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. JackH.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    it dont get what all of you are talking about my computer is 2 years old and i can run it fine. anyway i think its a fantastic game with great graphics (to lower the amount of lag just turn down anistropic to the lowest)
  2. JonasK.
    Jun 15, 2008
    10
    This game is just great its the perfect game! The gameplay, the kick, the spells. Everything its just great!
  3. El_BertotheMexican
    Nov 12, 2009
    10
    Excelent game! Great firstperson hack & slash now that the bugs have been taken out. But Hexen 3 as title is more fitting ;)
  4. JohnS
    Dec 4, 2009
    10
    Great SIngleplayer, very solid and balanced Multiplayer. Amazing game!
  5. dbonedbone
    Dec 8, 2009
    10
    One of the best games i have ever played, i dont understand why some people rate it so low. I just hope they make a nr 2.
  6. AaronR.
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    This is an unreal game, flawless plot line, Source engine rules, and the gameplay is outta this world.
  7. ThomasG.
    Nov 24, 2006
    10
    This game has astounding graphics and has the best role-playing system i have ever seen - it almost reminds me of oblivion. I hope many people find their way to this game because it not only captivates it's players in a real world, but also does it with a really nice combat system.
  8. TessaiA.
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    es un juego k para lo k e visto le pongo un 10 el doblaje al español el control del jugador los graficos esta francamente bien.
  9. HONDDRONK
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    This is a great game! The game play and strory-line is awesome! But the best of all is the fighting, blood and slow-motion critical hits..... Overall I think this is a must have!
  10. DanielP
    Dec 13, 2009
    10
    Goodest game i everplayed kick people and headshot them with bows .the best part before you meet the power wizard the map before you sail to skull island. theres was a wall with a hole in i shoted on guard and the other guard where just staring in to the wall
  11. JaapL
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    One of the best singleplayer games I played, despite the game being released to early. The close combat system is, once you get the hang of it, simply amazing. I still play it, which I can't say about most games that are as old as this one.
  12. dklingen
    Sep 29, 2010
    10
    This is one of those games where you just have to scratch your head and try to comprehend what most of the negative reviewers are thinking. If you like FUN, this is a games that has loads of outright fun. I have played the game all the way through three different times (as each of the different classes) and enjoyed it immensely each time. The game is so cheap to buy now, I don't see howThis is one of those games where you just have to scratch your head and try to comprehend what most of the negative reviewers are thinking. If you like FUN, this is a games that has loads of outright fun. I have played the game all the way through three different times (as each of the different classes) and enjoyed it immensely each time. The game is so cheap to buy now, I don't see how anyone could not see the value here. If you like action RPGs you really cannot go wrong with this game!!!… Expand
  13. stu_collier
    Mar 3, 2011
    10
    This is possibly the funnest game i have ever played due the casual violence, hilarious AI and brilliant one liners the enemies come out with the best being "HEY PAL!" Black guard "DEFILLER" Necromancer and "ABOMINATION" Orc when you get the game or if you have it you will know why it is so funny. Other hilarious components include spazzing corpes, people slipping on ice (especially offThis is possibly the funnest game i have ever played due the casual violence, hilarious AI and brilliant one liners the enemies come out with the best being "HEY PAL!" Black guard "DEFILLER" Necromancer and "ABOMINATION" Orc when you get the game or if you have it you will know why it is so funny. Other hilarious components include spazzing corpes, people slipping on ice (especially off cliffs) and of course pinning a orc to a swinging ham if you find this it will make your day (i was in stiches). The AI on this game is incredible if you kick a enemy down the stairs he runs straight back up for more! oh yes and this game has a rich combat and skill upgrade system (btw avoid poison resistance) a very good game buy it now!… Expand
  14. SHELOB
    May 5, 2012
    10
    Great game packed with action and fun while keeping a high fantasy touch. The combat is very rewarding and fun. The graphics and art style are very good regardless the year of production.
  15. brand_eins
    May 16, 2012
    10
    Ok, there is no real connection between Might & Might and Dark Messiah. BUT: The game is groundbreaking! Arkane, known for their absolutely stunning First Person Shooters (or Games), did a very good job. Battles are very intensive, the body awareness is still, 6 years later, the best in the whole FPS-world! When you look into an abyss, you really (!) think: "oh oh, carefully now!" andOk, there is no real connection between Might & Might and Dark Messiah. BUT: The game is groundbreaking! Arkane, known for their absolutely stunning First Person Shooters (or Games), did a very good job. Battles are very intensive, the body awareness is still, 6 years later, the best in the whole FPS-world! When you look into an abyss, you really (!) think: "oh oh, carefully now!" and shivers will run down your spine! Great game! I'm so pumped for the next Arkane Game, Dishonored, which will be released in this year. But that game if you like adventures and intensive FPS experiences!… Expand
  16. Air_O2
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    Simply an amazing game... definitely worth your money if you're looking for a fun FP melee game.
  17. Skeletor
    Mar 12, 2012
    10
    Even though the graphics might be dated and the story might not be the best out there, this game has some of the best mechanics in recent years.
    Dark Messiah lets you tackle it's levels in a variety of ways, depending on your playstyle the paths you chose and the experience you will have will vary tremendously.
    The gameplay just feels so right and so smooth its just so fun. When you do    Even though the graphics might be dated and the story might not be the best out there, this game has some of the best mechanics in recent years.
    Dark Messiah lets you tackle it's levels in a variety of ways, depending on your playstyle the paths you chose and the experience you will have will vary tremendously.
    The gameplay just feels so right and so smooth its just so fun. When you do something right you'll feel really accomplished.
    I still have fun replaying it after the 4th time.    … Expand
  18. TheSiz
    May 22, 2012
    10
    Over 5 years since it's release, still nothing comes close to the gritty up close and personal way you can behead and dismembers creatures in ways so satisfying as Dark Messiah.

    The same studio has also worked on Bioshock showing their talents again in that game, but in Dark Messiah the advantage of the team having control over all aspects of the game, combat, environment and physics. All    Over 5 years since it's release, still nothing comes close to the gritty up close and personal way you can behead and dismembers creatures in ways so satisfying as Dark Messiah.

    The same studio has also worked on Bioshock showing their talents again in that game, but in Dark Messiah the advantage of the team having control over all aspects of the game, combat, environment and physics. All these different systems individually mastered in both design and execution. Combined together to produce an immersive , dynamic and enjoyable set of systems unmatched by any game to date.

    The choice in difficulty a player is likely to over look for picking their typical preference. But in the game all different difficulty levels present a unique pace of game play that whatever you feel your skill level is, all difficulties in this game are enjoyable.

    The re-playability does not end with the difficulty choice, the skill tree system allows you to not only build a unique character, but replaying the game and making different skill choices also completely changes how you interact with both the enemies and the environment, many opportunities which you may have over looked in previous play through reveal themselves completely changing how you had previously perceived a level. This is similar to the different approaches in Deus Ex, but the different paths you can take are much more subtle, and there is no "right" way to complete a level.

    But the replayabilty does not stop with skills and difficulty. Every single weapon type, every single spell, can be used in many unique ways. Directional attacks like M&B, but with added advantage of the fantastic Source engine physics, means enemies will be pushed from side to side or onto the ground depending on your swing direction, if your charging the enemy and many other unique actions, all beautifully animated for first person view. And that just for swords... there are staves, daggers, bows and shields each with their own unique capabilities too.

    In as varied as the weapons are, the spells are also another side to the game which has been implemented so well, and unmatched to this day. Lightning that travels through water to hit every enemy, to huge fireball that explode sending burning, screaming, flying through the air enemies, who often if your skilled enough find themselves blown of a cliff edge. There are many more spells and unique ways to use them that I will leave any newcomers the joy of discovering for themselves.

    The Negative; the voice acting would be 4/10 and the story 6/10. They are weakest parts of the game. But really they are irrelevant, the real story is YOUR journey through game, how unique and inventively you tackle the threats you face, each run through the game will be a one of a kind experience, that any other action game would fall short of.

    I could not recommend this game enough, if your a PC gamer this is a must have. If you have already played it, play it again, there will be there for you to discover! a real TEN, unmatched and outclasses all other action games by far.    … Expand
  19. enjoy1188
    May 28, 2012
    10
    I don't understand why reviewers hate this game: it seems to me that lately players are far more expert than reviewers, maybe because they actually play the game (I don't even wanna talk about ME3 critics rating). I love this game: love it! I finished it multiple times, but after a while I always seem to come back at it. This game has the best melee combat system ever seen so far: 2012I don't understand why reviewers hate this game: it seems to me that lately players are far more expert than reviewers, maybe because they actually play the game (I don't even wanna talk about ME3 critics rating). I love this game: love it! I finished it multiple times, but after a while I always seem to come back at it. This game has the best melee combat system ever seen so far: 2012 games like Skyrim still don't have such an advanced and "environmental" combat system. It is true that Dark Messiah is neither an FPS or an RPG, but its story is really engrossing and the RPGish features add more fun to the game.
    There is no game out there that let you interact so well with things surrounding you, and the story never gets boring. This game is just AWESOME!    … Expand
  20. UncleRemus
    Oct 14, 2012
    10
    The gameplay is excellent, very fluid controls, a lot of items and secret entrance, the graphics are stunningly well engineered, despite being released in 2006, a lot of way to play (battlemage, thief, warrior, archer...) and a lot of different monsters you can kill using the undeniable power of physic! I can't say anything bad about this game, maybe the story and character is a bit cheesyThe gameplay is excellent, very fluid controls, a lot of items and secret entrance, the graphics are stunningly well engineered, despite being released in 2006, a lot of way to play (battlemage, thief, warrior, archer...) and a lot of different monsters you can kill using the undeniable power of physic! I can't say anything bad about this game, maybe the story and character is a bit cheesy but I somehow like its charm... the game is a bit short but I'm usually tired of playing a linear campaign for more than 6 hours, but this game was just about fine for me since the game was actually interactive enough to keep me entertained for a good 8 hours of gameplay!

    I recommend this game to everyone who's familiar with the Elder Scrolls serie (especially Oblivion)    … Expand
  21. lurkerr
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    Strange thing: critics reluctant to say good about the game while a lot of gamers like it. Do we have some sort of mystery here? Well, not really. The things is quite simple: DM tries to let you explore the world around you but in some borders, yourself - but without self-analysis and the story of your avatar but, again, without soul-reaping details. There are a kingdom, and magic andStrange thing: critics reluctant to say good about the game while a lot of gamers like it. Do we have some sort of mystery here? Well, not really. The things is quite simple: DM tries to let you explore the world around you but in some borders, yourself - but without self-analysis and the story of your avatar but, again, without soul-reaping details. There are a kingdom, and magic and demons and some loot. There is no Shakespeare's drama or moral problems. Why there must be? I don't know but the critics asured that this particular game must be very, very serious. Also it must have a way better graphics, sound and so one. The truth - it must not. It's a good story, childish dream of power, naive and sunny in some parts and anciently shadowed in another. Just let yourself to listen the tale and enjoy the taste of your own childhood.… Expand
  22. Smoothrunner
    Dec 9, 2015
    10
    High-quality action game with RPG elements. One of my all time favourite games actually. You will find here almost all things a good game needs: thrilling storytelling with an unexpected outcome; good combat balance with the ability to use environment and objects as weapons; different styles of passing the game; even romantic line with a choice. The game is atmospheric and exciting, andHigh-quality action game with RPG elements. One of my all time favourite games actually. You will find here almost all things a good game needs: thrilling storytelling with an unexpected outcome; good combat balance with the ability to use environment and objects as weapons; different styles of passing the game; even romantic line with a choice. The game is atmospheric and exciting, and it's short enough to not to get bored. No modern game is even close to this little masterpiece.… Expand
  23. Codemonkey1991
    May 8, 2014
    10
    This game is dripping with epic atmosphere, nice lore and great gameplay. Easily one of my all time favorite games along with Half Life 2 and Fable 1.
  24. greenbeard
    Apr 1, 2023
    10
    Please remake. Play this game in 2006 and again 2 more times. 10/10 for 2006 standards.
  25. zeroequals1
    Oct 13, 2013
    10
    Played this game all the way through many times and still enjoy it every time....didn't have any of the problems described in these reviews....don't know what happened with the versions you guys were playing but mine worked great....
  26. AdamBerlin
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    This Game i played after its Release on PC. Its guranteed one of the MOST UNDERRATED GAMES OF ALL TIME. it should at least have a score of 86+ all in all.
    The Game is based on Source Engine and in thoses Time (around 2007) it was definitl the BEST RPG Action experience on the market. i am gonna give it a 10 here, because im annoyed of thos stupid 72 metascore it has, probably because    This Game i played after its Release on PC. Its guranteed one of the MOST UNDERRATED GAMES OF ALL TIME. it should at least have a score of 86+ all in all.
    The Game is based on Source Engine and in thoses Time (around 2007) it was definitl the BEST RPG Action experience on the market. i am gonna give it a 10 here, because im annoyed of thos stupid 72 metascore it has, probably because some stupid game mags tested buggy beta versions or whatever.

    Have a look at Youtube, it amazing how many Plyers share my opinion about this game.
    Okay, its linear and by far not that big and open as skyrim. But hell yeah! its by far older and was never such a big one. its a real Insiders, hot tipp. Everyone who loves a small, linear, fast paced, action oriented and scary RPG will LOVE this brilliant game that gibes u 3 superb completely different character classes!

    AND PLEASE: METACRITIC REMOVE SOME OF THESE UGLY NONSENSE CRITIQUES!!! PLEASE!    … Expand
  27. LuckyStrike
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    Great game, very underrated. The best medieval/melee combat in first person, one of the few games that made me finish it with all the characters, so diverse and fun that was the gameplay. Onother was "severance - blade of darkness". And im an hardcore allstats rolling RPG gamer.. but this game was nearlly perfect.
  28. CorguzBaal
    Oct 17, 2015
    10
    This game is absolutely perfect!
    The combat system, the world, the story, the upgrading system, the atmosphere, the characters, the gear.. All awesome!
    It's very immersive, and super epic It has been my favorite game since it's release, and i will always love it! The places you go to.. The enemies you'll fight.. ooh god I LOVE THIS GAME! .. IT'S THE BEST GAME EVER! Play it! Love it!    This game is absolutely perfect!
    The combat system, the world, the story, the upgrading system, the atmosphere, the characters, the gear.. All awesome!
    It's very immersive, and super epic
    It has been my favorite game since it's release, and i will always love it!
    The places you go to.. The enemies you'll fight.. ooh god I LOVE THIS GAME! .. IT'S THE BEST GAME EVER!
    Play it! Love it!
    Tell your friends about it!
    Seems the game is unknown to most.. And i simply can't live with that
    The world needs to know about the best game ever
    It's kinda old now, but it runs on Source Engine, so the graphics are still acceptable (I'm a huge graphics snob, so this says something)
    1000 out of 10, i will be buried with this game dug into my heart    … Expand
  29. TAPIRMAN
    Mar 24, 2016
    10
    Officials critics underated this game alot in my point of vue, try it, its easily worth 25$ and even then you can still find it around for 5$. I bought this game when it came out when I was very young, it vas like 50$ and It became the only game I played for a long while.
  30. zens3
    Jul 20, 2016
    10
    If Skyrim met Half-Life 2 this is what you would get. I really enjoyed it and it's dynamic battles and bosses. Skills and levels are greatly implemented. I really wish for there to be a sequel...
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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 »