Shot in the Dark

Shot in the Dark is a simple yet elegant game with some of the most engaging gameplay I have ever experienced. With the 3 colour 8-bit aesthetic and memorable music, the game had me enraptured from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what Possum House Games does next.

87%Game Brain Score

gameplay, graphics

100% User Score Based on 40 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

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About

Shot in the Dark is a single player and multiplayer platformer game with a horror theme. It was developed by Possum House Games and was released on January 12, 2021. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Armed with nothing but a six gun the lone bandit will need a quick hand and a sharp eye to fend off the nightmares lurking in the dark.

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 40 reviews

gameplay8 positive mentions

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 engaging, introducing new mechanics and challenges that keep the experience fresh and rewarding.

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.

gameplay
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
54%
13%
The gameplay of "Shot in the Dark" is characterized by its minimalist yet striking visuals that enhance the overall experience, alongside simple but challenging mechanics that require precise point-and-click shooting. Players encounter innovative mechanics and enemies in nearly every level, creating a dynamic and engaging challenge that keeps the gameplay fresh. The combination of tight platforming and a unique shooting mechanic contributes to a captivating and memorable 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.”
- “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.”
- “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 and shoot, limiting your pace at which you can dodge obstacles.”
- “Dead simple mechanics, but nefariously hard.”
graphics
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
18%
19%
The graphics in "Shot in the Dark" are praised for their minimalist yet stunning design, effectively utilizing a limited color palette of red, white, and black to enhance gameplay and create a unique atmosphere. Reviewers highlight how the visuals are intricately tied to level design, contributing to the game's difficulty and overall immersive experience. The art style is celebrated for its ability to convey depth and engagement, proving that simplicity can be powerful in game design.
- “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.”
- “The graphics, while simple, are utilized really well and never got boring to look at.”
- “Graphically, it's basic, but it is what adds the difficulty to the game with limited colors: red, white, and black. That’s all you are going to get, and this is what helps the enemies to blend into the background, giving the game its difficulty.”
- “The graphics are simple, and while they are utilized well, they can become monotonous over time.”
- “The art style is minimalistic, which may not appeal to everyone, and the lack of variety in graphics can detract from the overall experience.”
music
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
31%
19%
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 to the game's spooky vibe, some players noted issues with repetitive tracks that can become frustrating. Overall, the soundtrack is described as a standout feature, adding significant depth and enjoyment to the gameplay experience.
- “The atmosphere is just the right amount of spooky, thanks in part to the music, which is great.”
- “The soundtrack is fully amazing and mostly chiptune.”
- “Music, on the other hand, is different; there are some great tracks on here, but there is also a lot of repeated tracks that just started to boil my blood after being killed for an unfair reason.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story is subtly woven into the gameplay, offering a compelling yet simple narrative that complements the fresh levels and engaging mechanics. While not overwhelming, it remains interesting and enhances the overall experience, supported by a unique art style and catchy music.
- “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 for 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, a story that's simple but not boring.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere is effectively spooky, enhanced by excellent music that contributes to the overall immersive experience.
- “The atmosphere is just the right amount of spooky, thanks in part to the music, which is great.”