Nostalgia can evoke warm memories within the gaming community, but it also has the power to unveil harsh truths when the lens of childhood fades. Casper Croes’ Alisa boldly walks this fine line, fueled by a clear love for 90s 3D survival horror classics. While it sometimes ventures into frustrating territory, Alisa delivers a nostalgic journey filled with moody atmosphere, intricate puzzles, and the familiar challenge of tank controls.
Overall Impressions
From the moment you start Alisa, its visual style immediately pays homage to iconic titles like Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark. Players familiar with exploring the haunted streets of Raccoon City on the original PlayStation will find its retro vibe both comforting and slightly fresh. The game’s retro graphics, paired with an unsettling atmosphere created by meticulous level design, form the foundation of its enduring appeal.
That said, the combat system introduces some frustration. Issues such as clunky camera angles, inconsistent aiming, and overly fast enemy movements elevate the challenge to a level that can detract from the otherwise immersive experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
Alisa faithfully replicates the mechanics of its predecessors while incorporating modern elements. For example, its Souls-like blocking and enemy-stunning mechanics add complexity to combat, without straying too far from the game’s retro roots.
Interestingly, the game enforces inventory management through a unique money system. Defeating enemies yields money, which players use to purchase essentials like ammo, weapons, and outfits. However, this system introduces a divisive mechanic: spending money on saving the game. This choice can limit player freedom and increase tension.
Story & Characters
The narrative in Alisa thrives on mystery, offering players cryptic details as they advance. Its unsettling atmosphere heightens the suspense, creating a sense of unease that encourages players to stay vigilant while exploring.
Visuals & Graphics
Graphically, Alisa succeeds in capturing the essence of the PS1 era. While it cannot compete with modern survival horror titles in terms of technical fidelity, it wasn’t designed to. Instead, it embraces nostalgia, channeling the creativity and charm that defined games of the era.
Sound & Music
The haunting art style finds an ideal companion in the somber musical score, which subtly amplifies the game’s foreboding tone. However, the absence of voice acting stands out as a missed opportunity, slightly reducing the depth of immersion.
Difficulty & Replayability
Surviving in the world of Alisa is by no means an easy feat. The steep difficulty curve is partially caused by the obtuse combat and stackable save system. Conversely, the challenge is partially softened by the game’s “new game+” and a good reward system that encourages exploration and resource management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alisa is a game that attempts to embrace the retro appeal of the survival horror genre while introducing its own elements and style. It’s not flawless; the combat, in particular, will likely prove a sticking point for many. However, its immersive atmosphere, faithfully recreated aesthetic, and intriguing narrative lend a captivating charm that will surely resonate with survival horror preservationists.
After careful consideration, based on the criteria elaborated, I am bestowing Alisa with a solid 3.5/5 stars. It’s an admirable tribute to an era fondly remembered, with a few missteps that prevent it from achieving true greatness. That said, for the fans of hardcore survival horror and golden age enthusiasts, Alisa presents as a tantalizing glimpse into horror gaming’s past.
