Abduction Chapter 1

[Leu Radu]

I've finally played through your entire custom story. It is probably the one I enjoyed the most, so far. I have quite a few observations to make.

Spoiler below!

In terms of general design: the idea is good. As in Amnesia, you use a main hall, where the player can relax (and that is much needed in this custom story), and branch out to different places trying to finish the main objective.

But the area design was not that great. The same "stuck door", same closets for hiding, same search for keys. Rooms were maybe too empty (shelves in water part, for ex) and quite repetitive too, but I don't see that as a problem (it is in more credible, in a way). The carpet texture are way too stretched, it is very obvious for the big rooms. Some doors were intentionally blocked by objects (barrels in the cellar), but the player can simply push through.

The cellar was quite special though. Hiding was much more intense because it was only possible near a light source. The player is more like counting on luck, hoping that the monster doesn't get too near.

Excellent use of lighting! The atmosphere created by lighting in the corridors is quite tense (seeing the ends, having light at turns, alternating dark/lit spots). Unfortunately, there is also much light going through walls where it shouldn't. I was even able to spot a red glass piece this way, and knew the general route to it.

There were a few exceptional moments. The one in the study, where you see books flying around, was shocking for me. Picking the first red glass piece was as well. I believe a chase would have followed after that, but I outran the monster too much (was quite surprised and scared though). I reached the door to the main hall, and waited half a minute to see what happens. The monster did not show up. I guess it should have been much faster in that scene.

While some monster appearances were special, most were repetitive (hiding quick, usually in the closet). At a certain point they became obvious (once you pick a new object or open up a new area, it will appear).

The main hall, or Atrium, is maybe too simple, almost symmetrical. The lighting there is unreal (small corridors leading too Dinning Hall, Archives have no real lighting, should be dark).

The water part is just a copy of the original one, but it is still enjoyable.

I also noticed a couple of bugs. In the study, after you open a blocked door with a crowbar, it keeps saying "blocked due to broken lock" if you use it. Also, in the prison, it only gives you the "puzzle solved", relief moment if you exit through the broken bar. I used boxes to climb over the whole grates.

Story-wise, the first part was quite good. I really liked the beginning, it's a good idea. Also, the diaries in the prison were good and were fit for the story. From there on, story was neglected. In case you are lacking ideas for future custom stories, I would like suggest reading the works of some good horror writers: H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Ambrose Bierce, Clive Barker, Stephen King. Ideas will just flow easily after experiencing such horrors.

I don't intend to bring you down with so many comments, many of them might be personal feelings. This was just my feedback on your story, which I must say I enjoyed very much. Thank you! I'm looking forward to your next one.