Kalypso Media has set out to revamp the genre for bloodsuckers everywhere with its new stealth-action game DARK for PC and Xbox 360. DARK features some impressive RPG elements set among a beautifully designed modern vampire world created by Realmforge. The visuals appear to be something straight out of a comic with its stylized cel-shaded look that are somewhat similar to Telltale Games' The Walking Dead. Players take on the role of Eric Bane who is a new vampire learning about his abilities for the first time. Eric finds himself in a vampire-controlled bar and has no memory at all of how he became a creature of the night.
Right off the bat, DARK helps establish the mood with its unique visual style and dark ambient music. Players start out in a popular vampire bar were they try to figure out what the hell is happening to them. Of course, you soon discover that you are a vampire, and have to find the one who made you in order to drink their blood to complete the vampiric process. However, nothing is ever that simple, and we start out on a quest to find another way to solve our problem that will now span across six chapters of gameplay.
Bane must now embrace the dark shadows of the night and improve his vampire skills in order to survive the journey ahead. DARK consists primarily of stealth action and the game just wasn't up to par with the mechanics to make this as successful as it could be. Your character's movements are just too restricted to utilize the stealth mechanics properly. Players can employ the use of their Shadow Leap ability, instead of jumping, to teleport throughout various stages of the game and to kick some serious ass in combat. The Shadow Leap ability was a nice touch and makes you feel like a real vampire.
Combat in DARK is really difficult and frustrating, because you can't kick, perform combos or attack like most games. Your only options are to sneak up behind them and take them out with a silent strike or drink them dry. Once you are noticed, then all of the enemies start to run at you in hordes, and all hell breaks loose. Not having the proper attack abilities really makes you vulnerable and that is the whole purpose of the game. Bane is a new vampire who doesn't have any knowledge of his abilities or how to take down armed forces. It would be like someone throwing you into the vampire world and telling you to survive. Bane's lack of knowledge, skills and clumsiness is carried over into gameplay.
As you progress, players will be able to upgrade their vampire abilities into some really cool powers. Bane will be able to teleport and kill his opponents instantly, daze and confuse enemies, and much more. These new powers require Vitae to work which can only be gained from drinking blood. You can only use your powers a couple of times before your completely out of Vitae and properly planning your attacks is crucial in conserving it. DARK may not be perfect but it does manage to deliver some entertaining gameplay with its unique vampire abilities. Health automatically regenerates which is extremely helpful in testing out your new abilities against enemies. If a certain move doesn't work, then all you have to do is hide behind a crate until your health is full, and try again. The AI in DARK are incredibly stupid, and it doesn't take much to take them out and move to the next stage.
DARK has some intriguing story sequences that help keep gameplay fresh and fun. The game has its shining moments even with its clumsy combat, bad voice acting and lackluster stealth mechanics. DARK features superb graphics, a captivating soundtrack topped off with an entertaining storyline and fun vampire mechanics. DARK isn't for everyone but will be enjoyable for those diehard vampire fans out there looking for a game to kill time in between episodes of True Blood.
DARK is now available for Xbox 360 and PC for $49.99. DARK is rated M by the ESRB for Blood, Strong Language & Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official DARK website.
Game Features:
Single Player
DLC Support
Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: RealmForge Studios
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Platforms: Xbox 360 (reviewed) & PC
Release Date: July 9, 2013
Score: 6.5 out of 10