What's the Best Alone in the Dark Game? Ranking Every Title So Far

Since its inception in 1992, the Alone in the Dark series has been a hallmark of survival horror gaming. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, with some entries earning critical acclaim while others faltered. From the pioneering days of polygonal graphics to the modern era of immersive horror experiences, let’s dive in and discover the best Alone in the Dark game so far.

Ranking the Alone in the Dark games was both easy and hard. There are some very obvious placements, such as the failed experiment that was Alone in the Dark: Illumination, and then some more widely debated ones such as Alone in the Dark (2008). Of course, it is ultimately a matter of opinion, so be sure to let us know if you disagree with Chit Hot’s rankings in the comments below!

The Best Alone in the Dark Game: Ranking Every Title

Alone in the Dark: Illumination (2015)

Serving as a multiplayer-focused spinoff, Alone in the Dark: Illumination was a departure from the series’ roots. Set in the abandoned town of Lorwich, players battled hordes of monsters in a cooperative experience. Unfortunately, it failed to capture the essence of the franchise and was marred by repetitive gameplay and uninspired level design.

Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (2001)

A reboot of sorts, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare revitalised the series with improved graphics and more refined gameplay mechanics. Players alternated between controlling Edward Carnby and Aline Cedrac, each with their own unique perspectives on the unfolding mystery. While it didn’t reach the heights of the original, it marked a solid return to form.

Alone in the Dark 3 (1994)

Transporting players to the Wild West, Alone in the Dark 3 brought a change of setting but failed to recapture the magic of the original. Despite some interesting ideas, it suffered from repetitive gameplay and technical issues.

Alone in the Dark (2008)

This installment attempted to reinvent the franchise with a more action-oriented approach and a fully 3D environment. Despite ambitious ideas such as dynamic fire propagation and a non-linear narrative structure, it was hampered by numerous technical issues. Chit Hot recently revisited Alone in the Dark (2008), and found it still very much worthy of your time.

Alone in the Dark 2 (1993)

The sequel continued the story of Edward Carnby as he investigated supernatural occurrences. While it improved on some aspects of its predecessor, it received mixed reviews due to clunky controls and a less cohesive narrative. And also, some pretty freaky character models. Yikes.

Alone in the Dark (1992)

The game that started it all. Alone in the Dark introduced players to the eerie atmosphere of Derceto Mansion, combining Lovecraftian horror with point-and-click adventure gameplay. Despite its dated graphics by today’s standards, its innovative use of 3D environments set a new benchmark for the genre. It remains a classic and a must-play for any survival horror enthusiast.

Despite the ups and downs of the series, Alone in the Dark holds a special place in the hearts of horror gaming enthusiasts. From its pioneering days to its modern iterations, it continues to influence the genre and inspire new experiences.

While some entries have stood the test of time, others have fallen short of expectations. And of course, the less said about that movie the better. Nevertheless, the legacy of Alone in the Dark endures, reminding us of the thrill of exploring dark and mysterious worlds filled with terror and suspense. Will the upcoming Alone in the Dark (2024) recapture the essence of what made the original so special? You’ll have to wait until our review next week to find out!

In conclusion, here’s a summarised ranking of the Alone in the Dark games:

1. Alone in the Dark (1992)
2. Alone in the Dark 2 (1993)
3. Alone in the Dark (2008)
4. Alone in the Dark 3 (1994)
5. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare” (2001)
6. Alone in the Dark: Illumination (2015)

While opinions may vary, there’s no denying the impact that Alone in the Dark has had on the survival horror genre, paving the way for future titles to terrify and delight gamers around the world. Which is your favourite Alone in the Dark game? Let us know in the comments below!