The Dark Horde

About

The Dark Horde is a single player casual strategy game. It was developed by Matt Storm and was released on September 9, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

In The Dark Horde, time is your most valuable resource. Every action you take costs Time Units (TUs), forcing you to think ahead. Once you've spent your TUs, you must wait for your turn to resume. You can only play cards or abilities when Time is paused, so think strategically! Summon powerful minions and cast devastating spells from your dark spellbook. Experiment with synergies betwee…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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95%

Audience ScoreBased on 39 reviews

gameplay8 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

The game offers a unique time-based card mechanic that adds depth and strategy to gameplay, allowing for various playstyles and deck-building options.
The visuals and sound design are charming, with cute pixel art and engaging music that enhance the overall experience.
High replayability due to diverse factions, synergies, and the ability to unlock new cards and upgrades, keeping players engaged for hours.

Some balancing issues exist, with certain factions and cards feeling overpowered or underwhelming, which can detract from the overall experience.
The collection mechanics can feel punishing, requiring players to manage resources in a way that may limit creative deck-building strategies.
The initial difficulty curve can be steep, making it challenging for new players to feel a sense of progress, which may discourage continued play.

gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The gameplay is engaging and features a variety of mechanics that keep players invested, with a strong emphasis on progression and replayability. While some users appreciate the chaotic and unique elements, others note issues with balance and initial difficulty, suggesting that the game can feel punishing at times. Overall, the mechanics are well-designed and enjoyable, contributing to a fun gaming experience.
- “There's a lot to unlock and the gameplay is pretty engaging too.”
- “I enjoy the time-unit mechanic; there's always something happening to keep you engaged, and if you want to slow down, you can take your time.”
- “In short, this game has unique, interesting, and well-designed mechanics... and it's fun.”
- “Sadly, the actual gameplay kind of falls flat, though my biggest complaint is the balance.”
- “Part of this is that these mechanics are too punishing, and many upgrades are too expensive or unreliable.”
- “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.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
57%
The graphics are praised for their top-notch artwork and charming pixel art style, which effectively evoke a nostalgic, colorful fantasy atmosphere reminiscent of 90s classics. Users appreciate the vibrant visuals and engaging effects, contributing to an overall fun experience.
- “The artwork is top notch.”
- “The art style is cute and the pixel graphics serve it well.”
- “At first the game draws you in with the cute colorful graphics, varied fantasy themes, and a comforting fantasy music that reminds you of countless carefree hours spent on the 90s classics.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The game boasts high replayability, with many players finding it addictive and fun, often leading them to play "just one more run." The progression systems contribute significantly to this aspect, as even after extensive playtime, there are still mechanics to discover.
- “Addictive, replayable, and just a lot of fun.”
- “The replay value is high; I always end up lying to myself when I say just one more run.”
- “The progression systems in place offer a fair amount of replayability; even 10 hours in, I have yet to discover all the mechanics.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The game's music is widely praised for its nostalgic and comforting qualities, evoking the charm of 90s classics with a blend of melancholic, Celtic, and medieval themes. Players appreciate how the music enhances the overall fun and immersive experience, complementing the colorful graphics and varied fantasy settings.
- “This is a really fun game with incredible music.”
- “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.”
- “At first, the game draws you in with the cute colorful graphics, varied fantasy themes, and a comforting fantasy music that reminds you of countless carefree hours spent on the 90s classics.”
- “Decent music and sound.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in this game is reminiscent of classic titles like Dungeon Keeper, appealing to fans of roguelite deckbuilders with its witty and engaging comedic elements.
- “If you enjoy roguelite deckbuilders and the humor found in games like Dungeon Keeper, this is a wonderful option.”
- “The witty dialogue and absurd situations had me laughing out loud throughout my playthrough.”
- “The game's humor is cleverly woven into the gameplay, making every encounter a delightful surprise.”