Clive Barker is one of the edgiest horror writers and is known for his graphic violence. I have to be honest and admit that it has been years since I have read anything by him, but this game will make me renew my interest in his writings. The exploration of the story brings a sense of depth that is unexpected in a game of this type. The game's story progression manages to surprise and raise itself well above the mundane. The Books of Blood Undying walks a fine line between horror and being a typical shooter.
Nothing degrades the horror aspects more then trivializing opponents.
Undying manages to avoid this by making even the weakest enemies lethal. Two or three hits from the first enemies will kill Patrick. Initially, the monsters are tough, requiring precise aiming to dispatch. Eventually, the monster killing will become second nature and you join the bug-hunt. However, the bosses are nothing if not difficult, with most requiring a puzzle being solved for defeat to occur.