Penumbra: Black Plague

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Horror Elements: Many users praised the game's atmosphere, citing its ability to create psychological tension and fear without relying on jump scares. The sound design and environmental storytelling were highlighted as key elements that enhance the horror experience.
• Improved Gameplay Mechanics: The removal of the combat system from the previous game (Penumbra: Overture) was generally seen as a positive change, allowing for a greater focus on stealth and puzzle-solving, which heightened the sense of vulnerability and tension.
• Story and Narrative Depth: The game's story was described as engaging, with interesting twists and a more developed narrative compared to its predecessor. Players appreciated the gradual revelation of the plot and the emotional weight of the protagonist's journey.
• Puzzles: Users noted that the puzzles were clever and integrated well into the story, providing a satisfying challenge without feeling overly frustrating.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Some players reported bugs and crashes, particularly when running the game on Linux or using Proton, which affected their overall experience.
• Pacing and Direction: A few reviews mentioned that the game's pacing could be uneven and that players sometimes felt lost or confused about where to go next, leading to frustrating backtracking.
• Character and Writing Quality: While some appreciated the character of Clarence, others found his dialogue corny or annoying, detracting from the overall atmosphere. The writing was criticized by some as being weaker than in other Frictional Games titles.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Combat Mechanics: While the removal of combat was generally viewed positively, some players missed the ability to defend themselves, feeling that it limited gameplay variety and engagement with enemies.
• More Varied Enemy Encounters: Users noted that the game had fewer enemy types and predictable AI patterns, which reduced the tension during encounters. Some felt that the game could benefit from a greater variety of threats.
• Better Puzzle Design: Although many puzzles were praised, some players found certain puzzles to be obtuse or frustrating, indicating a desire for clearer hints or more intuitive designs.

Summary

• Overall, Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition is considered an improvement over its predecessor, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, narrative, and puzzle-solving, despite some technical issues and pacing concerns.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025