In 1785, Jonathan Prye, a former priest turned witch-hunter, is summoned to the fledgling town of Blair (later known as Burkittsville) to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Elly Kedward, a woman accused of witchcraft. As Prye delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a dark supernatural force tied to the town’s origins, leading him into a battle against an ancient evil.
Blair Witch Volume III: The Elly Kedward Tale serves as the final installment in the Blair Witch video game trilogy, developed by Ritual Entertainment for Microsoft Windows. The game is set in 1785 and follows Jonathan Prye, a witch-hunter investigating the disappearance of Elly Kedward. As Prye explores the town of Blair and its surrounding forests, he encounters supernatural entities and uncovers the origins of the Blair Witch legend. The narrative intertwines elements of folklore and horror, culminating in a battle against the demon Hecaitomix
Gameplay
The game features a third-person perspective with pre-rendered backgrounds, characteristic of early 2000s survival horror titles. Players control Jonathan Prye as he navigates various environments, including the haunted woods and the town of Blair. Combat involves the use of period-appropriate weapons, and players must solve puzzles and manage resources to progress. The game introduces a dual-magic system, allowing Prye to utilize both Native American and Christian rituals to combat supernatural forces.
Visuals & Style
Blair Witch Volume III: The Elly Kedward Tale employs 3D environments with pre-rendered backgrounds, a common technique in early 2000s survival horror games. The game’s visual style emphasizes a dark and foreboding atmosphere, with detailed textures and lighting effects that enhance the sense of dread. The design of the environments, including the eerie woods and decaying structures, contributes to the game’s unsettling ambiance. Character models are appropriately detailed, and the use of shadows and limited visibility adds to the tension during exploration and encounters with supernatural entities.
Importance in Survival Horror History
Blair Witch Volume III: The Elly Kedward Tale is notable for its attempt to blend the found footage horror aesthetic of the original Blair Witch Project film with interactive gameplay. The game draws inspiration from classic survival horror titles like Alone in the Dark and Resident Evil, incorporating fixed camera angles and inventory management. Its narrative-driven approach and atmospheric design contributed to the expansion of the survival horror genre in the early 2000s.
Reception & Historical Value
Upon release, the game received mixed reviews. Critics praised its atmospheric design and adherence to the survival horror formula but criticized its controls and camera angles. GameSpot awarded the game a 5.7 out of 10, highlighting its atmosphere while noting the mediocrity of its combat mechanics. Eurogamer also commended the game’s atmosphere but expressed concerns about its length and replayability. Despite these critiques, the game has developed a cult following among fans of the genre and is considered a notable entry in the early 2000s survival horror landscape.
Availability & Collectibility
Blair Witch Volume III: The Elly Kedward Tale was released exclusively for Microsoft Windows and has not been re-released on modern platforms. As a result, physical copies of the game have become sought after by collectors. Prices can vary based on condition and completeness, with complete-in-box editions fetching higher prices. Its status as the final installment in the Blair Witch game series and its connection to the original film contribute to its appeal among collectors and fans of survival horror games.
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