Penumbra: Black Plague

 PC
Penumbra: Black Plague Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

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  • Summary: Penumbra: Black Plague is a creepy and dark psychological horror experience featuring the adventures of Philip as he sets of in search of his dead father. Trapped in a shadowy, underground complex, intrepid explorer Philip is determined to discover the truth behind his father'sPenumbra: Black Plague is a creepy and dark psychological horror experience featuring the adventures of Philip as he sets of in search of his dead father. Trapped in a shadowy, underground complex, intrepid explorer Philip is determined to discover the truth behind his father's disappearance. Surrounded by enemies and assaulted by terror from all sides, Philip must collect clues and solve vexing puzzles while combating the gnawing psychological terrors that assail his mind and threaten to strip him of his sanity. Can Philip master his fear and finally uncover the truth behind a mystery that has haunted him for a lifetime? Only you can decide. [Paradox Interactive]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. GamerNode
    95
    This is an incredible game. It's got fun, innovative gameplay, great writing, entertaining VO, a frightening atmosphere, and even manages to provoke deep thought. P:BP is a perfect example of exactly why I play videogames.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    86
    Black Plague's success is the result of its individual components. It's a good game that is unique, refreshing, and fun to play. As far as the adventure game genre goes, it's definitely in a class by itself.
  3. PC Gamer
    83
    Black Plague actually made me scream aloud in fright at one point. Even horror movies don't have that effect on my anymore. [July 2008, p.68]
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  4. PC Format
    80
    A creepy, well-written and refreshingly different first-person romp. [Apr 2008, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Destructoid
    78
    It alternately shocks and entertains without resorting to the boring, repetitive combat we usually associate with survival horror. Black Plague is nowhere near perfect, but it still deserves to be played.
  6. GameWatcher
    75
    Whilst the integration of the physics system within the environment in Penumbra is certainly more deeply-ingrained, the puzzles themselves never quite reach the same level of ingenuity as the classic Valve title.
  7. 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.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  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 aI 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.    … Expand
  2. 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 newThe 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.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. 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 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
  6. SilentLev
    Sep 6, 2022
    8
    Продолжение Пенумбры получилось таким же качественным и угнетающим, однако, как по мне, лишилась таинственности и мрачности Overture. ОщущениеПродолжение 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
  7. 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, theyThe 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
  8. 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.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.… Expand

See all 49 User Reviews

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

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