A Compulsion for Propulsion- Dark Void Review

Let’s get this out of the way first- Dark Void is will undoubtedly divide gamers. Some players will be unable to tolerate the title’s sporadic unwarranted deaths, graphical glitches, and overall lack of polish. Others may find enough enjoyment within the varied array of play mechanics to overlook any quality-assurance quibbles. If you happen to fall into the later camp- read on. While Dark Void doesn’t always capitalize on its ambitions, you’ll likely appreciate the game’s earnest efforts.

Save Tribes 2 (and possibly, Section 8) few three dimensional diversions have properly conveyed the euphoric possibilities of the jetpack. Periodically, Dark Void succeeds on this concept- especially when the environment is roomy enough to let the protagonist dart around while launching a ballistic barrage at any unsuspecting foes. Flanking a turret gunner or freefalling through the middle of a gargantuan enemy structure can be invigorating. It’s a shame the game doesn’t have more of these exhilarating moments; far too often the title settles into a familiar run-and gun cadence.

Like the title’s celebrated method of propulsion, Dark Void’s storyline is compact and displays brief moments of intensity. At the game’s commencement, cargo pilot William Grey is traversing the Bermuda Triangle, when his plane is absorbed by a mysterious vortex. The inter-dimensional whirlpool hurls Grey into an alternative realm where a race of tyrannical aliens are hell-bent on domination. With the assistance of Nicola Tesla, our protagonist gains an array of technology that offers just enough kick to fend off the extraterrestrial foray. Dark Void’s decision to recall the cliffhanger films of yesteryear is inspired, and gives the game a distinctive vibe.

Whether soaring through the game’s airy environments or traversing the world on foot, the alien resistance rarely rests. On the ground, players take cover with a mechanic that recalls Gears of War, as a button press allows Grey to take shelter around an environmental object. Periodically, this technique (and the game’s camera) is rotated, allowing the protagonist to engage in vertical gunplay. Players may reposition themselves along a ledge, bound to another cover point, or even melee throw an enemy. While vertical cover could have offered an intriguing facet to the game, in execution it’s woefully oversimplified. Often, I was able to scramble through each section- ignoring enemies and conserving time and ammo. When I did attempt the drop-and pop approach, aliens sharing a common ledge became inexplicably passive, and I found myself unable to fling their carcasses to the ground below.

Despite having guns with unlimited ammo on your jetpack, sky combat feels underdeveloped. Shooting a succession of enemy saucers gets dull quick- players merely turn toward enemy positions using the on-screen HUD, hold down the fire button, and collect the game’s nondescript power-up orbs. Although gamers can wrestle aircraft away from enemy forces, it hardly makes a difference- the saucers maneuverability and loadout isn’t remarkably better than your own jetpack. Yet, despite these weaknesses, combat can be intense- especially when groups of foes attack the player.

Dark Void’s Unreal Engine-powered visual are consistently utilitarian. From the modest amount of enemy types, habitually stilted animation, and monochromatic environments, the title can’t compete with any of today’s triple-A extravaganzas. While framerates can falter, the game does display a remarkable sense of scale, as draw distances are frequently impressive. Although Bear McCreary’s score complements the action wonderfully, the game’s sound effects intermittently cut off abruptly.