With the video game’s launch just a few weeks away, Frictional Games, the developer of Amnesia: Rebirth, has provided more insight into the upcoming horror video game. Thomas Grip, the creative director, recently sat down with Playstation Blog to discuss the game. There, he mentioned that Amnesia: Rebirth draws inspiration from eminent horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. According to Grip, the goal of this time is not to let players have fun. Instead, Amnesia: Rebirth wants to instill a sense of dread and uneasiness in players. Thus, Frictional Games has tried to make it an immersive experience above all else.
Critics praised the original Amnesia game because of its unique gameplay mechanics, and it later became a benchmark for horror games. However, Grip feels that it has become a bit jaded now. Thus, the developers at Frictional Games have dug deep to figure out ways to make it more exciting and terrifying. Furthermore, he mentioned that the game relies on gothic horror, instead of traditional horror, to create a better experience.
Grip further explained one of the new mechanics of Amnesia: Rebirth. Unlike its predecessor, where players had to light candles or torches using tinderboxes, players have to depend on matches in Rebirth. Gamers have to light and carry the matchsticks before using it on lamps. The matches are vulnerable and flimsy, much like the protagonist herself. So, it adds to the overall game ambiance.
Previously, Frictional Games had mentioned Soma’s influences on Amnesia: Rebirth and Grip has now further elaborated upon it. Like Soma, Rebirth also explores human consciousness and what it means to be human. Like Soma, the upcoming game takes its own time to explain the narrative throughout the story. So, unlike many other horror games, Amnesia: Rebirth is a slow burn horror experience.
Amnesia: Rebirth also borrows the sanity system featured in both the original game and Soma. As the game progresses, the protagonist’s mental condition worsens, and subsequently, her motivation to continue increases. Frictional Games has also revamped the failure system. Hence, if the protagonist becomes too afraid, her physical appearance changes for the worse. Moreover, the change in her appearance also affects the story itself.
Amnesia: Rebirth – Trailer
Amnesia Rebirth launches on 20 October for PC and PS4. Until then, check out the gameplay trailer here.
