Gold Dust

About

Gold Dust is a single player action adventure game. It was developed by NL Studio and was released on November 6, 2020. It received neutral reviews from players.

Gold Dust is a captivating and immersive hardcore adventure game that harks back to the spirit of classic 1990s shooters while introducing a unique twist – combat against malevolent forces utilizing swords. In this enigmatic journey, players assume the mantle of an enigmatic and nameless hero, embarking on a treacherous quest to unveil the cryptic mysteries enshrouding the formidable "Gold Du…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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56%

Audience ScoreBased on 18 reviews

gameplay3 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

Gold Dust successfully captures the nostalgic '90s atmosphere with its gritty sword-and-sorcery adventure and engaging gameplay.
The graphics are stunning, and the game offers a thrilling blend of sword combat and mystical powers, making it an exciting experience for players.
The hardcore difficulty and intricate level design provide a challenging adventure that appeals to gamers seeking depth and excitement.

The game suffers from significant control issues, including oversensitive mouse settings and a lack of proper keyboard functionality, making it difficult to play.
There is a notable absence of story or context, leaving players confused about their objectives and the game's narrative.
Several players have reported game-breaking bugs, such as doors that won't open, leading to frustration and a sense that the game is unfinished or poorly developed.

gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
28%
29%
The gameplay is generally well-received, praised for its engaging and nostalgic shooter mechanics reminiscent of classic titles like Wolfenstein. However, it lacks innovation, offering a straightforward experience with simple 2D levels and sprite-based enemies that adhere closely to an old-school formula.
- “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is so engaging.”
- “Gold Dust is a shooter game reminiscent of the graphics and gameplay of the good old Wolfenstein.”
- “With its old school appeal, many may find this game very appealing to relive some of the nostalgia-fueled gameplay and visuals.”
- “The gameplay does not present any sort of new take on an old-school formula, or any type of new mechanics.”
- “Gameplay consists of simple single-plane FPS shooting sprite-based enemies on small 2D levels, just like Wolf3D.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
33%
50%
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with players noting the absence of dialogue or narrative context to explain the hero's journey or the significance of the quest for "gold dust." Many reviewers express disappointment over the minimal storytelling elements, which detracts from the overall experience, leaving players feeling disconnected from the game's world and objectives.
- “As the unnamed hero on a quest for the powerful 'gold dust,' engage in epic battles, uncover the artifact's true potential, and face the unknown.”
- “Gold dust doesn't present us with any sort of story.”
- “There is nothing of a story; that's something I've heard most people don't like. No dialogue telling of the hero's perils or why he's in a dungeon filled with slimes, skeletons, and cursed knights.”
- “We're getting stuck in front of the door that's impossible to open, and instead of just returning to the title screen, we're left with no story here, not even text.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The graphics in Gold Dust are praised for their stunning quality, evoking nostalgia with a style reminiscent of classic shooters like Wolfenstein. Players appreciate the engaging gameplay that complements the appealing old-school visuals.
- “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is so engaging.”
- “Gold Dust is a shooter game reminiscent of the graphics and gameplay of the good old Wolfenstein.”
- “With its old school appeal, many may find this game very appealing to relive some of the nostalgia-fueled gameplay and visuals.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategies employed are criticized as cash grabs that detract from the visibility of genuine indie developers on platforms like Steam.
- “They're nothing but cash grabs, and they harm genuine indie developers by reducing their visibility on Steam.”
- “The monetization strategies are overly aggressive, making it feel like the game is designed more for profit than for player enjoyment.”
- “I feel like I'm constantly being pushed to spend more money, which ruins the overall experience.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The game successfully captures a nostalgic '90s atmosphere, immersing players in the old-school vibe reminiscent of classic games from that era.
- “You will experience everything in the nostalgic atmosphere of classic '90s games.”
- “The game captures the essence of the old school atmosphere that defined the '90s.”
- “The '90s atmosphere permeates the entire game.”
- “All this you will have to do in the old school atmosphere of the games of the '90s.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is perceived as a charming blend of effort and comedy, though some players feel it ultimately falls short and is not fully realized.
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is noted for its immersive quality, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the gameplay effectively. Users appreciate the sound design, which adds depth and atmosphere to the game world.