DarkSpar
- March 7, 2022
- Litmusdragon
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreDarkSpar is a post-apocalyptic idler RPG set in a continent once ruled by Dwarves, Elves, and Men, now lost to forces of darkness. Rebuild civilization, recover ancient technologies, and command champions in turn-based combat. Experience inventory-less looting, base building, mining, woodcutting, and exploration, with over 100 enemies and 140 runestones to collect. The demo version offers skills up to level 30, with the full version offering more.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features charming retro graphics and a chill atmosphere, making it enjoyable to play in the background.
- The developer is responsive to feedback and has released multiple updates, showing commitment to improving the game.
- Character creation is flexible, allowing access to all skill trees and enabling interesting combinations.
- The game lacks content and depth, leading to a feeling of emptiness and limited choices for players.
- Progression is extremely slow, with long wait times for upgrades and actions, which can be frustrating.
- The user interface is poorly designed, making it difficult to navigate and understand game mechanics.
- gameplay26 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a long-term idle experience with a notably slow start and a lack of an engaging early gameplay loop, which many players find uninviting. While the mechanics are considered well thought out, the absence of a proper tutorial and reliance on external guides detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, some design choices, such as the initial speed mode options, have been criticized as questionable, suggesting a need for more depth and expansion in gameplay elements.
“Nice images, fun gameplay.”
“The first is the loop/gameplay.”
“Mechanics seem well thought out.”
“The game is a long term idle game where the gameplay has an incredibly slow start and that pace never changes other than to get longer and longer.”
“The game needs an early game tutorial/gameplay loop where you can experience some aspect of the game early.”
“Is the intended gameplay to launch the game then to read the text guide on the forums?”
- graphics8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a charming retro 8-bit style that appeals to fans of pixel art, though they are not considered groundbreaking. Players appreciate the character creation options, including the absence of gender selection, and the ability for all characters to access various skill trees, which adds depth to gameplay. Overall, the visuals are straightforward and nostalgic, enhancing the game's overall experience.
“Wonderful pixel graphics.”
“Graphics are super retro 8-bit era.”
“Not groundbreaking, but also fairly straightforward; I like the retro graphics.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized for current macOS, providing a smooth performance experience for users.
“Runs smoothly on current macOS, which is a plus.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as a lazy cash grab, with players feeling that it lacks depth and effort, even compared to other minimalistic idle games.
“This feels like a lazy cash grab, and I've seen and enjoyed some pretty bare-bones idle games.”
“This feels like a lazy cash grab, and I've seen and enjoyed some pretty bare-bones idle games.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, noting that spending extensive hours for minimal rewards, such as a mere +2 damage increase, can feel tedious and unfulfilling.
“Nothing like grinding for hours to get +2 damage.”
