The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Developer: Supermassive Games
Release: Nov 17th 2022
Platforms:
Adventure
Atmospheric
Cooperative
Buggy
Unpolished
Disappointing
The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me Poster

" Immersive adventure with fresh stealth and co-op, but plagued by bugs and poor optimization "

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me Review

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me delivers a mixed experience for players, with a polarized reception evident in its 5/10 average review score from over 1500 users. While some praise the game’s atmosphere, graphics, and introduction of new mechanics like stealth, others criticize it heavily for bugs, poor optimization, and a weak storyline.

Many players note the game feels like a step down graphically compared to previous entries, describing character models and motion capture as awkward. The story, involving a serial killer with unrealistic abilities, is viewed as ridiculous and lacking depth, making it hard for players to connect with characters. Technical issues such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, and game-freezing bugs further diminish the experience. Co-op play and some plot twists receive positive mentions, but overall, the game struggles with execution and polish, leading to divided opinions among fans of the series.

Highlights

The game’s graphics and atmospheric environments receive praise for their quality and immersion, though opinions vary.

Players appreciate the new gameplay mechanics like stealth, which add freshness to the series.

The co-op mode and storytelling with plot twists are also highlighted as strong points, offering engaging multiplayer experiences and narrative moments that some found compelling.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on numerous bugs and technical issues such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, and game crashes that disrupt gameplay.

The storyline is often described as ridiculous with plot holes and uninteresting characters, reducing emotional investment.

Many players feel the game is poorly optimized compared to previous entries, and motion capture and character animations are awkward. Some mechanics feel cheap or vague, detracting from the intended suspense and challenge.

Pros

  • Immersive atmospheric environments enhance the horror experience effectively.
  • New stealth mechanics add fresh gameplay variety to the series.
  • Co-op mode provides a fun multiplayer experience with friends.
  • Plot twists keep some players engaged and surprised.
  • Graphics are generally praised despite some criticisms.
  • Jump scares and thrilling escape sequences create tension.
  • The game offers decent duration for a narrative-driven title.

Cons

  • Numerous bugs and glitches disrupt gameplay frequently.
  • Poor optimization causes frame rate drops and screen tearing.
  • Storyline is seen as ridiculous with many plot holes.
  • Characters lack depth and fail to engage players emotionally.
  • Motion capture and animations are awkward and unnatural.
  • Reduced quick-time events make gameplay less dynamic.
  • Some mechanics feel cheap and poorly executed.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

A group of documentary film makers receive a mysterious call inviting them to a modern-day replica of serial killer H.H. Holmes ‘Murder Castle’. But on arrival they soon discover they’re being watched, and even manipulated, and suddenly there is much more at stake than just their ratings…

Release Date Nov 17th 2022
Publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe
Developer Supermassive Games
Required Age 18+
Platforms

User Reviews

Mixed (1,503)
59% Positive 41% Negative