Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Boston Animation
- Publishers: Oxygen Games, Simon & Schuster, TDK Mediactive
Darkened Skye (2002): A Sweet and Savory Action-RPG
Released in 2002 by Simon & Schuster Interactive, Darkened Skye is an action-oriented 3D role-playing game that takes players on an epic quest to restore light to a world shrouded in darkness. Players take on the role of Skye, a restless shepherdess who stumbles upon a mysterious artifact that opens a portal to another realm, unleashing chaos upon her world. Now, armed with the power of Skittles, Skye must embark on a journey across five different game worlds to collect four prisms that can restore balance and harmony.
Gameplay
Darkened Skye features fast-paced action combat, with Skye utilizing a variety of melee and ranged weapons to battle her way through hordes of enemies. Players can also collect and use magic spells to enhance their combat abilities. The game’s unique Skittles mechanic adds a fun and strategic element to gameplay, as Skye can consume Skittles to gain temporary power-ups and abilities.
Story
The story of Darkened Skye is a classic tale of good versus evil, with Skye representing the forces of light and her enemies representing the forces of darkness. As Skye progresses through the game, she learns more about her own destiny and the importance of the prisms she seeks. The game’s narrative is engaging and well-written, with memorable characters and plot twists.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 2002, Darkened Skye’s graphics are quite impressive. The game’s environments are lush and detailed, and the character models are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.
Product Placement
One of the most notable things about Darkened Skye is its prominent product placement of Skittles candies. Skittles play a major role in the game’s story and gameplay, and they are even featured in the game’s logo. While some may find this product placement to be a bit jarring, it is actually quite clever and well-integrated into the game world.
Reception
Darkened Skye received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its engaging gameplay, well-written story, and impressive graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. However, the game’s heavy product placement was met with some criticism, with some reviewers feeling that it detracted from the game’s overall experience.
Legacy
Darkened Skye is remembered today as a solid action-RPG with a unique and charming premise. The game’s innovative use of product placement was also ahead of its time, and it helped to pave the way for more creative and integrated forms of advertising in video games.
Conclusion
Darkened Skye is a fun and engaging action-RPG that is still worth playing today. The game’s unique Skittles mechanic adds a fun and strategic element to gameplay, and the story is well-written and engaging. While the game’s product placement may be a bit jarring for some, it is actually quite clever and well-integrated into the game world. Overall, Darkened Skye is a solid and enjoyable action-RPG that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
