Darkest Depths
- April 18, 2019
- Kyle Gilmore
Darkest Depths is a fast-paced, first-person shooter that features RPG elements and mind-blowing movement within a dungeon that becomes more and more dangerous as you traverse deeper. Randomized guns, upgrades, and levels make each play-through fresh and innovative.
Reviews
- The game features fast-paced gameplay with a variety of movement mechanics, including wall-running and air dashing, which enhances the overall experience.
- Regular updates and a dedicated solo developer show promise for future improvements and a commitment to refining the game.
- The game offers a fun and chaotic FPS experience with roguelike elements, satisfying weapon mechanics, and intense boss fights.
- Controller support is lacking, with many players experiencing issues connecting their controllers, which detracts from the gameplay experience.
- There is a noticeable lack of variety in enemies and environments, leading to repetitive gameplay and limited strategic options.
- Some bugs and design flaws, such as locked doors preventing progress and limited room variety, hinder the overall enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Darkest Depths" is fast-paced and engaging, combining elements of roguelike shooters with intense, gory action reminiscent of classic FPS games. Players are encouraged to master a variety of evasive mechanics, such as double jumps and air dashes, to navigate challenging enemy encounters, while the core mechanics feel satisfying and responsive. Despite its early development stage, the game shows promise with its solid foundation and unique movement options that enhance the overall experience.
“If you love roguelike shooters and Serious Sam/Quake-like gameplay, albeit with even more gore, then you'll want to give Darkest Depths a try.”
“It's quite early in development at this point, so the environments and menus can be simplistic in places, but I think that the core of the gameplay is solid and good-feeling enough that the future of this game is promising.”
“As expected from such a mix, if you die you have to start from the top, and the only way to improve your progress is by utilizing 'practice makes perfect' or 'git gud,' and there is no way around trying over and over to improve your gameplay.”
“You are given a crazy amount of evasive mechanics from the get-go that you have to take advantage of to avoid various enemy attacks.”
“The enemies are varied for such an early access release, and most of them have melee attacks as well, which further strengthens the need to utilize your evasive mechanics to keep your distance as much as possible.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features impressive graphics powered by Unreal Engine, offering a variety of customizable graphic styles and presets that allow players to tailor the visual experience to their preferences. With around 6-7 different options, players can easily switch between aesthetics, including retro styles with bright colors and black outlines, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
“Changeable filters before each run, allowing you to make the game look great in a variety of different aesthetics.”
“It's Unreal Engine, so the graphics are really pleasant, and you even have different graphic presets - around 6-7 currently that allow you to change the looks and the game atmosphere on the fly. If you want to make it look as old school as possible with bright colors and a black outline, this game has you covered.”
“Plenty of graphics options, individual sound sliders, and key bindings.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music features an energetic techno style that effectively complements the game's action and evokes a nostalgic vibe. While most tracks enhance the gameplay experience, some slower tunes can feel out of place during intense moments.
“The music is very active techno-type music, which complements the action well and enhances the old school feel.”
“The music is pretty good and most of the time works really well, except for the slow tunes that sometimes kick in while you are flying around a room trying to melt down 30 enemies, but that's just my personal opinion.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has been criticized for its lack of depth and variety, with users noting a minimal narrative presence and a limited range of monsters. Overall, the storytelling is perceived as weak and underdeveloped.
“I didn't see much variety in monsters, or any hint of a story.”
“There's not much of a story.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its visually appealing graphics, offering a variety of 6-7 presets that allow players to customize the aesthetic, including an option for a nostalgic old-school look with bright colors and black outlines.
“The graphics are stunning, with multiple presets available that allow you to customize the game's atmosphere on the fly. Whether you want a nostalgic old-school look with bright colors and black outlines, or something more modern, this game has you covered.”
“The immersive atmosphere created by the graphics and sound design truly pulls you into the game world, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
“The attention to detail in the environment enhances the overall atmosphere, making exploration feel rewarding and captivating.”
“The graphics are really pleasant, and you even have different graphic presets—around 6-7 currently—that allow you to change the looks and the game atmosphere on the fly. If you want to make it look as old school as possible with bright colors and a black outline, this game has you covered.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion that I expected from a game of this genre.”
“Despite the vibrant graphics, the overall atmosphere feels lifeless and fails to engage the player in any meaningful way.”