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MONSTER

Darkwood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Darkwood
Item: Darkwood
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2017

GenresIndie, Action, Horror, RPG, Thriller, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableJul 17, 2017

PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperAcid Wizard Studio

Overview

An old RPG for classic macs. Nothing much to it, you go into an arena and fight monsters.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Darkwood thrives on its haunting atmosphere and cryptic storytelling, blending survival tension with moral ambiguity to immerse players in a fragmented, exploration-driven world—yet its refusal to clarify key details frustrates some, leaving narrative depth dependent on player effort.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Darkwood receives praise for its atmospheric immersion, environmental storytelling, and intentional ambiguity that fosters player engagement through exploration. Critics like Destructoid highlight its eerie, implicit narrative driven by "environmental cues and player choices," while Vandal (PC) notes the non-linear structure influenced by discovery, drawing comparisons to Dark Souls and Silent Hill. The game’s focus on survival mechanics and moral dilemmas—such as euthanizing a dog or navigating branching paths—adds layers of tension, with TheXboxHub praising its "captivating" ambiguity. Multiple endings tied to player decisions (e.g., Twinfinite, Hobby Consolas) and layered character backstories (e.g., New Game Network) further enrich the experience, creating a sense of mystery that resonates with fans of psychological horror. The narrative’s reliance on environmental storytelling and sparse dialogue also allows players to interpret the world’s lore, as noted by GameGrin and Worth Playing, who emphasize its "cryptic yet fascinating" approach. However, several critics critique Darkwood for its lack of explicit plot development and narrative clarity. Gaming Age and Push Square point out that the story is minimalistic, with vague objectives and unclear direction, leading to frustration. Digitally Downloaded specifically criticizes inaccessible text, which hinders engagement with the lore, while PlaySense compares the narrative to Silent Hill’s "minimalistic and vague" style, acknowledging its effectiveness but noting it may alienate some players. The game’s reliance on environmental storytelling often leaves key details ambiguous, as highlighted by Ragequit.gr, who describes the story as fragmented and requiring significant player effort to piece together. Additionally, Twinfinite and DualShockers note that NPCs serve more as mood-setting elements than narrative drivers, reducing emotional investment. While some appreciate the intentional ambiguity, others find it frustratingly opaque, with XGN acknowledging that the "vagueness can lead to frustration." Overall, critics agree that Darkwood prioritizes atmosphere and exploration over traditional storytelling, creating a haunting, immersive experience that appeals to fans of survival horror. The consensus leans toward its strengths in environmental narrative and player-driven discovery, as emphasized by Destructoid, Vandal (PC), and TheXboxHub, while acknowledging its limitations in explicit plot details. While some critics, like Wccftech, praise the "well-fleshed-out backstory," others, such as Digitally Downloaded and PlaySense, find the lack of clarity divisive. Despite these mixed reactions, the game’s ability to evoke tension through mystery and survival mechanics—highlighted by Metro GameCentral and Eurogamer Italy—solidifies its reputation as a unique entry in the genre, balancing ambiguity with atmospheric depth. The narrative’s effectiveness ultimately hinges on players’ willingness to engage with its cryptic, exploratory design.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Darkwood delivers a tense, atmospheric survival horror experience through immersive exploration, resource management, and a punishing day/night cycle, but clunky combat, imprecise controls, and lack of guidance undermine its challenge, leaving fans divided between its raw intensity and frustrating mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Darkwood is widely praised for its immersive survival mechanics, exploration, and resource management systems. Critics highlight the game’s emphasis on crafting, scavenging, and strategic decision-making, with many noting the simplicity and functionality of its crafting system. For instance, Push Square and SpazioGames commend the straightforward approach to crafting, while The Games Machine and Twinfinite appreciate the tension-driven day/night cycle that fuels the gameplay loop. Exploration is frequently lauded as a standout element, with Gaming Age praising the natural feel of the map system and PlaySense highlighting the engaging challenge of navigating procedurally generated environments. Additionally, the game’s focus on survival horror elements—such as barricading safe houses and managing limited resources—creates a sense of vulnerability and urgency, as noted by GameGrin and 3DJuegos. The intentional design choices that avoid holding players’ hands, such as permadeath and randomized events, are seen as enhancing the challenge for those who enjoy punishing but rewarding experiences. However, several critics point to significant flaws in combat mechanics and control schemes that detract from the overall experience. Destructoid, Push Square, and TheXboxHub all criticize combat as clunky, unresponsive, and awkward, with issues like stamina management and slow attack timing making fights frustrating. The lack of clear objectives and guidance is another recurring complaint, with XBLA Fans and Digitally Downloaded noting that the game’s repetitive nature and unclear progression can feel tedious. Controls are frequently described as imprecise or unnatural, particularly on consoles like the Nintendo Switch (Switch Player) and Xbox One (SomosXbox), while the absence of a map system adds to the disorientation for some players. Additionally, the steep learning curve and permadeath mechanics, though praised by some for their challenge, are seen as barriers to accessibility by others, with Critical Hit and Vandal expressing frustration over the game’s punishing difficulty without sufficient direction. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Darkwood succeeds as a challenging, atmospheric survival experience, even if its flaws are notable. The game’s focus on exploration, resource management, and procedural generation creates a unique sense of tension and immersion, with many critics—such as GameGrin and COGconnected—highlighting its addictive gameplay loop. While combat and control issues are frequently cited as drawbacks, they are often viewed as part of the game’s intentional design philosophy rather than outright failures. The mixed reception reflects a divide between players who appreciate the raw challenge and those who find the mechanics overly frustrating, but the majority agree that Darkwood offers a memorable, if imperfect, survival horror experience. As noted by SpazioGames and 3DJuegos, the game’s strengths in atmosphere and design outweigh its shortcomings for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Darkwood’s haunting visuals masterfully craft an oppressive, immersive horror atmosphere through monochrome art, eerie darkness, and environmental storytelling, but its minimalistic design and technical flaws—like limited color, poor animations, and platform-specific issues—sometimes undermine immersion, leaving critics divided between admiration for its unsettling mood and frustration with its limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics overwhelmingly praise Darkwood’s graphics and visual design for their atmospheric and immersive qualities, which effectively enhance the game’s horror tone. Nintendo Life highlights the “hauntingly isolated environment” and “corrupted woods” as a compelling “character,” while SomosXbox notes the “stylized, pixelated art style with monochromatic tones” that prioritize mood over graphical fidelity. Switch Player emphasizes the “unnerving atmosphere” created by line-of-sight mechanics and darkness, and Wccftech praises the “hallucinatory quality” of pixelated graphics during nighttime survival segments. Many reviewers, including Destructoid and GameGrin, commend the top-down perspective for conveying a sense of entrapment under the forest’s canopy, with Metro GameCentral noting that “atmospheric lighting effects” like dawn light through windows add depth. The game’s focus on environmental storytelling and eerie aesthetics—such as hand-drawn environments (SpazioGames) or surreal details (GameCritics)—is frequently lauded for fostering tension and immersion. However, several critics point to technical and aesthetic limitations that detract from the experience. Gameblog.fr criticizes the “monotony” of monochrome visuals and “limited color variety,” while Switch Player complains that excessive darkness hinders visibility during resource gathering. Metro GameCentral and BaziCenter note poor character animations and occasional technical issues like frame drops, respectively. Additionally, some reviews highlight platform-specific flaws: Gameblog.fr mentions “poor resolution in portable mode” on the Nintendo Switch, and XboxAddict critiques the “crude, hand-drawn map” as lacking detail. Critics like FNintendo describe the visuals as “mediocre,” while others, such as GameSpace, call the design “minimalistic and not visually striking.” These criticisms often center on the game’s reliance on low-fi aesthetics and technical constraints, which, while intentional, can feel limiting for some players. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that Darkwood’s visual design successfully prioritizes atmosphere over technical polish, creating a deeply unsettling experience. While some reviewers, like Nintendo Life and SomosXbox, appreciate the “oppressive atmosphere” and “stylized” art direction, others, such as GameCritics and Push Square, acknowledge the trade-offs between simplicity and immersion. The game’s reliance on darkness, limited color palettes, and procedural generation is seen as both a strength and a weakness—effective for tension but occasionally frustrating. Ultimately, most critics agree that Darkwood’s visuals are a key component of its horror identity, with even those pointing out flaws (e.g., Gameblog.fr’s “monotony” or BaziCenter’s “technical issues”) recognizing the deliberate design choices that contribute to its eerie, immersive world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Darkwood’s sound design is a masterclass in horror, using eerie ambient noises, minimalist music, and oppressive silence to craft an immersive, dread-filled atmosphere that keeps players on edge—though its reliance on audio cues raises accessibility concerns.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Darkwood are widely praised for their immersive and atmospheric contributions to the game’s horror experience. Critics consistently highlight how ambient sounds—such as creaking doors, distant footsteps, and unsettling whispers—create a tense, claustrophobic environment that amplifies fear without relying on overt jump scares. NintendoWorldReport notes the use of “atmospheric sound design” to evoke tension during nighttime sequences, while DualShockers emphasizes how music intensifies dread during dark hours. Wccftech and Hardcore Gamer commend the effective use of primal fears through environmental sounds, with the latter praising a “minimalist music score” that enhances unease. Many reviewers, including GameSpot (though their full opinion is cut off) and XGN, stress how soundscapes like rustling bushes or sudden silences keep players on edge. The eerie soundtrack, described as “creepy” by JeuxActu and compared to David Lynch’s style by the same outlet, further reinforces the game’s unsettling mood. Critics like PlayStation Country and BaziCenter specifically praise the attention to detail in audio cues, with the latter calling it one of the game’s “strongest aspects.” While the majority of reviews celebrate Darkwood’s sound design, some critiques point to minor limitations. GameCritics notes that the reliance on audio cues could challenge deaf or hard-of-hearing players due to the absence of visual indicators, a concern echoed by others who mention the game’s heavy dependence on sound for gameplay. Additionally, several reviewers, such as XGN and Twinfinite, focus primarily on environmental sounds and silence without delving into the musical elements, suggesting that the score may not be as prominently featured or discussed as the ambient design. While these points are relatively minor, they highlight a potential gap in accessibility and the need for more explicit acknowledgment of the soundtrack’s role in certain contexts. Overall, the critical consensus overwhelmingly favors Darkwood’s sound design and music, with critics across platforms (from Nintendo Switch to PS5) praising their ability to create an immersive, terrifying atmosphere. The game’s use of silence, ambient noises, and subtle musical cues is repeatedly highlighted as a cornerstone of its horror experience, with outlets like GameGrin and Games.cz noting how the audio “builds tension” and “heightens fear.” Even when specific musical elements are not detailed, the collective praise for atmospheric immersion—such as the “oppressive mood” described by Vandal or the “phenomenal” audio design by PlaySense—underscores the universal acclaim. While minor critiques exist, they do little to detract from the overarching sentiment that Darkwood’s sound design is a masterclass in using audio to evoke dread and maintain suspense.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Darkwood’s technical performance varies wildly across platforms—PS4 struggles with UI and bugs, Xbox One stumbles on controls, Switch suffers from load times, while PS5 and PC offer smoother experiences despite minor flaws—but its atmospheric horror and core gameplay shine through the imperfections.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Darkwood varies across platforms, with some versions receiving praise for stability and polish despite minor flaws. On PS4, critics like BaziCenter and GameSpot acknowledge manageable bugs and frame drops, while COGconnected notes the version is adequate but slower than PC. Critical Hit highlights UI issues on consoles, though these are less severe on PC and Switch. For Xbox One, SomosXbox and Windows Central praise smooth performance without frame drops or crashes, while Stevivor and XBLA Fans note control quirks and sluggish mechanics. On Nintendo Switch, 3DJuegos and Nintendo Life commend the port’s stability despite long load times, with Gameblog.fr praising HD rumble as a standout feature. The PS5 version sees minimal technical complaints, with PlayStation Country noting no major bugs, while PC receives mixed feedback: Destructoid criticizes clunky controls, but GameGrin and Games.cz highlight smooth performance with minor issues like text placeholders. Negatives are more pronounced across platforms. On PS4, Digitally Downloaded calls the console adaptation "nearly unplayable" due to tiny text and accessibility flaws, while Everyeye.it and Metro GameCentral cite NPC dialogue bugs, physics glitches, and control mapping issues. The Xbox One version faces criticism for sluggish controls (XBLA Fans) and occasional stuttering (Gamers’ Temple), though Stevivor’s UI and physics issues are deemed less severe. On Nintendo Switch, DualShockers and FNintendo note long load times and frame drops, while Gameblog.fr highlights day/night visibility problems in portable mode. The PC version struggles with clunky mechanics (Destructoid) and underdeveloped systems like resource management (Ragequit.gr), though these are framed as design choices rather than technical failures. Overall, critics agree that Darkwood’s core gameplay remains engaging despite platform-specific technical hurdles. While PS4 and Switch versions face UI, performance, and optimization challenges—such as the PS4’s fiddly interface (Metro GameCentral) or Switch’s long load times (DualShockers)—Xbox One and PC versions offer smoother experiences with fewer critical issues. The game’s indie roots are acknowledged as a factor in its technical imperfections, but many reviewers, like GameGrin and Games.cz, emphasize that these flaws do not overshadow its atmospheric strengths. Despite differences in polish, the consensus is that Darkwood delivers a compelling horror experience, with technical shortcomings seen as manageable trade-offs for its unique design and immersion.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Darkwood’s procedural generation, multiple endings, and roguelike mechanics create high replay value for dedicated fans, but its unforgiving difficulty, repetitive elements, and steep learning curve limit appeal to casual players, making it a niche experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of reviewers highlight Darkwood’s strong replay value driven by its procedural generation, multiple endings, and dynamic challenges. Critics like COGconnected, Game Rant, and PlayStation Country emphasize that the game’s randomized maps, evolving encounters, and branching storylines ensure each playthrough feels unique. The roguelike elements—such as permadeath on higher difficulties, hidden locations, and varied strategies for survival—encourage players to revisit the game to explore different outcomes or improve their skills. Multiplayer.it and Xbox Tavern note that the combination of secret endings, player choices, and diverse difficulty settings adds layers of depth, while Vandal and Ragequit.gr praise the unpredictable nature of randomized events and enemy placements. These mechanics create a sense of discovery and experimentation, making the game appealing to fans of survival horror and roguelite genres. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that may limit replayability for some players. Eurogamer Italy argues that the narrative-driven structure ties the experience too closely to a single playthrough, reducing incentives to restart once the story is uncovered. GameSpace and Hardcore Gamer criticize repetitive nighttime mechanics and harsh difficulty curves, which can frustrate players seeking smoother progression. JeuxActu and Wccftech note that while procedural generation adds variety, it can also lead to a lack of memorability or meaningful engagement over time. Additionally, the game’s steep learning curve and minimal guidance—mentioned by COGconnected and Metro GameCentral—may deter casual players or those uninterested in its punishing survival mechanics. These challenges, while part of the game’s identity, create a divide between dedicated fans and broader audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Darkwood’s replay value is robust but niche, appealing primarily to enthusiasts of challenging, procedurally generated experiences. While most agree that the game’s randomized elements and multiple endings justify repeated playthroughs (Twinfinite, DualShockers), others caution that its difficulty and repetitive aspects may not resonate with all players (GameSpace, Eurogamer Italy). The balance between innovation and accessibility remains a key point of discussion, with many reviewers acknowledging the game’s strengths while recognizing its limitations. Ultimately, Darkwood is seen as a title that rewards persistence and curiosity, but its replayability hinges on players’ willingness to embrace its unforgiving design and evolving challenges.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Darkwood is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its immersive atmosphere, psychological tension, and innovative survival mechanics. Many highlight its ability to create a haunting, oppressive environment that lingers in the mind long after playing. GameSpot calls it a "brilliant, atmospheric survival horror game," while We Got This Covered dubs it a "fantastic" and "instant classic," emphasizing its unique blend of sound design, environmental storytelling, and tension-building. The game’s focus on atmosphere over jump scares resonates strongly, with critics like Generación Xbox hailing it as a "masterpiece" and Eurogamer Italy noting its "haunting atmosphere and unique survival mechanics." Its procedural exploration and cryptic narrative also earn praise for fostering replayability and depth, as seen in reviews from 3DJuegos and GameGrin, who appreciate its emphasis on strategic thinking and psychological horror. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Technical issues, particularly on consoles like the PS4 and Switch, are a recurring concern. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the game for "inaccessible text and poor console optimization," calling it "unintelligible" and "the worst ways," while Everyeye.it notes "technical flaws and control issues" that hinder enjoyment despite its artistic merits. Repetitiveness, steep difficulty curves, and clunky combat mechanics also draw criticism. Switch Player and GamingTrend mention frustrating design choices, such as overly dark visuals and a lack of hand-holding, which may alienate less patient players. Additionally, some critics, like SECTOR.sk, argue that the overhead perspective undermines the game’s ability to evoke fear, while Vandal (on PC) acknowledges combat needs improvement despite praising its creativity. These issues collectively create a polarizing experience for broader audiences. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that Darkwood is a standout title within the survival horror genre, particularly for fans willing to overlook its flaws. While some critics, like Nintendo Life and XboxAddict, note that its "unforgiving nature" and "steep learning curve" may not appeal to all, many emphasize its unique strengths. GameSpace and DualShockers frame it as a niche but rewarding experience, while BaziCenter and Worth Playing highlight its immersive design and narrative depth. The game’s ability to balance tension with exploration, coupled with its atmospheric brilliance, earns it high praise from genre enthusiasts. Even critics who acknowledge its shortcomings, such as Destructoid and GameCritics, recognize its potential as a memorable, if imperfect, entry in the horror space. Ultimately, Darkwood is seen as a bold, unconventional effort that prioritizes mood and mechanics over polish, making it a must-play for dedicated fans despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

Darkwood is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, praised for its oppressive tension, innovative mechanics, and haunting sound design—yet plagued by technical glitches, repetitive gameplay, and clunky combat, making it a divisive but essential experience for genre devotees.

MONSTER

Reviews

76 reviews found

Generación Xbox

Xbox One

May 23, 2019