The Dark Stone from Mebara
- February 27, 2015
- Jerseyware Gaming
Get on Steam"The Dark Stone from Mebara" is a horror-adventure game set in 1920s Massachusetts, where players step into the shoes of a detective agency owner and his employees. They investigate a cursed black rock, uncovering cosmic origins, battling cultists and horrors, and confronting madness. The game boasts an ATB and spell-casting system, with detailed level-ups and immersive period visuals, all based on H.P. Lovecraft's mythology. Explore, battle, and unravel the mysteries of this dark stone in a chilling, atmospheric adventure.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique Lovecraftian story with interesting themes of hidden knowledge and madness.
- The atmosphere and soundtrack contribute to a dark and immersive experience.
- Exploration and minor story branching provide some engaging gameplay elements.
- The game suffers from poor balance, with difficult combat and limited healing options leading to frustrating gameplay.
- There are numerous bugs and design flaws, including unclear puzzles and collision errors.
- Graphics and overall polish are lacking, making the game feel unrefined and outdated.
- story37 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story features a unique Lovecraftian theme with multiple branching paths, but it suffers from vague endings and confusing elements that leave players unsatisfied. While some appreciate the originality and character development, many criticize the writing quality and the overwhelming difficulty of battles, which detracts from the overall narrative experience. Overall, the story has potential but is hampered by poor execution and gameplay mechanics.
“The story tells about a mysterious dark stone that has a connection with other beings.”
“Unlike most RPG Maker games, the story is told through third-person, which helps me to imagine what happened in the story and I enjoyed the game more because of this.”
“Haven't gotten that far yet, but the story so far seems a bit different from other H.P. Lovecraft-inspired games, so points for originality and for tapping into the 'unknown from beyond' theme of Lovecraft's work.”
“The writing is heavy to read and does not offer much of a plot hook.”
“The ending is also vague, and I have a problem understanding what happened afterward; it might be because the devs want to end the story with an open ending though.”
“It really feels like 95% of the effort was put on the story, and the rest was thrown together so you can play it.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing them as outdated and buggy, often describing them as "awful" or reminiscent of older titles like Arcanum. While some appreciate the beauty of the 2D aesthetic, others feel that the graphics detract from the overall experience, forcing players to rely on their imagination. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant drawback, especially when compared to other games in the genre.
“The graphics may be just 2D, but they are rather beautiful for 2D and can be thoroughly enjoyed with nice sound and music to accompany the game that fits together nicely.”
“The graphics most resembled Arcanum's, to my eye, and although 3D graphics have evolved to the point where we now have good levels of detail, there will always be something artistic and interesting about 2D graphics done well.”
“Unless you can't stand the old school aesthetic, just put in the short amount of time required and look forward to a really well-written Lovecraftian tale.”
“You're forced to use imagination due to the graphics.”
“The graphics are partly just awful.”
“There is really not much to see here, and I'm not even saying anything about the art style.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the atmospheric and noir-themed soundtrack that enhances the experience, others find it repetitive and annoying, leading them to turn off the sound. Overall, the soundtrack is noted as a highlight by several users, contributing positively to the game's ambiance.
“The graphics may be just 2D, but they are rather beautiful for 2D and can be thoroughly enjoyed with nice sound and music to accompany the game that fits together nicely.”
“+ Climatic soundtrack making the game more 'noir themed'.”
“The music is repetitive and seems to cut off and replay at a certain point, so I just turned off my sound because it got really, really annoying.”
“- repetitive music”
“This game has two positives: story and soundtrack.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for its lack of polish and balance, leading to a confusing experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment. While the concept has potential, the execution falls short, leaving players disappointed despite acknowledging the effort behind the game.
“The gameplay is engaging and offers a unique experience that keeps me coming back for more.”
“The mechanics are well-designed, providing a balanced and enjoyable challenge throughout the game.”
“I appreciate the creativity in the gameplay, which adds depth and variety to each session.”
“The concept is just fine, but the mechanics and balance just don't support this style of play.”
“The amount of unpolished spots, ugliness, and confusing gameplay makes me feel sad about this game, made by one person; however, I rate it as a proper product.”
“Bad gameplay”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong Lovecraftian atmosphere and effective mood-setting, though some users feel it could benefit from additional playtesting. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate immersive atmospheres.
“Well worth playing for a really good Lovecraftian atmosphere; don't worry too much about the negative reviews.”
“Sounds good, very atmospheric and does a good job setting the mood.”
“It has a good atmosphere, but it could've used more playtesting.”
