Primal

Primal (2003)

by SCE Cambridge Studio, Sony Computer Entertainment
Genres:Adventure, Puzzle
Themes:Action
Game modes:Single player
Story:Primal tells the story of Jennifer Tate, a 21-year-old woman searching for her boyfriend through a series of demonic realms. As the story develops, more is revealed about Jen's past and her relationship with her boyfriend, as well as the nature of the demon worlds. In Primal, the player can control either Jen or Scree as they navigate the realms of Oblivion. As the game progresses, newer demonic forms are obtained, which prove invaluable in solving various puzzles and combat. Control can be switched between Jen and Scree at any time in game. When in control of one, the other will be operated by AI, performing various functions depending on the situation. During play, the characters can interact with one another, performing actions such as asking questions, or siphoning energy. When in control of Jen, the player may transform into one of four demonic forms for various purposes, depending on the situation (provided the forms are unlocked). When in a demon form, Jen experiences a boost in attack, defense, speed, attack range and access to abilities unavailable in a human form. The tattoo on Jen's back also glows when in a demon form, corresponding to various forms. Defeating enemies involves weakening enemies to the point where their hit points reach zero, at which time a finishing move must be performed to kill the enemy. While the moves differ in style and time taken, the final effect remains the same. Enemies can be finished off before the health bar reaches zero, and doing so leaves more residual energy. While Jen can remain in a demonic form indefinitely, taking damage will reduce health. However, hit points here are represented by demonic energy. When an enemy is killed, the remaining energy can be drained through use of Scree, who can store the energy for when it is needed. Jen can then call on the energy, siphoning it off to replenish her own. Scree can store a vast amount of energy, but also has limits as to how much. When in control of Scree, the player is invulnerable; Scree, being a gargoyle, cannot suffer damage, making him an effective scout. Scree is capable of climbing on stone walls, a necessary ability when traversing the realms. Scree can also store drained energy from dead enemies, which can be used to replenish Jen's demonic health, though he must remain immobile when doing so. Scree is revealed to be the long-lost Abdizur, who disappeared following an encounter with the lord of Chaos. In Solus, for a temporary amount of time, the player possesses a life-size statue of Abdizur via Scree, to combat Belhazur when Jen's powers are not fit to do so. The player may also possess other statues in an area under given circumstances. The player may also happen across various energy crystals, which can be stored and used if Scree's energy reserves are not enough and the player is at low health. These crystals are kept throughout the game, the only exclusion being when revisiting previous scenes, at which point they are reduced to a default amount. This means that the crystals function as extra lives, to a degree. If Jen is in human form, her health replenishes automatically if she is not in battle (human form only; demon energy must be replenished by either drawing on Scree's reserve energy or, failing that, by using a crystal). While in human form, Jen's health represents her presence in the demon world. If she loses all her health while in human form, she is returned to the human world, where she is in a near-death state. When this happens, the player must direct Scree to the nearest rift gate within a time limit (not seen on screen, though the voice of Arella warns the player that time is running out). If Scree does not reach a rift gate in time, Jen dies, and the game is over. Throughout the game, constant saving can prove onerous, particularly if the player wishes to backtrack and revisit certain areas. Provided a save game is present, the player may do so, and can revisit nearly all of the locations, once they have been unlocked via an in-game cutscene.Show more
user avatarAdded by @nia7black
Vote to bring this game to GOG and help preserve it.
258
Trailers and screenshots
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Stories about this game (7)
What’s your memory of Primal?Share your favorite moments and see what others remember about this game.
user avatar@placeholder

Make sure to follow our Guidelines when adding new Stories.

If not sure what to write:
  • What made this game unforgettable?
  • Who did you play this game with?
  • What made it fun or challenging?
  • Why do you want this game on GOG?
Such an overlooked classic. You travel to various worlds, providing the protagonist unique powers that fit the setting and theme. I enjoyed this variety in locations, NPCs and gameplay. If I'm ever asked which game deserved a sequel it never had.... it's Primal for me.
user avatar@thuperdanuser avatar@thuperdan
January 29, 2025
This game reminded me of the play style of the soul reaver 1 & 2, getting new powers to allow you to progress through new area’s and give you new combat skills. It was a good story as well, but for some reason never got a sequel. Just doesn’t get enough love for such a good game.
I vaguely remember playing this game way back when on my old PlayStation 2. It took a while to get used to the control setup, but I stuck it out because of the story and the idea what the main character could turn herself into four different demon forms, each with it's own fighting styles. I really do hope this game becomes available on GOG!
Man, I played this game to death as a kid. It was one of mom's favorites, and one I still come back to on the old ps2. The combat is about as clunky as you'd expect from the era, but the story and humor were fun, the music was great, and the aesthetics were strong. A game worth bringing back, and hopefully we can get more than just me and the other 123 folks who've voted behind it.
loved this game! never beaten it but i thought that this was another fun game like the legacy of kain type games and it had a certain gameplay element that also felt like a mix of gothic horror added to it that would feel like you can really get absorbed into the game. i liked the story and i loved the tag along side kick even though he was kinda annoying at times but that was part of this game quirks for a little side humor at times. never really gotten far in the game but would definitely recommend this game to anyone to give this many hidden gem a go and try it out.
user avatar@Arventuususer avatar@Arventuus
March 18, 2025
I loved the worlds and our little gargoyle friend and the mechanics. The game was buggy sure, but it had an immense amount of charm and the music was great I still listen to the song by 16 volt. it was one of my favorites as a kid! and reminds me a lot of the legacy of kain series gameplay.
God I really hope one day GOG will get this game. It's a shame this game never got any recognition. However, it was supposed to get a sequel (which was 80% finished btw) but it ended up getting cancelled. It really is a shame too because while the gameplay is very much lacking, it had such a huge unique theme and style. It's a shame we don't see games like this anymore. I think it would great for Primal to make it online as maybe more people can at least get a chance to play a unique experience.
Those games also need your vote!
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake IntergradeFinal Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an enhanced and expanded version of Final Fantasy VII Remake that features a new episode starring Yuffie and introduces an exhilarating new story arc with numerous gameplay additions for players to enjoy.
Action
Fantasy
Science fiction
Action
Fantasy
Science fiction
1 558
1
Silent Hill
Silent HillSilent Hill is the first installment in the Silent Hill series of psychological survival horror video games. Unlike earlier survival horror games that focused on protagonists with combat training, the main character Harry Mason is an average man. The gameplay consists of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The controller vibration is used to indicate Harry's heartbeat and will vibrate on low health. The player must regularly enter an inventory screen to check Harry's health, use items, and equip different weapons.
Our Pick
Top
Action
Horror
Survival
Our Pick
Top
Action
Horror
Survival
81 827
330
Dark Souls III: Deluxe Edition
Dark Souls III: Deluxe EditionDark Souls III: Deluxe Edition is a special edition of Dark Souls III, released in April 2016. It includes the base game along with a detailed art book and a soundtrack CD. The Deluxe Edition also comes with a collectable steel book case. This edition does not include the DLC expansions.
Action
Fantasy
Action
Fantasy
945
Grandia HD Remaster
Grandia HD RemasterGRANDIA HD Remaster brings enhanced visuals to both gameplay and cinematic videos.
Fantasy
Fantasy
689
Mixed-Up Mother Goose
Mixed-Up Mother GooseThis is an updated version of Roberta Williams' Mixed-Up Mother Goose. This version utilizes Sierra's SCI game interpreter and features enhanced graphics and sound. The gameplay remains the same as the previous version; all of the nursery rhymes in Mother Goose Land have become mixed up! Your goal is to set things straight by locating missing items for each of the fairy tale characters in the land. When wandering around the land you can talk to the different characters (each from a different nursery rhyme) to find out what item it is they need; for example, Little Bo Peep is looking for her sheep and Jack Be Nimble lost his candle stick. The items are scattered about the land, and when you locate one pick it up and return it to the appropriate character. When successful, the complete nursery rhyme will play with the lyrics appearing on screen. You can only carry one item at a time, so you may need to remember where you spotted or dropped items not being carried! Also, each time the game is played objects will be in a new location. Included with the game is a map of Mother Goose Land which may help you locate the different fairy tale characters.
Kids
Kids
134
2
Nine Sols
Nine SolsNine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat, immersive storytelling, and unique Taopunk setting. Embark on a journey of Asian fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Action
Fantasy
Science fiction
Action
Fantasy
Science fiction
477
2
Stellar Blade: Complete Edition
Stellar Blade: Complete EditionEdition includes: • Stellar Blade • Planet Diving Suit (Captain) for EVE • Fluffy Bear Pack for the Drone Bonus content: • Stargazer Suit for EVE • Half-rim Glasses for EVE • Quadruple Rectangle Earrings for EVE • Stargazer Coat for Lily • Stargazer Wear for Adam • Stargazer Pack for the Drone • 2,000 SP EXP • 5,000 Gold in-game currency Stellar Blade: Twin Expansion Pack: • Stellar Blade x NieR:Automata • Stellar Blade x GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE • Outfit CD-KEY to redeem time-limited Stellar Blade costume in GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE free-to-play mobile game from Shift Up
New
Action
Science fiction
New
Action
Science fiction
59
1
Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Deluxe Edition
Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Deluxe EditionKena: Bridge of Spirits is a 2021 action-adventure video game developed and published by Ember Lab. The story follows Kena, a young spirit guide who uses her magical abilities to help deceased people move from the physical to the spirit world. The game is presented through a third-person perspective. The player uses Kena's staff for attacking enemies, and her pulse ability for defending against attacks. They are tasked with collecting small spirit companions known as the Rot, who help to complete tasks and battle against enemies. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the Base Game, Official Digital Soundtrack, Unique Kena Staff, Golden Rot Skin, Retail Exclusive Sticker Sheet, and Unique Celebration Hats for Rots.
Action
Fantasy
Action
Fantasy
40
Silent Hill 2 (Classic)
Silent Hill 2 (Classic)The second entry in the Silent Hill franchise, Silent Hill 2 is a narrative-focused third-person psychological survival horror game with emphasis on combat, exploration and puzzle-solving elements which follows James Sunderland, a man who receives a letter, seemingly sent by his three-years-deceased wife Mary, in which he is beckoned to the fog-ridden town of Silent Hill at the same time as numerous other people troubled by their past.
Our Pick
Top
Horror
Survival
Mystery
Drama
Our Pick
Top
Horror
Survival
Mystery
Drama
82 976
223
The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2As a daring and most likely good-looking Earth Directorate agent, you must uncover the source of devastating rifts threatening to destroy all of humanity. Your investigation leads to Arcadia, home of skip drive technology, where the fate of the colony, and ultimately the entire galaxy, rests on your decisions—your strengths, your flaws, your crew, and the factions you choose to trust.
Action
Science fiction
Action
Science fiction
293