Darkfall: The
Journal is a landmark game in numerous aspects. Developed
by Jonathan Boakes, the success of a best-selling game that was literally
created by one person was the impetus for a new generation of talented
independent developers in the adventure community. Boakes is also
one to not rest on his laurels as he has since developed Darkfall
II: Lights Out, The Lost Crown and the upcoming Darkfall: Lost Souls.
JA
reviewer Ray Ivey counts Darkfall: The Journal among his favorite
games: “From the very beginning Dark Fall
creates a chilly, spooky atmosphere. It takes place in a closed hotel
that served a now-defunct rail station. The whole idea of a “ghost”
station is a delicious one, and it provides a perfect setting for
what follows. As you explore the hotel, you begin to get to know the
various inhabitants, both guests and staff. It seems that a couple
of members of the hotel owners’ family made a curious discovery underneath
the hotel, and you begin to understand that they unwittingly unleashed
a very dark presence.
The game is full of
scary moments, though many of them are reserved for the careful observer.
There’s a beautiful moment when a ghost train whizzes by, its lights
illuminating the shades of the window you’re looking at. Then there’s
the shadow that’s briefly revealed by a flickering light in a bathroom
. . . a very elegant and truly scary effect. And there’s an optional
interactive Ouija board sequence that is simply hair-raising.
And let me be very
clear. If I haven’t adequately made the point yet, this is one scary-ass
game. Turn the lights out. Turn the volume up. And prepare to enjoy
getting the willies scared out of you!”
7.
