Penumbra: Overture

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 147 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 222
  3. Negative: 16 out of 222
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  1. AlexK.
    May 3, 2007
    10
    This is a clever game with some very good innovations. I think it will have a lot of influence for all the new adventure games.
  2. BastianV.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    Penumbra is just different than anything you've seen before! This alone makes it a MUST-HAVE. But it comes even better, Penumbra is well designed, it has good graphics and balanced gameplay. I would throw away all these so called AAA titles for it!
  3. MarkM
    Nov 2, 2009
    10
    This game is best Horror game i have ever played. A great Storyline, some really tough puzzles and overall wonderful atmosphere. A must buy!
  4. BrandonK
    Jun 9, 2009
    10
    I have been gaming for years, and nothing scares me. Movies, games, etc, it's all mundane and boring. Saying that, this game SCARES ME. The first time in years a game has made me feel like this. This alone is enough for the game to get a 10. However, the game play is very unique and unlike anything I have played. This game made me interested in adventure games again. Ignore the I have been gaming for years, and nothing scares me. Movies, games, etc, it's all mundane and boring. Saying that, this game SCARES ME. The first time in years a game has made me feel like this. This alone is enough for the game to get a 10. However, the game play is very unique and unlike anything I have played. This game made me interested in adventure games again. Ignore the reviews from people who have "played it 5 minutes" as they are clearly the type of people who shouldn't be playing adventure games in the first place.… Expand
  5. CarlD
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    I have been playing horror games, reading frightening novels and drawing some genuinely creepy stuff for many years now. For the longest time, I was convinced that nothing could ever scare me again unless it was real life or death situations. Then I played Penumbra. I'm not even halfway through the game yet and I have to say it is purely terrifying, thought provoking and a I have been playing horror games, reading frightening novels and drawing some genuinely creepy stuff for many years now. For the longest time, I was convinced that nothing could ever scare me again unless it was real life or death situations. Then I played Penumbra. I'm not even halfway through the game yet and I have to say it is purely terrifying, thought provoking and a challenging-but-not-impossible puzzle adventure game. Straight up the game only has two things going against it; the step-backwards graphics and the terribly clumsy combat system. The good heavily outweighs the bad, however. The game is practically in perpetual darkness the whole time so often the low-grade graphics are hidden well, and ironically the lighting in the game is incredible. As a puzzle/adventure game, it is certainly well done. It will challenge you to think, but it won't leave you going to an online walkthrough every five minutes. The clearest advantage this game has in the puzzle department is it's excellent physics engine, the HPL. Coincidence that those are the initials of H.P Lovecraft? I think not. But let's face it, what is the real reason we all got this game? To scare ourselves silly, and that's where this game really earns it's stars and stripes. This game had me spooked from the get-go. I was already feeling somewhat reluctant leaving the boat knowing the darkness that surely awaited me and man, was I right. This game is the first to ever have me scream "HOLY SHIT" at the top of my lungs. I play this game in small doses, so for me I'm not worried by the apparent shortness of the game. Really I don't know how you could play the game through one sitting and not be a jibbering wreck by the end of it. My advice to you on Penumbra? If you're a fan of horror or even just someone looking for a game that's more an experience then it is an action-thrill-fest, then get these games. Especially with the sales that mean you can bag them both for a mere 5 or ten dollars each. At that price even if somehow you don't like it, you will have not dug yourself a financial grave.… Expand
  6. LeeW
    Aug 21, 2009
    10
    Penumbra: Overture begins an amazing series of video games that, though short-lived, and with some shortcomings, provides some of the most immersive atmosphere, some of the greatest writing, and the absolute best horror ever in a video game. I'm not scared by anything unless it's a real-life situation threatening the life of either me or one or more of my loved ones, and even if Penumbra: Overture begins an amazing series of video games that, though short-lived, and with some shortcomings, provides some of the most immersive atmosphere, some of the greatest writing, and the absolute best horror ever in a video game. I'm not scared by anything unless it's a real-life situation threatening the life of either me or one or more of my loved ones, and even if it were me, I'd probably still act pretty smug. Penumbra: Overture, however, is the first game to ever scare me, and shitless at that. What the developers did and did correctly is that amazing sense of vulnerability, that, with the help of controls that allow you to lean around corners, makes you not want to lean around corners to see what evil awaits. The greatest thing is that there aren't any technological modifications to the game to make the player feel vulnerable, such as Dead Space's sluggish controls and camera angle. There is a deficiency in the ability to use weapons, which had many FPS-crazies with their nuts in a knot, but this, however, was justified by the developers by the fact that you're a skinny English professor and probably can't wield a pickaxe for shit. The weapons in the game were designed to be used as a last resort and the player's main defense should be to hide in the shadows. I will not lie that it can be very buggy for some people, but for a group of four people, their tech support is amazingly reliable at their forums. 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.… Expand
  7. MrWeezee
    Jul 30, 2011
    10
    This game was awesome. Truly one of the best horrors out there. Great story, great gameplay, and the ending leaves you wanting to play Black Plague right away.
  8. cryptid85
    Jan 30, 2014
    10
    Truly a masterpiece in horror gaming, Overture is full of quality atmosphere and genuine emotion. While Black Plague is better, Overture is a great first Penumbra game and deserves to live on.
  9. bumblebee
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    This game is incedible it's scary and the story is amazing. There are so many puzzels and thats a good thing. I rate this 10/10 because of the amazing story and how horrifying it is. It makes you want to play the sequal Black Plague right away.
  10. JoshS.
    Sep 24, 2006
    9
    For a freeware and created by an independent company, Penumbra is one achievement. It's maybe short, but the experience is quite memorable anyway. The ending is really dissapointing. If Penumbra got a full-scale sequel, I won't look anywhere. The engine itself are marvelous. Would be great if it utilized in other games.
  11. MattL
    Jun 8, 2009
    9
    A good horror/suspense game. It's the first game I've played that has the opening sequence ask you to turn off the lights, and if you do, the game becomes a whole lot better. Interesting mix of physics puzzles, traditional adventure "find the item" and general confusion of "wtf is going on?" Excellent dialog as well. Cons: The "combat" interface is terrible (though I suspect it A good horror/suspense game. It's the first game I've played that has the opening sequence ask you to turn off the lights, and if you do, the game becomes a whole lot better. Interesting mix of physics puzzles, traditional adventure "find the item" and general confusion of "wtf is going on?" Excellent dialog as well. Cons: The "combat" interface is terrible (though I suspect it may be on purpose to encourage running rather than fighting) and a few of the puzzles are more repetitive than necessary. Overall, great game, especially at the $5 Steam price.… Expand
  12. Dune_Jumper
    Aug 26, 2014
    9
    My favorite horror game ever made.
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  13. MagicHAT
    Jul 21, 2012
    9
    just play this game and see for yourself story, gameplay, everything is good with this game but maybe too short but it's cheap and it's a trilogy I like it
  14. devenlg
    Mar 1, 2014
    9
    Some people say this is a copy of Amnesia, but that's not true. In fact, it's made by the same people, and even was made before Amnesia. Although, Amnesia is scarier, the Penumbra series is still a great series.

    The game has clever puzzles, interesting characters, and a great story. It may not be that scary, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The atmosphere is pretty good    Some people say this is a copy of Amnesia, but that's not true. In fact, it's made by the same people, and even was made before Amnesia. Although, Amnesia is scarier, the Penumbra series is still a great series.

    The game has clever puzzles, interesting characters, and a great story. It may not be that scary, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The atmosphere is pretty good for a survival horror game, and area in which you can explore is pretty big. Overall, this game is pretty good, but what about the bad parts? Well, the game is short, the notes you collect through out the game can sometimes be a bit confusing, and the graphics aren't amazing. Although, for its time, the graphics aren't to bad. It's enough to live with, but not so bad that you'll quit playing the game instantly.    … Expand
  15. AstiX
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    So easy to get immersed into. Great atmosphere, gripping mystery, wonderful voice acting and a soundtrack that sends chills through your bones with the very first note. Puzzles that aren't just running around fetching things, but require you to stop and think, maybe do some reading and make use of the brilliantly implemented physics.

    The beginning of something amazing.
  16. Captain_Faramir
    Apr 1, 2017
    9
    9.4 - A very definitive game for the survival-horror genre. Although controls and environments are not the best, music and atmosphere is done excellently here. Probably one of the best games to do a eerie and gloomy level-design.
  17. SilentLev
    Sep 5, 2022
    9
    Скромный шведский коллектив из нескольких человек создал одну из самых мрачных и погружающих в себя адвенчур в видеоигровом искусстве. До сих пор давящая атмосфера дилогии Penumbra не устаревает и воспринимается свежо и, я надеюсь, будет оставаться таковой и много лет после. Пускай проект не содержит какие-то прям свежие идеи, однако тут скорее решает грамотная подача, особенно через звукСкромный шведский коллектив из нескольких человек создал одну из самых мрачных и погружающих в себя адвенчур в видеоигровом искусстве. До сих пор давящая атмосфера дилогии Penumbra не устаревает и воспринимается свежо и, я надеюсь, будет оставаться таковой и много лет после. Пускай проект не содержит какие-то прям свежие идеи, однако тут скорее решает грамотная подача, особенно через звук и эмбиент.… Expand
  18. scottd
    Jan 1, 2010
    8
    what penumbra: overtrue lacks in great gameplay and steller graphics it makes up for with bucket after bucket load of suspence and atmosphear, one of the only games i've actualy been AFRAID of.
  19. KentB
    May 23, 2009
    8
    Penumbra is sucha good game. You really have to think befor you act. The puzzles are very hard in my opinion but its that what makes the whole game fun. At first I thought this was just some "click´n click" game. But I was wrong. You face alot of scary things. Light sudenly turns off and you hear voices and alot of other creepy things. For people whole like abit of clickin´ Penumbra is sucha good game. You really have to think befor you act. The puzzles are very hard in my opinion but its that what makes the whole game fun. At first I thought this was just some "click´n click" game. But I was wrong. You face alot of scary things. Light sudenly turns off and you hear voices and alot of other creepy things. For people whole like abit of clickin´ and horror game this whould be it. Grapichs are great.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. Nerung
    Nov 22, 2012
    8
    A great introduction into the Penumbra series, the game has very original puzzles to solve, especially the design of the various areas to explore was very diverse and well executed. To horror is mainly due to physical threats but the story unfolds mysteries as well and thus adds a new layer to the experience. Short but good game.
  22. LonePiper
    Apr 17, 2013
    8
    Not quite as good as the series' successor, Amnesia, Penumbra: Overture is still a worthy horror title. The atmosphere was spot on and there were a few genuinely frightening moments. The story too was enticing, if a little bit uninspired.
    I wasn't really a big fan of the monsters, at least the dogs which looked like some kind of halloween pinata and the spiders which looked equally as    Not quite as good as the series' successor, Amnesia, Penumbra: Overture is still a worthy horror title. The atmosphere was spot on and there were a few genuinely frightening moments. The story too was enticing, if a little bit uninspired.
    I wasn't really a big fan of the monsters, at least the dogs which looked like some kind of halloween pinata and the spiders which looked equally as comical, but it could have been worse. I didn't mind the combat as much as most people, but I understand that what they were trying to do with it ultimately failed.
    The goal, obviously, was to make the combat cumbersome and difficult to make encounters all the more frightening, but unfortunately it just came off as frustrating and tedious. Luckily the developers took this on board and removed it completely from the next title.    … Expand
  23. Squeze
    May 25, 2016
    8
    Another wonderful gaming experience. (TL DR VERSION BELOW!)

    Penumbra: Overture is not properly a game as we are used to play, is more like an immersion into deep abyss of horror and mystery. This is to say you are not buying this game for his gameplay, his longevity or his action. If you played Amnesia, Soma or the other Penumbra you know what I'm meaning. If you don't, well think    Another wonderful gaming experience. (TL DR VERSION BELOW!)

    Penumbra: Overture is not properly a game as we are used to play, is more like an immersion into deep abyss of horror and mystery.

    This is to say you are not buying this game for his gameplay, his longevity or his action.
    If you played Amnesia, Soma or the other Penumbra you know what I'm meaning. If you don't, well think twice before buying it even if the price is low.
    Those kind of game are not much appreciated by the average gamer who looks for a couple or more hour of FUN.
    When you buy Penumbra you want to live a different experience, a journey into mistery and creepy stuff.
    It's quite short, graphic are still ok in my opinion if you don't mind too much (you don't really have to if you are wishing to play this graphic are the least thing to mind)

    When you finish it you feel that feeling of satisfaction as you survived a 7hrs trip into this game.
    It's something games like Fallout,Skyrim or whatever call of duty or battlefield could never give to you. Even if they might be good games, they are nothing in terms of deepness and peculiarity.

    TL DR:

    PROS
    -Atmosphere, deepness, peculiarity, horror. You really are yourself as a normal human being would, trying to escape from a mine, you don't fight unless if really you have to (and you will die trying), you don't have superpower. Only your mind and your notes. That's it.

    CONS
    -Only English language, it's not a problem if you are reading this but there is a lot of stuff to read if you want to understand more the story, and even some dialogue with the only human (?) you "meet" are quite hard to follow because it's not a simple english. I really had some problems too as is not my mother tongue.    … Expand
  24. diezlwolf
    Sep 16, 2013
    8
    This is a worthy addition to the survival/horror genre with its clever storyline and puzzle-solving mechanics. Add to it the danger of monsters and an inventory system that entices you to explore every dark corner and you've got a solid game. I enjoyed Penumbra: Overture and would recommend it!
  25. rogermorse
    Aug 18, 2014
    8
    Ok, after so many years I was finally able to play the whole chapter. I am very sensitive to horror games....I was never able to go past the first level, I tried many times and I always stopped. Once I got used to the 'fear' system of the game, the game stopped being too scary for me and I started enjoying instead of seeing it as a torture (this is a message to the chicken people like meOk, after so many years I was finally able to play the whole chapter. I am very sensitive to horror games....I was never able to go past the first level, I tried many times and I always stopped. Once I got used to the 'fear' system of the game, the game stopped being too scary for me and I started enjoying instead of seeing it as a torture (this is a message to the chicken people like me who are scared by such games).

    Anyway, the game is cool enough. First of all, keep in mind that this is a Chapter. The game has no end, it is a cliffhanger ending so if you are one of those (like me) that hate unfinished things, keep in mind that even if you don't like the game so much, you will have to play all three chapters (overture, black plague, requiem) to see the end of the story.

    This chapter is quite short (6 hours are enough). Puzzles are nice, physics serve well that purpose. Graphically it is pleasant. Sounds is also still good enough for today's standards and controls are interesting. Can't say about the story because I have to play 2nd and 3rd chapter yet, but what can I say....so far so good ! 75/100    … Expand
  26. JayLightBar
    Apr 8, 2015
    8
    Penumbra Overture was one of the best things to come out of Pewdiepie. Anyhow, after saying **** like that let me go on with the review.

    So of course a lot like anyone else who knows about Frictional Games, the first one I came to now about was Amnesia: The Dark Decent. Not from pewdiepie, the obvious place to have heard about it from. I found out a bit later that they had an already    Penumbra Overture was one of the best things to come out of Pewdiepie. Anyhow, after saying **** like that let me go on with the review.

    So of course a lot like anyone else who knows about Frictional Games, the first one I came to now about was Amnesia: The Dark Decent. Not from pewdiepie, the obvious place to have heard about it from. I found out a bit later that they had an already other established series titled Penumbra. I bought Penumbra: Overtue a long while before I ever had the bravery to go near Amnesia, and so with it came my first ever REAL adventure into survival horror.

    The game spooked the ever loving **** out of me, but the good thing about it was, that I was actually eased into the settings of Fritcionals games by it. It was really scary yes, however, I was able to push forward almost always and never got to the point where I simply couldn't move forward from my fear. The game looks really good for what is technically a indie title, and the sound design is PERFECT for the setting, mechanical, yet some how creepy and off putting. The story is also a strong part of Overture, intentionally confusing and not completely filled in, yet enough information if given for there to be a real deep understanding of what you want to know over what is going on, and why the place you are in is in the state that it is. The game does a great job of making you feel isolated. And because of this, you really end up liking the character of Red, the only survivor down in the tunnels with you. Overall, Overture is an under appreciated game that deserves all the under rated credit that it gets. I absolutely loved it, and it only goes up from here.    … Expand
  27. SergioVM87
    Jan 4, 2016
    8
    Lo que más me gusta de este juego es que se aleja de los tópicos de fantasmas y armas de fuego. Es un juego que te hace pasar miedo de verdad porque no llevas armas para defenderte, sólo un pico. Además tiene una historia que te intriga cada vez más. Recomendado si estás cansado de juegos de terror con munición de sobra y quieres pasar angustia.
  28. RagingPoet
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    Penumbra: Overtureis great first-person horror/adventure game, it's very atmospheric and engaging.
    Horror part has almost no jumpscares at all, but still manages to frighten, despite 10+ years old visuals. Puzzles and inventory interactions are very simple and logical, items behave mostly like they do in real life. Although sometimes it feels like the game is lacking alternate solutions    Penumbra: Overtureis great first-person horror/adventure game, it's very atmospheric and engaging.
    Horror part has almost no jumpscares at all, but still manages to frighten, despite 10+ years old visuals. Puzzles and inventory interactions are very simple and logical, items behave mostly like they do in real life. Although sometimes it feels like the game is lacking alternate solutions for issues (like you can break certain stuff only with a saw, when in real life it could easily be broken with hammer, etc.). Stealth part is a bit repetitive but it's short enough. The ending is a cliffhanger that encourages to play the second game in the series right away.
    Overall it's a great experience for fairly low price(game often comes in bundle with all Frictional games releases).    … Expand
  29. bancandrei
    May 14, 2020
    8
    This game is very spartan and that is why I like it even more than it's successor Amnesia. There is pretty much only one enemy in the game and it is a dog, but the atmosphere is oppressive throughout. I found that brilliant and the conclusion thrilling. A great game for it's time.
  30. Christian_TV
    Apr 29, 2023
    8
    Probably,the best horror game of all time.It's not based on jumpscares or creepy monsters that chases you.Cool Puzzles and deep storyline
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Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best PC Game of 2007
35
#35 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. PC Format
    79
    It's not beautiful, it's not that long, but it's spooky and well worth a look. [Apr 2007, p.71]
  2. games(TM)
    60
    The good does outweigh the bad, because as a horror game it successfully horrifies. It’s also one of the darkest games we’ve played since the original "Silent Hill." [Apr 2007, p.106]
  3. Eurogamer
    70
    If you're interested in a serious relationship with gaming rather than purely out for a good time, please do take a look at Penumbra. It does some truly clever stuff, has an effectively creepy atmosphere and there's a few signposts in it that action and adventure games alike would do well to follow.
    Read full review
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