All Evil Night

All Evil Night is a first-person shooter action game set in a dark fantasy world, blending horror elements with intense combat. Players confront supernatural evils in a nightmarish environment, utilizing direct controls to navigate and survive against terrifying foes. Released for Windows and Linux in 2017, the game emphasizes atmospheric tension and fast-paced gameplay within its eerie, fantastical setting.

All Evil Night: Review

All Evil Night is a game that, despite its modest price and humble origins, has carved out a niche for itself in the horror shooter genre. Developed by Mikhail Ramanouski, this indie title offers a unique blend of nostalgic shooter mechanics and atmospheric horror, all wrapped up in a Halloween-themed package. Released in 2017, All Evil Night stands as a testament to what a single developer can achieve with a clear vision and a passion for the genre. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and ultimately, its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Studio and Creators’ Vision

All Evil Night was developed by Mikhail Ramanouski, a solo developer who took on the monumental task of creating a full-fledged game. The game’s development was a labor of love, with Ramanouski handling everything from programming to design and even the game’s promotional materials. The vision for All Evil Night was to create a horror shooter that harkened back to the classic shooters of the past while incorporating modern horror elements.

Technological Constraints of the Era

Released in 2017, All Evil Night benefited from the advancements in game engines like Unity, which allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed by smaller teams or even solo developers. The game’s use of Unity enabled Ramanouski to create a game that, while not graphically groundbreaking, was able to deliver a consistent and immersive experience.

Gaming Landscape at the Time of Its Release

The gaming landscape in 2017 was dominated by large-scale, AAA titles with massive budgets and even larger marketing campaigns. Indie games, however, were beginning to gain more traction, thanks in part to platforms like Steam, which made it easier for small developers to reach a global audience. All Evil Night, with its low price point and unique premise, was able to stand out in this crowded market.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot

All Evil Night tells the story of a cop who witnesses strange events near the city of Evilween on Halloween night. The player is sent to investigate reports of monsters flooding the streets and soon finds themselves in a nightmarish world filled with creatures straight out of a horror movie. The narrative is straightforward, serving more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a complex story.

Characters

The protagonist is a nameless cop, and the game features a variety of enemy types, each designed to evoke a sense of dread and horror. The enemies range from twisted, monstrous creatures to more humanoid forms that are equally unsettling. The lack of a deep character backstory allows the player to focus more on the gameplay and the atmosphere.

Dialogue

Dialogue in All Evil Night is minimal, with the game relying more on environmental storytelling and atmospheric cues to convey its narrative. This approach works well, as it allows the player to immerse themselves in the game’s world without being pulled out of the experience by lengthy cutscenes or exposition.

Themes

The primary themes of All Evil Night revolve around fear, the unknown, and the horrors that lurk in the dark. The game’s setting on Halloween night adds an extra layer of tension, as the player is constantly on edge, expecting something to jump out at them from the shadows. The game also explores the idea of the mundane turning into the terrifying, as the player navigates familiar environments that have been twisted into something sinister.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

All Evil Night is a first-person shooter with a focus on survival and exploration. The game features 13 levels, each filled with enemies, puzzles, and secrets to uncover. The core gameplay loop involves navigating through these levels, finding keys and items, and battling enemies to progress.

Combat

Combat in All Evil Night is fast-paced and intense. The player has a variety of weapons at their disposal, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The game encourages players to be strategic in their use of ammo and to conserve resources, as supplies are scarce. The enemy AI is designed to be challenging, with enemies often attacking in groups and using environmental hazards to their advantage.

Character Progression

There is no traditional character progression system in All Evil Night. Instead, the game focuses on providing a consistent challenge throughout its levels. The player can choose from different difficulty settings, which affect the enemy health and damage output, adding replayability to the game.

UI

The user interface in All Evil Night is minimalistic, with a health bar and ammo counter being the primary elements. This design choice helps to keep the player immersed in the game’s world, as they are not constantly bombarded with on-screen information.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the innovative aspects of All Evil Night is its use of a “mystical atmosphere” to enhance the horror elements. The game’s sound design and lighting effects work together to create a sense of dread and unease. However, the game’s controls can feel a bit clunky at times, and the enemy AI can be unpredictable, leading to moments of frustration.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The game is set in a variety of environments, including gloomy forests, dark caves, a cemetery, and crypts. Each location is designed to evoke a sense of horror and isolation, with the player often feeling like they are the only person left in a world overrun by monsters.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in All Evil Night is one of its strongest points. The game’s use of lighting, sound effects, and environmental design all work together to create a sense of dread and unease. The game’s Halloween setting adds an extra layer of tension, as the player is constantly on edge, expecting something to jump out at them from the shadows.

Visual Direction

The visual style of All Evil Night is reminiscent of classic shooters, with a focus on functionality over flashy graphics. The game’s art direction is effective in creating a sense of horror, with the enemies and environments all designed to be unsettling and disturbing.

Sound Design

The sound design in All Evil Night is exceptional. The game’s use of ambient sounds, such as the wind howling through the trees or the distant screams of the damned, helps to create a sense of immersion. The soundtrack is minimalistic, with the game relying more on sound effects to convey its atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception at Launch

All Evil Night received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s atmosphere and sound design but criticized its controls and enemy AI. The game’s low price point and unique premise helped it to find an audience, but it never became a breakout hit.

Evolution of Its Reputation

Over time, All Evil Night has gained a cult following among horror fans and shooter enthusiasts. The game’s unique blend of nostalgia and modern horror has resonated with players, and it has become a beloved title in the indie horror genre.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

All Evil Night’s influence can be seen in other indie horror shooters that have followed in its footsteps. The game’s focus on atmosphere and environmental storytelling has become a staple of the genre, and its use of a minimalistic UI has been adopted by other developers looking to create immersive experiences.

Conclusion

All Evil Night is a game that, despite its flaws, has carved out a niche for itself in the horror shooter genre. Its unique blend of nostalgia and modern horror, combined with its exceptional atmosphere and sound design, make it a standout title in the indie scene. While it may not have achieved widespread critical acclaim, it has found a dedicated following among horror fans and shooter enthusiasts. In the grand tapestry of video game history, All Evil Night stands as a testament to what a single developer can achieve with a clear vision and a passion for their craft. It is a game that, while not perfect, is deserving of recognition for its contributions to the genre and its enduring appeal.