Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Web browser
Developers: Doublespeak Games
Publishers: CIRCLE Entertainment, Doublespeak Games

A Dark Room: A Text-Based Adventure That Will Challenge Your Survival Skills and Moral Compass

Introduction

A Dark Room is an open-source software role-playing text-based game originally published in mid 2013 for web browser by Doublespeak Games. Later that year it was released in the App Store for iOS devices. In 2014 a prequel entitled The Ensign, which provided more insight into the world and its characters, was released for iOS.

The game is set in a dark and mysterious room with a single window, casting a dim light on a wooden desk and chair. The player takes on the role of a survivor who has lost their memory and must explore the room and its surroundings to uncover the truth about their past and the nature of their predicament.

Gameplay

A Dark Room is a text-based adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player interacts with the environment by typing commands, such as “examine,” “take,” and “use.” The game world is described in detail, and the player must use their imagination to visualize the surroundings and the events that unfold.

The game features a unique survival mechanic. The player must manage their hunger, thirst, and health in order to stay alive. Food and water can be found by exploring the room and its surroundings, but these resources are scarce. The player must also be careful not to overexert themselves, as this can lead to fatigue and injury.

In addition to survival, the player must also make moral choices throughout the game. These choices will affect the story’s outcome and the player’s own sense of morality. For example, the player may choose to help or harm other survivors, or to sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of others.

Setting

A Dark Room is set in a dark and mysterious world. The room itself is a small, windowless space with a single wooden desk and chair. The walls are covered in strange symbols and markings, and the air is thick with tension.

Outside the room, the player can explore a variety of environments, including a forest, a cave, and a ruined city. These environments are all dangerous and unforgiving, and the player must be careful not to get lost or injured.

Characters

The player character is a survivor who has lost their memory. They must explore the room and its surroundings to uncover the truth about their past and the nature of their predicament.

Throughout the game, the player will encounter a variety of other survivors. Some of these survivors are friendly and helpful, while others are hostile and dangerous. The player must learn to trust their instincts and make wise choices about who to trust.

Themes

A Dark Room explores a number of dark and challenging themes, including survival, morality, and the nature of reality. The game forces the player to make difficult choices that will have a lasting impact on the story and their own sense of self.

Critical Reception

A Dark Room has received critical acclaim from both critics and players. The game has been praised for its immersive gameplay, challenging moral choices, and thought-provoking story.

Conclusion

A Dark Room is a unique and challenging text-based adventure game that will stay with you long after you finish playing. The game’s dark and mysterious setting, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Developer: Doublespeak Games

A Dark Room (2013)