I began playing last night and thought I would make a quick post on my first impressions, the first thing I noticed about this new instalment is that it feels dumbed down a little as far as mechanics are concerned, for example the signature lantern no longer requires a supply of oil, I found this odd to begin with but then I realised that the darkness was not making my character insane any-more.
After realising the dark no longer poses a threat it makes sense that the lamp has infinite power as clamouring around in the dark for oil and tinder-boxes would feel utterly stupid and a waste of time.
Now do not let the simplification of mechanics here put you off playing, because as before Amnesia truly shines when it comes to it's terrific sound design and writing, the plot this time around feels much more established and adult, touching on religion, monetisation and industrial issues in Victorian society. As before the diaries and notes are back and work as a great supplement to the story and sending chills down your spine in fear of what is to come.
One downside to Amnesia is that textures are rather flat and bland in places, which removes you from the experience, this along with glitches like the player climbing the walls when you back into them, and enemies not ever leaving your vicinity forcing you to reload to proceed, now the latter two issues i am sure will be corrected through a patch, but I can't help wishing the visuals where a little more impressive, especially after playing the gorgeous Outlast.
I will have more on Amnesia when I complete it. Here are a few links for reference.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm_cNilIvgs
Steam Page:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/239200/
IGN review:
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/09/10/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs-review
