was forced into hiding in the family’s basement where he went craaaaaaaaaaaaaazy and eventually killed his parents. Then he started “donating” money to the Beacon Mental Hospital in exchange for test subjects for a machine he’s working on. The bastard. So a whole bunch of other crazy stuff happens, and after fighting a lot of weird nightmarish creatures, Sebastian wakes up and smooshes Ruvik’s brain which is attached to a supercomputer that merges minds; and then he wakes up again. As he’s leaving the mental institute, he sees Leslie and has a headache (something that happens when Ruvik is messing with you), and then Leslie disappears! ~dun dun duuuuuuuuuuuuun~(Did i win? Is this inception?)
Oh Ruvik, you scamp!
So what are some strengths to this game, you ask? Great question! It really is a call back to the original Resident Evil games in that rationing one’s resources is critical. There are lots of gruesome creatures, complete with a Pinhead-esque, chainsaw-wielding, blood-soaked creepers, and even creepy standard monsters called “Haunted”. Another awesome part is the weaponry! Guns galore and the most versatile is the Agony Crossbow which has different bolts: explosive, shocking, and javelin-piercing-stick-you-to-a-wall. Then, there’s also the safe area, which is a hospital. You can get there by looking into a mirror!(Yeah…into a mirror.) There are lock boxes which house ammunition which will always be there in case you need extra, along with syringes and “experience” points to level up your skills and abilities. You find random keys throughout Krimson City, and you can open any lockbox with any key… but they conveniently break when you use them.
Hellooooooooooooo Nurse Tatiana!
What are some setbacks, you ask? Such great questions! The major drawback for this game is the storyline which, seemingly simplistic, is actually quite convoluted. The gameplay is a bit daunting as there are grand fighting sequences (if you’re not proficient at stealthily taking people out) that can be overwhelming. Something else of note is the pacing of the game. It jumps very quickly and sporadically from passive meandering to intense action after long periods of mild exploring. Occasionally, there are late textures pop-in, awkward camera angles, as well as other minor technical difficulties. While these setbacks are important, they aren’t enough to overpower the greatness this game has to offer.
Uh oh… don’t turn around…
All in all, I’d say that this game is definitely worth the play as the survival aspect, especially on more challenging difficulties (like the AKUMA difficulty). Fun interactive gameplay, and a mostly compelling story create a worthy gaming experience.
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