Gothic horror full of magic and nightmares. Clive Barker’s Undying was a critical hit, but a financial flop

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Clive Barker’s Undying was conceived at DreamWorks Interactive, a studio linked to the renowned film company, which, under Steven Spielberg’s guidance, aimed to create a horror video game. Throughout its development, the title went through numerous transformations. Eventually published by Electronic Arts, the game captivated critics worldwide, yet it failed commercially. Despite being over two decades old, it still stands as an outstanding fusion of first-person shooter (FPS) and adventure action game elements, with an ambiance that many contemporary successes would find impressive.

Gothic horror story

In Clive Barker’s Undying, events unfold much like a traditional haunted house tale. The protagonist, Patrick Galloway – a war veteran with expertise in the occult – receives an invitation from a frontline buddy. This leads him to the residence of Jeremiah Covenant. It transpires that this friend has inherited the estate following the demise of his siblings. Remarkably, these deceased relatives continue to haunt their ancestral homes, all due to a ritual they performed in their youth as a harmless jest.

In Clive Barker’s Undying, the narrative is its most compelling aspect. However, unlike many games, it doesn’t provide all the information through dialogues or cutscenes. Instead, we piece together the story by examining old notes and utilizing Patrick’s magic. This magic allows him to uncover hidden truths, such as a family painting revealing a gruesome face or echoes of past events. The game also hints when to use the Scrye spell, subtly guiding us with whispers like “look” or “look around.

This discloses the destiny of the siblings, their inclination towards violent behavior, intrigue with occult practices, and gradual descent into insanity. In this instance, we encounter yet another captivating aspect of Clive Barker’s Undying – its enchanting ambiance.

Playing with fear

Outside, rain falls heavily while thunder growls ominously. The distressful cries of servants reverberate throughout the manor, causing a sense of unease. The player’s pulse races wildly. Initially, there are some cinematic effects. Here, we observe dimming lights, spectral figures that appear only in mirrors, and wind-tossed curtains concealing potential peril as they sway.

The role of sound design is crucial in the experience. Each menu option exit is followed by an unsettling melody that keeps us mindful of the terror at all times. The music score, composed by Bill Brown (famous for his work on Command & Conquer), harmoniously enhances the background noises during gameplay. The floor’s creaks, disgusting splashes when stepping into a pool of blood, and persistent howling all become more pronounced, making us jump frequently due to fear!

Thanks to these specific elements, you’ll find in “Clive Barker’s Undying” a darkness reminiscent of E.A. Poe, the cosmic terror of H.P. Lovecraft, and ultimately, the disturbing nightmares that are uniquely Clive Barker’s. Not only does the last author lend his name to the game, but he also infuses it with a distinctive style all its own.

Clive Barker dots the i’s and crosses the t’s

During the development phase, it was decided to bring on board the director and writer of the 1987 horror classic Hellraiser, who is also known for writing the Book of Blood short story collections. The studio felt it necessary to have someone with a strong narrative vision and effective event pacing management, so they considered recruiting another renowned horror author, Stephen King. However, they ultimately chose Clive Barker because his tales were deeply immersed in the realm of fantasy, as noted by Brady Bell, one of the game’s creators.

The original concept of the main character, Count Magnus Wolfram – a bald, tattooed eccentric, was discarded by the artist because, as the author stated, such a character didn’t resonate with the player’s identity. Instead, Barker sought characters that embodied human qualities and found “fabulously sexy” individuals for the role. This change transformed the stereotypical tough guy into an appealing Irishman, making his story more relatable and engaging.

The author played a significant role in developing ominous adversaries, managed the game’s peculiar narrative logic (especially in levels set in different dimensions), and made sure that the Covenant family evoked not only fear or disgust but also empathy. Barker infused the game with a distinct personality, providing players with an experience beyond mere action-packed shooting.

With a pistol and magic

As a gamer, I can tell you that Clive Barker’s Undying isn’t your typical run-and-gun shooter. Instead, it’s packed with elements reminiscent of survival horror and action-adventure genres. While there’s plenty of combat, the game also emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving, making it a unique gaming experience.

In battle, Patrick wields a weapon in his left hand, which is quite unconventional, as his right hand is employed for casting spells. Initially, he carries only a revolver. Later, a shotgun becomes available too, and so does an ancient scythe imbued with ominous power or… a Tibetan war cannon that resembles the head of a living dragon. Apart from inflicting significant damage, this weapon also slows down enemies. This arsenal consists of dynamite, assorted ammunition, and up to 8 spells that Patrick learns throughout various events.

In Clive Barker’s Undying, magic serves multiple purposes. The Invoke spell is primarily employed to eliminate the undead, however, when directed at living adversaries, it incites them to take their own lives. Conversely, Dispel disperses the influence of enemy spells and promptly eliminates enchanted foes from combat. By the game’s conclusion, magic metamorphoses Patrick into a renowned witch hunter wielding a scythe and possessing a speed-enhancing spell, which bears resemblance to BioShock, where we also employ weapons in conjunction with unique abilities.

Our adversaries, who are incredibly annoying, don’t make our lives any easier. Monkeys known as howlers can be killed with a single shot, but they’re tricky to hit due to their erratic movements. On the other hand, skeletons keep fighting even after being dismembered, which is quite unexpected during the initial encounters. Being surrounded by enemies usually means defeat, especially since each blow causes the screen to shake, making control difficult. So imagine how high your adrenaline can get when, attacked by claws, we find ourselves in a state of blind panic. Nevertheless, it’s sometimes worth dying to witness impressive finishers that older versions of Mortal Kombat wouldn’t be ashamed to showcase.

These locations are worth noting. The Covenant estate lingers in our memories for quite some time, be it marveling at its catacombs or fleeing through the misty courtyard. We also explore various realities such as Oneiros (hanging above the city ruins) and an ancient abbey (both its present form and its past iteration). The open spaces, unfortunately, lack appeal with their monotonous, uninteresting appearance. Yet, this minor flaw didn’t deter the game from receiving outstanding reviews.

Game reception and sale

In many instances, near-flawless ratings were given, leading experts to foresee a promising future for the movie Undying. The visuals and ambiance were highly appreciated, while Clive Barker’s involvement was often discussed. Regrettably, insufficient promotion of the title played a role in its financial failure.

Unfortunately, the multiplayer mode that was promised didn’t materialize in the game, which was one of its drawbacks. To clarify, the PlayStation 2 version and the second installment were unfortunately never released. It’s unfortunate because Clive Barker expressed interest in a sequel and the game’s ending left room for continuation.

In the realm of contemporary horror games that emulate a vintage feel, it’s worth exploring the masterpiece conceived by DreamWorks Interactive – Clive Barker’s Undying. Even with its somewhat lackluster graphics, the game offers an immersive experience through its sound design, narrative, and atmosphere. The potency of its suggestiveness remains striking to this day.

How to play Clive Barker’s Undying today?

The title isn’t hard to come by – you can discover it on auction platforms, but keep in mind that it isn’t particularly budget-friendly.

If you prefer a digital version, you might opt for the edition on GOG.com, which works with current systems (priced at $5.99). I went this route and encountered some audio problems, but since you have internet access, resolving such issues should be straightforward.

Despite passing many years, the acclaim for Clive Barker’s Undying remains amongst its fans. The game continues to evolve with mods, providing us an opportunity to experience the unique campaign (a prequel to the original), increase the resolution, or improve the texture quality. You can find links to intriguing projects on the game’s page in our encyclopedia. I’ve personally verified, it’s well worth exploring!

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2025-04-12 21:03