A Dark Room review
A Dark Room is a text-based game that gradually introduces you to the workings of a mysterious and brutal world as you struggle to survive. Each character and element introduced into the game gives you a little more understanding of what's going on and what your objective is, and that slow reveal is skillfully and effectively executed.
Pros
Engrossing and compelling: Both the characters in this game and the way they are presented make you want to keep playing. It's hard to put this game down even for a few minutes, and you'll be surprised how caught up in the story you can become.
Straightforward mechanics: This app's interface is clearly laid-out, so even players with little experience in these types of games can find their way around quickly. You also ease your way into the mechanics of the game, so you have enough time to get a feel for what you're trying to accomplish.
Cons
Tedious elements: A good part of this game is devoted to resource management. While many players may not mind this element, it can be a turn-off for others. The amount of time you have to wait for new opportunities is short, though, so it's not too hard to manage your items well enough to keep playing continuously.
Bottom Line
A Dark Room is a well-crafted game, and while it does rely on the slow reveal to suck you in, it strikes the right balance between obscurity and clarity to avoid becoming too frustrating. It's probably not the type of game that anyone would enjoy, but it has enough going for it that, for $0.99, it's worth checking out. You may be surprised by how much you like it.
