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It’s nice to have something to do other than run away. In addition to more evolved AI for Slenderman, other threats are woven into the story, and defensive tactics with the flashlight mix up the challenge for players when things get dicey. Blue Isle has overhauled the opponents as well. The story is considerably more detailed in Slender: The Arrival, with a defined narrative and characters to help elevate the suspense and surprises beyond jump scares and foot-chases. Reduce Shadow Quality, Motion Blur, and SSAO for higher frame rates on modest hardware.
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There’s even a remake of the original game hidden as an Easter egg in the first level. In addition to wandering the dark woods, we are treated to ransacked houses, abandoned mines, creepy shacks and flaming forests. Environments are more varied and rendered in considerably higher detail. The controls still consist of WASD and mouse, but default movement rates feel faster this time around. The core “run around with a flashlight” mechanic from Slender: The Eight Pages remains, but enjoys substantial improvements. The mythos is realized here as a first-person, stealth survival game with adventure story elements juxtaposed as cutscenes and clue items uncovered along the way.
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