The big question now is can this type of game make it in today’s gaming market? Absolutely. None of what made the original so enjoyable is missing. This isn’t a contender for game of the year, but in many ways it’s better than you might expect, and it’s a fun, simple diversion. This is the spookhouse on Halloween night where garish make-up, dark corners, and creepy things rushing at you in the dark still make you jump, even as you are giggling at the silliness.

What takes the game past a novelty act and makes it worth a few nights of game time is the non-linear storyline and play. It takes a bit of getting used to, as gamers have been hand-held through most current games down a linear path — enter a new room, check everything out, take a few notes, solve a puzzle, and get a story-building cinematic before moving on to the next environment. Not so with Shadows of the Servants. You’re free to wander wherever you want, in and out of every room, through secret doors, into swamps, and even into a nightmare. Your travels can feel a little aimless at times, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds, as it all makes for a good romp.