A Dark Place
- July 4, 2018
- XerStudios
Get on itch.io Store"A Dark Place" is a 2018 meta-horror game that places the player in a surreal environment with eerie areas to explore and puzzles to solve. The game features great music and requires finding keys to open doors and music boxes to find freedom, while avoiding corruption that can interact with the computer and cause the game to crash, creating new events and requiring restarts. The game emphasizes reading the disclaimer and assures players that it is harmless.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Andrew Scott delivers a tour de force performance, portraying a nuanced and relatable character that captivates the audience.
- The film's atmosphere is gritty and realistic, effectively addressing serious themes without resorting to exploitation or sensationalism.
- The storytelling is understated yet powerful, allowing viewers to engage deeply with the characters and plot without being spoon-fed information.
- The pacing is slow, particularly in the first half, which may deter some viewers from fully engaging with the story.
- The ending is abrupt and leaves several plot points unresolved, which can be frustrating for those seeking closure.
- Some character actions and plot developments feel implausible, undermining the overall believability of the narrative.
- story65 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story is characterized as deeply engrossing, propelled by strong performances, particularly from lead actor Andrew Scott, who portrays a mentally challenged man fixated on uncovering the truth behind a child's death. While the narrative features compelling elements and unexpected twists, it suffers from pacing issues, underdeveloped subplots, and a controversial ending that some found unsatisfying or illogical. Overall, the film presents a tragic yet thought-provoking tale, though its execution leaves room for improvement.
“As a story, the premise is simple, where it truly shines is the acting and the setting with muted, subdued personalities and a sleepy backwoods town in various stages of rural American decay.”
“The story is about an autistic man who is fixated on finding out who killed a little boy that used to wave at him out the window - at all costs.”
“A slow burn for the first quarter, this deceptively simple film with offbeat characters transformed into a compelling story with deep sadness and surprising insight.”
“The storyline was not very believable, the ending was the worst possible outcome if we were hoping that somehow justice would be done, and the plot was slow, the dialogue simplistic.”
“The story had potential for sure, but it ends up being completely nonsensical and spoiler alert, I’m pretty sure this was filmed as a pilot for a multi-episode series that tested poorly so it became a movie.”
“I felt that the character and story could've been developed a lot more.”
- optimization26 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that while the performances, particularly by Andrew Scott, are exceptional and deeply engaging, the overall film suffers from a lack of optimization in its execution. Many reviewers noted that despite the strong acting, the film's narrative and pacing could have been better refined to enhance the viewing experience. Overall, the film is praised for its performances but criticized for not fully realizing its potential through tighter optimization.
“The lead performances are very nearly flawless.”
“Brilliant performance by Andrew Scott playing a man with autism.”
“Magnificent performances and an on the edge of the seat conclusion.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the movie is highlighted by powerful performances, particularly from Andrew, which resonate deeply with viewers, making it a standout experience. However, some critics feel that the lack of character development detracts from the overall emotional engagement, leaving them less affected by the story.
“There are some really well-played scenes that made me emotional.”
“This movie is emotional and disturbing, but unlike any other I have seen.”
“So many people love the high-end actors, but Andrew sure topped any actor in the movie industry in the heartfelt feeling of playing the part at its best. This movie is our number one in movies we have seen in months. Grammy, Emmy, and more if there is one, to the cast in this movie.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted as a key element that revitalizes familiar narratives, making them feel fresh and unexpected. Reviewers note that it is a rare and valuable aspect in games, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
“Moreover, it is through character development and dialogue that an old story becomes something fresh and unexpected.”
“Character development – you don't see that often!”
“Character development is almost non-existent, leaving the characters feeling flat and uninteresting.”
“The lack of meaningful character growth makes it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they didn't evolve in any significant way.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users appreciate the immersive audio effects related to grinding, particularly the realistic sounds of a grinding jaw and muffled voices, which enhance the experience. However, some find certain elements, like the repetitive political signs, to be tedious and detracting from the overall enjoyment.
“The grinding feels excessively repetitive and tedious, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The constant need to grind for resources becomes a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“I found the grinding mechanics to be frustratingly monotonous, detracting from the overall experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the film is characterized as gritty and believable, effectively conveying a stark and somber mood that enhances its emotional impact.
“This film's atmosphere and subject matter are portrayed in a way that is gritty, believable, stark, and sad.”
“This film's atmosphere and subject matter is portrayed in a way that is gritty, believable, stark, and sad.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their exceptional quality, effectively enhancing the game's dark atmosphere through well-aligned visuals, direction, and storytelling.
“The direction, story, visuals, and actors are all great, perfectly aligned to create the atmosphere of this dark place.”
“The graphics are stunning, bringing the world to life with incredible detail and vibrant colors.”
“Every scene is a visual masterpiece, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and meticulously designed characters.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively balances its dark themes with moments of humor, providing a surprising contrast that keeps players engaged.
“I was on the edge of my seat until the end, and despite the dark subject matter, it had a few humorous moments as well.”
