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Penumbra: Overture PC
Penumbra: Overture Image
Metascore
73 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Played from a first person viewpoint, Penumbra is very different from other adventure games. Not only is it powered by a 3D engine utilising cutting edge technology, it also has an advanced physics system which allow for a never before seen environment interaction. The player can open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects and more using natural mouse movements creating a highly interactive and immersive game world. The weapon system differs from your average game; swinging a melee weapon is done using the mouse which increases the realistic feel of combat. Fighting enemies is not something best done with brute force though, in most situations fighting is a last resort and the player is often better of using his/her wits. The AI of the enemies will also do its best to hunt and scare the player. The creatures encountered can break down doors, use group co-ordination, interact with the physics and more. Penumbra: Overture keeps players on the edge as they have to explore scary and immersive environments never knowing what is behind the next corner. The world is detailed, graphical as well as a story wise making the player feel part of the world as secrets are uncovered. [Strategy First]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. PC Gameworld
    87
    The highs definitely outweigh the lows and this game breathes new life into an old genre.
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    83
    A creepy and atmospheric horror adventure. The advanced physics engine makes the experience truly immersive. On the minus side, combat is a bit cumbersome and the plot could use some polishing. Still, very promising. [Aug 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PC Gamer
    74
    It may not be Best in Show, but it's slavering in the top dogs' general direction. [Aug 2007, p.66]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. MrWeezee
    10
    This game was awesome. Truly one of the best horrors out there. Great story, great gameplay, and the ending leaves you wanting to play Black Plague right away.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. gilas18
    6
    This game was a complete failure for me, it wasnt scary, just a bunch of dogs and spiders in an abandon underground facility, but i found the game entertaining for a couple of hours. Also very nice scenarios and puzzles.… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  3. NoahS.
    3
    Luckily, I bought this on Steam for 5.00 last night. Looks promising, but I have played it for about 5 minutes and it's rife with clipping issues and un-intuitive play. I'm going to give it another chance, as I see other reviewers have thought better of it than my first impression. There's nothing I like better than a good horror/survival game, even though this one has the ever-present Lovecraft references and familiar, hackneyed plot. 1-sided textures in a game and my flashlight not illuminating the crawlspace I am in almost lowered my SAN score immediately... I'll cross my fingers, do a little Voorish sign, and hope I can find the good things other posters have mentioned.… Expand
    • 0 of 6 users said yes

See all 18 User Reviews

Recommended Products

  1. Penumbra: Requiem

    • Release Date: Aug 27, 2008
    • Platform: PC
    Penumbra: Requiem Image

  2. Penumbra Collection

    Penumbra Collection Image

  3. Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition

    • Release Date: Jan 23, 2009
    • Platform: PC
    Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition Image

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