The Long Dark

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 84
  3. Negative: 21 out of 84
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  1. MarsCorialanus
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    Wow. I loved this game. I had no idea about it, but saw it in the Playstation store one morning, and decided to download it. I was hooked immediately. I spent two hours playing survival mode before I was killed by a pack of wolves. I ended up showing it to all my friends, giving them each a shot in the game. My brother loved it, and, I think he's still alive to this day in his playWow. I loved this game. I had no idea about it, but saw it in the Playstation store one morning, and decided to download it. I was hooked immediately. I spent two hours playing survival mode before I was killed by a pack of wolves. I ended up showing it to all my friends, giving them each a shot in the game. My brother loved it, and, I think he's still alive to this day in his play through. Admittedly I have not played the story yet, just been having fun in the survival mode, competing with friends to see who can outlast who.
    As a Canadian, I also feel quite proud playing the game. When you wade through a blizzard, freezing in the middle of the night (again game time) and you just see that maple leaf waving in the wind... its strangely inspiring. Its not very often I get to see my home in video games.
    Anyway, I thought the game was really thoughtfully done. The survival mode feels huge. You can find entrances and exits to other maps, so there is a profound sense of exploration. Go grab it! Its not even that expensive.    … Expand
  2. Ryko616
    Sep 4, 2018
    9
    Just bought this for 10 euros, and even would have been worth the full price (25 e). After playing for few hours, and writing a review I had to educate myself to learn, that this has been around for a while, with pre-production starting as far back as 2013. For me this slots in the category of good indie games, like Kona and Firewatch, and with different game modes hopefully lasts longerJust bought this for 10 euros, and even would have been worth the full price (25 e). After playing for few hours, and writing a review I had to educate myself to learn, that this has been around for a while, with pre-production starting as far back as 2013. For me this slots in the category of good indie games, like Kona and Firewatch, and with different game modes hopefully lasts longer than a day or two.
    I usually find boring the aspect in survival games, that you need to feed, drink, sleep and such way too often, The Long Dark let’s you actually play.

    I’m from one of the nordic countries, so I especially find the cold harsh environment envigorating, those Canadian developers sure know how to incorporate sense of cold and dark in their games. Definitely recommend, just this year alone I’ve spent hundreds of euros to lesser quality AAA games, but once in a while you find an indie gem like The Long Dark.    … Expand
  3. Akitchen
    Apr 9, 2018
    9
    The Long Dark has a very interesting introduction when beginning the story mode. The players are simply awoken, then alerted to several injuries and survival needs they must fulfill after a serious plane crash. The game gives the player (no outside narrator) direction and no idea of what items they can interact with. At first, I found this frustrating as I was flustered by the immediateThe Long Dark has a very interesting introduction when beginning the story mode. The players are simply awoken, then alerted to several injuries and survival needs they must fulfill after a serious plane crash. The game gives the player (no outside narrator) direction and no idea of what items they can interact with. At first, I found this frustrating as I was flustered by the immediate demands made by the character and not being able to find the items needed. Then I realized this was a creative tactic by the developers that immerses players in the game immediately. Rather than blatantly telling players where to go and what to collect, the game allows players to figure out the first steps on their own. This gives players a sense of accomplishment in being able to survive a tough situation. This tutorial area does not leave players completely in the dark however, and it is carefully crafted to allow players to teach themselves. Immediate healthcare supplies, tinder and fuel are scattered around the player and can easily be found by roaming around the area. This initial area is also blocked in by a series of cliffs and mountains, so players can’t wonder away from this tutorial without a full understanding of basic controls. Finally, the tutorial adds small pop ups of information when certain items are picked up, or certain menus or controls are pressed. These give important crafting/survival information to help players progress and make the tutorial a very smooth process. Unlike some games, The Long Dark gives players a very interactive and immersive tutorial that teaches players through its level design and character dialog, this being what most tutorials should strive for.

    This game also does another thing really well, and that would be using the first-person player perspective and making it work well in a survival game genre. Having played games such as Endnight Games The Forest, survival games in first person often appear choppy and difficult to control. Actions such as jumping, swinging an axe, harvesting materials and building are animated awkwardly or can glitch on players causing them to be less immersed and perhaps even frustrated with game mechanics. Unlike The Forest, The Long Dark does not have animations for certain actions such as harvesting materials and building. Instead, players interact with a specific harvesting/building screen. There is audio of the action being done and a circle timer counting down the time before the action is complete. For me this was a much smoother way to gather materials and this did not take away from the games realistic feel, and it avoided awkward first-person animations that come with swinging a hatchet or crafting a coat. This is similar to a mobile game I had played called Survive published by Sandbay Games, which contains no animation or models, but rather has players manage resources and needs through menus. Only building and harvesting have menus in The Long Dark, making running, climbing and attacking (shooting, throwing rocks, etc.) a fun experience for players. In this way, the game is efficient and smooth, but also remains fun and visually immersive in other aspects.

    What The Long Dark lacks in story, it makes up for in gameplay and balance. One of the most difficult aspects to design in a survival game is balancing needs, consequences, and the time it takes for needs to decline versus what it takes to replenish those needs. The Long Dark does a great job at balancing these needs, as when playing I have not felt I was losing heat to quickly or becoming hungry too fast. Replenishing needs is challenging without being impossible and irritating. Survival is the focus, but the balance gives me a chance to build, gather material, and explore as well as managing my needs. There is also an excellent balance in consequences of players actions. Falling from a cliff may break the players legs or being bitten by a wolf means a player must bandage and disinfect the wound. There are also serious injuries, such as frostbite, which will permanently take away from a player’s health. This gives fun challenge and adds to the games overall realism. I enjoy being kept on my toes and really being worried about the well being of my avatar.

    Overall, The Long Dark is an excellent game for strategy/survival lovers as well as those who don’t usually like or play survival games. It is one of the most balanced and entertaining survival games I have played. For a small developing studios first game, I would declare it a great first impression for Hinterland Games.    … Expand
  4. Zeydlitz
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    This game has pretty damn good quality -- developers really working on it. They fix most annoying bugs and add pretty nice missions. It still could be badly ballanced, but have some repetitive join in it.
  5. cinciangjanpang
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    You truly can fall in love with this game. At first, it could feel a little bit clumsy but it's not. My first 1-2h was pleasant but then when game gives you more freedom - it's a total mess. You will die, a lot. But it's always because of something. You will eat too much at some point and there won't be more "easy" food. You will freeze because you slept too long. Or you will die ofYou truly can fall in love with this game. At first, it could feel a little bit clumsy but it's not. My first 1-2h was pleasant but then when game gives you more freedom - it's a total mess. You will die, a lot. But it's always because of something. You will eat too much at some point and there won't be more "easy" food. You will freeze because you slept too long. Or you will die of infection because you have dropped those medicines because who needs antiseptics? But after few more hrs you will learn. You will count your calories, keep your backpack clean and everything will be great. the story, the locations, wonderful. Ambient, a little bit of silence, it's all there to create a unique mood. And I love this mood. Worth every penny.… Expand
  6. inmh
    Sep 27, 2019
    8
    If I'm being technical, Wintermute (i.e. Story mode) gets a 5, and Survival gets a 9. Game overall I've averaged out to an eight.

    Story mode is okay, but that frickin' BEAR will be the death of me. I mean, it HAS been the death of me so many times because I can't actually get past it. It still haven't finished Story Mode because the one mission I'm on requires me to go to a location    If I'm being technical, Wintermute (i.e. Story mode) gets a 5, and Survival gets a 9. Game overall I've averaged out to an eight.

    Story mode is okay, but that frickin' BEAR will be the death of me. I mean, it HAS been the death of me so many times because I can't actually get past it. It still haven't finished Story Mode because the one mission I'm on requires me to go to a location that's guarded by the bear, and it has so far proven impossible to get past- even with the rifle.

    Now, Survival Mode? There's some good stuff. You can adjust the mode according to difficulty, and if you're playing pilgrim, animals don't attack you unless you attack them, which removes the bear problem. It's still pretty challenging, though: The cold, food, water, and energy problem will still keep you on your toes even if you're playing on the most peaceful mode. Your main job is just pure survival, without being bogged down by story missions.

    Pretty good game. Challenging. Only other complaint is how transitioning from indoor to outdoor crashes the game sometimes.    … Expand
  7. RealyFeary
    Apr 16, 2020
    8
    Oyunun + Yönleri :
    -Güzel Mekanikler
    -Fena Olmayan Grafikler -Karakterimizin Kendini Yatıştırmaya Çalışması -Müzikler -Harita Büyüklüğü -Hayvan Yapay Zekası -Fena Olmayan Hikaye -Fena Olmayan Kontrol Mekanikleri Oyunun - Yönleri : -Hikayedeki Karakterler Çok Umarsızca Görev Yardırıyorlar(Mesela 10 KG et Falan istiyorlar) -Bir Süre Sonra Kaynakların Tükenmesi ve Yenilenmemesi -Bozkurt    Oyunun + Yönleri :
    -Güzel Mekanikler
    -Fena Olmayan Grafikler -Karakterimizin Kendini Yatıştırmaya Çalışması -Müzikler
    -Harita Büyüklüğü -Hayvan Yapay Zekası
    -Fena Olmayan Hikaye -Fena Olmayan Kontrol Mekanikleri Oyunun - Yönleri :
    -Hikayedeki Karakterler Çok Umarsızca Görev Yardırıyorlar(Mesela 10 KG et Falan istiyorlar)
    -Bir Süre Sonra Kaynakların Tükenmesi ve Yenilenmemesi
    -Bozkurt Sürüleri -Garip Kontrol Şeması    … Expand
  8. Forrest9999
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    This game is so great and masterpiece . Love this so much . Great work dear
  9. Kanelish
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Incredible game. Love the art work and the dark harsh tones. Music adds very well to the overall feel. This is a back to basic survival/exploring game and VERY unforgiving. This keeps me engaged and requires you to think 3 moves ahead.
  10. IActuallyPlayd
    Sep 29, 2022
    9
    Extremely well executed ideas within the game itself and a company that has been releasing massive pieces of new content for this game (story mode chapters) for free, for years at this point, alongside continuous patches and QoL improvements. A truly respectable commitment to this game and the community has been displayed by this developer and it should be applauded.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. CGMagazine
    Sep 24, 2017
    80
    The Long Dark is the perfect survival game for Canadian kids who grew up with frozen toes and winter camping.
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  2. Everyeye.it
    Sep 14, 2017
    80
    The interactive and digital representation of an extraordinary ecosystem and of the decisive cultural and historical value that the authors wanted to allow all to explore, satisfying our playful and interactive needs, but always obliging us to live it deeply, with the dignity it deserves.
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  3. PSX Extreme
    Sep 13, 2017
    85
    The Long Dark is a satisfying experience of survival that is both realistic and has good game mechanics. It’s very unforgiving and can be frustrating but gets better the longer you play and learn.
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