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. RW
    Feb 7, 2009
    10
    I can't see how this game got a reasonably low rating of 78. In my eyes it is one of the most entertaining games I have played in a while. Considering it was near enough a 2 man team.

    Whilst playing it the game always kept me on edge, especially with the eary music to add to it.
    Only £17 on steam, definatly worth a purchase.
  2. O.C.H
    Feb 8, 2009
    10
    One of the best horror games for the PC. The puzzles are clever, the story is amazing, and it is very scary. Highly recommended for Overture lovers, and you should get Requiem after this. Did I mention it was scary? ;)
  3. TomS
    Jan 6, 2010
    10
    The greatest horror game I've ever played. Compelling from beginning to end with some great twists in both narrative and gameplay. It's no Crysis but the graphics are fine... it's almost depressing how lowly this game has been rated by the games press.
  4. [Anonymous]
    Feb 21, 2008
    10
    Awesome game ! Loved it till the end. MUST HAVE!!!!
  5. MichaelT.
    Feb 23, 2008
    10
    Terrific game with a well thought out story. Dark and scary as hell. Game developers please play this and system shock2 for a week before you make your generic shoot 10000 bad guys and 500 aliens (in the later levels) in order to save earth from doom. It might spare us all from the same old tripe we've had since doom was released. Oh and why no reader comments showing for this game yet?
  6. Greg
    Aug 15, 2008
    10
    The people complaining about the graphics in this game seem to be missing the point. The models and textures look just fine for small-budget episodic game, while the lighting is top-notch. The upside to these graphics is that you can actually play this game if you don't have a high-end GPU. As for the gameplay itself, the interface is great, and the way your character interacts with The people complaining about the graphics in this game seem to be missing the point. The models and textures look just fine for small-budget episodic game, while the lighting is top-notch. The upside to these graphics is that you can actually play this game if you don't have a high-end GPU. As for the gameplay itself, the interface is great, and the way your character interacts with the environment is very immersive. More importantly, though, is the atmosphere of the game. I have yet to play a game this scary. I almost couldn't finish it at certain points because I was so creeped out by it. The pacing is fantastic and though the plot is predictable you end the game feeling very fulfilled. Buy this game!… Expand
  7. AnonymousMC
    Apr 23, 2009
    10
    No game I've ever played before scared and compelled me like Black Plague did. I had the opportunity of playing it with a Novint Falcon peripheral, where the realistic motions become physical movements. Black Plague is the best game in the Penumbra trilogy by far. The atmosphere is all-around creepy, and game ambiance will make you jump with every scrape or distant thud, and theNo game I've ever played before scared and compelled me like Black Plague did. I had the opportunity of playing it with a Novint Falcon peripheral, where the realistic motions become physical movements. Black Plague is the best game in the Penumbra trilogy by far. The atmosphere is all-around creepy, and game ambiance will make you jump with every scrape or distant thud, and the integration of global lighting for shadows is superb. Hiding in a dark corner in an underground facility while an ominous grotesque figure down a hall walks toward you... terrifying. No way to fight, only to hide. Some moments near the end are truly unrivaled in suspense and terror. The graphics may be somewhat sub-par by today's standards, but any game developer that can inspire this kind of fear despite the graphics is a master of the art form. I really can't do it justice with words, so just play it. Any fan of horror games, or even someone looking for a scare will thoroughly enjoy this game. Just be ready for it.… Expand
  8. PedroR
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Must give it a ten. Best story ever. The terror is awesome and the psychology scary.
  9. 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 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 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.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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!
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. CarlV
    Sep 7, 2009
    9
    I had already said great things about the first game, Penumbra Overture. So the second blew me away. Black Plague did everything Overture had accomplished and made it better, tweaking all the flaws from the first like the incredibly awkward combat. It also more then triples the scare factor of the game, replacing simple animals that were already dreadful with a horrifying new breed of I had already said great things about the first game, Penumbra Overture. So the second blew me away. Black Plague did everything Overture had accomplished and made it better, tweaking all the flaws from the first like the incredibly awkward combat. It also more then triples the scare factor of the game, replacing simple animals that were already dreadful with a horrifying new breed of danger. The game's story isn't going to win it an award by itself, and some people complain about the ending. I on the other hand, perhaps being a bit more flexible with plot, found the story memorable and thought provoking. Coupled with an atmosphere that is so dark, chilling and gripping that the game demands to be played fully emersed; at night, lights off. The graphics aren't amazing, but as the name of the series hints *Penumbra: The small area of light surrounded by darkness* , this is not so much about graphics as the lighting. The shadows easily hide the sins of the outdated graphics and while the lighting is amazing, it is rarely reassuring in the gritty, claustrophobic environment that is "The Shelter". Coupled with some underrated script and voice acting, not to mention immersive sound that leaves you jumping at every little noise that goes "bump", the game becomes a very frightening world for your character to explore, run and hide in. I bought this game for 5 dollars when it was on sale. Best 5 dollars ever spent. If you're a fan of horror, do not miss this game. The only reason I gave it a 9 out of 10 instead of a full out 10 is because the game isn't for everyone and it didn't smash down the definitions of adventure/puzzle games and set them anew. But it excels at what it sets out to do and creates not so much a game as more an experience, if not an utterly terrifying one. It's simply an amazing hidden gem in a sea of games. Not everyone will find it or even appreciate it, but that makes it all the more savoring for people like me who have discovered it.… Expand
  18. ncloud
    Jun 6, 2009
    9
    I bought the Penumbra pack this morning and finished Overture by 1 PM. The intensity is like a drug, you just have to see what's behind one... more... door... Black Plague is a bit harder, because nothing is a weapon and you have to think quickly on your feet. The sheer nail biting factor of these games is worth far more than the selling price. It reminds me of the first time I I bought the Penumbra pack this morning and finished Overture by 1 PM. The intensity is like a drug, you just have to see what's behind one... more... door... Black Plague is a bit harder, because nothing is a weapon and you have to think quickly on your feet. The sheer nail biting factor of these games is worth far more than the selling price. It reminds me of the first time I played System Shock 2 -- creepy noises, bloodstained walls, and creatures of the night all peeking over your shoulder ready for a snack. Marvelous.… Expand
  19. Hackney
    Feb 25, 2008
    9
    This is a very good idea for a game. Keeps you playing with lots on innovation. More like this please.
  20. MrBigs
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    This game is massively immersive, emotive, and well-written. This game is actually frightening to play, given the atmosphere, and the fact that you've nothing to defend youself with while enemies are charging in your direction. In a mass of flashy and empty blockbuster games that fill the shelves nowadays, this game brings gaming back to the day where games were deep and innovative. This game is massively immersive, emotive, and well-written. This game is actually frightening to play, given the atmosphere, and the fact that you've nothing to defend youself with while enemies are charging in your direction. In a mass of flashy and empty blockbuster games that fill the shelves nowadays, this game brings gaming back to the day where games were deep and innovative. It is quite short, however. I took my time throughout the game, and finished a wee under 5 hours playing time. It is also by no means a technical achievement. While the graphics do well on their own, there's some parts where the lack of budget seems to show through. My only other complaint is that some of the puzzles are generic in the fact that they follow the overly used formula of conveniently placing needed items in the vicinity of a puzzle for you to find. Small complaints aside, this is one of those games that will leave a lasting impression on you, which is the kind of magic many high-budget titles have been failing to do over the last few years.… Expand
  21. HenryJ.
    Feb 18, 2008
    9
    Penumbra is dark, original and inspired. Gameplay has been thought way beyond the typical 'get new gun, shoot more enemies and win' formula. An original idea in gamin. It doesn't happen often and when it is this well executed you owe it to yourself to buy it.
  22. TomR
    Nov 18, 2009
    9
    When I bought my Novint Falcon I got Overture with it. I first tried out some games and then I started up the game. Well, I have to confess, I was way to frightened to continue playing after the first dog so I invited two of my friends over. We screamed in fear many times and laughed after it, we fell in love with the game, it's scary moments, it's atmosphere, the physics and When I bought my Novint Falcon I got Overture with it. I first tried out some games and then I started up the game. Well, I have to confess, I was way to frightened to continue playing after the first dog so I invited two of my friends over. We screamed in fear many times and laughed after it, we fell in love with the game, it's scary moments, it's atmosphere, the physics and the fantastic story. When we finally finished it we had to continue playing, so we bought Black Plauge. Black Plauge was so much more scary than Overture (that had been extremely scary itself) that sometimes we just took a pause to play CoD: WaW and get some breathing. We screamed, we laughed and we somewhat cried. We had experienced the best horror game created so far. We had experienced the fullest of the Novint Falcon. We had experienced real fear... Buy this game if you like puzzles or horror but to get the most out of it get the Novint Falcon too.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. oliver1h
    Feb 20, 2013
    9
    All I can say is that I enjoyed this game a lot. Nice atmosphere, and quiet suspenseful gameplay. Recommended.
  25. 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
  26. 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...
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. DalekC
    Jun 6, 2009
    8
    Very fun game! I have not completed it yet but heck. The graphics are good - I am not much into adventure games but this must be my favourite First Person Adventure horror game of all time. It requires quite a bit of thinking, good story-line, and it is scary at times.
  30. GabrielK
    Dec 7, 2008
    8
    This game has a lot of fear, is not like other horror games. I have to say I never feeled this kind of fear before, its really scary so if you like horror games well you will be satisfied by this title for sure. The storyline is great but the bad thing is too short. For me finish the game was 4 or 5 hours and thats all. I give it 8 because the graphics are not so good and for the fact This game has a lot of fear, is not like other horror games. I have to say I never feeled this kind of fear before, its really scary so if you like horror games well you will be satisfied by this title for sure. The storyline is great but the bad thing is too short. For me finish the game was 4 or 5 hours and thats all. I give it 8 because the graphics are not so good and for the fact there is no weapons in the game, you only interact with objects and thats kinda boring sometimes.… 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

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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.
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  3. Game Chronicles
    80
    The gameplay saw some nice improvements from the previous title and they only added to the fear factor.
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