1 person found this review helpful
Recommended
1.0 hrs last two weeks / 76.0 hrs on record (26.5 hrs at review time)
Posted: 22 Jun @ 2:05am

Early Access Review
In the shadows of the medieval dungeon crawler genre, Dark & Darker emerges, dragging you into a grim world where your only allies are your wits and the eerie flicker of torchlight. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to blend the unforgiving challenge of Dark Souls with the cooperative chaos of a tabletop RPG night gone wrong, this game might just be your next guilty pleasure.

From the moment you step into its labyrinthine depths, Dark & Darker wastes no time reminding you that hope is a luxury you can’t afford. The game’s atmosphere is oppressively dark, both literally and metaphorically. You'll spend your time navigating claustrophobic corridors that make you question whether you’re exploring a dungeon or the collective nightmares of the developers. Every creak of wood and distant moan sends shivers down your spine, making you second-guess that next corner you’re about to turn.

Combat is where Dark & Darker shines—or rather, flickers dimly in the encroaching gloom. Each encounter is a brutal dance with death, where timing and strategy are your only friends. Don’t expect to button-mash your way to victory here; the combat system demands precision and punishes recklessness. The visceral satisfaction of landing a well-timed strike is only matched by the crushing despair of watching your health bar vanish faster than your party’s morale during a boss fight.

Speaking of parties, multiplayer in Dark & Darker is a unique blend of camaraderie and chaos. Coordinating with friends (or frenemies) adds a layer of strategy and occasional comedy, as you all inevitably stumble into traps and ambushes that make you question each other’s life choices. The cooperative experience is both the game’s strongest selling point and its most sadistic trick—nothing bonds a group together like shared trauma, after all.

Visually, the game commits to its bleak aesthetic with a dedication that’s almost admirable. The environments are beautifully grotesque, and the character models look like they’ve seen better days—if such days ever existed in this world. The soundtrack is hauntingly atmospheric, a perfect accompaniment to your descent into madness.

Dark & Darker isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a game that revels in your misery, delights in your failures, and somehow, through it all, keeps you coming back for more. It’s the gaming equivalent of a haunted house: terrifying, exhilarating, and oddly addictive. So, gather your courage, sharpen your blade, and prepare to face the darkness. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
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