The Evil Within – known as Psycho Break in Japan – is a 2014 survival horror video computer game developed by Tango Gameworks and released by Bethesda Softworks for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One video game consoles and Microsoft Windows.
Believing that the tropes of the survival horror had become predictable over time, the design deliberately attempts to make the player feel powerless by taking place in confined spaces, limiting ammunition, and presenting near-invincible enemies that promote running and hiding over engaging in combat. Art Director Naoki Katakai said that the design concept of enemies, such as those wrapped in barbed wire or filled with glass shards, is that they are victims suffering under a greater evil. The asylum itself was inspired by the Winchester Mystery House, a Californian mansion famous for its architectural curiosities.
Plot teaser:
While investigating the scene of a gruesome mass murder, Detective Sebastian Castellanos and his partners encounter a mysterious and powerful force. After seeing the slaughter of his fellow officers, Sebastian is ambushed and knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in a deranged world where hideous creatures wander among the dead. Facing unimaginable terror, and fighting for survival, Sebastian embarks on a frightening journey to unravel what is behind this evil force…
Reviews:
“So, is The Evil Within a proper, back-to-core-values Resident Evil for the 21st century? In a word, yes. It couldn’t even resist the temptation to put “Evil” in its name. It more or less is Resident Evil, with its unathletic, slow-moving protagonist, devastating shotgun, crates to smash, near-monochrome visuals, reel-to-reel tape recorders, squelchy mutant bosses and so on. You even see the odd typewriter, but disappointingly, you can’t interact with them”. Steve Boxer, The Guardian
“… while its story does end up buckling under its own ambition, there is little here that takes away from the joy of experiencing survival horror under the steady hands of a master of the craft”. Lucy O’Brien, IGN
“The game’s tensest moments arise from its combination of stealth gameplay, purposefully awkward gunplay and the need to constantly scavenge for supplies, as ammo, health syringes and upgrades – appearing as collectable jars of brain fluid – are in short supply. A crossbow with customisable bolts and matches required for igniting the reanimated dead round out your arsenal. Yet even on the casual difficulty setting The Evil Within’s challenging gameplay matches its abrasive demeanor with progression often relying on careful resource management and manipulation of environmental hazards.” Oliver Cragg, The Independent
” … the game Resident Evil 5 should have been”. Computer and Video Games
