Dark Sheep
- April 23, 2021
- Daisy Games
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "Dark Sheep," join a sinister cult and kidnap sheep for a ritual sacrifice, maneuvering them through block-pushing puzzles with a Commodore 64 aesthetic. With 60 levels, this horror-themed game features permadeath, unique twists on classic Sokoban mechanics, and a chilling soundtrack. Can you appease your Dark Lord, or will you face dire consequences?
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game features a creepy atmosphere and retro graphics that enhance the overall experience.
- Puzzles are well-designed and progressively challenging, providing a satisfying gameplay experience.
- The game includes a unique narrative with dark humor, making it engaging and memorable.
- The music can be distracting and is often described as random or uncomfortable to listen to.
- There are occasional control glitches where keystrokes may be ignored, leading to frustrating gameplay.
- Some puzzles feel underwhelming or like filler, lacking the brilliance expected from a great puzzle game.
- gameplay40 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and well-structured, featuring a variety of sokoban-like mechanics that evolve throughout the 60 levels across five chapters. Players appreciate the clarity of the mechanics and the introduction of new twists that keep the experience fresh and challenging, while the overall length is deemed just right to maintain enjoyment without becoming repetitive. Despite some minor complaints, such as the limited undo function, the game is praised for its polished execution and satisfying progression.
“The mechanics and graphics are easily understood and never hide some obscure tricks, while they provide perfect clarity on what is needed to complete the level.”
“Starting as a simple puzzle game, the gameplay keeps getting some twists every few levels, which will change the way you think and play.”
“The controls and gameplay are flawless: there are shortcuts to different options and I did not encounter a single bug so far.”
“Mechanically, my only complaint would be that there is an undo function, but it only goes back a single move.”
“I do like puzzles, but I don't like repetitive gameplay.”
“There are 60 levels in 5 chapters (20 got added after release), unlocked one by one, and each chapter introduces some new mechanics, but it's mostly the standard sokoban fare.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming retro aesthetic reminiscent of the Commodore 64 era, featuring CRT effects and chiptune music that enhance its creepy atmosphere. While the visuals may appear rough, they are well-executed and effectively communicate the game's tone and mechanics, making it accessible and engaging for players. Overall, the graphics contribute to a polished experience that appeals to fans of puzzle games and nostalgic retro styles.
“The visuals are charming, and not bogged down or complicated with unnecessary effects; it's simple and cute, and faithful to the era it seeks to emulate.”
“Even though I usually prefer games with high graphical fidelity, there is something about this Commodore look with CRT effects and chiptune music that really enhances the ominous aesthetics of the game.”
“This is a well-made, if short and simple, puzzle game that pays homage to the Commodore 64 era of games in its visuals, sound, and mechanics.”
“Don't let the rough visuals fool you, this is a highly polished puzzler exploiting various sokoban-like mechanics, some of which I've never seen before (wait until you reach chapter 6).”
“Even though I usually prefer games with high graphical fidelity, there is something about this Commodore look with CRT effects and chiptune music which really undercuts the ominous aesthetics of the game.”
“This is a well-made, if short and simple, puzzle game, that pays homage to the Commodore 64 era of games in its visuals, sound, and mechanics.”
- story20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its unique blend of whimsical and dark elements, engaging players with its morbid undertones and twisted moments. Interwoven narrative sections provide rewarding context between levels, encouraging interpretation and reflection on themes like herd mentality. Overall, the story enhances the gameplay experience, making it a compelling aspect of this retro-styled puzzle game.
“The story is delightfully dark, weird, and unique in this genre.”
“The story sections interwoven between every couple of stages are a nice reward for clearing the levels.”
“The whimsical story with its morbid undertones does its part to keep you engaged; the difficulty is slightly higher than Dark Crypt by the same studio.”
“The simple elements and story leave a lot for the imagination and different interpretations of what this game really is about.”
“Hopefully, Dark Sheep's puzzles change over the levels, and there is also a loose story that you follow through.”
- music18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it enjoyable and fitting the game's aesthetic, while others describe it as random and unbearable. Many appreciate the nostalgic chiptune style and catchy loops, though a few note that certain musical elements can be distracting. Fortunately, players have the option to turn off the music or customize their audio experience to better suit their preferences.
“Overall a great experience, some cool and tricky puzzles that were quite challenging from time to time, and a great soundtrack!”
“The music and soundscape is similarly charming and era-focused.”
“The music is awful, unbearable; listen to your own music or a podcast or something.”
“Often this makes for short, catchy loops of beeps and boops, but there are also a few misses, where the faithfully bit-crushed musical flourishes were actually kind of uncomfortable to listen to, and even distracting.”
“Even though I usually prefer games with high graphical fidelity, there is something about this Commodore look with CRT effects and chiptune music which really undercuts the ominous aesthetics of the game.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively blends humor with its simple yet engaging narrative, delivering a mix of disturbing and funny elements that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the clear communication of tone through visuals, which complements the humor while navigating increasingly complex puzzles. Overall, the humor is well-integrated and contributes positively to the game's appeal.
“It's simple narrative is delivered concisely with plenty of humor, while still maintaining the focus on its increasingly complex and challenging puzzles.”
“Nothing was ever confusing or hard to understand, and the visuals effectively communicate tone and humor when it's intended.”
“The basic disturbing and funny quality emerges from the contrasting features that the game provides.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its creepy atmosphere and retro graphics, which effectively enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the perfect balance of challenge in the puzzles, contributing to an engaging and immersive environment.
“Creepy atmosphere, retro graphics, and puzzles that are the perfect amount of challenge.”
“Amazing puzzle game with a great atmosphere.”
