Alone in the Dark, a trailblazing survival horror game released in 1992, introduced players to distinctive characters integral to its immersive narrative. The protagonist, Edward Carnby, is a private investigator tasked with exploring the mysterious Derceto mansion. Carnby’s character design reflects the game’s early 3D graphics, featuring polygonal models that, at the time, represented a technological leap in video game visuals. His journey through the haunted mansion, encountering supernatural entities and solving puzzles, established him as an iconic figure in the horror gaming genre.

Apart from Carnby, players could also choose to play as Emily Hartwood, another investigator with her own unique perspective on the unfolding horror. The characters’ differing viewpoints added depth to the storytelling and provided players with distinct gameplay experiences. These protagonists, rendered in a cinematic style with limited pixel art resources, became foundational characters in the horror gaming genre, influencing the portrayal of protagonists in subsequent survival horror titles. The characters of “Alone in the Dark” remain noteworthy in the history of gaming, contributing to the evolution of narrative-driven horror experiences.