This is the first first-person Horror game I've ever played, and the first game I've ever played with mouselook, but even without that, I think it's safe to say that it's still a little awkward, especially when it comes to combat. It seemed a bit like my hands were made of rubber noodles, and everything I held flopped around in the air like a dying fish. It was worth it, though, because it caused some pretty hilarious calamities to befall me; Wile E. Coyote would be proud. This doesn't matter as much as you'd think, however, because running past an enemy is almost always an option. An old battleaxe like me doesn't usually back down from a fight, so I don't generally do well at Horror when combat is present, but I did just fine here.
The horror aspect is what really matters in a game like this, and it certainly delivers; it all takes place in a creepy underground mine, and you don't know what you're going to find down there. Of course, it doesn't take all that long to find out, but the game is still really good at keeping the tension alive. Sure, you have a good view of the monster, but going up against some unspeakable horror as a normal dude armed with only a claw hammer is pretty hardcore; not something you really want to do if you can avoid it. There's also a pervasive voice that you're never really sure whether it's an ally or an enemy. Puzzles seem like they wouldn't fit into something like this, and yet, they're implemented in very natural ways. The horror never really gives way to anything else, but that's because the game doesn't really end properly. Of course, the sequel is a direct continuation, so it was meant that way. It's a little rough around the edges, but great for newcomers and long-time Horror fans alike!
