Horror Games Special Feature – Deadly Premonition

Posted on 28th October 201530th October 2015 by

With Halloween just around the corner, we felt it was time to delve into some of the horror classics of gaming!
In the nights leading up to All Hallows Eve, we’re going to do a short feature of some of the more notable horror games that have been released. This isn’t a list of the best or even our favourites.
Just some Horror games which have stood out to us, for one reason or another.

For those who are checking in daily, they may remember an article written on Dino Crisis 3. The game was noteworthy for being equal parts horrendous and ridiculous, like so many horror movies.
Deadly Premonition is the video game counterpart of another type of horror film: The “it’s so bad, it’s good” variety.

A shameless rip-off/adaptation of Twin Peaks, Deadly Premonition is worthy of note because it is possibly the single most divisive game in existence. The same game has been lauded as both a totally unplayable mess and a quirky masterpiece.
This open-world survival horror centres on FBI agent Francis York Morgan, who comes to the rural town of Greenvale to solve the mystery of the Raincoat Killer. In doing so, he converses with a plethora of off-beat characters, as well as his imaginary friend (maybe?!), Zach.

Hard as it is to believe, there is a strong case to be made for this being both an awful game and a wonderful game. There are undeniable flaws, just as there is undeniable charm.

Probably the biggest issue the game has is the fact that well over half the gameplay consists of A) driving or B) shooting ghosts (don’t ask), and the mechanics in both segments are truly awful.
When driving, you only have two speeds: Slow miles per hour and fast miles per hour. And you can only go fast if you have your police siren on which, considering how long it takes to get anywhere, gets incredibly annoying after a while.

The shooting segments are better… but not by a whole lot. As you explore different areas of the town, it’s almost a given that you will have to explore each segment normally and then again, later, as it enters the gooey nightmare dimension. In these segments, you inch slowly through identical hallways, shooting the same three ghosts again and again. And again. And then again some more.
It’s hellish, but not in a good way.

Reading the last two paragraphs will have put plenty of people off this game indefinitely.
But before dismissing it completely, consider what makes the game so great. For one thing, the plot is inarguably brilliant. There are many layers over the heart of the case, and strands that can be picked up on or abandoned, however the player wishes.
Replaying the game from the beginning will make you wonder how the game manages to change so dramatically over the course of its running time.

As well as the story, I would argue that Deadly Premonition has the most engaging lead character in any survival horror game you will ever play. He isn’t bland, heroic, chronically depressed or simply fearful.
York is a cocky, often selfish, light-hearted weirdo. And the game thrives on this. The long driving segments are punctuated by his reflective monologues as he considers, for example, how going to see the movie Jaws in the theatre as a child is one of his favourite childhood memories.
Or who is a better flirt, himself or his imaginary friend Zach.

He carries this game, making the semi-dull gameplay bearable with a constant, witty commentary. It’s like having a best friend at work, distracting you with jokes and stories to the extent that you don’t even care where you are anymore, you’re having too much fun imitating your co-workers.
It’s these RPG elements that make the game fun, as you converse with the many oddball residents.
The tone-deaf owner of Greenvale’s only hotel is a particular highlight, offering clues and comedy in equal measure.

Best Moment
While the humour of the game is great, it’s the combination of creepiness and narrative satisfaction in the closing scenes, when the game’s big bad comes forward that makes for the best moment.
*potential spoilers follow….if you can follow what the hell is going on!*

Where is the franchise now?
While such divisive reviews should have sank this franchise, the game gained a cult following over time and managed to scrape together the money for a Directors Cut re-release.
In the ending of this version, there is a strong implication of a sequel, but not word on this has been confirmed since.