Penumbra: Black Plague

 PC
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
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  1. Christian_TV
    Apr 29, 2023
    8
    Penumbra Overture was an horror game,but this sequel is really creepy.The storyline it's better than Overture and i loved it!
  2. SilentLev
    Sep 6, 2022
    8
    Продолжение Пенумбры получилось таким же качественным и угнетающим, однако, как по мне, лишилась таинственности и мрачности Overture. Ощущение планомерного спуска в ад и вторящее этому окружение в виде темных покинутых шахт и технических помещений сменилось на пребывание в относительно безопасных лабораториях. Пускай и здесь обнаружились ещё более зловещие обитатели. Хотя и сюрреалистичныеПродолжение Пенумбры получилось таким же качественным и угнетающим, однако, как по мне, лишилась таинственности и мрачности Overture. Ощущение планомерного спуска в ад и вторящее этому окружение в виде темных покинутых шахт и технических помещений сменилось на пребывание в относительно безопасных лабораториях. Пускай и здесь обнаружились ещё более зловещие обитатели. Хотя и сюрреалистичные сцены присутствуют ближе к финалу, да и положение ГГ выдалось более шатким. Потому сиквел для меня сменил загадку на безнадёгу.… Expand
  3. russiangamer
    Dec 27, 2020
    8
    Вторая часть получилась, безусловно, сильнее первой. Здесь появились психоделические и философские нотки. Также очень эффектно введён в историю вирус, который поселяется в главном герое - циничный и жёсткий в своих высказываниях. Его интересно слушать. И ещё он создаёт геймлпейные ситуации с галлюцинациями - эти моменты очень эффектны.
    В первой части, на мой взгляд, были две большие    Вторая часть получилась, безусловно, сильнее первой. Здесь появились психоделические и философские нотки. Также очень эффектно введён в историю вирус, который поселяется в главном герое - циничный и жёсткий в своих высказываниях. Его интересно слушать. И ещё он создаёт геймлпейные ситуации с галлюцинациями - эти моменты очень эффектны.
    В первой части, на мой взгляд, были две большие проблемы - 1. куча собак, из чего вытекала корявая боевая система. 2. куча больших коридоров, блуждание по которым сбавляло динамику.
    В этой же части тоже есть эти коридоры, но игра всё равно чувствуется динамичнее. Возможно, это из-за монологов вируса, некоторых этапов, сменяющих эти коридоры, а также из-за новых врагов, сопротивляться которым можно только бегством (здесь, опять же, вспоминается амнезия). Да и сюжетная информация всё поступает и поступает, что не даёт скучать.
    Советую. Всё-таки ради этого продолжения стоит пройти неплохую, но не дотягивающую до этой, первую часть.    … Expand
  4. DJKrimson
    Nov 16, 2020
    6
    Okay puzzling, a little bit scary. Liked the first game more though. There's annoying interruptions all the time by your Navi-like character. Enemy AI is stupid.
  5. AstiX
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    Some of the most clever puzzle design in a horror game. The way it allows you to do logical problem solving as you would in real life is wonderful and is one of my favourite elements of the game. Every single time I play it I get giddy when I'm about to engage into trying to figure out a solution to a puzzle.

    Continuing the story from Penumbra: Overture, it improves and polishes on some    Some of the most clever puzzle design in a horror game. The way it allows you to do logical problem solving as you would in real life is wonderful and is one of my favourite elements of the game. Every single time I play it I get giddy when I'm about to engage into trying to figure out a solution to a puzzle.

    Continuing the story from Penumbra: Overture, it improves and polishes on some of its predecessor's shortcomings and brings the mystery to a satisfying conclusion. Again, amazing atmosphere, even better soundtrack and great level design.    … Expand
  6. izdwuut
    Jan 6, 2019
    9
    Penumbra goes like this: you discover a room with a cage full of dead dogs. Crawling, you enter a kennel, because who knows? It's a video game and maybe there's a collectible in there (indeed, there was). While inside, you start to hear barking noises outside. Obviously you go out from your freshly acquired condo, because as a player you ain't no wimp. Besides you there is no sign of life,Penumbra goes like this: you discover a room with a cage full of dead dogs. Crawling, you enter a kennel, because who knows? It's a video game and maybe there's a collectible in there (indeed, there was). While inside, you start to hear barking noises outside. Obviously you go out from your freshly acquired condo, because as a player you ain't no wimp. Besides you there is no sign of life, so you go out the room, only to discover that behind the door is a flesh and bone dog charging at you. So you paranoidly close the door behind you and in an instant you are back in the kennel. This time you are certain that barking noises are real. After a short break for recollecting your sanity, you go outside and cautiously approach the door. The dog has vanished. 10/10 would bark again.

    + logical puzzles
    + plot
    + genuinely scary
    + a voice in your head
    + a physics engine

    - grain filter
    - frequent loading screens
    - I have managed to get killed by a wooden board falling from like an inch above my head    … Expand
  7. RagingPoet
    Feb 3, 2018
    8
    8.5 out of 10.
    Black Plague is scarrier and more polished than the previous episode of Penumbra, Overture. There are more jumpscares here but they are tastefully done and there are still not that many of them, so they won't become annoying. Ending is a bit weird though, and it wasn't really satisfying for me.
  8. Captain_Faramir
    Apr 1, 2017
    9
    9.2 - Definitely one of the best stories if not the best in the survival-horror genre. Again, soundtrack, atmosphere and puzzles are great here just like in the first. The Penumbra series is without a doubt underrated.
  9. SergioVM87
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    Aún más terrorifico que Overture. La historia va tomando más forma a medida que vas avanzando en el juego y cuando lo terminas, te vas a quedar con ganas de pasar al episodio Requiem, pero éste último fué un desastre...
  10. GolovA
    Nov 4, 2015
    8
    Played all three parts. Can definitely say - this game is not for anybody or anytime. You really need to be in the right mood and dedicate proper amount of time to engage fully into the atmosphere of the setting - and that is what this game is all about - atmosphere! You creep in darkness, discover pages of someone's diaries written in the style of H.P. Lovecraft, explore mysteriousPlayed all three parts. Can definitely say - this game is not for anybody or anytime. You really need to be in the right mood and dedicate proper amount of time to engage fully into the atmosphere of the setting - and that is what this game is all about - atmosphere! You creep in darkness, discover pages of someone's diaries written in the style of H.P. Lovecraft, explore mysterious forsaken mines, and holding your breath brave the next corner while crapping your pants at every screech you hear! Awesomeness of horror! :))… Expand
  11. bumblebee
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    The game carry's on from where you left off from the game before Overture. The game has a brilliant story, very very scary. There are new monsters and there not dogs there harder to get away. They look a bit like the Amnesia monster. When the game ends it makes you want to play the sequel right away to see what happens next.
  12. horrorreviews
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    Good survival game. Really added well to the story of Overture with some great twists and atmosphere. Some puzzles were a bit hard but this was a solid game nonetheless especially since its its only $10 for over 5 hours of gameplay
  13. rogermorse
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    So basically this gets the beginning right from the end of the first chapter. Everything is better: puzzles, atmosphere, the plot unveils more and it is scarier. I liked it more than the first. I haven't played requiem yet, but IMHO the ending of this Black Plague can be the end of the series. I know that Requiem goes on but that it didn't get the same popularity as the first two...I willSo basically this gets the beginning right from the end of the first chapter. Everything is better: puzzles, atmosphere, the plot unveils more and it is scarier. I liked it more than the first. I haven't played requiem yet, but IMHO the ending of this Black Plague can be the end of the series. I know that Requiem goes on but that it didn't get the same popularity as the first two...I will play it anyway and see if I like it, but for me, a player could stop at Black Plague, the ending is no cliffhanger ending.… Expand
  14. squidgee
    Jan 6, 2014
    8
    The game is still lacking in the graphics department when compared to Overture and once again, while the sound effects are used well, they don't sound very realistic. I guess this is somewhat understandable due to Frictional's relatively low budget, but the game''s initial presentation still could've been improved with some more polish. Otherwise, this game can be regarded as a straightThe game is still lacking in the graphics department when compared to Overture and once again, while the sound effects are used well, they don't sound very realistic. I guess this is somewhat understandable due to Frictional's relatively low budget, but the game''s initial presentation still could've been improved with some more polish. Otherwise, this game can be regarded as a straight upgrade from Overture, because combat is gone and the tension and suspense is heightened to a whole new level. This is probably one of the scariest games I've played and in terms of gameplay, it's quite a thrilling experience.… Expand
  15. diezlwolf
    Sep 16, 2013
    10
    This is definitely the best entry in the Penumbra series! The horror elements are better refined than the predecessor, and the monsters are more intelligent to force you to use your wits to survive! Artistically, the atmosphere, storytelling, music, and sound effects are phenomenal giving you little respite between horror and suspenseful events! The puzzles in this game are also someThis is definitely the best entry in the Penumbra series! The horror elements are better refined than the predecessor, and the monsters are more intelligent to force you to use your wits to survive! Artistically, the atmosphere, storytelling, music, and sound effects are phenomenal giving you little respite between horror and suspenseful events! The puzzles in this game are also some of the most intricate and well-planned out of any computer game I've ever played you'd better have a notebook handy when you play through this game or you'll be stuck for hours!… Expand
  16. LonePiper
    Apr 17, 2013
    7
    Overall a really good experience I'd play this over a bland, brown triple A FPS any day. The puzzles were clever and tricky, but not so illogical that I had to spend my whole time reading a walkthrough. There were also a lot of things fixed from the first game, but also a bunch of new issues. Not sure if it was my linux copy, or the game itself, but there were more than one graphical bug,Overall a really good experience I'd play this over a bland, brown triple A FPS any day. The puzzles were clever and tricky, but not so illogical that I had to spend my whole time reading a walkthrough. There were also a lot of things fixed from the first game, but also a bunch of new issues. Not sure if it was my linux copy, or the game itself, but there were more than one graphical bug, such as missing textures etc.

    But my major complaint is the voice of Clarence. In fact I'm surprised it's not mentioned more often. Typically voice acting is something I would leave as a "splitting hairs" complaint, but the voice of this very fundamental character is so utterly wrong it almost ruined the experience for me. He sounds more like a character from a Warner Brothers cartoon from the 1950s than what his character is really supposed to be. Any time I began to really feel immersed in the otherwise intoxicating atmosphere, his voice would chime in, sounding like an anthropomorphic dog with a cigar hanging out of his mouth, and the entire illusion would be shattered.

    Additionally I would like to add that that the AI could have been better. Now, I don't deliberately go into a horror game looking for all the strings and ruining the illusion, but when I'm supposed to be terrified of a monster that's supposedly looking for me but is instead stood stationary in a corner pointing it's flashlight at the wall, the fear very quickly subsides.

    Even so, there were enough genuinely terrifying moments, and sumpteous creepy atmosphere to make up for this.    … Expand
  17. oliver1h
    Feb 20, 2013
    9
    All I can say is that I enjoyed this game a lot. Nice atmosphere, and quiet suspenseful gameplay. Recommended.
  18. 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, scares and atmosphere is still there. The puzzles are still well done. Anyone who enjoyed Overture has no reason to not enjoy this one.
  19. Nerung
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    My favourite part of the series, Black Plague really tops everything presented in Overture. The highlight for me were the surreal sequences, especially the one towards the end, which represents a dramatic turn of events and makes the story a lot better. The character now has to deal with a threat from inside himself: is he going insane? You should play Overture first, though, before BlackMy favourite part of the series, Black Plague really tops everything presented in Overture. The highlight for me were the surreal sequences, especially the one towards the end, which represents a dramatic turn of events and makes the story a lot better. The character now has to deal with a threat from inside himself: is he going insane? You should play Overture first, though, before Black Plague will take your breath away. Highly recommend the Penumbra series if you like horror survival with puzzle elements.… Expand
  20. GameInterpretor
    Sep 2, 2012
    10
    Three years after I buy this game and I still play it. Wouldn't mind seeing a Penumbra Episode 4 in the slightest. Fantastic game Frictional! Keep up the good work with Amnesia!
  21. MagicHAT
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    Fun - 9/10
    Gameplay - 7/10
    Controls - 10/10
    Graphics Design - 9/10
    Story - 10/10
    All Time Graphics - 8/10
    Sound - 7/10
    Music - 10/10
    Replayability - 6/10
    Graphics for its time - 6/10
    82/100
  22. FFStudios
    Jun 22, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Penumbra Overture was a flawed masterpiece which demonstrated Frictional's knack at creating an unsettling atmosphere and well-done pacing. In Black Plague, Frictional immediately shows signs of learning from Overture: the combat has been fixed i.e. removed; the writing and storytelling are both well-executed and heighten the sense of solitude and terror. The game starts off a bit rough, but once it gets going, Black Plague has a very effective atmosphere which is helped, not hindered, by the story elements. Long written notes have been removed and replaced with environmental storytelling, ensuring the game maintains a more effective flow than Overture. The story has also been improved, with a particular sequence near the end which proved to be one of the most effective twists I've seen in a game. Overall, despite losing some of its predecessor's subtleties and a rocky opening, Black Plague is a vast improvement for the Penumbra series and will keep you engaged right until its concluding moments.… Expand
  23. LA_DOTTORE
    Jun 13, 2012
    8
    This, as a sequel, did an amazing job to improve on the down sides of the previous game and brilliantly follow the story on! I definitely recommend this game to anyone wanting a dark, atmospheric game to pay that isn't typical like Doom 3 or Dead Space is! An only major downside is that puzzles can be extremely difficult to complete and there are a lot of them but otherwise, a great game!This, as a sequel, did an amazing job to improve on the down sides of the previous game and brilliantly follow the story on! I definitely recommend this game to anyone wanting a dark, atmospheric game to pay that isn't typical like Doom 3 or Dead Space is! An only major downside is that puzzles can be extremely difficult to complete and there are a lot of them but otherwise, a great game! What makes it better is the DLC it comes with, Penumbra: Requiem which I have barely started and hope to enjoy as much as the full game counterpart.… Expand
  24. Aegrus
    May 22, 2012
    10
    I just got this game yesterday, and I've been playing it constantly. Really fun, really scary, and a creative use of a physics engine. You can manually pull open containers, pick up and manipulate items, etc. It runs well, so most pcs should have no trouble handling it. There's a hint of madness in this game. (Okay, maybe more than a hint.) If a psychotic voice inside your headI just got this game yesterday, and I've been playing it constantly. Really fun, really scary, and a creative use of a physics engine. You can manually pull open containers, pick up and manipulate items, etc. It runs well, so most pcs should have no trouble handling it. There's a hint of madness in this game. (Okay, maybe more than a hint.) If a psychotic voice inside your head begging the monsters chasing you to "embrace me" sounds like fun, this is a great game for you.… Expand
  25. tech-noir
    Jan 3, 2012
    7
    Penumbra: Black Plague is quite simply, a continuation of Penumbra: Overture. It might as well be considered one single game. The engine seems to be the same used in the first game, and most mechanics are identical. The atmosphere continues to be dark and creepy, with the addition of some new surprises that surface throughout. Everything is basically the same, with only the plot andPenumbra: Black Plague is quite simply, a continuation of Penumbra: Overture. It might as well be considered one single game. The engine seems to be the same used in the first game, and most mechanics are identical. The atmosphere continues to be dark and creepy, with the addition of some new surprises that surface throughout. Everything is basically the same, with only the plot and storyline developing further. The one major improvement in comparison to Overture is the amount of thrills found in this iteration. There seems to be more action and more atmosphere overall, which makes the game more enjoyable, more creepy and a bit more scary. The story progression isn't as interesting or original as in the first game, but at least it has much more detail and much more depth. The voice acting also continues its high quality performances. Loading times are atrocious and much longer than in the first game, which tests patience. Some of the puzzles included in this game aren't as logical as in the first. The unintuitive puzzles are more complicated and mostly involve trial and error during a particular segment of the adventure. There are also more absurdly hidden items and mechanisms, which makes this game much more difficult in terms of its playability as an adventure game. There is also more interaction between the player and other characters in the story, which quickly dissolves the feeling of being a solitary person in a creepy and scary locale. The developers decided to get rid of the melee combat instances completely (found in the first game), which I agree is for the best and makes the game more tense and more fluid. There are way too many interruptions for plot development voice acting. Without ruining the experience with spoilers, I will say that these voice acting pauses occur almost at any given time, without a focus on storyline turning points. They can get a bit distracting at times. Not having the ability to engage your enemies in melee combat makes the game so much more tense and exciting. The ending is very good and adds to the story rather well. Penumbra: Black Plague is better than Penumbra: Overture in every way, as it corrected some of the developers' mistakes and made the gaming experience more enjoyable as a whole. This is clearly the best adventure game I have ever played; totally exceeding Penumbra: Overture. Once again, the game runs a little bit short, but I suppose it is of adequate length after all, since it is an adventure game with lots of theme and mood. I am now looking forward to the third part in the series. It took me about 8 hours to complete.… Expand
  26. Matseb2611
    Dec 22, 2011
    8
    Black Plague is the second game in the Penumbra series. Admittedly I have not played the first game (Overture), but Black Plague picked up right away and did not leave me confused. The game's most notable feature perhaps is its incredibly effective spooky atmosphere and suspense. The dark, derelict areas, as well as the ambient music really do manage to absorb the player. Just as with oneBlack Plague is the second game in the Penumbra series. Admittedly I have not played the first game (Overture), but Black Plague picked up right away and did not leave me confused. The game's most notable feature perhaps is its incredibly effective spooky atmosphere and suspense. The dark, derelict areas, as well as the ambient music really do manage to absorb the player. Just as with one other game by this developer, Amnesia, there is no combat system, i.e. the player cannot attack the monsters in the game at all. The only means of survival are running and hiding. This greatly adds to the horror element and also makes it more realistic. The monsters themselves are somewhat scary-looking. To compensate for the lack of combat system, the interactivity with the items and environments is very good. The storyline is very interesting, and the main character's alter ego, Clarence, is in my opinion a very nice touch. I personally really enjoyed the puzzles too, in particular the final puzzle. Together with the philosophical message it tried to convey, it had a huge positive impression on me. Really well done. And the ending was simply amazing, perhaps even somewhat unexpected. Despite all these positive points, Black Plague's main con perhaps is that it is very short, and it's not like the game has much of a replay value either. This is pretty much the only reason that stops me from giving this game a 9. Otherwise I'd highly advise any horror fan to try it out, at least once.… Expand
  27. Yardglass
    Nov 1, 2011
    9
    Bought this game in the Steam sale for a pittance and loved it. Found the pace to be just right, and enjoyed the level of puzzles. It scared the beejezus out of me a few times as well. The control interface was non-intrusive and easy to use. Highly recommended.
  28. gilas18
    Oct 20, 2011
    8
    This game starts where Overture finishes and the game was a lot better than the first one. We now have creatures and people lying around and the imersion it creates scares me a bit, also the puzzles are a lot more harder now but also funny. Frictional Games really did a very good job in this game, bring it to a higher level where people could enjoy fun and scary moments.
  29. Dylanmc12
    Mar 15, 2011
    8
    As the Spiritual Prequel to Amnesia, Bravo I say, Bravo!
    Whilst Amnesia was a Flawed game, this game has it's flaws too.
    The Combat is sticky, and a bit **** up. The... Subtley of it makes me want to turn off my PC and ahve a Breather-In. But it's a Survival Horror, it's supposed to be tense and with terrible combat! Amnesia tried to capture what was so great about Penumbra, but    As the Spiritual Prequel to Amnesia, Bravo I say, Bravo!
    Whilst Amnesia was a Flawed game, this game has it's flaws too.

    The Combat is sticky, and a bit **** up.
    The... Subtley of it makes me want to turn off my PC and ahve a Breather-In.
    But it's a Survival Horror, it's supposed to be tense and with terrible combat!

    Amnesia tried to capture what was so great about Penumbra, but Frictional failed.
    Sure Amnesia had it's great moments and was VERY Scary, but it just doesn't live up to it's spiritual Prequel.

    *Ahem* @Frictional Games : Thank you for saving Horror from the monstrous **** it was sailing to.
    You jamp on the boat and got everyone into safety on the life-Boat.

    Too bad Resident Evil, and Silent Hill didn't make it, but you saved us from Mediocre Survival Horror after mediocre Survival Horror.

    RIP Silent Hill

    Go **** yourself Resident Evil

    Thank you Frictional. Thank you!    … Expand
  30. 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 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 getNothing 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.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. IGN
    77
    Without the awkward combat of Overture, Black Plague is a smoother experience where the clumsiness of the physics and control systems are exposed far less frequently.
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  2. GameZone
    76
    Short but entertaining, Penumbra: Black Plague is enjoyable, a bit challenging at times, but worth the journey.
    Read full review
  3. Game Chronicles
    80
    The gameplay saw some nice improvements from the previous title and they only added to the fear factor.
    Read full review
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