Below are user reviews of Clive Barker's Undying and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Clive Barker's Undying.
Column height indicates the number of reviews with a score within the range shown at the bottom of the column.
Higher scores (columns further towards the right) are better.
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User Reviews (131 - 141 of 141)
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Creepy fun
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 09, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Strictly my opinion but for those that like playing games such as: Thief, Alone in the dark, Doom.....Undying will deliver. The storyline is great with twists along the way and the rich environments make for good creepy exploration. The game is challenging without being impossible to advance if you pay attention and use clues. All and all I found Undying a title worthy to sit beside the others in it's genre.
A great game to lose yourself in for days
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 12, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Patrick Galloway, adventurer, set out to become a debunker of superstition and the supernatural. Instead, he becomes a believer- and a highly sought after expert at combating hostile forces from beyond this plane. It is for this reason that he returns to his native Ireland in 1923. His former commanding officer during the Great War, Jeremiah Covenant, has summoned his old friend to free his family of the ancient curse that threatens to destroy its every member.
Barker truly created a superb atmosphere in this game. It reminds one of a Lovecraft or Hodgson story, but with a generous helping of Barker's trademark creepiness mixed in. The overall plot, the main characters, the monsters, and above all, the level design are all first rate. The covenant mansion is probably the most intricately designed building that I've ever seen in a game, but you also have a huge monastery (which exists in two times), the family mausoleum, catacombs, lighthouse, pirates' lair, Oneiros (a dream dimension), the Land of Eternal Autumn, etc. The environments are incredibly large, detailed, and elaborate- you have entire worlds in this thing.
I somehow missed this game when it first came out in 2001. That is just as well. If, like me, your system will not run the latest games, then this is a chance to run something first rate that an older system can handle (you might also like to check out Heretic II- another overlooked gem.)
My only complaint is the load times. When you play this game you might like to keep a book or magazine handy. I've never seen so much loading in a level- or such long load times. It is almost like they tried to do too much with the technology available at the time.
An excellent shooter that delivers everything you would expect from the writing of Clive Barker.
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: June 11, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Undying was sadly overlooked by most PC gamers when it was first released. At a glance it looks like a rather straight forward shooter with a popular writer's name attached to it for that extra push. Fortunately Undying quickly becomes a memorable experience precisely because of Barker's presence. While the gameplay is interchangeable with any generic shooter the writing lifts the game above this label by injecting enough tension and horror to keep you constantly wrapped up in the story.
Rather than give a synopsis of the game's story I'd rather go into detail about what to expect in terms of "scares". One of the reasons why the game is so memorable to me is because it manages to create a feeling of dread all around you. There are moments where the old stand-by of a creature blind siding the player and giving him a quick jolt of adrenaline are used but these moments are thankfully kept to a minimum. For the most part the terror in the game comes from the wonderful use of atmosphere, particular in the outer planes section of the game. An opportunity to create a completely abstract realm is often wasted on designers that can't come up with anything other than a familiar interpretation of Judeo-Christian hell. Fortunately the outer planes resemble something more along the lines of limbo, with their suspended platforms floating amongst a red sky. The silence in these areas is almost as bone chilling as the creatures that inhabit it, providing a completely different atmosphere than that which can be found in the mansion and monastery.
I've focused mainly on the atmosphere thus far because it truly is the one outstanding aspect of this game. As mentioned before the gameplay is rather straight forward, with most of your arsenal involving human weapons and some magic spells to aid you along. These spells mainly stay in the defensive and passive categories with conventional (and later on not-so-conventional) weapons making up your main offensive arsenal. The graphics are solid, although they haven't aged well. The models in particular haven't done well. However, the level design and artwork are fantastic. Sound is where the game really shines, as with most horror games it is a big part of your experience and works wonders to immerse you, from the far-off howls of demonic creatures to the deafening silence of the wind calmly blowing in the outer planes.
A solid experience throughout, even if you generally don't enjoy First Person Shooters you may very well enjoy this game.
Scary as hell!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 11, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Horrorific timing, great graphics, slightly interesting plot, action-packed, clever, innovative. Scary scary!
A Game Ahead of its Time
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 04, 2006
Author: Amazon User
This game definately is one of a kind, mainly i think because it comes from the distorded mind of Clive Barker. Also though the mindblowing graphics for (2001), and the over all atmosphere is just out of this world, literally. The graphics engine used in the game are the same as used in the FPS game Quake, which this game belittles in every sense of the word. This game as with Doom 3 2 years back was way ahead of its time. Even today the graphics and gameplay pretty much can compete or put to shame anything on the market today when it comes to FPS's, yes even Doom 3 and Painkiller. While the game might be nearly as detailed as say Doom 3, although its not to far behind, the atmosphere is just so impressive you can feel yourself drawn into this Midevil Hell world, as is the same with Clive Barkers movies. Very Possesing. So after all this what could be bad? Well i wouldnt actually put bad per-say, its just with any game no matter how great it is there are some annoyances.
The Pros-Fascinating realistic graphics(superb), the atmosphere is one of the best i've ever played, or felt in any game. You can almost smell the air! Great gameplay, good camera(although turn off the mouse as when you get hit by creatures it will throw your angle all to hell if its left on). Good stroy line, strong dialogue, anywhere you shoot leaves something, a mark, a crack a hole etc. You don't just look in mirrors and always see yourself, you'll see ......hehe. Interaction with characters is brisk and to the point.
The Cons-Its not that the loading times between sections(levels) is to long its just there are way to many of them. Not sure how far along i am in this game but i've only encountered 3 different creatures thus far, and a few ghosts, hoping for more. Killing the howlers(the main beast) can get a bit repetative, but i'm sure as i said i'll encounter new creatures soon. Aim can be slighty off, not bad though. And lastly there needs to be more games like THIS!! or a sequel..ha.
So since none of this is what i would call "bad" i recommend this game to any FPS gamer or just plain gamer period. The last game that impressed me that much was Resident Evil 4, and this game came out nearly 4 years prior. Also look in the used game bin at EB or Gamestop(if they havent ridded themselves of used PC games yet). I got this copy for 1.99. What a hidden gem. Lucky me.:)
Unprecidented, and Unexpected Delight
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 17, 2008
Author: Amazon User
I know that this review is a many years late. Most people now will not have the pleasure of ever knowing this game if they missed it. Others will be turned of by the dated graphics, and lower system requirements than most games these days demand (Crysis, Bioshock etc.). I still feel compelled to write this review however, because Undying deserves nothing less than a standing ovation, but unfortunately never received one.
Originally I purchased undying with the expectation of another gory FPS (first person shooter) with supernatural enemies. Instead what I ended up with was a hybrid FPS-survival horror that had me jumping all throughout. No other games ever pulled of the same scares and atmosphere that Undying did for me. Believe me when I say that I'm no stranger to survival horror. Indeed I've indulged in almost every title the genre has pumped out same goes for FPS. I fancy myself a survival horror enthusiast and FPS connoisseur. This game filled both desires With excellence worthy of replay. True there is no multi-player, but the single-player experience more than makes up for that.
On a technical front:
The art direction is exquisite for its time as well as disturbingly rich in little details put into almost every texture. The enemies alone are simply horrifying incarnations of Clive Barker (creator of the Hellraiser series, The Midnight Meat Train, etc.)
The sounds are well produced with fantastic voice acting for all of the characters, and vicious or haunting shrieks and roars from the Demonic enemies. Not to mention an excellent soundtrack that only aids the games atmosphere.
The weapons are many and unique(Deaths' Scythe being my favorite). The game also handles its combat by left and right hand. What I mean is that one hand holds your guns while the other uses occult magic giving you two weapons at the same time, and both of which can be upgraded (Ammo types for one potency for the other.)
The games atmosphere shines as its brightest aspect in that its simply intense! The distant howls of the enemies, the dark hallways of the mansion, the dank moldy torch lit catacombs, the unreal demonic dimension, the symbolic and bloody horrors revealed to the user through use of scrye (Magic Spell), and the heart pounding ambushes that are thankfully not overused.
Honestly games these days that have tried to pull off the FPS-Survival horror Hybrid (Eg. F.E.A.R., Condemned, Doom 3) have been fun, but don't even come close to Undying! And in some cases left me disappointed. This game set the bar at a high level and though a few games have come close to it non have reached it yet. I'm always saddened by game magazine and website writers When they do their top 10 scariest games lists, and Undying isn't even mentioned, but alas Undying never had good publicity.
Obviously I Really enjoyed this game, and if your looking for a game that perfectly blends FPS with survival horror and manages a deep and intriguing story, look no further, This is the Game for you! Better get it before you miss out entirely.
This game was creepy wierd and fun.
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 31, 2008
Author: Amazon User
I loved Undying it is a blast to play. The interface is hard to get used to but when you do it is a breeze. Undying is based on the Quake 3 graphical engine so it performs smoothly and isn't choppy even when fighting multiple enemys. It worked great years ago on my parents pentium 3 with a nvidia mx200 graphics card and works like a dream on my 2 gig athalon with a geforce6200.
Dripping with Atmosphere
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: September 02, 2002
Author: Amazon User
To be honest, I have to say I was never really scared in this game. Maybe it's just never waiting until it was dark, or the quality of my screen, or something. Startled, yes, but I was never seriously freaked out.
However, terror is one facet of the game; take it away, and you've still got a game on incredible atmosphere.
The first level alone sets the mood. If you rush through it, then it takes all of ten seconds. But if you talk to the gardener, you'll hear an amusing tidbit. And if you listen carefully, as you walk under a lamp headed to the house, you'll here a gentle whisper. *look* So, you scrye (one of the first spells) and...
But, that would be telling, wouldn't it.
The weapons are also well done. With some exceptions (do the Phoenixes have enough screen time to get used?), each tool has it's own place throughout the game. You need many spells at times (haste and flight are essential for some puzzles), and will also find less essential uses for them. Although some of the spells are more useful (Skull Storm) then others (Lightning), and some weapons (Scythe of the Celt) are superior to others (Molotov Cocktail), by and large the tools are balanced. And, given a lack in multiplayer, by and large is all that's needed.
The story itself seems solid enough, though the end some how leaves one with more questions then answers...
In closing, this is one of those games that is far more then the sum of it's parts: excellent atmosphere, well designed weapons, and all other manner of good. A hearty recommendation.
Clive Barker's Undying Does Not Disappoint
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: May 07, 2002
Author: Amazon User
Innovative, clever and creative are three words that aptly describe the gameplay of Clive Barker's Undying. I kept finding myself saying "how clever!" at things this veteran gamer has never seen before. The boss killing was a bit redundant and the game was a little linear, but despite those flaws the game is great, spooky fun.
Spooky and original.
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 10, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Well, based on the story alone this game is worth getting.
Despite the now dated graphics, it is still a far better game than the newer Clive Barkers "Jericho".
Although both games share a few familiar elements, like the main character being able to use magic and also having some skill with conventional weapons.
This is a seriously under-rated game and should not be overlooked by anyone who wants to try something new and get freaked out at the same time.
I highly recommend this to both survival horror fans and FPS shooter fans alike.
The only downside is that some people may have trouble running this on some newer PC systems.
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