Into the Dark
- March 1, 2014
- Homegrown Games
"Into the Dark" is a first-person survival horror game where players navigate through a pitch-black environment, relying on a limited light source to reveal nearby threats. The game features a permadeath system, adding a high-stakes element to each playthrough. With a focus on stealth and resource management, players must evade monstrous creatures and solve puzzles to uncover the mystery behind their entrapment.
Reviews
- The game has a unique B-movie charm and humor that appeals to fans of cult media.
- Despite its flaws, some players found it entertaining and fun, especially for those who appreciate trashy horror games.
- Recent patches have improved the game, adding an options menu and enhancing stability.
- The game is plagued by numerous bugs, crashes, and poor hit detection, making it frustrating to play.
- Long loading times and a confusing control scheme detract from the overall experience.
- Many players found the gameplay mechanics outdated and poorly executed, leading to a lack of enjoyment.
- humor44 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is described as quirky, kitschy, and often reliant on satire and black humor, appealing primarily to a niche audience familiar with its style. While many players find it entertaining and filled with funny interactions and commentary, others note that its mechanics can detract from the overall enjoyment, making it difficult to appreciate the humor fully. Overall, it offers a mix of light-hearted and absurd humor, but may not resonate with those who prefer more polished or mainstream comedic elements.
“It's really funny, and really kitschy and indie, but that's about all this game has going for it.”
“A very entertaining and humorous game!”
“Love the atmosphere with the mix of seriousness and campy adult humor.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for its poor mechanics and vague objectives, leading to frustration and inconsistency, particularly in cramped environments that hinder progression. While some players appreciated the nostalgic FPS elements reminiscent of classic games like Doom, the overall experience is marred by outdated design and lackluster execution, making it difficult to engage with the game fully.
“I really enjoyed the FPS mechanics; it reminded me of the old Doom games.”
“I don't expect hand holding, but the game is very vague and the mechanics are so poor they do not marry to what you need to do to progress.”
“The mechanics are extremely inconsistent with the game engine, so prepare to screw up a lot.”
“Hard to play, because I want to figure out how it ends, but the gameplay mechanics are often outdated or make no sense.”
- stability16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of crashes, glitches, and poor hit detection that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. While some players found the bugs tolerable and even entertaining, many others described the game as a "buggy mess" that feels unpolished and unworthy of its price. Overall, the game's stability issues significantly detract from the overall experience.
“Game crashed more times than I could count, plenty of glitches and very bad hit detection (some things just instant kill you).”
“Into the dark hands you a buggy, ugly, frustrating mess, then slyly winks and says 'hey, what a piece of shit, huh?' It's not ingratiating, it's insulting.”
“There are still some glitches, lighting issues, and some parts of the game just aren't quite working like they should.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered subpar compared to other titles in the same price range, with many reviewers noting that they are merely functional and lack artistic flair. However, the developers have demonstrated impressive attention to detail in the environment, creating a more immersive experience despite the technical limitations. Overall, while the visuals may not impress, the game's world-building and narrative depth are appreciated.
“But the attention to detail the devs put into every single room, every single table, yes even every single rack standing around is just astounding, and makes the world more alive in your head than any stunning graphics dazzler puts in their levels.”
“Don't expect a lot in graphics, it is sufficient and functional, no more.”
“I recommend this only for those looking to see the technical limits of the FPSC engine in the graphical sense.”
“The graphics are bad in comparison to most other games (even most games in the price range), and the gameplay is nothing special besides a few semi-interesting puzzles.”
“I recommend this only for those looking to see the technical limits of the FPSC engine in the 'graphical' sense.”
“@the developer: you can be proud of squeezing so much out of such an underpowered rag, and creating a believable, well thought out tale, but when it comes to the artistic side of things (aesthetics of scenery, custom non-model pack media), or the actual 'funness' of the game (number of moments where I'm smiling, unconcerned that I am playing a video game), it's nowhere near worth the price tag.”
- story12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating its humor and engaging layout, while others feel it falls short of expectations, suggesting it could have been more entertaining. Despite the varying opinions, many agree that the inclusion of a story adds value, even if it's not essential for all games. Overall, the narrative aspect is seen as a highlight for some, but a missed opportunity for others.
“Funny, lots of funny commentary, really good story layout. This is actually the hard part; being able to do voice overs isn't an easy job. I'm currently on level 2 and it's already got me logging back in.”
“You could've definitely squeezed just as much humor and told the same story.”
“Well, I guess this is the first time I've had to score a game as not recommended. I've been playing similar games for decades, but this one just feels like mission impossible.”
“You could've definitely squeezed in just as much humor and told the same story.”
“It even has a story, even though games don't necessarily always need a story.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a dark, gritty, and cheapo-creepy vibe that effectively blends seriousness with campy adult humor. Many users appreciate this unique combination, even finding charm in the subpar voice acting.
“I love the atmosphere with the mix of seriousness and campy adult humor.”
“The dark grittiness and cheapo-creepy atmosphere really enhance the experience.”
“The dark grittiness and cheap, creepy atmosphere really stand out, even if the voice acting is subpar.”
“The atmosphere is a mix of seriousness and campy adult humor, which can be jarring.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a looping track by Midnight Syndicate, accompanied by a constant shuffle of footsteps, which some players find immersive and gripping from the very start. However, the repetitive nature of the soundtrack may detract from the overall experience for others.
“Music grabbed me by the throat and has not let go as soon as I heard the first notes at the intro scene.”
“The soundtrack consists of one Midnight Syndicate track on a loop and a never-ending shuffle of footsteps, regardless of whether or not you're moving.”
“The soundtrack consists of one Midnight Syndicate track on a loop and a never-ending shuffle of footsteps, regardless of whether or not you're moving.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been criticized for being inconsistent and chaotic, leading to a disjointed experience. However, some reviewers acknowledge the effort and dedication that went into its development, despite the shortcomings.
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for relying on misleading advertising and insufficient information, leading players to feel misled about the game's true value and quality.
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users suggest that the game's replayability is enhanced by the potential for unexpected challenges, such as losing progress due to crashes, which encourages players to revisit and experience the game anew.
“If you experienced a crash and lost some progress, it would actually enhance the game's replayability.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the game, there’s little incentive to go back and play it again.”