Amnesia: Rebirth

Contrary to its title, games in this series are very hard to forget, since it tapped into its audience's fears on an almost primal level. Now, after a couple of spinoffs, the series is back in full, frightening glory with Amnesia: Rebirth. Set well after the events of the first game, Rebirth is exactly what a sequel should be. It takes the key elements of the original and improves on them in almost every way. From the opening moments, Rebirth feels bigger in scope and more emotionally charged. The Algerian desert setting offers up a variety of environments. While the signature claustrophobic corridors and dark shadows are ever present, there are also moments of bright, open areas with vibrant colors. The game has a new attention to detail that pulls the player deeper into the experience. For example, it's almost mesmerizing to watch as a matchstick slowly burns its way down to Tasi's fingertips, watching the wood curl and the light of the flame flicker its last gasps of life.

Rebirth brings back the sanity element of the original game, though more appropriately calling it "fear." As Tasi's forced to move through dark shadows, stumble across scattered corpses and other visceral scenes of violence, or hide from the bloodthirsty ghouls hunting her, her level of fear rises. Players see this expressed when her vision begins to blur and lose focus, and she begins to hear strange noises scratching in her head. Without careful moderation, Tasi's fear can take over, causing her to panic and even fly into a rage, injuring herself or even causing her death. There are a few ways to ease these fears, including one that dives deep into spoiler territory, but reminds players that Tasi is fighting for more than her own survival. The way the game handles the struggle to cope with paralyzing fear and still overcome obstacles is fantastic. It's also a key part of the storytelling, which keeps players' interests as the plot as Tasi's past comes to light along with her connection to the ancient evil that stalks her. Amnesia: Rebirth is inviting, but it's an invitation that should come with a warning. Because what lies ahead is horror on both a psychological and visceral scale that's sure to fuel nightmares.