Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga
- Developers: Zero Hour Software
- Publishers: Core Design
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun (1994)
A Hidden Gem of the Action-Adventure Genre
Released in 1994 by Core Design Ltd., Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is an action-adventure game that has been largely forgotten by gamers today. However, this hidden gem is well worth seeking out for fans of classic adventure games.
Story
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun tells the story of Eldric, a young man who is drawn into a dark and dangerous world after his sister is kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Mordred. Eldric must travel through the treacherous land of Darkmere, battling monsters and solving puzzles, in order to rescue his sister and defeat Mordred.
Gameplay
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. Eldric can walk, jump, and attack with his sword. He can also use a variety of magical spells, which he learns as he progresses through the game.
The game’s world is divided into a series of interconnected screens. Eldric must explore these screens, battling monsters and solving puzzles, in order to find his way to Mordred’s castle.
Graphics and Sound
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun features atmospheric graphics that are reminiscent of early 16-bit console games. The game’s world is dark and foreboding, with a limited color palette that creates a sense of unease.
The game’s sound is also excellent. The music is moody and atmospheric, and the sound effects are well-crafted.
Reception
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun received positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay. However, the game’s difficulty was also noted, and some critics found it to be too challenging.
Despite its positive reviews, Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun was not a commercial success. The game was released at a time when the gaming industry was moving away from 2D side-scrolling games. As a result, Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun was largely forgotten by gamers.
Legacy
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is a forgotten classic of the action-adventure genre. The game’s atmospheric graphics, engaging gameplay, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for fans of classic adventure games.
In 1995, Core Design released a pseudo-sequel to Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun called Dragonstone. Dragonstone was not as well-received as its predecessor, and it did not sell as well.
Conclusion
Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is a hidden gem of the action-adventure genre. The game’s atmospheric graphics, engaging gameplay, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for fans of classic adventure games. If you are a fan of games like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Metroid, then you owe it to yourself to check out Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun.
Tips for Playing Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun
- Be patient. Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is a challenging game. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep trying and you will eventually make it through.
- Explore every nook and cranny. Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is full of secrets. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny to find all of the game’s hidden items and power-ups.
- Don’t be afraid to use your spells. Eldric’s spells are very powerful. Don’t be afraid to use them to defeat enemies and solve puzzles.
- Save often. Darkmere: The Nightmare’s Begun is a long game. Be sure to save often so that you don’t lose your progress if you die.
Additional Information
- Developer: Zero Hour Software
- Publisher: Core Design Ltd.
- Release Date: 1994
- Platforms: Amiga, Amiga CD32
- Genre: Action-adventure
Review Score
7.5/10