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The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
Item: The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 18, 2022

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

Step into the anthology's most bloodcurdling story yet, where each of your choices once again determines who lives and who dies. Watch in horror as your unfortunate crew falls prey to a twisted host who is observing their every move. We hope you enjoy your stay...

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has sparked mixed reviews, with some critics praising its intriguing story inspired by H.H. Holmes and strong character development, but others flagging issues like flat characters, clichés, and predictability. While the game captivates with horror and psychological depth, many feel it ultimately stumbles in execution and originality, resulting in a divided reception that highlights its potential but also its shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The narrative of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has garnered a mix of opinions, with several critics praising its premise and thematic elements. Many reviewers, such as Malditos Nerds and WellPlayed, highlight the engaging story inspired by the true crimes of H.H. Holmes, emphasizing the blend of horror and true crime that captivates players. Critics like Xbox Tavern and Generación Xbox commend the character development and pacing, suggesting that the narrative effectively intertwines past and present, making the stakes feel significant. The game is noted for its ability to maintain curiosity and tension throughout, with Digital Chumps and C0Gconnected praising the psychological depth and storytelling execution. However, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution, pointing out various shortcomings. Reviewers such as SECTOR.sk and GameSkinny criticize the characters as being flat and unlikable, which detracts from emotional investment in their fates. Many critics, including Shacknews and PC Games, echo concerns about clichés and predictability in the narrative, suggesting that the game fails to deliver a compelling experience. Additionally, some reviewers like GamingTrend and PC Invasion mention that while the story starts strong, it falters toward the end, with improbable choices and a lack of originality undermining the overall impact. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception for The Devil in Me. While some appreciate the intriguing premise and character-driven aspects, many others find fault with the execution, character development, and narrative predictability. Critics like IGN and SpazioGames encapsulate this sentiment, noting that despite the potential for a gripping story rooted in historical events, the game ultimately falls short due to its reliance on clichés and weak character arcs. Thus, while the game has its merits, particularly in setting and initial engagement, it struggles to maintain that quality throughout, leading to a mixed critical reception.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me showcases innovative gameplay improvements like an inventory system and enhanced mobility, earning praise for increased player interaction. However, critics lambast choppy character animations and arbitrary decision-making that hinder immersion and meaningful consequences. The game feels like a mix of progress and shortcomings, with exciting features underutilized, leading to a linear, repetitive experience. Ultimately, it’s a step forward in some aspects but a regression in others, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has received a mix of praise for its improvements and innovations, particularly in enhancing player interaction and exploration. Critics like COGconnected and MeuPlayStation highlight the introduction of new mechanics such as an inventory system and character-specific items, which contribute to a more dynamic gameplay experience. The addition of mobility features like running and climbing has been noted by several reviewers, including Gamers' Temple and Xbox Achievements, who appreciate the greater freedom of movement and interaction compared to previous titles. Furthermore, the decision-making elements and quick time events (QTEs) are seen as effective in increasing tension and stakes, as mentioned by GameSpew. However, despite these advancements, many critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the gameplay experience. App Trigger and Comicbook.com criticize the character animations, describing them as choppy and unresponsive, which detracts from immersion. Additionally, IGN Adria and Shacknews express concerns about the pacing and the impact of player choices, noting that decisions often feel arbitrary and do not lead to meaningful consequences. The overall sentiment indicates that while there are new features, many mechanics feel underutilized or basic, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and frustration, as highlighted by Adventure Game Hotspot and Multiplayer.it. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Devil in Me offers a blend of promising new features and familiar gameplay elements that do not fully capitalize on their potential. While some reviewers like Malditos Nerds and Digital Chumps acknowledge improvements in character interactions and exploration, others, such as IGN and Vandal, argue that the gameplay remains linear and lacks the depth needed to elevate the experience. This dichotomy leaves the game feeling like a step forward in some areas but a step back in others, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both its potential and its limitations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me impresses with atmospheric visuals and detailed environments, especially in recreating The World's Fair Hotel. Critics praised the lighting and some visual improvements, but many pointed out stiff character animations and inconsistent quality, leading to a disconnect with the narrative. Overall, while it shows promise, the game falls short of the polish and fluidity seen in earlier titles, highlighting significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me have garnered a range of positive remarks from critics, highlighting the game's atmospheric qualities and attention to detail in certain environments. Many reviewers, such as PSX Brasil and VG247, praised the game's recreation of The World's Fair Hotel, noting its intricate design and the effective use of lighting to enhance the horror atmosphere. Critics like Games.cz and PC Invasion emphasized the impressive lighting effects and the overall immersive experience created by the game's visuals. Additionally, Cubed3 pointed out improvements in facial animations and particle effects, suggesting that the game represents a visual leap within the anthology series. Conversely, a significant number of critiques pointed out various shortcomings in the graphics and visual design. Reviewers such as CD-Action and TierraGamer criticized the character animations, describing them as stiff and lacking fluidity, which detracted from the immersive experience. Many critics, including SpazioGames and Press Start Australia, noted inconsistencies in visual quality, particularly in character models and animations, leading to a disconnect with the game's emotional narrative. Furthermore, Hooked Gamers and PlayStation Universe highlighted issues with awkward camera angles and scene transitions, which contributed to a less polished overall presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Devil in Me. While there are commendable aspects, such as the atmospheric environments and effective lighting, many reviewers agree that the game suffers from inconsistent character animations and visual quality. Critics like IGN France and The Games Machine recognized the potential for a captivating visual experience but ultimately noted that the execution fell short in certain areas, particularly concerning character movements and the overall polish compared to previous titles. This duality in reception suggests that while the game has made strides in some visual elements, it still has significant room for improvement to meet the expectations set by earlier installments in the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me excels in sound design and music, creating a chilling atmosphere praised for its haunting background score and effective voice acting. Critics highlight its use of ambiance over jump scares, enhancing the horror experience. However, flaws like audio bugs, subpar French voice acting, and a lack of originality in the score have drawn criticism. Overall, while the sound elements significantly elevate the game, some technical issues hinder immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me have received considerable praise from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create a haunting atmosphere. Adventure Game Hotspot commends the background music for effectively complementing the spooky environment, particularly during intense chase scenes. COGconnected emphasizes the fantastic voice acting, which adds authenticity to the characters, while Finger Guns appreciates the reliance on ambiance over jump scares, enhancing the horror experience. Critics like Cubed3 and Vandal note the exceptional sound design, with eerie ambient noises and well-timed audio cues that build tension, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere. The series' theme tune, 'Oh Death', is also mentioned as an epic addition, further solidifying the positive reception of the game's audio elements. However, not all feedback is entirely positive, as some critics have pointed out notable flaws in the sound design. Game Rant mentions strange audio bugs affecting character voices, which detracts from immersion. JeuxActu and Jeuxvideo.com express disappointment with the quality of voice acting, particularly in the French version, where unlocalized voice acting and lip-syncing issues were highlighted. Additionally, RPG Fan criticizes the musical score for lacking originality, suggesting a preference for a different stylistic approach compared to previous entries. Critics like GameSkinny also note that the game relies heavily on jump scares, which can detract from the overall horror experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me boasts impressive sound design that significantly enhances the horror atmosphere, it is not without its flaws. Many reviewers, such as IGN and PC Invasion, agree that the effective use of ambient sounds and music contributes to the game's tension. However, issues with voice acting quality and occasional audio bugs have been cited as detractors from the experience. Despite these criticisms, the game's sound design remains a strong point, with many critics acknowledging its role in creating a chilling and immersive environment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me features strong voice performances from talents like Paul Kaye and Jessie Buckley, praised for adding character depth. However, critics point out significant flaws in writing and character dynamics that undermine emotional impact. Issues like poor delivery and synchronization detract from immersion, leading to a mixed reception. Ultimately, while the voice acting shines, it’s the script and character development that truly shape the narrative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has received a mix of praise for its notable talent and performances. Critics such as Paul Kaye and Jessie Buckley have been highlighted for their strong portrayals, with Kaye's performance as Charlie being particularly noted by Comicbook.com and Gamers' Temple. Many reviewers, including Adventure Game Hotspot and Hey Poor Player, acknowledged the cast's ability to contribute to character depth and engagement, which is essential in a narrative-driven game. Critics from COGconnected and GamersRD also emphasized the authenticity that the voice acting brings to the characters, suggesting that the performances help to enhance the overall experience. However, several reviews pointed out significant shortcomings in the voice acting, primarily related to the writing and character dynamics. Adventure Game Hotspot and Game Rant noted that while the voice acting was generally good, the emotional delivery often fell flat due to weak character dynamics and poor writing. JeuxActu and Jeuxvideo.com criticized the voice acting for lacking convincing delivery and synchronization issues, which detracted from immersion. Additionally, IGN and TierraGamer mentioned that some performances felt exaggerated or flat, leading to a diminished emotional connection with the characters and their fates. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a dichotomy in the reception of the voice acting in The Devil in Me. While many reviewers praised the performances of key actors like Jessie Buckley and Paul Kaye, others highlighted that the quality of the voice acting was often undermined by issues in writing and character development. Critics such as PlaySense and Hardcore Gamer noted that the characters, despite being well-acted, were often unlikable or lacked depth, which detracted from the overall impact of the performances. This suggests that while the voice acting has its strengths, it is ultimately the script and character dynamics that determine the effectiveness of these performances in enhancing the game's narrative experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me shows potential with smooth performance on high-end PCs, PS5, and Xbox Series X, but is marred by widespread technical issues. Critics across platforms report bugs, frame rate drops, and immersion-breaking glitches that detract from the experience, with calls for improvements in future installments. Overall, the game struggles to balance its promising gameplay with significant flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me across various platforms, there are notable positives for each. On PC, several critics, including IGN France and The Games Machine, reported that the game runs smoothly, even with advanced graphical settings like Ray Tracing enabled. This indicates that the game can deliver a visually impressive experience on high-end systems. On PS5, critics like WellPlayed and Adventure Game Hotspot praised its stable performance, with no major technical issues reported during gameplay, suggesting that the game maintains the expected production values of Supermassive Games. Xbox Series X users also experienced a relatively stable performance, with ZTGD noting no bugs or crashes, indicating a solid foundation for gameplay. However, the negatives are significant and widespread across all platforms. On PC, numerous critics, including My critic name is SECTOR.sk and KeenGamer, highlighted a plethora of bugs, frame rate drops, and technical instability that detracted from the overall experience. The issues ranged from sudden cutscene interruptions to broken character models, indicating a lack of polish. For PS5, while many praised the performance, critics like Gameblog.fr and Shacknews pointed out persistent technical issues such as loading screens that disrupt immersion and graphical bugs that negatively impact the overall experience. Xbox Series X players faced their own challenges, with Xbox Tavern reporting buggy online co-op modes that included flickering characters and laggy connections, which can severely hinder cooperative gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me suffers from significant technical shortcomings across all platforms, despite some positive aspects. While the game shows potential for a compelling experience, the multitude of bugs and performance issues, particularly on PC and in online modes, undermine its overall quality. Critics like VG247 and GamingTrend echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while the game can deliver moments of enjoyment, the technical flaws often overshadow these experiences. As a result, many reviewers call for improvements in future installments to address these pervasive issues and enhance the overall polish of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me garners mixed but generally positive reviews for its replay value, thanks to branching narratives and multiple endings that encourage multiple playthroughs, especially in multiplayer mode. However, critics also highlight significant flaws: predictable outcomes, limited choice impact, and technical issues like needing to overwrite saves. While some enjoy the potential for varied experiences, many agree that the lack of engaging characters and a compelling story undermines overall appeal, making replayability feel less rewarding.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me present a mixed but generally positive sentiment among critics. Many reviewers highlight the game's potential for replayability through its branching narrative and multiple endings. For instance, IGN Spain and Hobby Consolas emphasize the significance of player choices affecting outcomes, which can motivate players to engage in multiple playthroughs. Critics like GameSpew and Adventure Game Hotspot also note the appeal of exploring different character fates and scenarios, especially with the inclusion of multiplayer modes. The ability to experience the game solo or with friends, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and SomosXbox, further enhances its replay value, making it a more engaging experience for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks that diminish the overall replay value. Many reviews, including those from IGN Adria and GameSkinny, express concerns about the lack of meaningful player choice and the predictability of outcomes, which can lead to a sense of stagnation in subsequent playthroughs. Shacknews and Gamersky mention technical limitations, such as the need to overwrite progress or start a new save to replay scenes, which can deter achievement hunters and casual players alike. Additionally, the reliance on binary choices, as noted by Dexerto and Finger Guns, can lead to frustrating experiences where earlier decisions feel less impactful, further limiting the incentive to replay. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that while The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me offers some replay value through its branching paths and multiplayer options, significant flaws hinder its potential. Critics like New Game Network and PC Games acknowledge the presence of multiple endings and collectible elements, yet they also highlight the lack of engaging characters and a compelling narrative as major deterrents. Ultimately, while the game has qualities that may attract fans of the series, many reviewers agree that the execution leaves much to be desired, making it less appealing for players seeking a rich and varied replay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me reveals a mixed reception among critics, with several highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.nl and We Got This Covered, praised the game for its compelling narrative and engaging horror elements, suggesting it stands out as a notable entry in the series. Critics like Xbox Achievements and XGN emphasized the quality of performances, strong dialogue, and impressive visuals, indicating that the game successfully builds upon its predecessors in certain areas. Additionally, Cubed3 described it as a masterful conclusion to the anthology, propelling many aspects of the series forward, which resonates with fans of horror media. Conversely, a significant number of critics expressed disappointment regarding various aspects of the game. For instance, SpazioGames and GameSkinny noted that The Devil in Me fails to innovate and lacks character depth, leading to a lackluster experience. Critics like Shacknews and Eurogamer Poland echoed these sentiments, labeling it a disappointing conclusion to the first season of the anthology and criticizing its reliance on shock value and jumpscares. Furthermore, Gamersky and IGN Adria pointed out issues with pacing and character engagement, suggesting that these flaws detracted from the overall horror experience. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while The Devil in Me has its merits, particularly in storytelling and atmosphere, it struggles with innovation and character development. Many reviews, such as those from GamingTrend and Digital Chumps, acknowledge that the game may appeal to dedicated fans of the series despite its shortcomings. However, the sentiment leans towards disappointment as several critics, including GamePro Germany and Everyeye.it, argue that it does not reach the heights of its predecessors or fulfill the potential of the anthology concept. Ultimately, The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me serves as a mixed bag, offering both engaging moments and notable flaws that leave critics divided on its overall success.

TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me garners a mixed response from critics. While praised for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and impressive visuals by outlets like Gamer.nl and Cubed3, it also faces criticism for lacking innovation and character depth, with several reviewers labeling it a disappointing conclusion to the anthology. The game appeals to dedicated fans but ultimately falls short of its predecessors, leaving critics divided on its overall success.

MONSTER

Reviews

151 reviews found

PC Invasion

Nov 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some flaws, The Devil in Me is considered one of Supermassive's best offerings, with engaging gameplay, a strong atmosphere, and unique character tools, making it a worthwhile experience.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Nov 20, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil In Me is considered one of the best entries in the series, with a compelling story, likable characters, and effective horror elements, making it memorable.

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Nov 30, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil In Me is a solid round-off to Season One of The Dark Pictures Anthology, with strong story and character work, immersive visuals, and enjoyable horror. The technical issues in online co-op mode detract from the experience, but it is still recommended for fans of the series.

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GameSpew

Nov 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil in Me is praised as a fantastic conclusion to the anthology, excelling in storytelling, character development, and horror elements.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Nov 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is considered the best entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology so far, with improved series mechanics and extended depth. It is praised for its acting, visual detail, sound design, and writing. It is recommended for fans of the series and the genre.

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Gaming Nexus

Nov 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil In Me is a strong finale for Season One of The Dark Pictures Anthology, recommended for horror fans despite minor technical issues.

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Gamer.nl

PlayStation 5

Nov 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil in Me is a captivating and innovative horror game that successfully combines storytelling and gameplay, despite some technical flaws. It sets a promising stage for the next season of the anthology.

God is a Geek

Nov 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil in Me is considered the best horror experience in the series, providing a tense and scary atmosphere with enough choices to keep players engaged, despite some shortcomings in gameplay mechanics.

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GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

Nov 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Devil In Me is the strongest episode in the Dark Pictures Anthology so far, offering an intense horror experience with a more realistic approach. Despite some questionable character motivations and a slow start, it is the best game from Supermassive Games to date.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Nov 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is considered a fitting end to the season and surpasses previous entries in the franchise. The storytelling and characterization are praised, while the movement is criticized for being stiff and the concept is seen as cliché.

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