When Alone in the Dark launched for the Xbox 360, it was hit hard by critics due to the clunky feel and controls and overall unpolished and glitch-ridden gameplay, as we discussed in our Alone in the Dark review.
Atari however will fix a lot of the most major issues with the game for the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark, since it is shipping much later than other versions; previously set for a November release.
Thankfully, owners of the Xbox 360 version won’t be, uhh, left in the dark, as Atari will patch the Xbox 360 version with most of the improvements they made to the PS3 version.
Here is the full list of Xbox 360 patch improvements
* Full 360 degree camera control: The enhanced camera controls allows for complete freedom of the camera and better handling of the first person view camera movement for more immersive gameplay.
* Fine-tuned controls: Quicker and smoother reactivity of the hero’s movements in third person view make for more rapid movements in nail-biting situations.
* Inventory System More Accessible: More logical jacket inventory system with the ability to combine objects using only the D-pad, and more fluid hero movement makes item selection a breeze.
* More tips: Players will get all the help they need to get through every situation to get the most out of Alone in the Dark.
* Spectral Vision Tuning: A tutorial explains the need to burn roots in order to gain spectral vision and difficulty tuning means less spectral vision is required to reach the end of the game.
* Improved Car Dynamics and Handling: Car handling has been tuned to make driving a car a walk in the park in every situation, including increased suspension and reduced drift.
* 59th Street Level Tuning: One of the game’s most exciting sequences just got better. 59th Street has been tweaked for a more satisfying race against the fissure with difficulty tuning. Also added is a checkpoint at Columbus Circle and clear voice directions given by Sarah.
* A Brand New Thrilling Action Sequence: An exclusive new sequence has been added in Episode 6 for even more pace and variety of gameplay in the episode.
I wonder if this includes all the rest of the additions made to the PS3 version. Like, “A quicker-moving main character, the ability to run without holding down a button, more damage from object attacks, fewer restrictions on how you can combine objects, a pause function when you enter your coat/inventory, easier vehicle handling, shortcuts on the controller for the flashlight (and to pull up your gun), and the removal of batteries from your inventory (flashlights now work for as long as you want them to.” I sure hope so, cause as great as the additions in the list above sound, the game can use as many of them as possible. If they do, then Eden Games should definitely get kudos for doing what’s best for gamers.