The preview segment offered full access to the entire mansion (albeit with a few locked drawers that I was unable to open), including a gallery and the basement area under the kitchen that weren't present in the demo. Unfortunately, there was no option to explore any of the buildings outside, such as the greenhouse, chapel and crypt, which I was eager to see. Then again, given the increasingly unsettling nature of the new manor rooms, perhaps it was better on my nerves that I didn't.

Scratches is looking very promising, that much is certain. The game looks visually stunning, makes expert use of sound, features a number of challenging puzzles and manages to create a sense of tension that is rarely achieved in the genre. With a North American publishing deal lined up with Got Game, the full game is set to reach store shelves in early March. So get ready to turn off the lights and sit up late at night. Alone, in the dark, and listening... for the scratching.