Darkest Dungeon, released in January 2016, is a indie-dev fairy tell, from its successful crowdfunding campaign to its apparition of Steam, the creation of a solid fan-base, and its ultimate success.
I have to say, this game deserves it. The concept was simple : a turn-based dungeon crawler with RPG elements, but most things were done right: the visuals were striking, the music sublime, the lore was rich, well developed and given little by little, so you'd get to know the truth by the end of your play-through. And it's absolutely terrifying.
But what made Darkest Dungeon stand out and become the addictive game it was it's difficulty and the combat. The difficulty because everything was stacked against you. Nothing could protect you from a critical hit, failure to stop the bleeding or to cure poisoning meant a slow death. Failure to bring adequate supplies such as food, medicinal herbs, bandages, shovels means losing a few -if not all- of your well-trained and beloved heroes, a major set back since you'd then have to train some new soldiers. And the dungeons themselves were littered with traps and obstacles. Clearing a dungeon is no easy feat.
I have to say, this game deserves it. The concept was simple : a turn-based dungeon crawler with RPG elements, but most things were done right: the visuals were striking, the music sublime, the lore was rich, well developed and given little by little, so you'd get to know the truth by the end of your play-through. And it's absolutely terrifying.
But what made Darkest Dungeon stand out and become the addictive game it was it's difficulty and the combat. The difficulty because everything was stacked against you. Nothing could protect you from a critical hit, failure to stop the bleeding or to cure poisoning meant a slow death. Failure to bring adequate supplies such as food, medicinal herbs, bandages, shovels means losing a few -if not all- of your well-trained and beloved heroes, a major set back since you'd then have to train some new soldiers. And the dungeons themselves were littered with traps and obstacles. Clearing a dungeon is no easy feat.
The cost of preparedness - measured now in gold, later in blood.
And then there's the combat. Darkest Dungeon made it exciting with some camera moves and quotes delivered by the narrator, based on your performance in battle. However, the odds still aren't in your favor, and it's all too easy to mishandle a battle and get wiped. It's even harder later in the games, when enemies are stronger and deal more damage. Do not let your shiny gear and honed skills lull you into a false sense of security, because remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer and that triumphant pride precipitates a dizzying fall...
And all the battle themes reflect that. They all sound martial and somewhat gloomy, with lighter overtones that reminds you you're embarking in a mad quest and that you're constantly dancing on the edge, ready to tip on way or the other.
But Darkest Dungeon is all about risk management. Spend enough time learning the game and how everything ties together, what works with what, and how to counter something, be diligent when preparing, sharpen your skills, train your heroes and you'll soon find out that the game isn't as hard as you thought it was. Those monsters that once gave you trouble ? These nightmarish creatures can be felled! They can be beaten. You'll win battle after battle, stop losing soldiers, and ultimately triumph.
Many fall in the face of chaos; but not this one, not today.
And I think Battle in the Warrens best illustrates this duality. When you'll hear it for the first time, you'll be terrified by those unholy creatures made from swine, human flesh and black magic. You'll fear for your life. The shrieking strings, loud; powerful brass and pounding drums will take care of that. But come back later, with hours of gameplay under the belt and fueled by the rage gained from the loss of loved heroes, and it takes another meaning. You're now here to put your boots on their faces and sword through their chest. Those drums are now your war drums, and make it clear that the tides have turned, and you now hold the power. You'll only have one thing in mind:
Continue the onslaught! Destroy. Them. All.
And you will.
It has to be on the the best battle themes I've ever heard in a video game, and an effective one at that.
I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did,
I'll see you next time.
-Aliascent
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