It seems to me like the term "Lovecraftian" gets thrown around far too much in the gaming world. Basically if something features tentacled creatures, people seem to think that puts it somewhere in line with the works of author HP Lovecraft. But the truth is, Lovecraft's greatest stories aren't defined by the descriptions of the monsters in them; they're defined by the gradual discovery of various disturbing, cosmic realities, and the protagonists' resulting bouts with madness because of them. They're most often told in first-person prose, and often give off a very lonely, desolate vibe. The Penumbra series features exactly zero tentacled monsters (at least not that I remember; apologies if I'm remembering incorrectly) but it does feature a very well-paced story involving madness, suicide, and the discovery of impossible lifeforms, all while giving off an effectively disturbing sense of isolation. This is the only series I've ever played that so deftly manages to be Lovecraftian, all the while sidestepping the cliches that are usually associated with that word. The gameplay, meanwhile, is all logic-based puzzles and smart level design. There are a small few points where trial and error are necessary, and you're practically guaranteed to die at least once at those parts, which is a little cheap. And the "combat" in Overture is so ineffective that it's no wonder it was completely removed from Black Plague and Requiem. But regardless of those imperfections, the series really knows how to create a very thick, tense atmosphere. It really is my favorite PC-exclusive horror title, and it's totally worth a go for anyone who values a good lonely atmosphere over jump scares and gore.
