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Review of Darkwood on PlayStation 4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo May 2019
Cover image of Darkwood on PS4
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 14 May 2019
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Acid Wizard Studio
Publisher: Crunching Koalas

Introduction

Welcome to a chillingly weird review of 'Darkwood', where the night is longer than your last relationship and the forest is so dark it could use some nightlights. In this survival horror tale, you play as a guy who's really bad at dodging danger. Explore, craft weapons, and maybe even learn to get a good night's sleep (spoiler: it's unlikely). Let's dive deeper into this groovy horror exploration that takes place in a mysterious Soviet-era forest. Buckle up for horror, humor, and enough existential dread for a lifetime.

Gameplay

You'll double as a scavenger during the day and a scaredy-cat in a hideout by night. The day is your time to gather resources, craft items, or repair your flimsy barricades, which is basically a game of hide-and-seek where you're always it. You craft hallucinogens at your stove - because who doesn't love a good trip while fending off mutant nightmares? At night, prepare for a real test of your strategy skills, akin to planning a surprise birthday party for someone who hates surprises. They'll come knocking, and if you don't prepare, it will not end well. If you survive the night, expect the equivalent of a gold star from the trader; die, and you'll find yourself waking up without half of your items.

Graphics

Visually, 'Darkwood' deserves a solid gold star. The top-down perspective creates an eerie atmosphere, combining creepy art style with a color palette that feels as wrong as putting pineapple on pizza. The ambiance is thick enough to cut with a knife (but don't, it's probably infected). The chilling sound design enhances the experience; you'll hear everything from ominous rustling to nightmarish weeping. You'll feel like you've stepped into a twisted, interactive graphic novel where every page is a potential scream.

Conclusion

'Darkwood' delivers a unique narrative experience that caters to horror aficionados while infusing strategy and resource management into the gameplay. The twists and turns of the story flow smoothly much like the blood from unfortunate NPCs who meet their fates. That's a compliment, I promise! There's replayability baked in, thanks to character choices and multiple endings. Whether you're fumbling through the woods or relishing a horrifying tale of survival, one thing's for sure: Sleep is for the dead, but this game might just make you wish for it. So grab your flashlight, brace yourself for fear, and enjoy the trip through the darkness - just remember to take regular bathroom breaks because it gets real intense real quick!

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