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Descent

When old gaming is brought back to life and given an update in the right way!
Descent Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
atmosphere, grinding
97% User Score Based on 356 reviews
Critic Score 73%Based on 3 reviews

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LinuxPCMac OSWindowsPlayStationMs Dos
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Descent Game Cover

About

Descent is a single player and multiplayer shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Parallax and was released on February 11, 2014. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Descent is a Science Fiction Shooter game, offering 30 levels of intense 360° 3-D action. Players combat robotic enemies in true 3-D environments with advanced technology such as light source shading, texture mapping, and 3-D morphing. The game supports 2-player co-op modem and 8-player network play, allowing friends to share in the adrenaline-pumping experience."

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Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
Descent screenshot
+4
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97%
Audience ScoreBased on 356 reviews
graphics13 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • Descent is a classic game that offers a unique 6 degrees of freedom gameplay experience, allowing players to navigate in all directions and engage in thrilling combat.
  • The game has a nostalgic charm, with many players recalling fond memories of playing it during their childhood, making it a beloved title for those who grew up in the 90s.
  • The remapping of controls and the use of mods like DXX-Rebirth enhance the gameplay experience, providing modern resolutions and improved controls.
  • The graphics are dated, which may deter new players who are accustomed to modern visuals, and the game can feel pixelated and rough around the edges.
  • The controls can be clunky and may require significant adjustment, especially for players unfamiliar with the original setup, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • There are technical issues with the Steam version, such as limited multiplayer options and reliance on DOSBox, which can complicate the experience for some players.
  • graphics
    72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of this game are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 1995 release, with many players noting the blocky, retro aesthetic typical of that era. However, the nostalgic charm and pioneering true-3D visuals are appreciated by fans, and mods like DXX-Rebirth offer enhancements for modern systems, improving resolution and overall visual quality. While not suitable for those seeking cutting-edge graphics, the gameplay remains engaging and enjoyable despite the visual limitations.

    • “Catchy chip-tunes and the retro visuals of polygons and floating sprites still captivate my imagination today.”
    • “Truly a pioneer of 3D graphics that was, in my opinion, not surpassed for years.”
    • “Graphics are awesome for the 1995 release date and the gameplay is as addictive as I remember it.”
    • “You can tell it's old by the very 'arcade' aesthetic.”
    • “Obviously the graphics of this game are dated given the time period it was released.”
    • “The graphics are terrible by today's standards (think 320 x 200); there is no way to invert the mouse axis, and it requires IPX or a serial connection for multiplayer.”
  • gameplay
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this classic title, despite its age, remains engaging and challenging, featuring 6-degree-of-freedom mechanics that allow for fluid movement in 3D environments filled with enemies and secret areas. While the graphics may not hold up to modern standards, players appreciate the nostalgic and tactical nature of the gameplay, which emphasizes exploration and quick reflexes. Overall, it is praised for its solid mechanics and fun factor, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of retro shooters.

    • “Gameplay consists of exploring mazes of tunnels, rooms filled with enemies, and secret areas with extra equipment and power-ups.”
    • “Can be a bit disorienting at first, but once you're acclimated you'll discover that the gameplay is a blast, offering challenge and immersion.”
    • “This is an absolute classic, not only for its many industry firsts but gameplay that still holds up today (even if the graphics haven't aged well).”
    • “There is nowhere to hide, and the rare bigger rooms are inhabited by enemies, so 90% of the gameplay is peek-a-booing behind corners.”
    • “Rating: 7 out of 10, the gameplay is solid, and the soundtrack just screams 'early-nineties shooter', but the clunky controls and drab level design begin to wear on you as you play...”
    • “Beware all you younger players, there are no nose-leading objective markers, cover mechanics, or regenerating health here.”
  • music
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its energetic and nostalgic qualities that enhance the overall experience. While some express disappointment over the absence of certain remixed soundtracks, the general consensus is that the original compositions, particularly in the OPL3 format, are excellent and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and complementing the gameplay effectively.

    • “The soundtrack is a banger.”
    • “Absolute masterpiece with lots of great music and tight controls.”
    • “And the music... oh lord, the music was fantastic.”
    • “The limited lives, the music.”
    • “- no CD music, instead the MIDI music (meh).”
    • “If you've never played it before, I highly recommend it for anyone who loves horrendous graphics and an unacceptable MIDI file soundtrack.”
  • story
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story revolves around a shady space mining corporation and an escaped military AI virus infecting robots, providing a backdrop for the player's mission to conquer mining camps across 27 levels. While the narrative is presented in brief text blurbs and is considered somewhat simplistic, it is engaging enough to enhance the gameplay experience, which includes challenging missions and epic boss battles. Overall, the story is seen as decent, with a compelling premise that supports the action, despite some repetitiveness in mission objectives.

    • “I probably didn't know back then about the story involving a shady space mining corporation and some kind of escaped military AI virus infecting the robots.”
    • “Plus, it’s all flavored with a great soundtrack and a story that is interesting to follow, though it has been added only as an explanation of the events.”
    • “The storyline is rather short and only presented in blurbs of text, but it is absolutely amazing (the ending blew my mind!) one of the best features of this game is the extremely wide range of difficulty settings.”
    • “The story is not anything special, but all the secrets, exploration, and epic boss battles will make you descend over and over again in descent!”
    • “For the first of the Descent series, this game holds its own for a story, not being too complex but decent writing.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a gripping sense of isolation and tension, effectively conveying the hopelessness of battling numerous enemies in confined spaces. The combination of jaunty music, spooky level design, and the unique feeling of weightlessness in space enhances the overall experience, making players feel constantly on edge in a hostile environment. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for its immersive qualities and engaging gameplay elements.

    • “The atmosphere is really gripping, the sense of being alone in a hostile environment, the walls closing in on you, constantly on the alert for the sound of secret doors opening to unleash your foes behind your back... or above you, or below you.”
    • “Not only that, but the level design was great, the game also had an atmosphere of spookiness even if your enemies were just robots.”
    • “The jaunty music that plays when you enter the mines, and hunt down robots, and try not to get killed in the process, still holds up well even for today's gaming atmosphere standards.”
    • “The atmosphere is really gripping; the sense of being alone in a hostile environment, the walls closing in on you, constantly on alert for the sound of secret doors opening to unleash your foes behind your back... or above you, or below you.”
    • “The original idea was that being in space had to deliver the atmosphere of lack of gravity, and allowing you to turn on all axes delivers on that feeling.”
    • “The jaunty music that plays when you enter the mines, hunt down robots, and try not to get killed in the process still holds up well even for today's gaming atmosphere standards.”
  • optimization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is significantly enhanced through community mods, which improve performance across graphics, sound, and controls, making the experience more vibrant. However, users note that the reliance on DOSBox can lead to inconsistent performance, even on modern PCs, and there is no support for higher resolutions. For the best experience, players are encouraged to explore community-driven solutions like d1x-rebirth or d2x-xl.

    • “That mod boosts the game's performance significantly, enhancing everything from graphics and sound to the control system. Whether you prefer mouse/keyboard or a gamepad, the game comes to life better than before.”
    • “I strongly encourage you to try this game as it was originally crafted, using the DOSBox method provided here. If any part of the DOSBox experience, performance, or the behavior of the robots and weapons frustrates you, consider leveraging the community's results and follow the installation instructions for d1x-rebirth or d2x-xl to give it another spin.”
    • “That was an amazing performance at the time of the original release.”
    • “There's no support for higher resolutions, and the dependency on DOSBox means that performance, even on modern gaming PCs, isn't always top notch.”
    • “So I strongly encourage you to try this game as it was originally crafted, through the DOSBox method provided here. If any part of the DOSBox experience or the performance or behaviors of the robots and weapons frustrates you, try leveraging the results of the community and follow the installation instructions of d1x-rebirth or d2x-xl to give it another spin.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted through witty dialogues that elicit laughter, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. Despite some gameplay challenges, the comedic elements stand out as a unique and entertaining feature.

    • “The dialogues are genuinely funny and keep you entertained throughout the game.”
    • “Even if you overlook the control scheme and the ridiculously tricky yet hilariously awesome multiplayer, the humor shines through in other aspects that are quite uncommon.”
    • “The humor in this game is a delightful surprise, making every moment enjoyable.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game demonstrates strong stability on Windows 10, with users reporting smooth performance and minimal issues.

    • “It runs great on Windows 10.”
    • “The game is incredibly stable, with no crashes or bugs.”
    • “I've experienced smooth gameplay without any interruptions.”
  • grinding
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players appreciate the grinding aspect of the game, noting that it prevents frustration and tedium by providing a structured way to progress through rooms and navigate the game world.

    • “The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
    • “I found myself doing the same tasks over and over, which quickly became boring and unfulfilling.”
    • “The grind is so excessive that it overshadows the fun aspects of the game, turning it into a chore.”
  • emotional
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The soundtrack is highlighted as a fitting and emotionally resonant element of the game, enhancing the overall emotional experience for players.

    • “The soundtrack is fitting and emotional.”
  • replayability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that while the game's graphics and certain options may be off-putting, the availability of mods like the rebirth mod significantly enhances replayability and overall enjoyment.

    • “The game lacks significant changes in gameplay on subsequent playthroughs, making it feel repetitive.”
    • “Once you've completed the main story, there isn't much incentive to dive back in.”
    • “The limited variety in missions and side quests really diminishes the replay value.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy involving advertising multiplayer is seen as misleading, suggesting that players may not fully understand how it impacts their gaming experience.

    • “The advertising multiplier is a bit of a misnomer.”
    • “The game feels like it's designed more for profit than for player enjoyment.”
    • “I constantly feel pressured to spend money to keep up with other players.”
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73%Critics’ scoreBased on 3 critic reviews
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1000h Median play time
1000h Average play time
14h Main story
28h Completionist
1000-1000h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Descent is a shooter game with science fiction theme.

Descent is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows, Linux and others.

The main story can be completed in around 14 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 28 hours to finish. On average players spend around 1000 hours playing Descent.

Descent was released on February 11, 2014.

Descent was developed by Parallax.

Descent has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its atmosphere.

Descent is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Descent 2, Overload, Wolfenstein 3D, Wolfenstein 3D, Star Wars: Dark Forces and others.