White
Noise : A Tale Of Horror [80 Points]
Coming
from the dependable Milkstone Studios I was expecting something
better than the usual XBLIG standard, and I was not disappointed.
White Noise is a pure horror first person game. There is no 'shooter'
part to this game though, it is purely explorational. Armed with only
a torch, you walk around a dark and sinister graveyard and forest
area, trying to locate 8 hidden tape recorders. As you near the items
you hear radio static, much like that heard in the original Silent
Hill game.
Exploring the creepy landscape in almost pitch darkness
leaves you feeling very uneasy, due in no small part to the grainy
visuals and atmospheric sounds used. The torch also flickers after
prolonged use, though thankfully never runs out completely. The thing
that makes White Noise such a nerve wrecking ordeal is the fact that
you are not alone. From the moment you locate the first tape recorder
a hideous creature begins stalking you. It moves quickly and often
appears in front of you in a brief flash, jangling your nerves and
making you physically jump. Luckily his approach is signified by
static appearing around the screen, like an old television set jammed
between channels.
It is a truly terrifying experience that will have
your pulse racing and your hands sweating. Hearing and seeing the
static before catching a split second glimpse of the creature will
have you jumping out of your seat and, in-game, sprinting for your
life. The only other games I have played that that instilled this
same sort of real fear were Amnesia : The Dark Descent on PC, and
Silent Hill : Shattered Memories on console. Like White Noise, both
of these games keep you constantly on edge, not knowing where or when
your assailants will appear, and when you do find out you are
defenceless against them. It can be quite frustrating at times as, although the game only requires you to collect 8 items, the creature can often appear right on top of you with little warning, meaning you have to start again.
In a gaming climate where survival horror
seems to have gone out of fashion, being replaced with more action
focused versions of this genre, it is refreshing to see a game that
truly scares you. There really isn't anything else like it on Xbox
and it comes highly recommended to fright junkies.
The Good:
- Genuinely frightening
- Excellent use of lighting
The Bad:
- Can be frustrating
- Game is fairly short
