Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1235 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,048 out of 1235
  2. Mixed: 118 out of 1235
  3. Negative: 69 out of 1235
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  1. LiamM.
    Feb 9, 2007
    7
    I love this game its full of good combat and the graphics are stunning unfortunately I got bad bugs when I was playing the game but apart from that I loved the game with its great combat and visual effects this is a thumbs up for me and is recommended by me for all gamers.
  2. AlanV.
    Mar 17, 2008
    7
    Some interesting concepts, but not well executed. Fun through about half of the too-short campaign. Much more HnS than RPG, where monsters are always too hard or too easy. Interesting story, but very predictable, and an ending that lets you down. An interesting experience, but not replayable. Average multiplayer is the final straw. Good for fans of Hack and Slash.
  3. BillB.
    Aug 3, 2008
    7
    As RPGs go this one is not very deep in terms of story or stat building. It's much more of a FPS with RPG elements. That said, it's reasonably solid. Think of it as a not-as-polished medieval version of Half Life 2. Combat system has a learning curve but the game opens with a training level. Once familiar, killing bad guys is very satisfying. Worth it as a bargain bin purchase As RPGs go this one is not very deep in terms of story or stat building. It's much more of a FPS with RPG elements. That said, it's reasonably solid. Think of it as a not-as-polished medieval version of Half Life 2. Combat system has a learning curve but the game opens with a training level. Once familiar, killing bad guys is very satisfying. Worth it as a bargain bin purchase for 20 bucks.… Expand
  4. A.Tiilitehdas
    Oct 27, 2006
    7
    Long load times and lagg, poor programming I say. But good game other wise, maybe patches will help.
  5. MikeS.
    Jan 24, 2008
    7
    It's a very good game (in the time it works). It crashes very often. Very annoying...
  6. JacobP.
    Oct 28, 2006
    7
    The game is fun, although the voice acting is sometimes poorly done and the plot is as see-through as a thin sheet of greasy paper. Long load times abound, and the skill system makes less of a difference than you would expect. However, combat is visceral and enjoyable, and it is a great looking game. It's worth picking up, but try to get it cheap.
  7. D'Beast
    Apr 22, 2007
    7
    Visually fantastic, easy to learn controls and great flexibility in the way you shape your character. The only letdown is the longivity. The story could have been a bit more padded out, and a few more levels to explore. A merchant along the way may have helped too, with a few items to sell or buy. Apart from that, a good game.
  8. NathanP.
    Nov 11, 2006
    7
    The physical game play is great, but there is quite limited spell/skill selection, and only a spattering of different items. I think I was expecting more complex choice of skills/spells and alot more variety of items.
  9. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    7
    The combat system is worth experiencing, but there isn't anything else that really stands out. There are certainly better games out there, but there are also much worse. Give it a shot when it's on sale for a couple bucks.
  10. TheangryOne
    Oct 4, 2011
    7
    Dark Messiah: Of Might and Magic. This adaptation of the Source engine, developed by Arkane Studios, is a classic example of a good game that could have been so much more. You take on the role of Sareth, apprentice of the Wizard Phenrig, who is initially tasked with delivering a strange crystal to another wizard, who is in search of the "Skull of Shadows". However, as the story progresses,Dark Messiah: Of Might and Magic. This adaptation of the Source engine, developed by Arkane Studios, is a classic example of a good game that could have been so much more. You take on the role of Sareth, apprentice of the Wizard Phenrig, who is initially tasked with delivering a strange crystal to another wizard, who is in search of the "Skull of Shadows". However, as the story progresses, you find yourself entangled in an ancient prophecy that could potentially end the world. This game plays remarkable similar to another Arkane Studios game, Arx Fatalis; so if you liked that game, you can stop reading this review right here because you'll like this game as well. The enviromnents themselves are actually pretty good, even for a game released in 2006. Combat is fast paced and varies greatly depending on whatever weapon types you decide to use. There is a basic skill progression system that allows you to decide what Sareth can do both in and out of combat. With it, you CAN progress down the basic archetypes (Warrior, mage, rogue) or you can mix and match to fit your style. My personal preference is mage; I don't understand why people think it's so weak. Admitedly, it starts out somewhat underpowered, but mid-late game, it becomes unstoppable (Sanctuary FTW). The voice acting is passable and at times is funny and I found myself chuckling more than once. However, this game does come with some serious drawbacks that limit an otherwise flawless game. First off, the game is just too short and while it does a fair job of making you feel like part of the game, the fast pace of the game often leaves you behind. Second, the enemy AI ranges from overly brilliant, to just plain stupid (They can find me hiding in a corner 100 feet away, but they can't think of any other way to attack me besides charging into my kick.). Finally, the limited weapon variety pretty much tells you what weapons you'll be using. Ultimatly though, for its price, this is a fair buy for RPG fans, and they won't be dissapointed.… Expand
  11. suneater
    Dec 17, 2012
    7
    Best Orc kicking simulator I've ever played. Tons of creative ways to kill your opponents, lite RPG elements that don't intrude on the base hack-and-slash gameplay, and what is still probably the best first person melee combat ever. Multiplayer is pretty tacked on but this is still worth picking up today just to experience the single player.
  12. Tomle1202
    Dec 27, 2021
    7
    Dark Messiah of Might and Magic's patchy visual presentation and relatively clunky controls are, to an extent, redeemed by a fun and creative combat system.
  13. Voyou
    Jan 24, 2016
    7
    Fun, fun, fun.
    Surprisingly.
    I was hoping for some RPG. What I got is what many will call a FPS, but what I simply call a platformer. Not really my kind of game, and it started with a less than impressive tutorial, yet as soon as the story began I was enjoying it, from the narrative tricks to the scenery design, the pace and the liveliness. It's a game where killing is fun. Killing    Fun, fun, fun.
    Surprisingly.

    I was hoping for some RPG. What I got is what many will call a FPS, but what I simply call a platformer. Not really my kind of game, and it started with a less than impressive tutorial, yet as soon as the story began I was enjoying it, from the narrative tricks to the scenery design, the pace and the liveliness. It's a game where killing is fun. Killing easily is fun, backstabbing is radical, low-level spells are powerful, a staff is a proper weapon (whereas in other games it's always designed as a wizard limitation,) and your foot is a true catapult.

    I'll tell you some flaws, but they don't stop me from playing at all: it's as linear as a platformer can be. It has the occasional invisible obstacle that inexplicably blocks you between 2 planks. And progression might be too quick, as I am already more than satisfied with the full set of thieves skills and a couple of fun spells. That's pretty much the worst I can say.

    Casual sneaking and cutting throats at its best.    … Expand
  14. Kotofon
    Feb 3, 2020
    7
    Плюсы:
    + хорошие персонажи
    + неплохая в меру хардкорная боевка + вариативность прокачки + несколько концовок. + наличие стелса Минусы: - ближе к концу игры ощущаешь себя чуть ли богом, все враги становятся просто хиленькими мобами, та же ситуация и с финальным боссом из-за чего не чувствуется грандиозность финала. - к сожалению концовки мало чем отличаются - игра иногда не прочь    Плюсы:
    + хорошие персонажи
    + неплохая в меру хардкорная боевка
    + вариативность прокачки
    + несколько концовок.
    + наличие стелса
    Минусы:
    - ближе к концу игры ощущаешь себя чуть ли богом, все враги становятся просто хиленькими мобами, та же ситуация и с финальным боссом из-за чего не чувствуется грандиозность финала.
    - к сожалению концовки мало чем отличаются
    - игра иногда не прочь вылететь    … Expand
  15. 4ya5h1
    Mar 24, 2022
    7
    this game is really fun to play, i like it. gameplay is good and story is interesting, characters are fine
  16. rezo_21
    Sep 18, 2021
    7
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 65 IIIIIIIIII====================
  17. res0nancer
    Jun 5, 2023
    7
    В свое время производила большое впечатление и проходилась не без интереса. Перепройдя сейчас, конечно, не так хорошо сохранилась, но не сказать, что удовольствие не было получено. Вариативный геймплей, с некоторыми взаимосвязанными механиками, создающими уникальные ситуации.В свое время производила большое впечатление и проходилась не без интереса. Перепройдя сейчас, конечно, не так хорошо сохранилась, но не сказать, что удовольствие не было получено. Вариативный геймплей, с некоторыми взаимосвязанными механиками, создающими уникальные ситуации.
  18. bancandrei
    May 14, 2020
    7
    The most underrated game I have played. This is just fun and mechanics are slightly different than other mainstream titles, making it an experience worth checking out. The story is simple, but effective and fits the tone, I would dismiss criticism of it. The only thing it would benefit from is more openness in progression through the game world.
  19. Nekellor_Met
    Jul 23, 2020
    7
    Начало и моменты пред концом неплохи. Но вот когда запихивают в подземелья вроде храма паука или последней локации, начинается душнота.
  20. Devastator1988
    Jul 18, 2022
    7
    The varied gameplay with lots of mechanics and the ways to defeat the opponents. But the controls are guffy sometimes.
  21. dr-kenobi
    Sep 7, 2022
    7
    Стара штука, але в свій час була досить проривною. Візуал у той період також був одним з топових.
  22. PenetratorGod
    Aug 20, 2023
    7
    It's still successful for its time and for today. The best parts of the game are the gameplay mechanics, but the rest is pretty average. It can give you 8-10 hours of fun if you give it a chance.
  23. OmarC.
    Nov 30, 2006
    6
    The game has great graphics and a friendly game play, but the storyline is weak, is a very short game for the expectation it created, not to say the poor performance and the endless bugs.
  24. AdrianG.
    Mar 16, 2007
    6
    Its very hard to explain my "opinion" on this game so i am just gonna list the pros and cons. pros/ intense combat, great acrobatics, a good platformer, cons/ half the game is a maze, and in some cases just plane annoying.
  25. AnonymousMC
    Nov 10, 2006
    6
    This game is a more enjoyable experience in some way than other games such as Oblivion & Even Half-Life 2 but is let down by some serious flaws. The game is buggy on most systems I've played it on & even those PC that are exceeding the recommended specs & needs extensive tweaking to get it to work - despite the new patch thats been released for it to fix a long list of problems.This game is a more enjoyable experience in some way than other games such as Oblivion & Even Half-Life 2 but is let down by some serious flaws. The game is buggy on most systems I've played it on & even those PC that are exceeding the recommended specs & needs extensive tweaking to get it to work - despite the new patch thats been released for it to fix a long list of problems.

    You might have just bought this game from watching the trailers over the last 18 months while in development and the amazing use the game has put the legendary Source engine to good use. You will have to get used to using the kick key alot for all those high drops to kick the enemies off.

    Every time you attack an enemy your adreline bar goes up a bit further to execute 'death' kills that will slow the game down and instantly kill your unlucky victim.

    Through each of the tasks you will complete (some are optionally) you will get skill points to use to advance yourself so you get additional skills like more strength, stamina, become invisible or be a wizard of spells.

    The physic/ragdolls are over the top and can look like the game hasn't been fully tested and the amount of convient spikes & fires around every corner is suspect and doesn't leave much room for a creative kill. The annoying 'voice' in your head will guide/tell you what to do and its like a bad example of a TomTom GPS nagging every 5 seconds but she does keep her mouth shut for some bits of the game.
    If they fix the bugs so most people can play the game without re-tweaking the game then this would easily get 9/10, but it stays 6/10. Don't play this game until you've played the very short demo otherwise you might waste you money on a game that might even crash your PC.    … Expand
  26. TerryS.
    Nov 29, 2006
    6
    Far to many bugs at the present. Suffer's from constant CTD's, (Crash to Desktop) to make the game playable. This game should have been thoughly play tested befor release. Wait 6 month's befor buying.
  27. JohnSmith
    Dec 27, 2006
    6
    Didn't like it. 20 testers could not fix the climb-up and swim, what a shame. And with such a crowd in the acknowledgements and such a sub-standard game, this is lousy execution as well.
  28. OutOfAmmO
    Dec 3, 2006
    6
    It scores higher than 0 due to the marvelous fighting system. This system should just have been imported into a better game with more depth, better storyline and more diversity. Hopefully some developpers might use this fighting system again. Bonus of the game thou are the constant crashes that tottaly make you loose the feeling of being on an adventure. It just ruins the thrill of the It scores higher than 0 due to the marvelous fighting system. This system should just have been imported into a better game with more depth, better storyline and more diversity. Hopefully some developpers might use this fighting system again. Bonus of the game thou are the constant crashes that tottaly make you loose the feeling of being on an adventure. It just ruins the thrill of the ride. And I might mention that i run with nvidia 7900gtx in SLI and 2 gig of ram and top notch processor. But still i suffer from constant crashing. Sad such a good idea hasnt been worked on more. Fighting system only +… Expand
  29. JW
    Jan 24, 2007
    6
    It has great graphics fun to play but to short and easy to beat then the end of the game is horrible the movie is like two seconds long and they def could have done a little better.
  30. MehmetT.
    Sep 27, 2007
    6
    The Good: great graphics, great sound effects, and above all; awesome action. Whatever you choose might, stealth or magic, you are sure to have a lot of fun. The Bad: Generic storyline (although sometimes it can get interesting). The Ugly: It's just not a stable game; some people manage to run it fine, but for those people who experience problems the game just gets really frustrating The Good: great graphics, great sound effects, and above all; awesome action. Whatever you choose might, stealth or magic, you are sure to have a lot of fun. The Bad: Generic storyline (although sometimes it can get interesting). The Ugly: It's just not a stable game; some people manage to run it fine, but for those people who experience problems the game just gets really frustrating after a while because you never know when the game will freeze, crash, or slow down to just a few FPS for some weird reason (you have to reload your save game when the FPS drop occurs). If you can get the game the run fine then you are going to have a great time; although make sure you set the game to modest settings because it's a real system hog. If it wasn't for all the technical difficulties and a more original storyline, I would have given this game a score of 9.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PC Game of 2006
4
#4 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. PC Gamer UK
    88
    There's really nothing that can match Dark Messiah's combat. The mixture of weaponry and convincingly cause-and-effect physics really does take first-person fighting to new places. [Nov 2006, p.62]
  2. PC Zone UK
    84
    If the game suffers, it's from over-explanation, the occasional lapse in the combat, and the repetitive nature of the environmental weaponry. But I was kept entertained all the way through, and I've never felt so directy responsible for chopping off a goblin's arm. [Dec 2006, p.70]
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  3. PC Format
    88
    An outstanding experience. It manages to create a constant sense of threat, includes some stunning set-pieces, and introduces a cast of breathtaking beasts, all within a combat system that is one of the most versatile and violent we have ever seen. [Dec 2006, p.98]
See all critic reviews »