Overview
This is a simple guide that will include tips on how to enjoy the game and some pointers on how to drive the story on (I got stuck a couple of times just by not locating a certain item).I’ll also include a conclusion section that will be filled with spoilers so don’t read that until you have completed the game yourself.
How to enjoy the game
The sound is incredibly atmospheric in this game and the music is great too although very subtle so notch up the volume (earphones recommended).
The frame rate in lower spec machines is poor so set the game settings to “fastest” framerate or “low” graphics – I’m using a laptp with a Nvidia GeForce GT540M and got a fairly stable 30fps on “low” settings which are good enough to see items in adequate details,
Play the game after midnight while alone and with the lights off if you want to experience the full level of creepines.
Stumbling blocks
Even when taking my time to explore the mansion I missed a couple of clues that you need to progress the story.
The main problem that saw me trawling the house for a coupe of hours while getting increasingly frustrated was the second half of Sam’s locker code which is found on a piece of paper in one of the three secret cabinets.
I’d tell you some more tips but exploring is what makes this game fun so I’m not revealing anything else although if you get really stuck email me at [email protected]
Conclusion (with SPOILERS)
The fact the spooky mansion plot lines were nothing more than a massive red herring made the ending so much better and fitting with the whole story. We need more games grounded in realism in my opinion. The fact there was no suicide or double suicide to confront at the end was also fantastic as it appears Sam gets to run away with her secret girlfriend
As an interesting aside though, the handwriting of both Sam and her girlfriend appear almost identical which led me to believe she was creating an imaginary friend.
I wonder if that was an ambiguous element deliberately inserted by the developers…?
