Amnesia: Rebirth is the long-awaited sequel in the Amnesia Series by Frictional Games, which was finally released today. Right from the start in the initial hours of my gameplay, and I was already impressed with everything the developer has worked on in this tormenting horror title. The first Amnesia title itself was a major hit back in the day when it first got released in 2010, setting the tone for every horror game that came in the genre. What becomes even more apparent is how far the series has come and how well-made Amnesia: Rebirth is right from the start. This is my review of Amnesia: Rebirth on the PC, the new story, and how things unfold as the story progresses.
Amnesia: Rebirth has an excellent story that is very well told throughout the gameplay. In addition, the new game left no stones unturned in making it yet another, if not more, a terrifying game. There is no denying that Amnesia is all about exploring dark corridors, trying to navigate through to find answers, look for light sources to not give into insanity, and of course, stay away from the creatures that inhabit the horrible locations. Although Amnesia: Rebirth features a somewhat similar gameplay style where the player finds themselves in dark and scary halls and corridors, the new game begins by taking you inside a cave system with unending tunnels, itching to lure you and make you forget your way back.
Before you even begin with the story, the game reminds you that Amnesia: Rebirth is not about winning the game, but to immerse yourself in it and experience what the developers have worked for all these years. In addition, even though the game is a direct sequel to the first title, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, it is still a stand-alone experience. This I thought is great for both returning and new players who can play out the game and test out what Amnesia is all about.
The game begins with the protagonist, Tasi Trianon, onboard a plane with her husband Salim Hannachi, flying over the deserts of Algeria. The flight first encounters a few turbulence scares but eventually crashes after what appears to be an engine failure. Before the plane crashes, Tasi can see the world outside switching to another dark world and then switching back to reality, moments before impact. When you get up from the blackout, you finally take control of Tasi, who has to find a way out of the plane. This is a small segment where you have to first make your way to the front of the plane, interact with the radio, and then find the lever handle for the door to exit the plane.
Once out, you are thrown into the blistering and unforgiving heat of the desert, and the carcass of the crashed plane. It is immediately apparent that you were the last person to head out of the plane, and the rest of the crew might have already found shelter nearby. The desert section is quite small, and the story really starts taking shape once you find a way to the cave shelter that everyone else headed to. All throughout the initial stages of the gameplay, your memory starts piecing the events of the past, flashbacks of what happened after the crash, and where everyone else might have taken shelter. It is when you head inside the cave and find the abandoned shelter where you find what truly happened here.
The shelter provides many notes, pictures, and flashbacks that piece a major part of the story and the events of the past. Interacting with each photo and reading every note resurfaces the lost memories of Tasi, explaining everything that happened to the survivors in the cave. However, all of this is only leading up to the moment you are supposed to head deeper inside the cave and find out the real terror that awaits you. No matter how you dread the darkness in the complex mining tunnel system that awaits, that is the only way you will find answers.
As you head inside the tunnels in the cave, you are immediately introduced to the darkness and fear features of the gameplay. Staying too long in the darkness can increase your fear, which enforces flashbacks and lead you towards insanity. The first aiding item you get matches, which though scarce, is the only option to keep you from the dark. Matches also burn out quite fast, but you will occasionally run into torches that you can light up for a permanent light source in the near vicinity. It is only later on in the story, and after learning about the fate of your husband, Salim, that you get the lamp that runs on oil. This is the best source of light that can be sustained for significantly more time than matches. Another major gameplay item is the Traveler’s Amulet that you get, allowing you to open rifts in the caves, opening more areas to explore.
When I first explored the cave, I thought I was being set up for a massive scare, introducing me to the monster that will haunt me till the end. That theory was quickly quashed when I was suddenly thrown into the Darkness, a more haunting and otherworldly dimension that was even darker and scarier than the caves. Expecting the worst, I continued, still questioning when things will be going downhill. The fact that the game takes some time to toy around with the player, terrorizing with the soft whispers and sudden sounds of rocks or an object falling will send shivers down your spine, forcing you to look behind. The classic Amnesia monster chase begins when you enter the Fortress. It is only here when you are introduced to Ghouls, creatures that are hunting you, and your only respite is to crouch, make as little noise as you can, and hide.
The latest Amnesia title has come a long way as compared to its predecessor. Visually the game looks fantastic, with even more dark and gloomy areas that add to the horror element. I would say that the strongest aspect of the game is the story, which the developers seem to have worked the most on, while still maintaining the classic elements that make it an Amnesia game. The gameplay is not that hard to understand and you will rarely get into any point that has you stuck, or lost without a way forward. There are ample amounts of matches and other resources if you can use them efficiently. The outcome of the story depends on your choices and how you let fear play out your fate.
Final Verdict:
Amnesia: Rebirth lives up the hype for being a worthy sequel in the series. Frictional Games has produced a masterful title that returns in the horror genre after almost 10 years. The terror elements mixed with a deep story is quite captivating and pulls the player to find out more. The more you progress, the farther you seem to be from reality. But that is the only way to piece your broken memory and reach the conclusion of Rebirth. Apart from the fantastic visuals, the subtle sounds and the voice acting are the best I have seen in recent times. And I say that comparing to other major titles, let alone a horror game. The story does not falter, nor does it seem like you might be losing track of what to do. It is truly hard to fault this game, which not only toys with the player, but also keeps them looking for more. Amnesia: Rebirth is a worthy sequel in the series and I highly recommend you play this game, no matter if it is your first Amnesia experience.
Final Score: 9.0/10
