Side-scrolling levels were always my least favorite part of any game growing up. Having to deal with the enemies on screen as well as the ever-moving level, overwhelmed me and caused many game overs. Nowadays, though, having gotten slightly better at games made times like these a breeze. So when I was given the chance to play Dark Scrolls, a side-scrolling game, I was a bit wary until I heard it was also a roguelike, which immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve been lucky to play so many unique roguelike games recently, with games like Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes and Last Man Sitting each having great mechanics that seamlessly weave into the gameplay. So when I jumped into Dark Scrolls, I was initially disappointed to see nothing too unique. However, once I began to understand the game’s mechanics, I found myself drawn in. While there are some things I wish were added or done better, the overall game was a fantastic time.
Down But Not Out
Dark Scrolls has a simple premise: each run starts with the main character emerging from the grave, then setting off on a journey to reach the end, which can be one of three levels. Each stage is also filled with monsters that try to defeat me and send me back to the start. With up to four levels to play through each run and multiple paths to take to get to the end, there are quite a few different ways to experience the game.
As much fun as taking multiple paths is, there are areas, such as the mountain and bridge, that are locked behind a toll after the first level is complete. This meant that, if I wanted to get to the upper path, I needed to earn enough money. Otherwise, I would be sent to the lower path. Having this choice so early on is really fun, as it makes the following three levels different each time, and if I really wanted to make sure I had enough money, it can be earned via chests, which can be found randomly during levels or when a mini horde rush appears.
Around the mid-point of each stage, the game begins with what can best be described as a mini horde rush. For a limited time, a small number of enemies appear on screen. Each time they’re all fully defeated, another group spawns in. This goes on for around a minute until the counter hits zero, and a chest pops up. At first, I assumed it was mainly for earning money, but the better I did, the more rewards I gained. These would range from a full health potion to even a cannon that skips part of the level. The choice between going all out for the big reward or avoiding all the enemies to avoid getting too overwhelmed always tripped me up, but in a good way.
At first, the game gives you three playable characters, each with different gameplay styles. One example is a mage who shoots energy blasts that can bounce across the screen, while another is a barbarian who can ground-pound enemies. Along the way, you will unlock a total of 9 heroes, all of whom are unique and satisfying to play as. Each also comes with its own unique ultimate ability to use, which is earned via the star system that slowly levels up by damaging monsters. Some of these abilities I didn’t find too useful, such as the Thief’s ability to turn invisible. On the surface, it sounds like a useful ability, but considering monsters can jump out from any direction, it feels better to use an ability that will take them down rather than one that lets you hide from them.
The game also comes with a unique perk system tied to the stars. Whenever a perk is purchased from the shop during a stage, there is a choice to add it to one of the five star levels. Each time the star meter slowly builds up and reaches the assigned level, that perk is automatically used. At first, it can seem pretty confusing, but once I got the hang of it, I made combos that really made the game easier than it already is. It made Dark Scrolls feel really satisfying to master, as a system like this made me really think about which perks to use and the best time to use the character’s signature ability, all so that multiple perks can be in play and change the tide of battle.
Minor Issues
Dark Scrolls has very few issues I ran into while playing, but there are some minor nitpicks that are worth noting. For starters, the game is often too easy. In the beginning, this was appreciated, since it allowed me to leisurely learn the basics of the game. However, after a few runs and having learned how the game works, the difficulty never rose to accommodate my new skills. I think I would’ve enjoyed it if the game had a way to challenge me more, such as an option to switch to a greater difficulty.
Each run is also very limited to the chosen path after level one. If I don’t have enough money for the upper levels, then I’m stuck doing the mines and the castle, which forces me to do yet another run where I’m exploring the same level over again, just to get to the mountains or the moon. I would’ve liked it if there were more chances to reach the higher paths in later stages, but considering how quick some runs can be, this is more of a small frustration rather than a game-breaking issue.
There was also a small audio issue I kept experiencing every time I visited the wishing well in between levels. Every time I opened up the screen to toss coins down the well, the audio would spike for a second; it was really jarring, but other than this one instance, I didn’t really notice it anywhere else. Thankfully, these issues are small enough that they rarely detracted from my enjoyment of Dark Scrolls as a whole.
Adventuring into Darkness
I enjoyed my time with Dark Scrolls; the quick side-scrolling action was fun and exciting, and the great pixel art style and some catchy music always kept me engaged. Plus, the co-op option is much appreciated. However, as fun as things are, I did have some issues with the experience, such as the lack of difficulty and the lack of changing paths mid-game, which slightly hinder what would otherwise be a great roguelike.
Overall, though, Dark Scrolls is still a charming game that was clearly crafted with love and is worth checking out, regardless of your interests in side-scrollers and roguelikes. Just be prepared to climb out of that grave and into a solid adventure.
Disclaimer: Devolver Digital provided a PC (Steam) copy of Dark Scrolls for review purposes.
