Alone in the Dark Wii cuts some corners

by Candace Savino { Jun 4th 2008 at 3:00PM }

We already have an idea of what the Wii controls in Alone in the Dark will be like, but how about the rest of the game? We knew there'd be a few things scaled down from the 360, PS3, and PC versions, but what? MTV Multiplayer's Patrick Klepek has the dish on that, and we're not too disappointed with what's been left out.

First and most obviously, the Wii version's graphics won't be as pretty. Aside from that, though, some of the environments had to be changed, and according to Klepek, some new levels were constructed for Alone in the Dark Wii. (We assume that means there are new levels remodeled on the old levels, not that there are new levels.) For example, Central Park is a large, open world on the HD systems, whereas it's not on the Wii. With changes in the environments also came slight changes in the story, but we're not sure how significant these alterations are.

You can also expect some gameplay elements to disappear, like dynamic fire. Things can still light on fire, but not, uh, dynamically.

Losing the open world scenarios is what hurts the most, but the other changes don't seem too bad. Are these cuts enough to scare you away from the Wii version, or is it all just sausage to you?

Gallery: Alone in the Dark

Tags: alone-in-the-dark, alone-in-the-dark-5, atari, hydravision-entertainment, survival-horror

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

John Rios @ Jun 4th 2008 3:10PM

Wow. No openworld? Talk about gimped. This just went from "buy" to "play the REAL version at my friends house."

aplen22 @ Jun 4th 2008 3:22PM

sadly that xbox 360 purchase is looking better and better. hmmm...

Orion @ Jun 4th 2008 3:33PM

I don't understand what the big commotion about this game is...

It's Alone in the Dark for bloody sake. And it's made by Atari..

Those two things alone should make you turn your head in disgust, not the fact the wii's version is gimped. How this game was ever a "must buy" in anyone's mind is beyond me.

Matthew @ Jun 4th 2008 4:38PM

I think what makes this game seem like a must buy is that Wii lacks any adventure game of a mature nature. Not to mention the trailers are pretty intriguing. Sadly I think the cut backs are going make players lose the immersion feeling you can get with the HD versions. Regardless I'm going to buy this game because it is something different for the Wii and hopefully other developers are going to be coming out with something else other than rehashed mini-games.

Co @ Jun 4th 2008 3:43PM

My question is how are there open world games on the Wii already, mostly ported games from older consoles, yet AITD can't have a sandbox Central Park? Laziness will get you developers nowhere.

TheCoats @ Jun 4th 2008 3:46PM

wow-this article is just a little late i went ahead and fully paid for it yesterday!

Neil @ Jun 4th 2008 4:09PM

I think it will still be a good game.....for what it is. I mean I don't think anyone expected it to be in the same class as the 360, PS3 or PC versions.

TheCoats @ Jun 4th 2008 4:12PM

I expect it to be good and really the main reason for the preorder was for the bonus CD of game music....i like survival horror and most of them aren't too "free-roaming". linear isn't necisarily a bad thing

Jhongerkong @ Jun 4th 2008 4:25PM

No More Heroes does open worlds, why can't this?

smort @ Jun 4th 2008 4:37PM

What the hell. The GAMECUBE had a great open world with Spiderman 2. It's not like they need to optimize for online play here.

psyborg @ Jun 4th 2008 4:49PM

Open-world/nonlinearity is completely overrated. Its great but more straight-forward linear levels are fine too.

I wouldn't say the Wii version is gimped at all, just different. As a multiconsole owner I'm still more interested in the Wii version more, as long as it has IR for aiming and reliable motion controls.

CJLopez @ Jun 4th 2008 7:32PM

Good news, it IR pointing for everything it need to be pointed at, of course, with a little lock on help

nytestalker @ Jun 4th 2008 4:56PM

not that i planned on buying it anyway, but i would have gotten the pc version regardless..

Naturestee @ Jun 5th 2008 10:36AM

No More Heroes didn't really have an open world because there wasn't much you could do beyond the specific spots like the job agency, etc. I've seen it referred to as a menu that looks like an open world and I like that description.

I have no problem with the lack of an open world in the Wii version. I'm still interested in this. It's a mature game on the Wii and I like survival horror. I'll wait for reviews before buying it though.

Tristan @ Jun 4th 2008 5:39PM

ZOMG this title is still a must have for my Wii, I love the story and I anticipate whatever final form it takes on the Wii. Never has a Wii version been the best when it comes to multiplatform releases.

ka6_jeram @ Jun 4th 2008 6:05PM

A 'must buy' for me but still, will wait for the hopefully good review.

CJLopez @ Jun 4th 2008 7:33PM

this one it is still a must have, even if its $60 bucks

Perverted @ Jun 4th 2008 9:57PM

Why would anyone be suprised? Wii will always get the gimped version. Wii = make the money ps360 = spend money on.

Casuals = majority and stupid(when talking about games)
Gamers = smart

Besides the Wii will only get a port of the ps2 version on 80% of games released to help make more cash. I mean the Wiis only like what....4 x as powerful?