Clive Barker's Undying

Despite having system specs that far exceed the minimum, and being optimized by GOG, I am never able to get this thing running properly on my Windows 10 64 bit system. Horrible framerates and a headache-inducing resolution (using a widescreen patch makes the game unbearably slow) make this possibly great game unplayable. I have asked for help on the forums on more than one occasion and it was as useful as talking to a wall. It could just be me and my horrible luck with most Unreal Engine games (the only Unreal game i was able to run was Deus Ex, only because i have modded it to death so it could be playable, this unfortunately has no mods that fixes these issues). But with what I have experienced, i just cannot recommend this at all. Sorry.

Even with endless tweaking, still cannot get the game to run. Compatibility settings, runtime packages, etc. GOG needs to take a bit more initiative and be more responsive about non-working games that are sold to customers, rather than taking a page out of Steam's book and hiding behind a wall if inaccessibility.

This game has an unique setting and weapons and spells system. However the shooting action itself is lacking because some of the weapons are just so bad and example shotgun is horrible. Same goes with some of the enemies. Most of them just rush very fast towards you and the rest shoot projectiles far away. Usually they can be dealt without much trouble, but there are moments when they just feel cheap because of their placement and spwaninbg from behind and above. Boss battles are also pretty annoying since you have no idea what to do in couple of them until you read from a guide. Level design and story also lose some steam for the last third of the game. Still a worth checking out especially if you like an unique setting for a fps game and are fan of older fps design.

When I first played Undying on a Mac, a decade ago, I remember how I felt I had just gone through the pages of a novel although I had clearly done so through the end of my unearthly firepower. The tempo in which the story is dispensed is effective, never leaving your curiosity unattended. The story itself is good, keeping in style with that recognised master of the genre and the subjects that interest him the most. Besides wanting to dispose of things, you also want to understand what is at the bottom of the mystery to which you have been summoned by one of your friends of old. But the horrors of this original First Person Shooter are not entirely found in its setting and narrative. Famous was, among the players of then, an ending that boggled patience more than mind. Disappointing not because of its idea but its execution (and the graphic restrictions of the time, I guess). Still, between here and that moment, there is a ton of fun to be had with this great work of fiction and entertainment. Foes are dangerous and you quickly learn to dread their telltale sounds, for you are a fragile creature in this adventure, whose life depends on the judicious juggling of his skill-arsenal. Puzzles are a mix of good and token. But "Bosses" all have something unique to make them memorable. All in all, this is an item you should include in both, your game and book library alike.

The game shows some nice ideas and (initially) a very creepy atmosphere that is soon replaced by hordes of respawning enemies. Luckily, just before this happens, you get a gun with infinite ammo! Yes, a supposed survival horror throws at you a doom like arena filled with enemies (one type of an enemy, you know, so that variety wouldn't confuse you >.>) and a gun that doesn't need any ammo... Any trace of fear will be gone in less than 30 minutes in and that is really disappointing. Add mediocre combat, dated graphics and below average level design (that mansion feels like god damned mall) and you understand why this game didn't sell well back in 2001. 2 out of 5 for that initial atmosphere - buy only if you think that 30 minutes of relative fun is worth your money. Oh yeah, just so you know, the reload button is named "Weapon Action" in the key-binding menu... Weapon action... ffs.