The Anthology of Dark Images, is a saga developed by the team of Supermassive Games and Bandai Namco which takes us back to the classic adventures of horror films. It’s because of it it becomes a fantastic option to enjoy Halloween with friends. And it is that, these works have become the confirmation that the playable formula developed by the team has become synonymous with success. But what are these adventures about?
Well, in 2015 the first big study work would be born, Until dawn, Exclusive title for the Sony console, it gave the first clues of what they wanted to create from the studio. In this first adventure, we would have control of a cast of characters who met in a cabin located in the snow-capped mountains of Blackwood pines. The game had a very interesting plot, which would have several script twists. In addition, in this first title would appear one of the fundamental mechanics of the company and which continues today: every decision counts. So, making the wrong decision could lead to decisions as dire as the death of a character.
Acting according to our criteria would be the key, even if it was also necessary to take into account the personality traits of each of the characters. Besides, the game would give us clues to be careful in making certain decisions. These clues would come in the form of hidden objects such as totem poles, which showed us portents of what might happen in the future.
Something which, as you well know, is the hallmark of Supermassive Games productions. After this critically acclaimed release, the company would launch directly into its new production: The Anthology of Dark Images.
Horror classics
The Anthology of Dark ImagesThis would be the next step the company would take to refine its formula. ANDn this occasion we find stories shorter than they were Until dawn, but clearly oriented towards its cooperative or rather multiplayer format. Thanks to the movie night mode, we were able to enjoy their stories locally with several friends. With a turn-based system in which we place the order, we will see how our partner explores and makes decisions while we bide our time and see if they keep their character alive for the end of their turn or not.
The Anthology of Dark ImagesIt’s a franchise made up of a total of four stories, although its latest installment has yet to see the light of day. So for now we have been able to enjoy Man of Medan, Little Hope and House of Ashes. In each of them we will play the role of a group of characters who will have to face terrifying situations inspired by classic horror stories. To count thus with many references seen in the cinema of this same kind.
From the Pacific Ocean to Iraq
Keeping shorter stories allowed the series to move into a lot of sets. In his first opus, The man of MedanWe took on the role of a group of friends who decide to rent a boat in the summer to go scuba diving. During this expedition, they set out to inspect a WWII wreckage. They find there a map with some coordinates of a supposed treasure. From this moment everything starts to go wrong and we will live an adventure where nothing is what it seems
Already at The man of Medan, we find the moral compass, which will indicate the effects of our decisions. Especially in the relationships with the other characters in the adventure. Whether or not a character has a good relationship with another can be crucial to their survival. Likewise, this title had the face of real actors, notably that of Shawn Ashmore.
A year later he would come to us Little hope, the second episode of the saga. On this occasion, we have four university students who come to the city of Little hope. A city which is not what it seems and which is covered with a thick fog (it may seem like something to you). Already in the city, paranormal events will not stop happening. However, the story of this chapter is much deeper than it seems, because in some way the protagonists are linked to the evil that afflicts Little hope. In this chapter we will find many elements that will remind us clearly Witches of Salem.
And finally we come to House of Ashes, the last game in the franchise that launches us directly into the conflict experienced in Irak. After a brief prologue where we are shown the awakening of an evil in Sumerian times, we will play the role of a group of American soldiers and an Iraqi, who are trapped in this ancient Sumerian temple, where dark creatures lurk in every corner. With a more filmic component, we come across the adventure which uses the most action of those we have mentioned. However, it has a few script twists that make it a recommended experience.
Prepare the popcorn, it’s already starting
The manner in which this anthology is produced undoubtedly makes experiences intended to be lived in company. Its simplicity in the playable section allows anyone to enjoy their adventure. Besides, is its great replayability due to the importance of decisions that arouse our curiosity about what would happen if …On the other hand, having chapters makes each experience different from the last, so we can choose the plot that interests us the most to enjoy a good night of movies.
Finally, terror and tension are present thanks to its fantastic setting as well as the fear of losing a character due to a bad decision or a mistake in a quick event. Anything can happen in The Anthology of Dark ImagesIndeed, it is possible that none of the protagonists survive and that the adventure ends abruptly. With all that, The Anthology of Dark Images, it can be a good gateway to the world for those who are not veryand familiar with video games. Even more if they are horror movie lovers.
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About the Author
Psychologist who loves cooperative games, RPGs and shooting anything that moves.
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