The Dark Spire

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Apr 14, 2009
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. RPG Fan
    73
    Definitely not for everyone. But regardless, at the end of the journey, after the countless deaths and billions of bruisings, the stat rolling and puzzle solving, you will undoubtedly feel accomplished.
  2. GamePro
    70
    However, I realize there is indeed a market for this kind of game, and for those looking for a fun (albeit masochistically hard) old-school RPG, there is no better place to go than The Dark Spire. [Apr 2009, p.80]
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  3. Game Informer
    70
    From the unforgiving difficulty to the minimalist presentation, this title is a naked homage to antediluvian dungeon crawls. [May 2009, p.90]
  5. GameCritics
    70
    Despite that beef, The Dark Spire is a pleasing throwback to an era when games were actually hard and beating them felt like a legitimate accomplishment.
  6. Everyeye.it
    70
    Dark Spire is a game enjoyable only by classic RPG super fans. It's a tough dungeon crawler, with a very classic and tactic gameplay (maybe too much), and good music. Unfortunately the setting is just one city, with one huge dungeon.
  7. GamesRadar+
    60
    The Dark Spire certainly attained its goal of creating an homage to classic dungeon-crawling RPGs. But its confusing design choices and unforgiving gameplay may turn off anyone born after 1990.
  8. RPGamer
    60
    Ultimately, the appeal of The Dark Spire will be limited to those looking for a trip down memory lane or those looking for a challenge.
  9. Worth Playing
    60
    Games like The Dark Spire prove just how subjective game reviews are; while it is near perfection in its chosen genre, the average gamer would trade in this game or simply throw it away after spending less than an hour with it.
  10. 1UP
    58
    Dark Spire recreates both the best and worst qualities of a bygone era, making for a taste that's difficult to acquire.
  11. Nintendo Power
    50
    A drab experience that takes little advantage of the DS hardware (menu issues annoy) and rarely rises above the level of sufficiency. [May 2009, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Sadly, this one's showing every wrinkle.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best DS Game of 2009
35
#35 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
28
#28 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. Daverwob
    Sep 10, 2010
    10
    If you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games weIf you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games we are spoonfed these days, and just want an old-school, polished and incredibly addictive dungeon crawler in the style of yesteryear, this is for you. Why not challenge your brain to a style of game you've never played before? Brilliant, perfect (for what it is), so don't judge this by what you are expecting from the games of today, judge it for what it is, with an appreciation for the past. This guy sums it up perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioRpxc4yXvU

    These types of games are what I live for.    … Full Review »
  2. efake
    Apr 21, 2009
    9
    Exactly what it presents itself as. A very well done wizardry clone. If that sounds fun, get it and enjoy it. If you're not sure what Exactly what it presents itself as. A very well done wizardry clone. If that sounds fun, get it and enjoy it. If you're not sure what that is, skip it. Good music and writing. interesting puzzles, and the harsh sort of gameplay you should be expecting from a game that pays such obvious homage to the old school dungeon crawlers. Niche as hell, but accomplishes exactly what it wanted to, and you've got to respect that.… Full Review »
  3. JPoppaWUSC
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    This is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library thatThis is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library that has more recently included games like Demon's Souls and The Witcher. The game has already become a rarity in the United States, but considering the fact that it has received Game of the Year awards from classic RPG circles, it's well worth time spent seeking it out. Other recommended classics in the same vein may include 3D Dot Game Heroes on PS3, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade on PSP, Etrian Odyssey on DS, Warriors of the Lost Empire on PSP, or Fighting Fantasy on DS.… Full Review »
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