The Dark Prophecy
- September 16, 2022
- Start Warp
In "The Dark Prophecy," players step into the shoes of Jacob, a medieval villager tasked with saving his kingdom from a sinister fate. With choose-your-own-adventure dialogues and point-and-click style interactions, players must explore environments, discover items, and uncover fantastical locations to progress the story. As the prophecy of witchcraft unfolds, Jacob's choices will determine the fate of his village and the entire kingdom. Enjoy the game's beautiful pixel-art locations throughout the journey.
Reviews
- The book is filled with enjoyable humor and captivating adventures, making it a fun read for all ages.
- Apollo's character development is significant, showcasing his growth from arrogance to a deeper understanding of humanity.
- The return of familiar characters and the introduction of new ones enrich the story, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
- Some readers find Apollo's character to be annoying and self-centered, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
- The plot can feel static at times, lacking the dynamic quests that characterized earlier series, leading to a slower pace.
- There are criticisms regarding the overemphasis on LGBTQ+ themes, which some feel detracts from the main storyline and feels forced.
- story46 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story is characterized by a familiar quest structure reminiscent of previous works by Rick Riordan, featuring Apollo's journey to regain his powers while facing various challenges. While the narrative is engaging and filled with humor, some readers find it predictable and reliant on overused plot devices like deus ex machina, leading to moments of disbelief regarding Apollo's luck. Overall, the book is well-written with strong character development, though it may lack the depth and originality that some fans desire.
“The storyline was interesting and fun, and it didn't lag.”
“This is a well-written story with well-developed characters and an action-packed plot.”
“Heartwarming and fun, as only Rick Riordan can tell a story!”
“I found Apollo annoying and the storyline lagging in a lot of places.”
“Unfortunately, it suffers from knowing too well where the story is headed, making the surprise twists of the plot seem dull and uninspired.”
“The story plot is slightly confusing, with tons of names of places and people you have to remember.”
- humor31 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in this installment is a mix of witty banter, sarcasm, and playful mythology, characteristic of Riordan's style, though some readers noted it feels less prominent compared to previous works. Apollo's sassy and narcissistic personality adds a comedic flair, while the interactions between characters like Meg, Leo, and Calypso provide amusing moments. Overall, while the humor is present and enjoyable, it may not resonate as strongly with all readers, and some found it to be more quirky than laugh-out-loud funny.
“Apollo is such a sassy, narcissistic character who you can’t help but like, even with his hilarious disdain for us mortals and our mortal ways of doing things.”
“Riordan's humorous portrayal of a zitty, skinny 17-year-old Apollo struggling with lost powers, lost good looks, and former enemies is refreshing and fun.”
“Enter a dragon, a breeding pair of mythical creatures, a ghost with an 8-ball, various gods and demigods, and assorted humans and other supporting characters - then sit back and watch the fun and mayhem while paying attention to occasionally hilarious plays on words.”
“Funny, yes, but not funny haha, funny weird.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the narrative is highlighted through Meg's poignant backstory, which adds depth to her character and explains her sometimes distant demeanor. The series balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that includes laughter, warmth, and genuine character drama, showcasing Rick Riordan's ability to blend humor with impactful storytelling. Overall, the emotional journey is described as both heartbreaking and uplifting, resonating deeply with readers.
“We learn a lot more about Meg’s background, which is heartbreaking, but it is also a nice way to give her character depth and understand her sometimes stand-offish attitude better.”
“This is the second of five in the series and it's been a rollercoaster of enjoyment, laughter, and emotionally heavy moments.”
“This book is equal parts bad puns, mythology humor, and some genuinely heartfelt character drama.”
- character development3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Apollo's character development is highlighted as a significant aspect of the story, showing notable growth. However, some readers feel that the overall character development is lacking, particularly in comparison to the adventurous elements of the narrative, suggesting a shift in focus from character depth to action.
“Apollo’s character development truly kicked off in this story.”
“Some of the magic of Riordan’s writing is losing steam due to the focus on big adventure over character development.”
“Good family read book but lacks character development.”
“However, some of the magic of Riordan’s writing is losing steam due to the focus on big adventure over character development.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay involves players navigating a journey with Apollo, Leo, Calypso, and the mechanical dragon Festus as they work to restore the oracles and enhance demigod communication, all while aiming for Apollo's return to Mount Olympus.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding in Apollo to be tedious and unenjoyable, often describing it as a boring experience that detracts from overall gameplay.
“Grinding in this game feels like an endless chore with no real reward.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the gameplay feel monotonous and uninspired.”
“I find myself spending hours on grinding, but it rarely feels like I'm making any progress.”