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. AlexanderG.
    Jan 15, 2007
    9
    I Really enjoyed the game alot. But there were many bugs and I thought my computer was going to explode! talk about glitch. The single player was great but was fairly short. But besides all that I could not stop playing. I went through the game 8 times and it was different every time. But my computer crashed alot and was very disapointing. But I got to admit that chopping an orcs head off I Really enjoyed the game alot. But there were many bugs and I thought my computer was going to explode! talk about glitch. The single player was great but was fairly short. But besides all that I could not stop playing. I went through the game 8 times and it was different every time. But my computer crashed alot and was very disapointing. But I got to admit that chopping an orcs head off is alot of fun. I would gladly hand over my 50 bucks for this game.… Expand
  2. MatthewA.
    Jan 31, 2007
    9
    The visuals were perfect - if you've played Heroes of Might and Magic V, you'll feel right at home; Ubisoft was smart enough to make sure the devs copied the artistic style of the cities in Heroes to make the architecture in Dark Messiah. The melee combat system really is the best I've seen in a CRPG - and I've played just about every first- and third-person fantasy The visuals were perfect - if you've played Heroes of Might and Magic V, you'll feel right at home; Ubisoft was smart enough to make sure the devs copied the artistic style of the cities in Heroes to make the architecture in Dark Messiah. The melee combat system really is the best I've seen in a CRPG - and I've played just about every first- and third-person fantasy game released since 1994. No joke. My only complaint about the melee system are that it seemed that it was very hard to aim certain power attacks. Well, I also felt cheated on the weapons: the flame-sword doesn't look anything like the one on the box, there's only one axe and it sucks, and the backstab animation got old, fast. The voice-acting for several characters is needlessly melodramatic, like a 14-year-old goth kid playing Dungeon Master for the first time. In a similar vein, the storyline felt very contrived, but then I replayed Heroes of Might and Magic - without skipping all the cutscenes this time - and that served to fill in some of the gaps. The only remaining problem with the plot is the relative linearity of it - there's little to no replayability here, since, aside from varying your style from melee to archery, or spells to stealth, every time through is going to be more or less the same. I bought the game in December, after the first patch or two was out, and didn't experience any problems with crashes. AMD 3600XP, RADEON 9800SE, NForce3 chipset mainboard, 2GB RAM. All told, the game only really loses points for the plot. You only really get to make two "character development" choices in the game, over which girl to take and whether or not to unleash the demon hordes, and the choices really only manifest at the very end, so there's essentially no reward for either one.… Expand
  3. BertrandP.
    Feb 12, 2007
    9
    Excellent game, a mix of FPS and RPG, the result is really great.
  4. MarvinC.
    Apr 11, 2007
    9
    I just have begun my quest into the world of Dark Messiah. So far its wonderful no complaints not as detailed as Oblivion but its beautiful in its own rights do your self a favor Check it out Now!
  5. RobV.B.
    May 26, 2007
    9
    A very good and intriguing game with a fascinating storyline. The combat system is one of the best I've seen, although it has some flaws (mainly the instant kill feature). Multiple endings, hot chicks, decapitating goblins and orcs. It's going to keep you occupied for quite some time.
  6. RojinPC
    Jul 17, 2007
    9
    Excellent game. Too many bad reviews by magazines or companies, when reading the reviews i was scared to purchase it. Now that i have finished it i feel completely satisfied with my purchase. The game is in such a beautiful realm. The story is the only complaint i have. The cutscenes are short particularly for the endings (which are almost identicle) had they been as creative with the end Excellent game. Too many bad reviews by magazines or companies, when reading the reviews i was scared to purchase it. Now that i have finished it i feel completely satisfied with my purchase. The game is in such a beautiful realm. The story is the only complaint i have. The cutscenes are short particularly for the endings (which are almost identicle) had they been as creative with the end as they had with everything else in the game i would have given it a 10. The combat system of this game is the most beautiful thing i have ever encountered in my entire life of playing video games. The action is more intense than Halflife 2 being up close and very personal. Unlike common FP-RPGs running up and hacking at an enemy... will get you killed. While weilding weak and mundane weaponry... you must think of innovative and strategic combat constantly. Kicking your enemy onto spikes or into a pillar to collapse some crates on top of him are some good examples. Assassination strikes, and headshots with the bow are also more examples. one of my favorite techniques is to use the bow and set the arrow on fire and launch it at humans or spiders... it instantly kills them.… Expand
  7. PeteM.
    Jun 14, 2008
    9
    The game is brilliant, although the end was so fast, I was just expecting a little longer gameplay towards the end, I almost began thinking if I missed something. The graphics are OK, no Crysis, but what would you expect from a game that has been released for a while already. Gameplay is always above Graphics for me. Although I hear loads of complains about bugs, the retail copy did not The game is brilliant, although the end was so fast, I was just expecting a little longer gameplay towards the end, I almost began thinking if I missed something. The graphics are OK, no Crysis, but what would you expect from a game that has been released for a while already. Gameplay is always above Graphics for me. Although I hear loads of complains about bugs, the retail copy did not contain any bugs to me. I bought it the first day it was released, so I have the same game everyone calls buggy. The Sounds were nice, sometimes a little jumpy... But good non the less. The Story was nothing epic, but it did keep me playing, something most games can't do. I ditched Crysis after 2 minutes, and the same happens to most games. Overall, I rate the game 9. Its Good, but its ending is way to sudden.… Expand
  8. AndrewM
    Jun 28, 2008
    9
    I really did like this game. You can figure out where the story is going before the second level is over. There are a few minor bugs. Overall though it was a great game. The combat is fun. The levels are well made. The slight RPG elements make it worth more. The multiplayer is rather meh until you get used to it in which case it can be fun. I recommend this game highly, and even a I really did like this game. You can figure out where the story is going before the second level is over. There are a few minor bugs. Overall though it was a great game. The combat is fun. The levels are well made. The slight RPG elements make it worth more. The multiplayer is rather meh until you get used to it in which case it can be fun. I recommend this game highly, and even a hardcore fps fan can enjoy this one.… Expand
  9. NeilG
    Nov 9, 2009
    9
    This must be one of the most underrated games ever. I loved it and hope against hope that there will be a sequel. Yes it's buggy and has a slightly not-quite-finished feel to it, but get the patch and enjoy the fast, fluid combat action. There are so many possible ways to bump off your enemies in this game that I just keep coming back to it. Ok, it's a little contrived in places This must be one of the most underrated games ever. I loved it and hope against hope that there will be a sequel. Yes it's buggy and has a slightly not-quite-finished feel to it, but get the patch and enjoy the fast, fluid combat action. There are so many possible ways to bump off your enemies in this game that I just keep coming back to it. Ok, it's a little contrived in places - a spiky railing to kick your foe onto, or a precariously positioned set of barrels to crush him under is never far away. But what the hell? Suspend your disbelief and you'll get hours of funny from the sheer range of ways to kill people. The different plotline decisions keep things interesting too. I bought this game for 97p in a post-Christmas sale. And it was the best 97p I ever spent.… Expand
  10. PhillipB.
    Nov 13, 2006
    9
    This game rocks, although intensly violent it is one of the only games that will get your adrenalin pumping and your hands tingling with excitement. Get the demo from "Steam" now and see for yourself what its all about!
  11. HaploP.
    Nov 21, 2006
    9
    Very fun game - sucks you in - played it through 5 times and always found a little something I missed.
  12. JasonMelvin
    Nov 22, 2006
    9
    Other than a new huge bug I have just discovered while playing in the 7th (I think, may be 6th) chapter, that is now preventing me from playing until something gets fixed by someone (Toshiba has to release drivers for my GeForce Go 7900 GS so I can't try the BETA nVidia drivers) , this game absolutely rocks!!! I haven't had this much fun with this type of game since StonekeepOther than a new huge bug I have just discovered while playing in the 7th (I think, may be 6th) chapter, that is now preventing me from playing until something gets fixed by someone (Toshiba has to release drivers for my GeForce Go 7900 GS so I can't try the BETA nVidia drivers) , this game absolutely rocks!!! I haven't had this much fun with this type of game since Stonekeep was released years ago...… Expand
  13. SamM.
    Nov 13, 2007
    9
    Brilliant single player game, story line is very impressive. the only thing that lets this game down is that it does not have a decent multiplayer experience. but let that take nothing away from the single player its breathtaking at worst.
  14. KrisS.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    Fantasy FPS, rare, fun.
  15. Tyrant_T100
    Sep 6, 2011
    9
    I bought this on Steam as it was only £7 and what a game.
    I wasn't expecting much but bought it on recommendation anyway.
    The single player was excellent with likeable characters such as Leanna, lovely visuals for the source engine that outdo Valve in visual style and great swordplay that reminds me a lot of Pirates, Vikings and Knights 2. There were some points in the game    I bought this on Steam as it was only £7 and what a game.
    I wasn't expecting much but bought it on recommendation anyway.

    The single player was excellent with likeable characters such as Leanna, lovely visuals for the source engine that outdo Valve in visual style and great swordplay that reminds me a lot of Pirates, Vikings and Knights 2.

    There were some points in the game where the objectives aren't really clear on what to do and should be a little more obvious, such as going into the spider pit.

    I didn't encounter any glitches while playing despite critics shunning it for them.
    Overall a great game which overcomes it's flaws for a great singleplayer experience.    … Expand
  16. DragonFax
    Nov 25, 2012
    9
    This game is actually quite good. I passed it off when it was new because the reviews were non-existent or not so hot. But it turns out this game is way better than the hype.

    Its still not a 10 but its an easy 8 and possibly a 9 if you're a big fan of some of the genres it combines. It includes your standard first-person hack and slack, dungeon crawling, as well as some skyrim style rpg    This game is actually quite good. I passed it off when it was new because the reviews were non-existent or not so hot. But it turns out this game is way better than the hype.

    Its still not a 10 but its an easy 8 and possibly a 9 if you're a big fan of some of the genres it combines. It includes your standard first-person hack and slack, dungeon crawling, as well as some skyrim style rpg and equipment, and a little bit of Theif as well. Lots of good exploration. Complicated combat if you take the time to figure it out. Tons of alternative ways to "off" enemies. Its not full on stealth or hack and slash, but it forces you to mix them a bit. Give this game a chance. Its cheap nowdays too, and still looks good compared to todays games.    … Expand
  17. Rennn
    Jun 25, 2013
    9
    There are a few reasons this got mixed reviews. The largest is that it's not similar to any other Might and Magic game. The lore is the same, and the story fits, but the gameplay is a complete departure from the usual series. I'm guessing that alienated some of the fans, but I far prefer ARPGs, so the change in style is a positive imo.

    The game is terribly buggy until you get the latest    There are a few reasons this got mixed reviews. The largest is that it's not similar to any other Might and Magic game. The lore is the same, and the story fits, but the gameplay is a complete departure from the usual series. I'm guessing that alienated some of the fans, but I far prefer ARPGs, so the change in style is a positive imo.

    The game is terribly buggy until you get the latest patch, but with the latest patch (1.02), all of the serious issues are fixed. I'm not counting that against the score anymore because it's simply stupid to rate a game down for issues that have already been fixed.

    Imo, Dark Messiah is excellent. Voice acting is poor at times, but fortunately it's quite good for Leanna and Xana (the two companions and romance options who have 90% of the total dialogue). The combat is deeper than the typical ARPG, and there's a heavy emphasis on using the environment to kill opponents. In fact, if you don't take advantage of alternate tactics the fights will last a long time and sap your health. It's much quicker to throw an urn of oil at someone and kick them into a fire than it is to simply slash at them repeatedly. I suspect this is where some complaints came from. Some people end up slowly grinding through every fight, because they won't accept that they need to think fast and use varied tactics to beat enemies efficiently. I can't stress this enough; it simply is not effective to spam attacks on someone's shield. Instead, throw a shovel at them and beat them down while they're distracted. Etc. The combat reminds me of Zeno Clash+Skyrim.

    I can't fault Dark Messiah for requiring some intelligence on the player's end.

    On to other aspects, there are a lot of hidden areas in zones that add replay value. Add variable endings and several relevant difficulty modes, and there's a lot of potential for at least a few playthroughs. Replayability and game length is huge for me. Since I'm in college and I don't have infinite cash, it doesn't make sense to spend $20-50 on a game for just a few hours of entertainment.

    At times, Dark Messiah incorporates parkour and climbing aspects to offset its combat, and in general it works very well. My only complaint in that regard is that I wish the climbing was a bit more fluid. I play at 60 fps on a full gaming rig with a high-precision mouse, and even then it was sometimes difficult to maintain control of the character while vaulting between windows.

    The story is decidedly average. The first time I played it, I wasn't really sure what was going on. I just knew Necromancers were killing people and there were a lot of spider-worshippers. My second playthrough, I took more time to read books and notes (hidden in the game), and I paid a lot more attention to in-game banter and cutscenes. After paying more attention, the story becomes a lot more interesting, but it's still not great.

    The graphics, from what I understand, were stunningly beautiful back when the game released. In 2013, they still hold up well enough. The character models especially look good, which is welcome, because unless you're female or otherwise inclined, you'll probably spend a lot of the game staring at your companion's mostly exposed thighs. One thing I also like is that the girl attached to the aforementioned thighs is reasonably clothed. There's no lingerie armor here. There's only one character wearing skimpy (or no) clothing throughout, and she's a succubus, so that makes sense. Hair and skin is also well done, and water supports full scene reflections. The HDR lighting is still beautiful and the physics hold up well. I ran the game on ultra at 60 fps back when I had a GTX 460, and I still run it on ultra at 60 fps now that I have a new GTX 660 TI.

    If it sounds like I don't like the game, I apologize. Really I had a great time with Dark Messiah, but I try to list at least as many complaints as good features in my reviews. Too much of either is just unhelpful, unless it explains in detail why the game irrefutably deserves such a score.    … Expand
  18. Kim1998
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    This game... its so fun! BUT the major flaw is when the game was released. I remember buying this game and couldn't play it because it crashed after competing the tutorial level (prologue). After some patches and fixes the game finally worked for me and DAMN, that have been fun. The physics are weird but really fun, there are plenty ways of killing a single enemy. Or you can be boring andThis game... its so fun! BUT the major flaw is when the game was released. I remember buying this game and couldn't play it because it crashed after competing the tutorial level (prologue). After some patches and fixes the game finally worked for me and DAMN, that have been fun. The physics are weird but really fun, there are plenty ways of killing a single enemy. Or you can be boring and kick them into spikes or some other insta-kill environment. The story itself is actually interesting IMO, I won't spoil anything but you can alternate the ending, it isn't a huge different but still great.
    The fighting mechanics is fun! really fun, probably the best part of the game. I know the game is easy sometimes but its still fun! It really depends on how you play the game, the boring way with insta-kills and getting through the game as fast as possible, or having fun and exploring the world. Btw there are a lot of secrets in this game, some that might benefit you later on.
    There are some bugs and glitches but they aren't a huge problem, you might get stuck now and then and the AI is kind of horrible. But that's what makes the game fun! except for your companions AI, that's horrible and bad.    … Expand
  19. faceless-1
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    This game is awesome. It is not Might and Magic RPG game, but it is very good action RPG in Might and Magic World. You got multiple ways to play this game and every spell is fun to use. I think this game got the best mele combat ever made in FPS game style.
  20. Alsmir
    Jul 9, 2014
    9
    Surprisingly good.

    At first glance this game doesn't seem to be great in any way. Graphics and music are ok, the story is decent. Locations look fine. Then you get into combat and nothing else matters. Kill the enemies, find more enemies to kill. I just couldn't get enough of the combat system. After finishing the game for the first time (which took about 8 hrs) I immidiately    Surprisingly good.

    At first glance this game doesn't seem to be great in any way.
    Graphics and music are ok, the story is decent. Locations look fine.

    Then you get into combat and nothing else matters. Kill the enemies, find more enemies to kill.
    I just couldn't get enough of the combat system. After finishing the game for the first time (which took about 8 hrs) I immidiately started over with a different character. The combat is addictive. It's brutal, fast paced and fair.
    Kick the enemy from the ledge, sneak up on them and stab them or just charge at them with a huge sword.

    If we only had this combat system in Skyrim...    … Expand
  21. Browncolor
    Mar 16, 2013
    9
    Excellent game. Melee combat is insanely fun with the the physics engine, it allows you to kick enemies off the ledges, impale them on spikes, crush them, burn them, chop off their limbs etc. It's what you thought any dungeon crawler would be like, all traps are physics based and can be used to your advantage aswell. Story is a homage of sorts to '80 fantasy movies, it's so cliche thatExcellent game. Melee combat is insanely fun with the the physics engine, it allows you to kick enemies off the ledges, impale them on spikes, crush them, burn them, chop off their limbs etc. It's what you thought any dungeon crawler would be like, all traps are physics based and can be used to your advantage aswell. Story is a homage of sorts to '80 fantasy movies, it's so cliche that it's funny, same for characters and terribad voice acting. … Expand
  22. jseph1234
    Apr 17, 2015
    9
    This is an AMAZINGLY fun that has an awesome story and game-play. Classic, action fantasy RPG in the fine tradition of Neverwinter Nights and Dragon Age: Origins. Ignore any criticism you hear about it and play it for yourself, you'll be glad you did.

    The only reason it didn't win Game of the Year is because TES:Oblivion was released shortly later.
  23. RagingPoet
    Nov 2, 2017
    9
    Amazing first person slasher(which is already a very rare gem) set in the darker version of Might and Magic universe. I finished Dark Messiah once for each character class and regret nothing.
  24. mtom78632
    May 22, 2018
    9
    Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail. facebook
  25. a_void
    Jul 29, 2020
    9
    Immersive first person fantasy game that I can't get enough of. Somehow modern fantasy games feel inferior compared to Dark Messiah.
  26. Oshiri_Maeda
    Nov 13, 2022
    9
    Good old game, replayed in 2022 and it still kicks azz! It's not perfect, but luckily the game is only 10 hours long, so you don't get bored of kicks and frozen floor :D
  27. FRIST_008
    Jan 2, 2022
    9
    Неожиданно это очень крутая игра, в которую надо играть вам даже прямо сейчас. Это что-то крове скайрима, но линейного. А физика тут в разы лучше. Комбинации заклинаний и ближнего боя поражает. Вы геймплейно и сюжетно будете рекомендовать эту игру всем, если попробуете. Не проходите мимо если вы помните крутые физическо логические головоломки второго халфлайфа и вам хочется больше всегоНеожиданно это очень крутая игра, в которую надо играть вам даже прямо сейчас. Это что-то крове скайрима, но линейного. А физика тут в разы лучше. Комбинации заклинаний и ближнего боя поражает. Вы геймплейно и сюжетно будете рекомендовать эту игру всем, если попробуете. Не проходите мимо если вы помните крутые физическо логические головоломки второго халфлайфа и вам хочется больше всего такого с таким же духом, но в жанре фентези.… Expand
  28. MEXTER
    Jun 6, 2021
    9
    This game was the best of its kind single Player was great but then multi took me more hundreds of hours. IMO this game had better potential than Cs to become worldwide e-sport gamę but developers didnt catch the ammount of interest in this game and stopped supporting it
  29. Nick7000
    Mar 9, 2023
    9
    Это прям секс, а не игра. Великолепная работа, проделанная в те времена, когда Юбисофт еще понимали, что делают. Не перестану ей восхищаться.
  30. KolesAdlerov
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    A Thief-inspired M&M sandbox with legs and kicks! Must play!

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 10/10
    stealth (with powers) 8/10
    atmosphere (House of Ashes and some of crypts only) 7/10
    Gameplay as RPG & im.sim: 8/10

    Story 6/10

    Graphics [best first-person ever made] 9/10

    Sounds & music 7/10
    [good RU localization]

    .
    The second best gameplay on Source after Black-Mesa.
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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]
    Read full review
  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 »