Deadly Premonition Origins Review
Release date: September, 4th 2019
Developer: TOYBOX
Platforms: Switch (Reviewed), 360, PS3, PC
Price: $29.99
Often times Twin Peaks and Deadly Premonition are compared side by side. The game was originally released for 360 and PS3 and it brings it’s odd brand of quirkiness to Switch. The Gamers Lounge has jumped back in head first to see what the Switch port brings to the table.
Deadly Premonition Origins has this odd charm. This game still reminds me of a cheesy bad B movie that's full of flaws but it's still entertaining. Gamers play as Francis York Morgan who is an FBI agent sent to investigate a murder in the small town of Greenvale. Throughout the investigation the bodies pile up and supernatural phenomena keeps happening.
I didn't get far in the version that was on the PS3. Players will wander around the town and interact with NPCs; some of this can be only done at certain times in the game. Deadly Premonition has its own in game clock and weather system and this means York has to rest and eat as well. Some of the NPCs players meet are so strange and the voice acting can be so bad it's like playing Resident Evil all over again. There is some driving and my goodness it's terrible so sluggish. This might have been part of the game I disliked the most.
One of the things I really remember from the PS3 version was the combat. It reminds me of Resident Evil 3, bad camera and stubby controls. The combat in Deadly Premonition takes place in the other world, which should remind gamers of parts of Silent Hill. Players will quickly discover York cannot move and shoot but at least the FBI pistol he carries has unlimited ammo. Make the shots count, most of the enemies are low moving and later on players have access to better weaponry. Some things I had read said players can avoid enemies but I was worried about running into a crowd.
Did I mentioned York has a split personality? He spends a lot of time talking to someone named Zach. This seems to serve as narration and helps to move the odd story along. This just adds to the strangeness in the game and based on some of this it's probably related to the development hell it went through. Even after replaying this game I kept chuckling and thinking its so bad, at least Deadly Premonition is fun.
I think players can enjoy the game if they can overlook the odd controls and many other quirks. Think of Deadly Premonition as a blend of Alan Wake, Twin Peaks, a B movie and a low budget Resident Evil game and there is something here. This game is getting a sequel on the Switch so gamers can expect more strange things in 2020.
Big thanks for the developer for letting us review this game.
Final Score
Pros:
Its Unique
Blend of several game styles
Cons:
Controls are rough
Voice acting can be pretty bad
Driving is terrible