The Dark Horde
- September 9, 2024
- Matt Storm
- 8h median play time
Get on SteamIn The Dark Horde the main resource is Time. Play cards or activate actions that cost Time Units (TUs), then wait that amount of time before it is your turn to play again! When the action stops you will have a moment to think about what your next move will be. You can play cards and abilities only when the time is stopped: plan your actions carefully! There are tons of minions at your dispos…
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and innovative take on the roguelike deckbuilder genre, with engaging mechanics and a variety of strategies to explore.
- Players appreciate the depth of gameplay, with numerous resources to manage and interesting card synergies that keep each run fresh and exciting.
- The developer is responsive to feedback and actively works on balance changes, enhancing the overall experience and showing commitment to the game's evolution.
- The initial difficulty curve is steep, making it challenging for new players to feel a sense of progress, which may deter them from continuing to play.
- There are balance issues with certain cards and mechanics, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences where some strategies feel overpowered while others are ineffective.
- The unlock progression can feel slow, and some players have expressed concerns about the complexity of the system without a clear sense of improvement.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique blend of mechanics reminiscent of "Battle Cats," offering a chaotic yet engaging experience. While the game features interesting concepts and sufficient replayability, players have noted a steep initial difficulty and issues with balance, leading to frustration in progression despite the potential for fun and innovation. Overall, the gameplay is well-designed but may require adjustments to enhance player satisfaction and sense of progress.
“Also, in general, I'm pretty fond of the Battle Cats-style gameplay, and I'm very happy to see it rejuvenated in a 2024 game that's otherwise completely distinct.”
“The progression systems in place offer a fair amount of replayability; even 10 hours in, I have yet to discover all the mechanics.”
“In short, this game has unique, interesting, and well-designed mechanics... and it's fun.”
“So I haven't played the game much yet, and I probably just haven't learned the mechanics well enough to do well consistently, but I think that the initial difficulty of the game is way too high.”
“The first or second run I did was by far the best run I had, despite future runs having better cards, more resources spent on upgrades, and more knowledge about how the mechanics work.”
“Sadly, the actual gameplay kind of falls flat, though my biggest complaint is the balance.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by cute, colorful visuals and diverse fantasy themes that evoke nostalgia for 90s classics, enhancing the overall fun and immersive experience.
“At first, the game draws you in with the cute, colorful graphics, varied fantasy themes, and comforting fantasy music that reminds you of countless carefree hours spent on the 90s classics.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's music is characterized by a comforting, nostalgic quality reminiscent of 90s classics, featuring melancholic Celtic and medieval themes that enhance its colorful fantasy graphics and immersive atmosphere.
“At first, the game draws you in with the cute, colorful graphics, varied fantasy themes, and comforting fantasy music that reminds you of countless carefree hours spent on the 90s classics.”
“As for the game's music, it's so melancholic, Celtic, and medieval.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the game's progression systems contribute significantly to its replayability, with many noting that even after extensive playtime, there are still mechanics and features to uncover.
“The progression systems in place offer a fair amount of replayability; even after 10 hours, I have yet to discover all the mechanics.”
“Each playthrough feels unique due to the diverse choices and outcomes, making me want to dive back in for more.”
“The game’s dynamic world changes with each run, ensuring that no two experiences are ever the same.”
“The progression systems in place offer a fair amount of replayability; even 10 hours in, I have yet to discover all the mechanics.”
“After completing the game once, I found little incentive to go back. The story doesn't change, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
“While the game is enjoyable, the lack of meaningful choices means that replaying it feels more like a chore than a new experience.”
