14 DAY TRIAL // Penumbra is one of the few first-person adventure games that actually focus on story and puzzle solving. The game's unique interface and control scheme made it a winner ever since Overture was released so, naturally, Mac users could not have been deprived of the sequel, Penumbra Black Plague. An updated demo version is available right here.
The game's plot revolves around Phillip (nice name!), who has to overcome his deepest fears while trying to uncover the truth about his past. A somewhat typical plot for an adventure game, but this is not just your typical adventure game, as you will soon find out.
Unlike most adventure games, Penumbra is played from a first person perspective with FPS controls. It uses a proprietary 3D engine and an advanced physics system that allows for all new ways of interacting with the environment. For instance, just at the beginning of the demo, you will find a mattress on the floor. You can pick it up and place it virtually anywhere (as long as there's enough room). Say you want to place it on the table on which the vice is mounted. Without fail, the mattress will immediately bend around the iron vice, leaning down from the table or even slowly slip off it, just like it would in real life scenarios. Best of all, players can easily understand what to do and how to control the entire game thanks to the natural mouse movements.
And, while Penumbra adds new stuff, it certainly doesn't lack the rest of the elements that make up the adventure genre, such as opening drawers, pulling levers, collecting / combining objects, solving puzzles and even running away from enemies when not armed.
Having had a go at it myself, I suggest you don't turn off all the lights around you (even though Frictional Games suggests it) if you have a weak heart. In fact, people with a weak heart shouldn't even install Penumbra Black Plague.
Mac owners should also keep an eye out for the upcoming expansion Penumbra: Requiem this summer.
Requirements call for OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or newer, Processor: 1.5Ghz, Memory: 512MB, Disc Space: 300MB free(for demo), Video Card: Radeon 9600/GeForce 4, (GeForce4MX not supported).
