Pieces Interactive's Alone in the Dark embarks on a contemporary journey through the realms of survival horror, influenced by games such as Resident Evil and Dead Space. The game's narrative unfolds through the eyes of two main characters portrayed by the renowned actors David Harbour and Jodie Comer, delivering a dark and mysterious Lovecraftian tale with a touch of jazzy film noir.
In an exclusive interview with Game Rant, creative director Mikael Hedberg and composer Árni Bergur Zoëga delve into the innovative approaches they took with Alone in the Dark. They discuss the resurrection of familiar characters from the franchise, character development through the script, and the intricate layers of the game's musical landscape. The conversation has been condensed for clarity.
Revisiting Classic Characters
Q: How does the remake honor Lovecraftian influences present in the original game?
Hedberg: Without revealing too much, we've embedded several Lovecraftian references from the original title into our narrative. We've seamlessly integrated these elements to pay homage to the source material.
Q: How did you approach reinventing Edward Carnby's character?
Hedberg: We reimagined Edward as a scholarly detective, departing from his later action-hero persona. By pairing him with Emily, a complex character with ties to the storyline, we crafted a new dynamic for Edward, blending classic detective traits with a noir ambiance.
Q: What motivated the return of Emily Hartwood to the series?
Hedberg: Bringing back Emily was a pivotal decision to enhance player engagement and offer a fresh perspective. Her inclusion added depth to the narrative and enriched the overall gaming experience.
Stellar Cast: David Harbour and Jodie Comer
Q: Why were David Harbour and Jodie Comer selected for the lead roles?
Hedberg: David and Jodie were ideal choices for their respective roles due to their exceptional talents and suitability for the characters. Their performances added a new layer of depth and authenticity to the game.
Q: How was the collaboration with David Harbour and Jodie Comer?
Hedberg: Working with David and Jodie was a rewarding experience. Both actors brought creativity and skill to their roles, elevating the characters to new heights.
Crafting the Script with Mikael Hedberg
Q: How did past horror titles influence your scriptwriting for Alone in the Dark?
Hedberg: Interactions among characters were a key focus influenced by previous projects. Unlike some horror games, we emphasized character dialogue to enhance storytelling within the game world.
Q: Balancing tradition and innovation in the script - how was that process?
Hedberg: We aimed to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly. Preserving the essence of the original, we reimagined elements to suit our narrative, creating a cohesive and engaging storyline.
Delving into Character Backgrounds
Q: Can you provide insights into The Dark Man and the Hartwood family curse?
Hedberg: The Hartwood family's affliction with melancholy and paranoia shapes their story. The looming presence of The Dark Man adds a sinister layer to their experiences, enriching the narrative with mystery and dread.
Q: The use of Grace Saunders in the Prologue - what inspired this narrative choice?
Hedberg: Introducing Grace Saunders in the Prologue was a nod to the game's history and a means to offer players a unique perspective. Her role sets the tone for the unfolding events, adding depth to the storyline from a fresh angle.
Doom Jazz: Setting the Musical Tone
Q: How did you craft the doom jazz soundtrack for Alone in the Dark?
Zoëga: The soundtrack for Alone in the Dark blends drama, horror, mystery, and noir elements to create a unique musical experience. By experimenting with various styles, we aimed to capture the essence of the game's narrative and enhance the player's immersion.
Q: Tell us about the collaboration with Jason Köhnen for the doom jazz soundtrack.
Zoëga: Incorporating doom jazz into the score was a deliberate choice to enrich the game's atmosphere. Working with Jason allowed us to infuse authentic and captivating elements into the soundtrack, elevating the overall horror experience for players.
Immerse yourself in the dark and enigmatic world of Alone in the Dark, where character depth, storytelling, and music converge to deliver a truly haunting gaming experience.