Dark Crypt
- September 7, 2021
- Daisy Games
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Get on itch.io StoreDark Crypt is a turn-based puzzler that challenges you to sneak through an ancient crypt filled with traps and the undead. With a teleporting mechanic, plan and execute your moves carefully to avoid detection, as you're defenseless in this atmospheric adventure to prevent an ancient evil's awakening.
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Reviews
- Dark Crypt features excellent level design and pacing, gradually introducing new mechanics that keep the gameplay engaging and challenging.
- The game offers a unique combination of turn-based puzzle and stealth elements, enhanced by a spooky atmosphere and a minimal yet effective story.
- Players appreciate the unlimited undo feature and the ability to skip levels, making the game accessible and reducing frustration during challenging puzzles.
- The par system can be frustrating, requiring players to complete levels in a limited number of moves, which may lead to repetitive gameplay.
- Some players find the music forgettable or grating during more challenging puzzles, detracting from the overall experience.
- The game becomes significantly more challenging after the initial levels, which may not appeal to casual players or those looking for a more relaxed experience.
- graphics30 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Dark Crypt" feature a clean, tile-based pixel art style that effectively captures a medieval dungeon aesthetic, contributing to the game's overall atmosphere. While the visuals may not be groundbreaking, they are well-executed and complemented by eerie sound effects, creating an engaging experience for players who appreciate this art style. Overall, the graphics are described as solid and crisp, enhancing the game's level design and accessibility.
“The graphics are great and the medieval dungeon orchestra creates this as a unique experience.”
“A lot of effort was put into the graphics and atmosphere of the game, even if they don't really blow you away.”
“As far as the graphics go, the game has a clean looking tile-based pixel art style with some minor details thrown in here and there, but it does not go overboard with the detail, so it is easy to follow.”
“Graphics are medieval-like, as one would expect from a game taking place in a dungeon, nice enough if you like pixels.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a gradual introduction of new mechanics and increasingly complex puzzles, complemented by an 'undo' feature that enhances accessibility and reduces frustration. Players appreciate the excellent level design, masterful pacing, and the integration of lore into gameplay, all set within a dark, atmospheric environment that builds tension without being stressful. Overall, the game offers a satisfying turn-based stealth experience reminiscent of titles like Lara Croft Go and Hitman Go, with a focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving.
“The puzzles themselves become more and more complex as you progress through the game, but the 'undo' feature makes things manageable, and the game does a good job of forcing the player to learn newly introduced mechanics before using them in later, more complex puzzles.”
“I really enjoyed the gameplay - it's never stressful because things only move when you move, but it still manages to build up a lot of tension with the dark and eerie overall atmosphere.”
“The store page mentions boss fights, but they're rare and still turn-based and puzzly, only with a new but familiar mechanic.”
“Though it probably won't blow you away with modern graphics or revolutionary new mechanics, it definitely will wow you with excellent level design, masterful pacing, and wonderful accessibility and difficulty controls that keep the fun moving and prevent the player from becoming exceedingly frustrated.”
“Reminds me somewhat of the Lara Croft Go game, and also Hitman Go (whereas the latter was more quantity than quality)... Dark Crypt brings a roguelike aesthetic to the table, but at its heart, it's still a puzzler: it eases you into its mechanics, every new obstacle has an introductory level, and then it combines them all together into a mind-bending turn-based stealth conundrum, where you have to navigate a spooky dungeon and time your steps with the patterns of various traps and fiends, always having to think one step ahead.”
- music20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is thematically appropriate, featuring remixed classical pieces that enhance the atmosphere and visual tone. However, opinions vary; while some find it fitting and nostalgic, others describe it as forgettable or even grating during challenging puzzles. Overall, the audio experience is solid, with adjustable volume sliders for music and sound effects.
“To top it all off, the game has great atmospheric audio and music which blends well and compliments the visual tone of the game.”
“The music appears to be largely remixed classical style music, which does seem to fit the theme of the game pretty well.”
“- using spooky and iconic music (e.g., moonlight sonata, danse macabre, lacrimosa) :d”
“The music, while thematically appropriate, is forgettable, and can even become grating during some of the more cognitively-demanding puzzles.”
“Music is fitting as well, not for me though, even if they are renditions of classical compositions.”
“The music will depend on taste, but it gave me Prince of Persia flashbacks.”
- story16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story in "Dark Crypt" is minimal yet effective, centering on a monk's quest to seal an ancient evil within a crypt. Players can delve deeper into the narrative through journal entries written by the character, which enhance the game's ominous atmosphere. While the horror elements are primarily conveyed through the story and setting, they are not overly prominent, allowing the gameplay to take center stage.
“In Dark Crypt, you take the role of a monk tasked with the mission of sealing away an ancient evil sleeping deep inside an ancient crypt.”
“The horror theme of the game is mostly in the story and setting, and perhaps one particular action in the game, but aside from that, it's not very prominent in the game.”
“To understand the full story, you can also read through the many journal entries that your character will write during the journey through the crypt.”
“His games add an ominous and creepy atmosphere through small bits of story that don't get in the way.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a dark and eerie tone, enhanced by effective sound design and minimalistic graphics that contribute to a tense yet engaging experience. While the visuals may not be groundbreaking, they are complemented by atmospheric audio and music that enrich the overall ambiance. Players appreciate the careful balance of tension and gameplay, creating a compelling environment that supports the puzzle-solving elements.
“I really enjoyed the gameplay - it's never stressful because things only move when you move, but it still manages to build up a lot of tension with the dark and eerie overall atmosphere.”
“To top it all off, the game has great atmospheric audio and music which blends well and complements the visual tone of the game.”
“A lot of effort was put into the graphics and atmosphere of the game, even if they don't really blow you away.”
“The background sound effects are very eerie and add a sense of atmosphere in a very simple art style (not to be confused with bad).”
“His games add an ominous and creepy atmosphere through small bits of story that don't get in the way.”
