Shot in the Dark
- March 5, 2020
- Possum House Games
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Shot in the Dark" is a turn-based tactical shooter set in a procedurally generated city. As a member of a resistance group, players must complete missions and avoid detection from patrols. With a focus on stealth and strategy, each decision can have significant consequences.
Reviews
- The game features a masterclass in minimalist design, with thoughtful and polished execution that enhances the gameplay experience.
- The visuals and soundtrack are excellent, creating a unique atmosphere that complements the challenging gameplay.
- The level design is innovative and varied, introducing new mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- The game can be extremely difficult and frustrating, especially in the later levels, which may deter some players.
- There are occasional bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as issues with character controls.
- The game lacks replayability and could benefit from additional modes, such as an arcade or endless mode.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its unique blend of minimalist visuals and innovative mechanics, creating a challenging experience that is both engaging and visually striking. Players encounter simple yet demanding mechanics, particularly a mouse-based shooting system that requires precise timing and strategy, while each level introduces new elements that keep the gameplay fresh and dynamic. Overall, the combination of tight platforming and creative design choices enhances the overall experience, making it memorable and enjoyable.
“The visuals are excellently implemented and tie closely with the level design to create an impressive vibe and gameplay experience that is truly unique.”
“Nearly every level offers a new mechanic or enemy that will change the way you see the game.”
“This form of art style and game design I'll forever hold near and dear to my heart, but the feel in 'Shot in the Dark' really captures and sells the genre; tight and responsive platforming, a curious shooting mechanic that is very smooth in action, a story that's simple but not boring.”
“Dead simple mechanics, but nefariously hard.”
“Shot in the dark is a 2D pixel shooter that offers quite the challenge, with many mechanics that will work against you.”
“The mechanics of the game, with its precise point-and-click gun firing, make you stop moving to shoot, limiting your pace at which you can dodge obstacles.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Shot in the Dark" are praised for their minimalist yet striking design, effectively enhancing gameplay and creating a unique atmosphere. Utilizing a limited color palette of red, white, and black, the visuals contribute to the game's difficulty while remaining engaging throughout. Overall, the art style is celebrated for its innovative approach, demonstrating that simplicity can lead to a captivating gaming experience.
“The visuals are excellently implemented and tie closely with the level design to create an impressive vibe and gameplay experience that is truly unique.”
“The visuals are stunning and manage to do more with 3 colors than most games do with 3 dimensions.”
“Shot in the dark is a fine game with a cool art style that really shines through the longer you go through the game.”
“Graphically, it's basic, but it adds to the difficulty of the game with limited colors—red, white, and black. This limited palette helps the enemies blend into the background, increasing the game's challenge.”
“The graphics are simple, yet they are utilized effectively and never become boring to look at.”
“While I appreciate the art style and game design, the graphics feel lacking and do not fully capture the potential of the genre.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its nostalgic 8-bit soundtrack, which effectively enhances the atmosphere with deep, foreboding tones. While many tracks are considered great and contribute positively to the experience, some players noted issues with repetitive tracks that can become frustrating. Overall, the soundtrack is described as a standout feature that adds depth and enjoyment to the game.
“The atmosphere is just the right amount of spooky, thanks in part to the music, which is great.”
“Music is an 8-bit soundtrack that brings back nostalgia for me and adds a lot of flavor to the game with its deep foreboding and dark tones, giving this simplistic-looking game depth.”
“The soundtrack is fully amazing and mostly chiptune.”
“Music, on the other hand, is different; there are some great tracks here, but there is also a lot of repeated tracks that just started to boil my blood after being killed for an unfair reason.”
“The music is an 8-bit soundtrack that brings back nostalgia for me, but it also feels repetitive and can detract from the overall experience.”
“While the levels are fresh and the visuals are fantastic, the music lacks variety and can become grating over time.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is subtly compelling, offering a simple yet interesting narrative that complements the game's fresh levels and engaging mechanics. Its art style and design enhance the overall experience, making the storytelling feel integral without being overwhelming.
“There is a story that is being subtly told, which is actually quite compelling.”
“The levels are fresh, the music is a bop, the story isn't overwhelming but it's still interesting, and it looks fantastic with just three colors.”
“This form of art style and game design I'll forever hold near and dear to my heart, but the feel in 'Shot in the Dark' really captures and sells the genre; tight and responsive platforming, a curious shooting mechanic that is very smooth in action, and a story that's simple but not boring.”
“The story is being subtly told, but it lacks depth and engagement.”
“While the levels are fresh and the music is enjoyable, the story feels underdeveloped and fails to captivate.”
“The narrative is not overwhelming, but it ultimately falls flat and doesn't leave a lasting impression.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is effectively spooky, enhanced by a great musical score that contributes to the overall experience.
“The atmosphere is just the right amount of spooky, thanks in part to the great music.”
“The game immerses you in a hauntingly beautiful world that keeps you on edge.”
“Every corner of the environment is filled with tension, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
