Reign of Darkness
- November 20, 2019
- Unorthodox Studio
- 21h median play time
Get on SteamReign of Darkness still very much being developed but currently is a "Tab Target", "Theory-Crafting", "Dungeon Runner", and Online Role Playing Game. Being based on classic D&D principles & concepts, where every attack is a virtual roll of the dice, players can "Build" or...
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a unique class and skill system that allows for deep customization and character builds.
- The community is friendly and helpful, providing a supportive environment for new players.
- Despite being in early access, the game offers a nostalgic old-school MMO experience with challenging gameplay.
- The game has been criticized for being abandoned by the developer, with no updates or communication for extended periods.
- Many players report bugs and issues with the game, including unresponsive quests and server connectivity problems.
- The game lacks content and feels empty, with a small world and limited player population, making it difficult to find groups for dungeons.
- story39 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story has been widely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players finding the quests dull, unoriginal, and poorly executed. While some appreciate the developers' involvement and the potential for future updates, the current narrative structure fails to immerse players or provide a compelling experience, leaving much to be desired in terms of lore and storytelling. Overall, the absence of a captivating storyline significantly detracts from the game's appeal.
“Working and actually quite good, questline: there's a story here and it's going to be told.”
“I was super excited upon seeing this game, it sounds interesting and the story behind it piques my interest.”
“They really wanted to allow players to build and craft their own story.”
“The quests are dull, unoriginal, and lazy, with the dialogue for them being the most bland and uninteresting I've ever come across in an MMO.”
“These quests tell no story and seem to be there just to be there so they can advertise 'many quests' when in reality there are no more than 35 lackluster/boring quests in general.”
“Lore and story are nowhere in sight and tell no actual story as of right now.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the character models and visual style, particularly for a solo-developed project using Unity. While some praise the impressive visuals and customization options, others criticize outdated graphics and performance issues during battles. The aesthetic appeals to fans of old-school MMOs, though there are calls for better optimization and more graphics settings.
“The graphics are impressive for the fact one man did all of this.”
“Nice graphics: even for Unity, the graphics are well done.”
“The visuals in here are leagues above what I usually play and that alone is pretty satisfying.”
“Graphics or overall optimization... during the battles, it produces lags that may result in losing.”
“The controls were wonky, auto attacks couldn't decide between ranged or melee, graphics are outdated, mobs were glitchy and buggy.”
“Granted, the graphics here aren't anything special, but it's... adequate, if you want to be slightly generous.”
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Reign of Darkness" is described as enjoyable and engaging, particularly due to its class modification mechanics and Diablo-style potion system. However, it is marred by pay-to-win elements, a lack of originality, and server connectivity issues, which detract from the overall experience. While the game shows potential for improvement, many players feel frustrated by its current state and the grind required to progress.
“The ability to modify your class and stats at any given point is a very good mechanic.”
“You have a theory crafter's delight of open point allocation in skills and attributes, and a refreshingly simple Diablo-style health/mana potion mechanic.”
“The real meat of the gameplay loop are the 3 dungeons which you do in order.”
“One of the most disheartening aspects of Reign of Darkness is its reliance on pay-to-win mechanics.”
“The lack of originality in both its gameplay mechanics and its overall design leaves players feeling like they're experiencing a watered-down version of a game they've played before.”
“Still, with the amount of grind it requires, it feels like the whole mechanic was placed in the game just to have a poorly designed excuse.”
- grinding16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is reminiscent of older MMOs, often described as tedious and time-consuming, particularly in dungeon settings. While some players appreciate the challenge and the lack of hand-holding, others find it overwhelming, with leveling feeling slow despite some achieving high levels quickly. Overall, the experience is mixed, with a nostalgic appeal for those who enjoy classic grinding but may deter players seeking a more streamlined progression.
“Note: this was a dungeon grind which probably is why it felt super tedious and not so rewarding at the end of it.”
“It's never going to be EverQuest or WoW except in the grindy suck category.”
“Only made it to level 7ish which was like 5 minutes of grinding before I had enough.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its charm and immersive qualities, with many players appreciating its dark and dreary aesthetic reminiscent of classic titles. However, some critiques highlight a lack of uniqueness and narrative depth, leading to a sense of familiarity rather than intrigue. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a strong point, enhanced by impressive spell design and a supportive community.
“I highly recommend running through dungeon 4 (if you can find it!) to check out the really impressive atmosphere.”
“Great atmosphere, outstanding spell design, and a friendly community.”
“The graphics are very charming with a nice darkish atmosphere.”
“The dark, Diablo-like atmosphere reminds me of the old school Diablo, before they ruined it with the third installment.”
“The game fails to create an immersive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the world.”
“Despite its potential, the atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to engage players.”
- stability9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and control issues that hinder gameplay. While some acknowledge that it is in early access and expect typical issues, many find it unplayable at times due to freezing and quest-related bugs. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," though some still find enjoyment despite the instability.
“I would really like to give this game a positive review, but at the moment it is way too buggy. I couldn't play for more than a couple of minutes at a time before it would freeze up, and I would have to close and relaunch the game.”
“Complain that they can't finish the first quest due to it being buggy, and sometimes making another character to try and complete it to no avail either.”
“An absolute buggy mess.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with some users feeling that the $20 price tag is unjustified. While there are in-game microtransactions, they are generally considered reasonable and not pay-to-win, though concerns about the game's state and monetization practices can lead to bans for voicing opinions. Overall, the monetization approach appears to be contentious among players.
“The in-game microtransactions aren't egregious in price and don't make a bit of difference as far as pay to win.”
“Cash grab, not worth the 20 bucks in my opinion.”
“Here's another warning to anyone thinking of buying this game - voicing your concerns about the game state, their monetization model, or multiple problems with it will get you banned no matter how polite you are or how justified your concerns are.”
“It is still very rough with in-game microtransactions.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is mixed; while some users report good performance with no crashes or freezing, others experience significant lag during battles that can impact gameplay.
“Very optimized for an early access game.”
“Performance-wise, no crashing, no freezing, generally pretty good.”
“Graphics and overall optimization are lacking; during battles, it produces lags that may result in losing.”
“The optimization is terrible.”
“Performance-wise, there are no crashes or freezing, but the overall optimization needs improvement.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by an ominous and ambient quality that complements the gritty art design and dark themes, particularly reflecting the setting of the black plague. This creates a brooding atmosphere that enhances the overall immersive experience of the virtual world.
“The music, grounded gritty art design, and the depressing setting of the Black Plague, makes for a dark and brooding virtual world.”
“World design is a different flavor than most; it's a dark and ominous ambience with music to suit, at least as far as I've explored in the first zone, which is aptly named the Black Moor.”
“It's huge and has an ominous music track.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the impact it has on players, with some reviewers noting that it can evoke strong feelings, potentially leading to emotional compromise. This suggests that the game's narrative or themes resonate deeply, affecting players' emotional states.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players consistently highlight the game's exceptional replayability, noting that it offers a wealth of content and varied experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many feel that the game's mechanics and choices significantly enhance its longevity and enjoyment.
“They weren't kidding when people claim this game has so much replayability.”
“Every playthrough feels fresh and exciting, making me want to dive back in again and again.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more.”
