Penumbra: Overture - Episode 1

Frictional Games announces "Penumbra - Overture"

(Helsingborg, Sweden, 24th of August 2006)
Frictional Games proudly announces that a commercial version of Penumbra, named Penumbra - Overture, is in the works.

Penumbra is an innovative first person horror game utilizing physics for interaction and puzzles. The game is set on Greenland where the protagonist searches for information regarding his late father. Previously released as a tech demo, Penumbra gained over a quarter of a million downloads world wide. It has been very well received and called one of the scariest games ever.

Penumbra - Overture will feature major updates in both gameplay and graphics. Gameplay additions include a melee combat system, greatly improved AI and more stable physics. The already powerful graphics engine will boost even more next-generation features creating a very realistic experience. Notable features include full real-time lighting, motion blur, depth of field and advanced fogging.

Right now Frictional Games is looking for a publisher and plan to release Penumbra - Overture sometime in 2007.

Source:

Press release (24th August 2006)

Episodic Cliff Hangers - Penumbra: Overture

Bath, 2nd October 2006 – Lexicon Entertainment, the rapidly emerging UK independent publisher, is pleased to announce the signing of Penumbra: Overture, an episodic series of PC adventure games.

Developed by Swedish developer Frictional Games, Penumbra: Overture is an enthralling first person action adventure using an advanced and internally developed real-time 3D engine which conveys player freedom and immersion aiding an already captivating storyline where the player has to use his/her wits to guide the protagonist on his quest to unravel the past.

The first episode takes place in an underground facility on Greenland where the player finds himself alone, confused and with no way to get out. Something is wrong… where is everyone, and what are those strange noises?

It has been two weeks since Philip's mother died when he receives a letter from his late father, whom he never met, telling him to retrieve a book in a safe-deposit box and burn it. Intrigued he ignores the request and studies the book intensely, discovering clues that points to a place in Greenland and after much thought Philip decides to go there. Arriving in Greenland and certainly unprepared he almost instantly gets lost in a blizzard. Nearing exhaustion and frantic as hypothermia starts to wash over his body he stumbles upon a strange metal hatch. Convinced this hatch is what he is looking for, Philip enters. As he descends into the depths of the unknown, what started out as a quest for the past turns into a struggle for survival.

Penumbra: Overture offers intuitive and challenging gameplay using immersive mouse movement interaction. This allows the player to open, pull, push and in other ways manipulate the game objects in a motion similar to doing it in real life. This type of interaction has never before been used in a game and makes the puzzles a lot more fun and the game more immersive.

You are on your own, except for some dangerous creatures and will survive and succeed on your guile. There will not be any direct character conversations and you learn about what is going on through radio transmissions, notes, and books and by examining the environment.

Penumbra: Overture is not about mindless violence, although there will be occasions when you will have to face a number of truly horrifying and unpleasant creatures and combat is implemented in such a way that an enemy is very hard to kill. Trying to use a weapon is really a last resort. At best the player will manage to knock the enemy out for a short time period allowing her/him to escape and hide. Various objects in the environment will also be useful for stopping enemies. Rocks can be thrown and heavy boxes can be pushed over enemies. There are also inventive actions like being able to break a beam and thereby letting large rocks fall onto an enemy. These are just a few measures you may have to undertake to get out of a dangerous encounter.

Features of the game include:

• Immersive and stimulating story.

• Cutting edge 3D graphic technologies with an advanced physics system

• Detailed and highly interactive environments – caves, abandoned mines, snowy outsides, a fishing boat, and much more.

• Advanced AI that lets the enemies use the environment and work together.

• Environmental audio system to heighten the senses

• Focusing on players using their wits rather than mindless violence.

• Varied puzzles, some based on physics, with many different ways and tactics to solve each.

• Tutorial level to learn and understand game mechanics with new mouse movement manipulation for a fuller experience.

Penumbra: Overture uses an in-house developed 3D engine, featuring next-gen technologies such as motion-blur and depth of field. It is also packed with the standards of today: normal mapping, bloom, specular and dynamic shadows and lightning. Using the Newton Game Dynamics physics engine, Penumbra brings you some of the best physics found in a game to date, not only do they function as eye-candy, physics is heavily integrated into the interaction mechanisms and audio systems.

Penumbra: Overture will keep players on the edge as they have to explore scary and immersive environments never knowing what is behind the next corner. With a highly detailed world, as well as a story that will intrigue, making the player feel part of the world as secrets are uncovered. Fans of this genre will find it hard to put down!

An emotionally charged experience that will continue on through three episodic releases that will have you coming back for more……….

Release date: Q1 2007

Price: 19:99 Euros

Rating: TBC

Source:

Press release (2nd October 2006)

Got Game Entertainment Brings "Penumbra: Overture" to Light in North America

**Set in an icy maze of brain-teasing puzzles and clever clues, this horror-adventure game for the PC promises a March 2007 filled with chills and thrills

Weston, CT – December 20, 2006** - Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced a North American publishing deal for "Penumbra: Overture", in collaboration with Lexicon Entertainment, UK publishers of this first person, horror-adventure game for the PC. With a focus on immersive story and brain-teasing puzzles, "Penumbra: Overture" leads you to a strange metal hatch in the middle of a frozen wasteland. Step into the hatch and step into the shadows of the unknown where only your wits will unravel the mysteries of this cold catacomb. Developed by Frictional Games, "Penumbra: Overture" features cutting-edge technology which allows the player to open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects, and more using natural mouse movements, creating a highly interactive game world. "Penumbra: Overture" is scheduled for release March 2007 and will make its retail debut at $19.99 (USD). The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

"Penumbra: Overture" places you in the role of Philip, who, following the death of his mother, receives a letter from a dead man – his father. The letter insists he burn a particular book, but Philip studies it instead. Following clues in the book, he is led to Greenland. Caught in a deadly snow storm, he finds refuge – or so he thinks – in a strange metal hatch in the snow. Stepping into the hatch, Philip steps into the unknown where he must use his wits to solve puzzles and unravel the mysteries of his past.

"The innovative technology developed by Frictional Games for 'Penumbra: Overture' makes this one of the most exciting and unique adventure games we've brought to market," said Got Game President Howard Horowitz. "For those players who want to just slightly open a door and peek inside a room, this technology allows that – and who knows what may be peeking back!"

For more information, visit www.PenumbraOverture.com .

Source:

Press release (20th December 2006)

Swedish developer premieres game on Gamer's Gate

**Penumbra: Overture to be released in March

Stockholm, Sweden (February 2, 2007)** – Digital community platform Gamer's Gate, announced today that it has signed a new exciting title by Swedish developer Frictional Games. First out in a series of games, "Penumbra: Overture" is guaranteed to keep players on edge as they explore its scary and immersive environment.

Played from a first person viewpoint, the captivating story line introduces challenging mind puzzles in a detailed world where secrets are uncovered.

The 3D engine utilises cutting edge technology as well as an advanced physics system, where the mouse replicates natural movements to create a highly interactive and life-like game world. The same technique is applied to the weapon system, where the mouse serves to give players an increased realistic feel of combat.

Fighting enemies is not something best done with brute force though, in most situations fighting is a last resort and the player is often better using his/her wits. The enemy AI will also do its best to hunt and scare the player. Horrific creatures encountered can break down doors, use group co-ordination, interact with the physics and much more.

Penumbra: Overture will be released in the end of March and will retail for €19.99/$19.99.

Source:

Press release (2nd February 2007)

Demo released and Gold master done

(Helsingborg Sweden, 9th Mars 2007) The Swedish independent game company, Frictional Games, proudly announces that Penumbra: Overture - Episode One has gone gold today and has been sent off to manufacturing.

A Demo for the game has also been released and the English version can be downloaded from: http://www.penumbra-overture.com/demo.htm

Penumbra: Overture is an innovative first person survival horror game using advanced physics interaction. Instead of relying on combat as the main gameplay element Penumbra focuses on puzzles, exploration and enemies have to be dealt with by using wits rather than brute strength. This creates a unique experience in an atmospheric and scary game world.

Penumbra tells the story of Philip, who in search of his presumed dead father uncovers more than he could ever had imagined. Trapped in an underground complex below the icy wastelands of Greenland, Philip needs to not only fight for his survival, but for his sanity as well.

Penumbra: Overture is to be released in 3 episodes during 2007-2008, the first being released the 30th this month. More information can be found at: http://www.penumbra-overture.com/

Publisher: Lexicon Entertainment

Price (UK): £14:99

Release date: 30/3/2007

Source:

Press release (9th March 2007)

Step Into The Unknown...

Montreal, Canada. March 19, 2007. Software Publisher Strategy First Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSTR), and the Swedish Independent Developer Frictional Games, are happy to announce the signing of “Penumbra: Overture”. The agreement gives Strategy First Worldwide digital marketing and distribution rights of “Penumbra: Overture”.

“Penumbra: Overture” will follow up with two sequels over the course of one year. The first person adventure horror game has already generated a strong following and is sure to leave fans looking forward to the future sequels.

“We are thrilled to be releasing ‘Penumbra: Overture’ on Strategy First's online distribution network, and we look forward to working with them. The demo has been receiving excellent feedback and we are excited for the launch. Our team has worked hard on this project and it's an incredible feeling to be so close to its final release,” says Thomas Grip of Frictional Games.

“Put your puzzle making skills to the test, your life may depend on it! Penumbra Overture is a new type of adventure horror game that allows you to solve problem in many different ways. We are very excited to bring this game to the online marketplace,” says Brock Beaubien, Game Producer at Strategy First.

Penumbra: Overture is an innovative first person survival horror game using advanced physics interaction. Instead of relying on combat as the main gameplay, Penumbra focuses on puzzles and exploration, using wits to fight off enemies, rather than brute force, creating a unique experience and surreal atmosphere of a scary game world.

Penumbra tells the story of Philip, who while in search of his presumed dead father, uncovers a dark world. Trapped in an underground complex below the icy wastelands of Greenland, Philip fights for his survival and sanity.

Features:* Dynamic Lighting and Shadows

• Next-Gen Graphical features such as Motion blur and Depth of Field

• Innovative physical interaction system

• Dynamic Music handler / mixer

• Advanced AI with an ability to sense its surroundings.

• Environmental Sound system using physics to mix realistic sounds.

• Detailed and Atmospheric Environments.

• State of the art interaction system.

• Thrilling blend of Puzzles and Action, with various solutions.

• Dark secrets to be discovered.

• Over 8 hours of Gameplay

Visit us today and pre-order your copy of “Penumbra: Overture” for only $19.99 and receive a free download of “Star Fury.” This promotion is available until

March 30th, 2007, only at http://store.digitalriver.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayPage&Locale=en_US&SiteID=srategyf&id=ShoppingCartPage

For more information on “Penumbra: Overture” please visit http://www.strategyfirst.com/en/games/penumbraep1

Source:

Press release (19th March 2007)

Glitter in the Shadows as Got Game Entertainment Announces“Penumbra: Overture” Goes Gold

Adventure game fans steady their nerves and ready their wits as this haunting game for the PC prepares for its North American release

Weston, CT – April 18, 2007 - Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced that “Penumbra: Overture”, its first-person, suspense-adventure game for the PC, has gone gold. Heralded as the first game to successfully combine the mechanics of a first-person shooter with the puzzles and story of an adventure game, “Penumbra: Overture” leads you to a strange metal hatch in the middle of a frozen land. Step into the hatch and step into the shadows of the unknown where only your wits will unravel the mysteries of this cold catacomb. Developed by Frictional Games and published in North America by Got Game Entertainment, in collaboration with Lexicon Entertainment, “Penumbra: Overture” is scheduled for release May 7, 2007 and will make its retail debut at $19.99 (USD). The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

“Penumbra: Overture” places you in the role of Philip, who, following the death of his mother, receives a letter from a dead man – his father. The letter insists he burn a particular book, but Philip studies it instead. Following clues in the book, he is led to Greenland. Caught in a deadly snow storm, he finds refuge – or so he thinks – in a strange metal hatch in the snow. Here, the game begins, as your adventure comes alive with cutting-edge game technology, allowing for maximum environment interaction, along with intricately detailed graphics, clever, brain-teasing puzzles, and an immersive, spellbinding story.

For more information, visit www.PenumbraOverture.com.

About Got Game Entertainment

Founded by Howard Horowitz, Got Game Entertainment, LLC is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment games. With the release of games such as "Penumbra: Overture", Got Game Entertainment continues its commitment to bringing to market quality games offering exceptional entertainment. For more information on the company and its games, visit www.GotGameEntertainment.com.

Source:

Press Release (Apr. 18, 2007)

Penumbra: Overture Ships to North American Retail

WESTON, CT – May 8, 2007 – Got Game Entertainment today announced that “Penumbra: Overture”, a suspense-adventure game for the PC, combining the mechanics of a first-person shooter with the puzzles and story of an adventure game has shipped to North American retail. The game places you in the role of Philip, who receives a letter from a dead man – his father. The letter insists he burn a particular book, but Philip studies it instead. Following clues in the book, he is led to a strange metal hatch in the piercing cold of Greenland's frozen wastelands. Below, in a maze of mines, Philip must use his wits to solve the secrets of the enigmatic inhabitants and unravel the mysteries of his father’s death. “Penumbra: Overture” debuts at a suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD) and is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB for Blood and Gore/Language/Violence.

“Penumbra: Overture” features an immersive, spellbinding story, cutting-edge advanced physics system for maximum environment interaction, intricately detailed graphics, and clever, brain-teasing puzzles. When you step into the hatch, you step into the shadows of the unknown where your wits must unravel the mysteries of these cold catacombs.

“As the first game to successfully combine the FPS and adventure genres, ‘Penumbra: Overture’ blends the best of both worlds” said Got Game President Howard Horowitz. “With action thrills and story chills, this game defines the word ‘adventure'".

For more information on "Penumbra: Overture", visit www.PenumbraOverture.com.

About Got Game Entertainment

Founded by Howard Horowitz, Got Game Entertainment, LLC is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment games. With the release of games such as "Penumbra: Overture", Got Game Entertainment continues its commitment to bringing to market quality games offering exceptional entertainment. For more information on the company and its games, visit www.GotGameEntertainment.com

Source:

Press Release (May 8, 2007)

Край земли. Холод. Тьма. Выход?

Кругом только шахты и темнота, позади - жуткий вой собак. Или это не собака? Последние полчаса они идут за мной. Прячутся во тьме, выжидают. Мне нужно оружие, оружие дает надежду. Надежду, что я выберусь отсюда, выживу. Я должен выжить. Черт, что за звук? Кто это шумит за дверью? Как убить эту проклятую тварь?!

Мрачная и мистическия история в самой страшной игре года - триллере "Пенумбра 1. Истоки зла"

Source:

http://games.1c.ru/penumbra1/