Genre: Action-adventure
Developer: GameSquad
Publisher: Cryo Interactive Entertainment
Year: 2000
Platform: PC
The Devil Inside is a third-person action-adventure game with a unique blend of horror and television show aesthetics. The player takes control of Dave Cooper, a reporter for a sensationalist TV program, who investigates a series of murders linked to supernatural events. Dave is accompanied by his alter ego, Deva, a demonic female persona with distinct abilities. The game alternates between the two characters, each with different combat styles and capabilities, adding variety to the gameplay.
Set primarily inside a large, eerie mansion and its surrounding areas, The Devil Inside features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and fast-paced combat against supernatural enemies such as zombies and other demonic creatures. The player must switch between Dave and Deva to progress, as certain situations require specific skills, whether it be Dave’s firearms expertise or Deva’s melee attacks and supernatural powers.
The game’s presentation is framed as a live TV broadcast, with on-screen graphics, commentary, and audience reactions, creating a distinctive atmosphere. This framing device adds a layer of satire and parody to the otherwise horror-themed narrative. Levels are designed with both linear action sequences and areas that allow for some exploration, often leading to key items or secrets.
Upon release in 2000, The Devil Inside received mixed reviews. Critics praised its originality, quirky humor, and the dual-character mechanic, but some found the controls and camera system cumbersome. Despite its flaws, the game gained a small cult following for its unusual concept and blend of horror and comedy elements.
