Dusk '82
- October 22, 2021
- David Szymanski
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Dusk '82" is a retro-styled puzzle/adventure game serving as a prequel to the 2018 shooter "DUSK." Solve 30 levels filled with hazards and classic weapons, with an easy-to-use editor and Steam Workshop support for custom levels. The game features chiptune renditions of the "DUSK" soundtrack and the ability to modify sprites for added personalization.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Dusk '82 features clever and engaging puzzles that require strategic thinking, making it a satisfying experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
- The game includes a user-friendly level editor and Steam Workshop support, allowing players to create and share custom levels, significantly enhancing replayability.
- The retro aesthetic and chiptune soundtrack evoke nostalgia, providing a charming atmosphere that complements the gameplay.
- The main campaign is relatively short, taking about 90 minutes to complete, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- Enemy AI can be unpredictable, leading to frustrating moments where player progress feels reliant on luck rather than skill.
- While the puzzles are enjoyable, some players may find them too easy, with only a few levels providing a real challenge.
- gameplay41 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *dusk '82* is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics, offering a blend of puzzle-solving and action elements reminiscent of classic 8-bit games. Players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics and varied challenges throughout the levels, although some feel the campaign's short length and reliance on gimmicks may detract from a satisfying gameplay loop. The inclusion of a level editor enhances replayability, allowing for user-generated content that expands the game's overall experience.
“While it's certainly a departure, dusk '82 managed to hook me with its simple yet challenging puzzles and surprisingly addictive gameplay loop.”
“The simple, classic mechanics allow for an interesting combination of puzzle and action gameplay.”
“This is a testament to great game design; what the devs envisioned here is nothing short of a masterpiece, showing the little relevance graphics have when the core of your gameplay is full of grace, style, and awesome music.”
“I can't help but feel that a lot of those 'gotcha' type levels are there not due to the author's inherent creativity, but due to the game's severe lack of mechanics.”
“I think the game's biggest issue is that the main campaign focuses on wacky puzzles and gimmicks in relatively short levels, which is fine, but without what feels like a true gameplay loop, it's hard to feel satisfied while playing it.”
“My issues are with the backwards stylistic choices itself rather than the gameplay, which is really clever in terms of level design.”
- music39 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in Dusk '82 has been widely praised for its engaging chiptune soundtrack, which includes remixes of tracks from the original Dusk, effectively creating a tense and atmospheric experience. Composed by Andrew Hulshult, the soundtrack is described as catchy and enjoyable, enhancing the overall gameplay and nostalgia for fans of the series. Additionally, the game features a level editor that allows for custom music, further enriching the player's experience.
“The icing on the cake, however, is the chiptune renditions of the original Dusk soundtrack, which do very well in emulating the menacing sense of dread that the original FPS game had.”
“Dusk '82 is a dang fine puzzle shooter with a banger chiptune soundtrack and really engaging puzzles!”
“The soundtrack includes chiptune remixes of some of the tracks from Dusk.”
“The soundtrack is catchy chiptune tracks from Dusk and are a joy to listen to in Dusk 82.”
“I appreciate that I can listen to 80s-ified Andrew Hulshult music to help distract myself from how utterly stupid I am.”
“The mechanics and music are solid while the story gives you a decent idea of the world building and what to expect with the original Dusk (if you have not played it yet).”
- graphics30 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "dusk '82" are characterized by a charming retro aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for classic puzzle games, featuring minimalist pixel-art visuals reminiscent of 80s arcade and Atari styles. While some reviews note basic graphics and occasional glitches, the overall design effectively complements the gameplay, demonstrating that engaging mechanics can outweigh graphical fidelity. The inclusion of a level editor with support for custom graphics further enhances the game's appeal, allowing for creative player expression within its retro framework.
“The retro aesthetic is charming and nostalgic, reminiscent of classic puzzle games like Chip's Challenge.”
“Speaking of design, the pixel-art graphics and simple sound effects work to give Dusk '82 a charming sense of retro style, and the controls are well mapped out for both keyboard and controller setups.”
“The graphics are exactly what they need to be, and the sound design takes just enough from Dusk to impart a little of its gloom and energy.”
“The graphics are basic but fit the 1982 vibe well.”
“Really good puzzle game (although a bit easy) with very minimal, basic and retro-inspired art style.”
“This puzzle game proves graphics really don't matter.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story in the game provides an interesting backdrop and world-building, particularly for those familiar with the original Dusk, but it is often criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, with some players feeling it serves merely as filler for the action. While the ending is appreciated for its connection to the beginning of Dusk, the overall narrative is seen as somewhat irrelevant, focusing primarily on the protagonist shooting monsters without significant plot development. Players seeking a rich story may find the experience lacking, especially given the short playtime relative to the price.
“It's a cool game, but it also has a story about what happened before e1m1, so check that out!”
“Interesting plot and great music.”
“The mechanics and music are solid while the story gives you a decent idea of the world-building and what to expect with the original Dusk (if you have not played it yet).”
“Some are not a puzzle at all, simply relying on minimal storytelling and association with an established action game to sell a scenario, but it doesn't really have the theatrics to make the action feel like anything other than filler content.”
“$7 for 30 levels is kinda much, it's like an hour of playtime, so if you're just here for the story, you're gonna be disappointed.”
“Dusk ’82 follows a similar story to Dusk, which is almost entirely irrelevant because the plot is that there are monsters, and the guy shoots the monsters.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is enhanced by features like a level editor that allows players to create and share custom levels, fostering community engagement. While the main campaign may be short and lacking in secrets, players can still find replay value in pursuing high scores and exploring user-generated content. However, some users feel that certain games in the genre offer little to no replay value.
“This adds a whole new layer of replayability and community engagement to the game.”
“Level editor: create and share your own levels for endless replayability.”
“I didn’t find any secrets on the way to the end, but there are bonus items that add to your score, so going for records is probably the main thrust of the replay value.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its ability to create tension and engagement, despite a less intense soundtrack compared to its predecessor. Reviewers highlight that the game effectively utilizes its simplicity to deliver a compelling and immersive experience, proving that strong atmosphere can be achieved without relying on high-end graphics.
“And while the soundtrack may not be as heavy metal as its parent game, it still manages to create a tense and atmospheric experience.”
“Fun little puzzle game with great atmosphere for cheap.”
“This is proof that great games don't have to rely on graphics to create a strong atmosphere and that even the simplest of games can be challenging in all the best ways!”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by quirky elements, such as a comically explosive gun and amusing items like a telefragging medkit. Players appreciate the charming design of the "duskguy" and the consistent, patented humor that the game delivers.
“The 'diamonds' that characterize the barely described 'duskguy' as a bounty hunter are cute, and the medkit that can basically telefrag is hilarious.”
“Their patented humor is here as usual.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While the game features appealing graphics and environments, players have reported occasional glitches that detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the aesthetic remains enjoyable.
