In general, the action ends up being more of a tedious distraction—especially to the adventure purist, or one who doesn't enjoy dying while working out a puzzle. There is a difficulty setting in the game, which allows for easier enemies on lower settings, but the higher settings don't do anything for the game's puzzles, which remain easy and fairly standard. Whether you're trapping a beast, fixing machines, or combining chemicals, adventure gamers aren't likely to see anything new here. That's not to say the puzzles aren't fun, because they can be, in a simple sort of way. And the game's physics really do add to the gameplay, as well, since you'll need to do such things as pulling levers or laying down planks to build a bridge. It's much more satisfying than a simple point here and a click there.

It doesn't hurt that the game is pretty, technically speaking. For an independent project from a team of four people, the game looks great, besides a few shoddy textures. Environments are dark, but lighting is used effectively, allowing players to illuminate the rooms with flashlights, flares, and nightsticks. Movie-like camera effects play a nice role, creating interesting blurring effects as the character is waking up, or dealing with the snow hitting your face in the blinding blizzard. Keying in at the right moments is music that is sparse but atmospheric. Creepy whispers help set the mood, and the sound effects are realistic and jarring. This is a good game to play on high volume, both for the shock factor and as a means to determine the location of enemies.

The game is full of text commentary from Philip, which frequently appears on the screen. I found this to be off-putting at times, since this is attempting to be an immersive horror game. For example, after falling a hundred feet underground, you receive the message: "I can't believe I fell that far and survived. What is this place?" These thoughts are better left, perhaps, to the imagination of the player, who doesn't need to be told that the character is scared or surprised, particularly in such an unconvincing way. At times, however, the text can be helpful, serving more as a guide to what the character needs to do next.

In general, the writing itself is a mixed bag, with sparse touches of charm. Besides Philip's own observations, he encounters a character named Red, who communicates with him through radio transmission. The voice acting here is well done, and Red's borderline maniacal pleas add even more of a feeling of desperation to the atmosphere. Aside from that, the caves and mines are littered with notes from people long gone, which manage to be descriptive, though slightly pedantic.

Ultimately, the game's very title, Penumbra (meaning a partial shadow, or an area that is uncertain), alludes to its own general problem: opacity. The story gives us glimpses of things that are interesting, but doesn't do much to hold our attention. Sure, the game is tense and shocking at scary moments, but not because of our involvement in the plot. However, this game is just the first episode of a planned three-part series, so hopefully the game's story and puzzles will provide more substance the next time around. But whatever may come later, this first installment doesn't feel entirely complete on its own, despite its 6 to 8 hours or so of play time. There are teases near the end of the game, namely of new characters and new environments which could lead to something more promising in the sequels, but you'll probably come away this time feeling a little empty-handed.

Overall, Penumbra: Overture is a pretty fun but uneven game. It manages to immerse you in its setting and atmosphere, but it's clearly lacking in story and character development. Still, it's a scary experience, and certainly a unique one. It's not often that you see a survival horror blended so seamlessly with adventure, and while the action elements definitely need work to make it a full success, the early results are promising. The game's physics-based control offers a new and more involved way to explore, and it's worth checking out for anyone who enjoys horror and doesn't mind a bit of fighting for their life. If you understand what kind of experience you're in for, Penumbra: Overture should offer enough style, mood, and atmosphere to carry you along for the ride.