I have to say, I am deeply offended by this game. That's not something I'd expected to ever make a review about. Apologies in advance if I offend anybody else's sensibilities by speaking my mind.

When I saw the title pop up in the list of new releases, I was happy, expectant. A game titled "Dark Elf" surely had to be celebrating the glory of this dark-skinned, pointy-eared race of beautiful fantasy humanoids. It had to be elegant, maybe a bit haughty, but truly stunning to behold.

At that point, I did not even care an ounce about the gameplay. Who really needs super-extravagant gameplay when there are Dark Elves to be had?

Ever since Record of Lodoss War showcased the marvelous Pirotess, Dark Elves had a special spot in my heart. I even collected Warhammer Fantasy Battles' Dark Elves/Druchii, even though they were pale-skinned as their Ulthuanian High Elf cousins (which was not a surprise, considering how much of their land of exile is covered in snow). Chloe and Origa Discordia were heroes of their people before the Black Dog band came and ruined their lives. Sansei Muramasa from Full Metal Daemon even made it into Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel, which recently released on Steam. She showcases yet another example of Dark-Elvish grace. Yao Haa Dushi also showed the stoic might of her people in GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, and life was good at Alnus.

I hope you can understand my excitement to a degree. These dark coffee-toned beauties are a sight to behold, and one easily appreciated.

But then I saw this game, played it even, and my disappointment, nay, offense knew no bounds.

This is no Dark Elf. Fraylia, or Frelia, whichever spelling in the game is actually supposed to be true, is no Dark Elf. I find the game's premise utterly deceptive. At best, she is a Toast Elf, who had a light tan from going to the solarium for a few hours. Maybe she even just used some tan-lotion (which might explain the light-spots on her skin?).

Dark Elves Matter, dear developers.
They are an already marginalized people who always stand in the shadows of their High Elven cousins in popular media. They are rarely considered to be included. Every piece of multimedia involving them is a rare gem, especially in western regions. This..... blatant whitewashing, is inexcusable.
How could you do this? Why did you do this? I will never understand it.


I will not refund this game because I believe that the designers of this game were merely misguided, rather than held malicious intent. Rather than refunding, I would prefer my voice as a customer be heard for future reference. Please make Dark Elves great again?