Darkwood is a survival horror game with a very unique perspective and graphics. But to survive here you have to do a lot of things and it’s not easy. The following experiences will help to increase the survival in the game.
Learn how to control
Darkwood supports both keyboard and mouse as well as gamepad. Although it may sound funny, your chances of survival will be higher if you know the character controls. Actually there are so many keys to interacting in the game, you do not have time to fumble through each key or push button. Options and Controls to learn how character control is what you should do, before the game experience. Not to mention, knowing the nodes you need will help you preserve your life while panicking and fleeing from the enemy.
When you first play, your character is very weak, so avoid fighting with enemies. Listen to the dog barking, or the howling of other creatures to guide you in safety and how dangerous. Always avoid enemies at all times. Even if you have a little suspicion, do not hesitate to run away and then calculate later. If faced with an enemy facing situation, use items to keep the distance, such as stone. Later on, when you collect enough equipment to make a weapon, you can fight the enemy. However, choose wisely. Do not attack, especially when you have no armor at first.
Experience survival
There are many things to do to survive in Darkwood, but that is the experience for you. I only shares some important experiences that you need to keep in mind.
The first is vision, it is very important in Darkwood because the character has limited field of view, can not see everything around. Always watch carefully before moving somewhere, because the traps along the way will cause you to lose a lot of blood. The enemy has the same vision as you. Reaching them will agitate the enemy. So if you do not want to use violence, it’s best to keep the distance with the enemy.
– Next are the corpses. When you explore the forest during the day, listen to crows’ cries. They are close to the corpses and this is where you can loot a lot of precious resources very useful. However, at the beginning of the game you should pay attention to wandering around the hideout to avoid straying when night falls. Do not forget, spending time looking for resources will increase your chances of survival and help your character grow stronger.
Finally, how to survive overnight. When night comes, everything in Darkwood becomes quite chaotic, powerful enemies will appear and the best way is to hide yourself in the hideout. The shelters appear scattered in Darkwood and often contain oil-driven generators. Note that oil is also a necessary resource for running a generator, to provide light.
There is no difference in the electricity in your home except to make it easier for you to solve the enemy, but it costs you money. You should consider restricting power-up unless you know that monsters are capable of hitting the barricade in the hideout.
The best way to survive through the night is to reinforce the door carefully and wait for water surges. When he sees the red well, he drinks and runs into the house, closes every door and waits in a corner until it is bright. In most cases you will be safe if you do not move. Do not forget to stay away from the window. As you move, you will help the monsters to see inside through openings from the wooden joists used to reinforce the windows.
At death, XP and perk are lost. Therefore, you should store all mushrooms and XP items in the closet as soon as you find them, avoid losing them when you die and only use them when you need them. Similarly, keep things precious as you explore the surrounding areas for the same reason.
Storyline and Setting
Plot Overview
Darkwood is set in a mysterious, eerie forest somewhere in the Soviet Bloc, where the player finds themselves trapped in a nightmarish environment. The game’s story unfolds through exploration, interaction with NPCs, and environmental storytelling. The protagonist, known only as The Stranger, must survive the horrors of the forest, uncover its secrets, and find a way to escape.
The narrative is deliberately vague, with many aspects left to player interpretation. This ambiguity adds to the unsettling nature of the game, creating a sense of dread and curiosity that drives the player to uncover more about the world and its inhabitants.
Characters
The game features a variety of characters, each with their own stories, motivations, and connections to the forest. NPCs like The Trader, The Doctor, and The Wolfman provide quests, items, and pieces of the overarching narrative. Their interactions with the protagonist help flesh out the world and add layers of depth to the story.
Environmental Storytelling
Darkwood excels in environmental storytelling. The world is filled with abandoned buildings, strange artifacts, and unsettling scenes that hint at the horrors that have befallen the land. The game encourages players to piece together the story through exploration, making each discovery feel meaningful and impactful.
Gameplay Mechanics
Survival Elements
At its core, Darkwood is a survival game. Players must scavenge for resources, manage their inventory, and maintain their health, stamina, and sanity. The game features a day-night cycle, with daytime being relatively safe for exploration and resource gathering, while nighttime brings out terrifying creatures and dangerous events.
Crafting and Resource Management
Crafting and resource management are crucial aspects of the gameplay. Players can craft weapons, traps, and tools to aid in their survival. Managing limited resources adds a layer of strategy, as players must decide when to use or save items.
Combat and Stealth
Combat in Darkwood is challenging and often a last resort. The game emphasizes stealth and avoidance over direct confrontation. Players must carefully choose when to engage enemies and when to hide or flee. This creates a constant tension, as every encounter could be deadly.
Exploration and Quests
Exploration is a key component of Darkwood. The forest is filled with locations to discover, each with its own dangers and rewards. Quests given by NPCs provide objectives and help guide the player’s exploration. These quests are often morally ambiguous, adding to the game’s dark and unsettling tone.
Permadeath and Difficulty
Darkwood features a permadeath mode, where death is permanent, and players must start over from the beginning. This mode is intended for those seeking an extreme challenge. The standard mode allows players to reload from the last save point but still offers a significant difficulty curve.
Visual and Audio Design
Art Style
The art style of Darkwood is distinctive and contributes greatly to its atmosphere. The top-down perspective, combined with detailed, hand-drawn environments, creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The game’s use of lighting and shadows is particularly effective, with darkness hiding threats and creating a constant sense of unease.
Sound Design
Sound design is one of Darkwood‘s strongest elements. The game uses ambient sounds, eerie music, and unsettling noises to create a tense and immersive experience. The audio cues play a crucial role in gameplay, alerting players to nearby threats and adding to the overall atmosphere.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Darkwood is oppressive and haunting. The combination of visual and audio design, along with the game’s mechanics and narrative, creates a world that is both captivating and terrifying. The sense of isolation and danger is palpable, making every moment feel intense and significant.
Overall Experience
Strengths
- Atmosphere: Darkwood excels in creating a haunting, immersive atmosphere that keeps players on edge.
- Storytelling: The game’s ambiguous narrative and environmental storytelling encourage exploration and interpretation.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The survival elements, crafting, and resource management are well-integrated and add depth to the gameplay.
- Visual and Audio Design: The art style and sound design work together to create a truly unsettling experience.
- Replayability: The permadeath mode and varying quest outcomes provide a high level of replayability.
Weaknesses
- Difficulty: The game’s challenging difficulty may be off-putting for some players, especially those new to the survival horror genre.
- Learning Curve: Darkwood has a steep learning curve, with minimal hand-holding and a lot of trial and error required.
- Ambiguity: While the vague narrative adds to the atmosphere, some players may find the lack of clear direction or answers frustrating.
Final Thoughts
Darkwood is a standout title in the survival horror genre, offering a unique and immersive experience that is both captivating and terrifying. Its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-play for fans of horror games and those looking for a challenging, atmospheric adventure. The game’s combination of eerie atmosphere, innovative mechanics, and engaging storytelling sets it apart from other titles and cements its place as a modern classic in the genre.
Whether you’re navigating the dark, twisted forest, crafting tools for survival, or uncovering the mysteries of the world, Darkwood offers an experience that is as rewarding as it is unsettling. It’s a game that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving a lasting impression of its haunting, beautifully crafted world.