Throne of Darkness

 PC
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Armchair Empire
    75
    Between the highly customizable weapons and armor, the four warrior fighting dynamic, and the general joys to be had hacking all manner of demons to ribbons, there are plenty of reasons to give this game a whirl.
  2. GameZone
    95
    A terrific title; it is entertainment-rich, and one of those games that makes a mockery of time because it will fly when you play.
  3. Media and Games Online Network
    71
    As a hybrid of popular artistic themes and gameplay, Throne of Darkness succeeds on many levels. However, if you're looking for a completely fresh experience, look elsewhere. Diablo-esque influences keep the game from breaking new ground in a significant way.
  5. GameSpy
    68
    Too complicated to be completely fun.
  6. Electric Playground
    90
    Its innovative combat system, addictive click and kill adventuring, and solid story make it a title that keeps reviewers up late.
  7. Game Revolution
    91
    Heavy duty item customization, a superb setting and fun, tactical strategy leads to a must-have for fans of the genre.
  8. Computer Games Magazine
    20
    Imagine a murky graphics engine that blurs as it moves, is way too dark and missing a gamma setting, and gets frequently swallowed up by flashy spell effects.
  9. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    A strong offering for fans of mythology, samurai, or ancient Japan. However, the poor quality of the game's AI, the unbalanced multiplayer action, and the lack of customizable options, along with some gameplay issues, only slightly raise the product above an average "Diablo" clone.
  10. GameSpot
    71
    Though it has few real role-playing elements to speak of and though some aspects of its gameplay aren't well implemented, ToD does succeed in offering plenty of good-looking combat sequences, which are repetitive but interesting nevertheless.
  11. Yahoo!
    60
    A solid, rather than remarkable, title with some intriguing spins on the established formula.
  12. ActionTrip
    60
    The fact remains that it has nothing new to bring, neither in gameplay nor in graphics.
  13. Game Informer
    65
    Your quintessential bargain bin release. [Dec 2001, p.116]
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  14. PC Gamer
    78
    It ain’t "Diablo II," but it’s in the ballpark, and frankly, that’s a pretty sweet deal.
  15. TotalGames.net
    70
    The element most central to the game - combat - is very flawed and completely un-strategic. As such, Throne of Darkness fails to be anything more than mediocre.
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  16. Next Generation Magazine
    60
    Fun but frustrating. Ultimately, the steep learning curve (formations? Don’t even ask ...)and increased micromanagement keep the game from being a "Diablo II" killer. [Dec 2001, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. IGN
    75
    Never offered up enough rewards to keep me motivated. After my characters reached about 15th level, it didn't seem like fun anymore.
  18. All Game Guide
    50
    Despite a new locale and seven characters, this Diablo clone does little to rise above its progenitor.
  19. Game Over Online
    52
    Throne of Darkness could have been a great game, but its convoluted controls and unappealing gameplay really tore down the fundamentals that make a good game.
  20. Just RPG
    60
    In the list of Diablo clones – which includes the likes of Dungeon Siege, Revenant, and Nox – it ends up near the bottom for the simple reason that it lacks soul.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
62
#62 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Aeryx
    Oct 14, 2013
    8
    A fighting lion by today's standards. It's up there with Dungeon Siege, Neverwinter Nights and Diablo 2. The loot, characters, story andA fighting lion by today's standards. It's up there with Dungeon Siege, Neverwinter Nights and Diablo 2. The loot, characters, story and atmosphere were put together really well. Also, near the end you get to fight a boss that will PERMANENTLY delete your characters if they die against him in combat (what an insane idea by the devs). THAT blew me away! I cursed and I screamed! I repeated the game and I was FREAKIN MAD. Oh how I miss those days! We need more 'real-man' games like this! Kickstarter anybody?… Full Review »
  2. gessie00
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    One of the finest equipment customization systems ever created, very interesting spells and a beautiful atmosphere. A massively underratedOne of the finest equipment customization systems ever created, very interesting spells and a beautiful atmosphere. A massively underrated game which beats many modern RPGs.… Full Review »
  3. Skulb
    Mar 23, 2015
    8
    Very underrated at the time and stands up even today as one of the best ARPGs ever released on the PC. The setting and atmosphere is trulyVery underrated at the time and stands up even today as one of the best ARPGs ever released on the PC. The setting and atmosphere is truly unique and the game offers a tremendous challenge, and particularly the end boss who will wipe out your samurai permanently if he kills them. The design is very original too, which is both good and bad really. Some of the design decisions are somewhat weird and slow the game down a lot. Particularly this applies to the absence of a good way to replenish your chi. This leads to a lot of waiting, especially if you want your spell caster(s) to level up at the same speed as your other characters. And you really need him to if you want to use him. And you will because he becomes very powerful.
    Anyway, apart form this slightly tedious part of the game there is a novel and well implemented crafting system which never lets you have enough of anything really, except ingredients to use for it which can fill two full inventories after a while. But it means you have to make important decisions which is always good.
    If you can take the slightly dated graphics, which look pretty good still after 14 years, then Throne of Darkness is highly recommended. Make sure you can run it though. Compatibility issues abound with these old games.    … Full Review »
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