Review: Dark
Dark – Platformer – 80 Points – Download
With the massive success of Braid the 2D plaforming genre has recieved a notable boost in popularity over the last couple of years. There have been many attempts already on XBLIGs to appeal to this market (Jonny Platform’s Biscuit Romp is one of the best) and now we have Dark, a puzzle platformer from developer Andrew Russell.
The first thing to note about Dark is that it is short, only taking around 30 minutes to complete and there isn’t much reason to go back. However, that 30 minutes is great quality and the atmosphere and style make it more than worth the 80 points.
You control a black, diamond-shaped character and must navigate through the various physics-based puzzles to get to the end of each chapter. The first level for example sees you have to find and push boulders off a ledge to break the floor below. Each of the stages look slightly different and the use of lighting and shadow gives Dark a very unique look. The visual style is complemented by the beautiful piano music composed by Kevin MacLeod.
Throughout the game you are never given any hint of story or any context as to why you are there. But it doesn’t matter, Dark is all about the experience and aside from a few awkward moments with the jumping, it succeeds at being something truely unique and more than justifies the price.
Short, but a unique and atmospheric puzzle platformer.
Themocracy
Dark is really nicely done. The jumping can be touchy at times and it is not very long but still well worth checking out.
In my opinion, this is one of the best Indie Games yet. It just has so much heart and enchanting atmosphere. I love the fact that the silvery star collectible things don’t seem to do anything and the final “level” is just beautiful.
[...] succeeds at being something truely unique and more than justifies the price.” – Indie Game Blog gave it a “Buy” [...]