Adventure gaming evolved.

The adventure genre is slowly evolving, and it’s titles like Penumbra: Black Plague that are pushing it in bold new directions. Foregoing the traditional model of static backgrounds and pixel-hunting puzzle mechanics, the folks at developer Frictional Games are doing what few others are—adapting the cerebral gameplay of traditional adventure games into full 3D environments, complete with sophisticated physics and atmospheric lighting. While the final product won’t be released until early 2008, it’s evident that it’s shaping up to be a fitting entry in the series.

Black Plague picks up after the events of Penumbra: Overture. It follows the story of Philip, a man in search of answers regarding his father’s disappearance some 30 years ago. Without spoiling the plot thus far, let’s just say things haven’t gone so well for our protagonist, as he begins this episode waking up on a grubby mattress in a small, dimly lit cell. Using the clues around him, he escapes his prison only to venture through a decrepit underground lab full of dangerous situations.

The environments in Penumbra: Black Plague are chilling. Junk is scattered about every room, telling a vague story of unseen horrors. To put players in Philip’s shoes, the developers require players to manipulate objects via virtual hand. If there’s a drawer to be opened, you must first grasp the handle and pull the mouse toward you to yank it open. Want to reach something just out of your grasp? You’ll have to drag a chair into position and climb onto it. The demo we played showcased some clever physics puzzles in the vein of Half-Life 2, while maintaining an ample level of fear and suspense.