For those who like playing horror-adventure games Penumbra:Black Plague is the ultimate game of all.The story in Black Plague picks up after the end of the first game(Penumbra:Overture,which offered first-person shooter controls along with an exploration mechanic that made for a compelling and frightening quest)with series lead Philip(that`s you)waking up in a dank and dirty cell somewhere with the sound of torture coming from somewhere close by while still trying to figure out the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his father.Upon inspecting the room, he discovers that he is not the first person to be held there,as there are several clues scrawled out on the walls in order to give him hints on how to escape from the room and survive on the outside.
The game is based on physics,requiring you to use the mouse cursor to mimic an action almost like twisting it around to open doors,unscrewing screws,grabbing the lid of a box and pushing the mouse up to open it,holding a leaver and use a circular motion on the mouse to turn it,actions you`ll have to make throughout the entire game.You’ll also be required to move objects and obstacles out of the way by lifting them and putting them elsewhere.
To make things that little more eerie you're not alone for a lot of the game,however your companion isn't a comforting comedy sidekick, instead it's a voice in Philip's head called Clarence.
Despite the rather gentile name Clarence has the unsettling ability to change your perceptions,causing you to see and hear things that aren't there.As if things weren't spooky enough,now you can't even trust your own senses.Sequences where Philip has to strap on a gas mask,limiting vision to a tiny section of the screen, forcing you to plunge into darkened areas of the unknown with flashlight,flare,or glow stick,make for some very horrifying experiences. Combine that with the harsh rasps of breath through the mask's filter and scratches in the mask's see-through plastic and it's even more affecting, even if the wall textures make you think you've downed a handle of vodka.Oh, and as with any game like this, do not play it in a bright room. Turn off the lights and make sure you're alone – it's better that way(if you dare!!).

Publisher:Paradox Interactive
Developer:Frictional Games
Release Date:15/2/2008 US,most Europe
Edited by Terry
Sources IGN,Gamezone,Play

Hi Terry --

Our reviewer concluded after playing the first Penumbra game that these games are more stealth/action than adventure titles. So I'm copying this over to the Dark Side forum.

EDIT: Hmmm. I just read in this article that Black Plague has eliminated the combat elements in the first game, and is more of a traditional adventure experience.

Maybe this thread should go back to Adventure Discussion???

It does appear that combat has been taken out of the mix, and this sequel is now all adventure, so back to you Becky!

For some screenshots click here.

For the developer's community forum, including technical help, click here.

Thanks nickie!

Welcome back, Black Plague!

Just to help The site WorthPlaying has it as an Action/Adventure game

And here are Four Trailers to help you decide what the game should be.

Chief

Thanks Terroulini

The screenshots looks good...The interface with the hand thing looks neat...

So glad its an adventure !!!

I will be watching for this & a review...

Glad you like it guys.Right now I`m playing Episode 1 and trust me if Black Plague is half as good as this one,I`m sure you`ll love it!!

Terry, have you played Fahrenheit? If so, how do the controls in Black Plague compare to Fahrenheit as it sounds similar (control-wise).

You`re right misa the controls in Fahrenheit were magnificent,it must be actually one of the best games I have ever played but every now and then a new game pops out with something new to give.We will have to wait and see if Black Plague is as great as they say it is!

InteractCd will be getting this game in and it will be up for preorder soon, in case anyone was wondering.

Ana

Good to know,thanks Ana

I just saw the game on the GoGamer site and they have it for preorder for $49.90, way to pricy for me. Marie

The demo is out now and 133 MB large.

http://www.penumbrablackplague.com/site/demo.php

Thanks Sneaker! I'm downloading the demo right now. I've had Penumbra Overture sitting on my shelf for quite some time. I think with the upcoming release of Black Plague I'll finally play Overture to see how it is.

Have played a good part of this demo and for now it's all Adventure. Did not see anybody else nor strange creature.

Have fun with the demo. A big part of it is that interaction with objects, Penumbra style.

Chief

You can download it for $19.99 plays real good on my pc. My mistake it isn't ready for downloading yet.
Richard

kjos, how did you get it already?

I see Here that it will be ready the 12th.

Ana

I just finished the demo and that what it said. I didn't get the game yet.
Richard

Ahhh! How did you like it? I'm glad it worked okay on your computer. 19.99 sounds a lot better that 49.99.

I loved the demo was a lot better than the other one. $19.99 I can go for that price. I didn't see any $49.99 at all. it's well worth the price. More adventure than action.I would recomend everybody to play the demo and see if they like it.The control with the mouse were really smooth.
Richard

kjos, it is for preorder Here on GoGamer for 49.90.

Ana

Do you know why there is a $30 difference in the price? Sounds like somebody wants to make a lot of money. Makes me awful mad, unles it's a mistake.
Richard

I don't know kjos. but I searched Amazon and it's 19.99 too Here.

InteractCd is getting ready to put it up for preorder too, but Dave hasn't mentioned a price to me.

Ana

I sure will be preordering it from Dave. I get all my games through him. Great service to. $49.90 Ha Ha.
Richard