Dark Sword
- March 6, 2016
- NANOO COMPANY Inc.
Dark Sword is a side-scrolling Hack ’N’ Slash RPG with unique dark silhouette action. The game boasts perfect mechanics, beautiful graphics, excellent music, and plenty of humor, but can be very grinding and buggy with frequent advertisements. The intriguing story and RPG elements provide an engaging experience for players.
Reviews
- graphics427 mentions
- 81 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received a generally positive reception, with many users praising the art style, smooth animations, and overall visual appeal. While some players noted that the graphics could be improved or made more high-definition, the majority found them to be engaging and well-suited to the game's dark fantasy theme. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's enjoyment, despite occasional mentions of lag or simplicity in design.
“The graphics are fantastic and are well made.”
“Outstanding gameplay and beautiful art style, intense boss fights and a satisfying loot system.”
“This game has superb graphics and it is fun.”
“The graphics are meh, using shadow instead of actually animating.”
“Graphics could've been better... (like Shadow Fight)”
“The story is some generic 'darkness has taken over blah blah,' and is used to excuse the lazy graphics design (nothing needs texturing if everything is black).”
- gameplay208 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its smooth mechanics, addictive nature, and enjoyable hack-and-slash elements. However, some players noted issues such as a lack of depth, repetitive mechanics, and minor bugs that detract from the overall experience. While the graphics and art style are often highlighted as strong points, the absence of music during gameplay and certain control issues were mentioned as areas for improvement.
“Outstanding gameplay and beautiful art style, intense boss fights and a satisfying loot system.”
“Fantastic hack n slash gameplay!”
“The gameplay is excellent, fast and addicting.”
“Not much customization or any flow within upgrading your character to your liking, most attacks look weak and lack impact, no music during gameplay which takes away the excitement, and not a neat variety of skills especially when certain weapons have a skill you may like but nah you gotta stick with another weapon because it's stronger.”
“Gameplay is a bit repetitive but fun and satisfying nonetheless.”
“One minute of incredibly dull gameplay, and 5 minutes spent in between being barraged by ads of all different varieties.”
- monetization146 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the excessive number of ads and high costs of in-app purchases. While some appreciate the option to earn rewards through watching ads, others feel that the game heavily relies on ads to progress, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, players suggest that the balance between ads and gameplay could be improved, as many feel overwhelmed by the frequency and length of advertisements.
“The microtransactions are plentiful (and a bit pricey), but aren't necessary to enjoy the game for what it is.”
“There are no ads, except to get free gold or HP pots, and it's pretty generous on what they give.”
“It doesn't require in-app purchases and is great for a time killer.”
“The game shoves ads and purchases in your face.”
“This game is nothing but a cash grab designed to have you watch ad after ad while giving you very little in return.”
“Game was good to start but too money hungry, everything is hidden behind cash and ads, game isn't even that fun after a while.”
- story75 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its dark and gothic themes, likening it to titles like Dark Souls. However, some reviews point out that the narrative could benefit from more depth and character development, as well as longer missions to enhance engagement. Overall, while the story is considered enjoyable, there are calls for improvements and expansions to make it more compelling.
“It has a really good story and I like all the options of how you can play.”
“I do enjoy the dark, mysterious undertone to the story which I think is very similar to Dark Souls, but I loved it!”
“Great graphics, gameplay, and story.”
“The art style is charming but there is a severe lack of story and characters for an RPG game.”
“It was just an illusion; levels are short, unchallenging, and the story is not there.”
“The story is some generic 'darkness has taken over blah blah,' and is used to excuse the lazy graphics design.”
- music35 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players praising the background and title tracks for their quality and ability to enhance the game's atmosphere. However, several users express disappointment over the lack of music during gameplay, which detracts from the overall excitement and immersion. While some highlight the soundtrack's epic qualities and its resemblance to well-known titles like "God of War," others feel that the sound effects and music need improvement to match the game's potential.
“The lobby music is legendary.”
“Fantastic music effects and superb gameplay! 😃”
“Amazing music and compelling gameplay.”
“The only downside to this game would be the lack of music throughout the stages.”
“It's a little depressing without any music during gameplay.”
“Sound effects and music need some work.”
- stability26 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- -8 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with frequent reports of glitches, bugs, and freezing issues that hinder gameplay. Many players experience the game freezing during critical actions, such as upgrading items or starting levels, leading to frustration and loss of in-game currency. While some users enjoy the gameplay, the overall consensus indicates that stability improvements are urgently needed for a better experience.
“Nice gameplay... no glitches or anything, growing in levels.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, making for a seamless experience.”
“I appreciate how stable the game is; I've had no issues with lag or bugs.”
“Great game, but I have used the transferred upgrade twice now, and both times it takes my souls, the game freezes, and does not transfer the upgrade.”
“The game after startup freezes on my Moto X 2nd Gen every single time.”
“It freezes immediately after starting, not letting me play! Please.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it addictive and enjoyable, others criticize it for being tedious and overly time-consuming, especially when it comes to leveling up and acquiring gear. Many users express frustration with the diminishing returns on experience points during grinding, which can lead to a sense of unfair difficulty as enemies become tougher. Overall, the game appeals to fans of gear grinding but could benefit from improvements to make the grinding experience less frustrating.
“All it offers is a mind-numbing grind.”
“Of course you can play without potions by keeping your armor and weapons high level, but that would mean hours and hours of farming, and this game is not anywhere near that fun.”
“Double XP is useless, as the game drastically reduced your XP gain when grinding, which means you have to fight tougher enemies that you are not equipped for, or spend money to get better equipment, all in order to watch more ads.”
- optimization16 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised for its smooth performance and high frame rates, with many users noting that it runs well on various devices. However, some players have experienced performance issues on lower-end devices, indicating that further optimization could enhance accessibility for all users. While the graphics are impressive, they may lead to increased battery drain, suggesting a need for balance between visual fidelity and performance efficiency.
“Performance of the game is unmatched.”
“Very well made game, it runs smoothly and doesn't glitch randomly.”
“Great graphics, good performance, and amazing gameplay.”
“This game has not backed up my phone; it has been reset and all my performance is lost.”
“Because of its high-definition graphics and performance, it will make my battery drain like hell.”
“It could use more accessibility to the characters' actual performance/strengths.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it consistently funny and entertaining, often highlighting its comedic elements and unexpected moments. Many users appreciate the humor's ability to elicit laughter, even in situations like lag or gameplay quirks. Overall, the game's comedic appeal seems to enhance the overall experience for players.
“This game is very funny.”
“The funny thing is I have 3 other cheat apps, and it recognized none of them.”
“You will find yourself sociopathically laughing at the best game ever!”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its dark, brutal aesthetic and stunning artistic design, reminiscent of titles like Dark Souls and Darksiders. Players appreciate the immersive environment, well-crafted enemies, and engaging music, although some express frustration with the pay-to-win elements that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is a highlight, contributing significantly to the game's entertainment value.
“It's a brutal and dark atmosphere that kept me very entertained.”
“For the most part, this game is stunning. I love the artistic nature and atmosphere. The sick-looking bosses and knowing when to retreat or charge on are the best for me. Stunning!”
“This game reminds me of Dark Souls and has a kind of Darksiders vibe. The map and atmosphere are amazing, and the enemies are very well made. No bugs (well, not yet anyway), but thanks to the creators for taking your time to make this awesome game.”
“Really hate the whole pay-to-win atmosphere though.”
“Dark, interesting, fun; the music reminds me of God of War, which adds to the atmosphere.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke strong feelings, with players describing it as "heartbreaking" and comparing its depth to that of "Dark Souls." Despite some criticism regarding gameplay mechanics, the overall sentiment reflects a profound emotional connection, making it one of the best mobile gaming experiences for many users.
“Heartbreaking...”
“The game is the best game I've ever played; it made me feel like I'm playing Dark Souls on a phone. Best game on mobile I've ever played.”
- character development2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the simple yet enticing character design, noting that it contributes to a captivating atmosphere and enhances the overall gameplay experience.
“The character development is incredibly engaging, with each character feeling unique and well-crafted.”
“The atmosphere and character design are impressive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.”
“The simple character design is very enticing, making it easy to connect with the characters.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players express a strong appreciation for the game's replayability, indicating that updates and additional content could enhance their experience further. The enthusiasm for replay value suggests that the game remains engaging and enjoyable over multiple playthroughs.
“Here's a hint... replay value.”
“Haha, I love this game! More updates, please, to make this game even more playable. Good job, guys!”
“The game lacks replay value, making it feel like a one-time experience.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The limited choices and outcomes significantly reduce its replayability.”