Penumbra: Black Plague

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. PC Gamer UK
    74
    As an indie release, it's exactly the kind of thing we like to see - something writing its own rules, and leaving us excited to see just where its ideas go next. [Mar 2008, p.84]
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  2. PC Zone UK
    74
    That this is the last game in the Penumbra series is a genuine tragegy, because the series has finally found its footing. [Apr 2006, p.84]
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  3. Games Master UK
    74
    Eerie and intelligent, but definitely not to everyone's taste. [Apr 2008, p.85]
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  5. AceGamez
    70
    Not only does it possess a great story but also a few technical achievements that need to be experienced, namely the first person view and physics-based interaction and puzzles.
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  6. Eurogamer
    70
    The good outweighs the bad here for sure, and Penumbra's pacing, story and genuine sense of uneasiness makes for an intriguingly dark adventure tale.
  7. Edge Magazine
    60
    Though the setting is clichéd and you’ll have experienced all the tricks Frictional has pulled to construct Black Plague’s menacing atmosphere before (echoed voices, bestial groans, oppressive shadows, flickering lights), they’re highly effective. [Apr 2008, p.96]
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  8. GameSpy
    60
    It's not going to spark an adventure-game revival but it's clearly worth checking out if you like being spooked and don't mind a story that's a bit tough to follow.
  9. GameShark
    58
    There are definitely some truly scary moments in Penumbra: Black Plague, and the story is good enough to make you want to find out how everything all turns out at the end. Don't clear your calendar to play it, but if your gaming slate is clear, and you're in the mood for a bit of horror, consider giving it a try.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PC Game of 2008
39
#39 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
72
#72 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 200 out of 240
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 240
  3. Negative: 8 out of 240
  1. Mendozacheers
    Aug 27, 2010
    10
    Nothing is as exciting as looking forward playing through a horror game on a rainy night with a buddy. That's what i did, someday i willNothing is as exciting as looking forward playing through a horror game on a rainy night with a buddy. That's what i did, someday i will replay them alone but playing it with company is a great way since you can figure out puzzles twice as fast. With the same game atmosphere as Overture, Black Plague goes even scarier and a bigger experience. Totally worth playing. The atmosphere will get sort of ruined in the end of the game, more than that i cant say.… Full Review »
  2. LeeW
    Aug 21, 2009
    10
    Penumbra: Black Plague picks up where Overture left off, which I will not spoil, so play it first you fucks. I must say Penumbra: Black Penumbra: Black Plague picks up where Overture left off, which I will not spoil, so play it first you fucks. I must say Penumbra: Black Plague's story is not as exciting, but is still amazingly written, with more characters than its episodic predecessor (an amazing one that you actually meet in Overture), none of them feel as darling as Red, but no one can ever again. The story actually seems more coherent in this sequel, and the characters are certainly amazing, even so that you have trouble deciding whether or not to actually trust them, whether or not they're insane. Unlike in Overture, the gameplay is even better. Since the developers got a bunch of complaints about Overture's combat from misunderstanding critics, they completely left it out. That and the fact that enemies are one million, nine hundred eighty-four thousand, one hundred forty-seven times uglier than Overture's dogs make this game both far more brave and HOLY SHIT at the same time. I believe it seems to be a bit shorter than Overture, but both together allocate to about twelve hours of gameplay. With the lesser amount of combat (nada), the only thing Phillip can do is hide, and in some cases, run like Indiana Jones as he does from one of those cascading boulders. Some of the puzzles are also a tad more challenging than Overture's, but that actually makes them even better. Buy the whole package on Steam or something. It's amazingly cheap and while a bit short, it is an experience you will not soon forget. And remember: Overture first.… Full Review »
  3. xZippy
    Dec 2, 2012
    8
    And the series just keeps moving upward. Overture is a very good game, but Black Plague is a few steps up. The clever writing, characters,And the series just keeps moving upward. Overture is a very good game, but Black Plague is a few steps up. The clever writing, characters, scares and atmosphere is still there. The puzzles are still well done. Anyone who enjoyed Overture has no reason to not enjoy this one.… Full Review »
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