We haven’t heard much from THQ Nordic’s Alone in the Dark reboot since last year’s surprise reveal, but now the promising project is back with an October 25th release date and – for the impatient among us – a playable prologue starting now is available.
Released in 1992 for those too young to remember, the original Alone in the Dark offered a truly groundbreaking journey into the unknown. Widely credited as the forefather of the survival horror genre, it pioneered the fixed-camera spook house formula that would later influence works like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
THQ Nordic’s reimagined version of Alone in the Dark – overseen by Swedish developer Pieces Interactive under the direction of Soma and Amnesia: The Dark Descent writer Mikael Hedberg – is based on the core idea of the 1992 original, which starred private investigator Edward Carnby Helping Emily Hartwood investigate her uncle’s suicide in the gritty Derceto Mansion, he cranks up the Southern Gothic by attempting to filter the originals’ blend of exploration, combat, puzzles, and history through a more modern lens.
Another look at the reimagining of Pieces Interactive’s Alone in the Dark.
As previously announced by THQ, the reboot will feature sections set outside of the mansion, taking Carnby and Hartwood to forgotten graveyards, bayous and more. And it’s now confirmed that our playable protagonists will be portrayed by Stranger Things’ David Harbor and Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer (who solves an ongoing mystery). Depending on which character you choose, you’ll get a different perspective on the story, with alternate events and unique NPC reactions providing a reason to play through it twice.
The THQ reboot has a lot going for it, from the striking southern gothic aesthetic to the dark jazz soundtrack (courtesy of musician Jason Kohnen) that absolutely captivates my horror lovers and curious gamers alike can take their first tentative steps into the new Alone in the Dark, out today in a playable prologue episode on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
The decision to release a prologue is said to be loosely inspired by Alone in the Dark 2’s Jack in the Dark demo, and players will take on the role of a young girl, Grace, who is exploring Derceto Mansion in order to write a letter to Emily Hartwood send her uncle’s orders. Pieces Interactive suggests that this should give players an idea of the general atmosphere they’re aiming for in the full version of Alone in the Dark, but notes that due to the protagonist’s age, battles aren’t featured.
Stranger Things’ David Harbor plays Edward Carnby.
And if the prologue grabs you, THQ Nordic really wants to highlight the Alone in the Dark pre-order bonus DLC, which I have to admit is pretty nice. Called the Deceto 1992 Costume Pack, it allows players to replace the reissue Carnby and Hartwood with their original 1992 character models in all their gloriously garish retro Block-o-Vision glory.
Alone in the Dark will be available in two versions when it launches on October 25th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC; There’s a standard edition (costs £49.99/€59.99/$59.99 USD) as well as a deluxe version which, in addition to the aforementioned costume pack, comes with an art book, a vintage horror filter pack, and a commentary mode starring reboot director Mikael Hedberg and notably contains , Frederick Raynal, who developed the original game.
