Darkwood

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Nintenderos
    Jul 1, 2019
    84
    Like a good injection, Darkwood gathers the perfect doses of gameplay (survival, randomness, action, deductions) and narrative (decision making, different paths, multiple narrators, a climax). A good example of a game developed with time and dedication.
  2. Nintendo Insider
    Aug 12, 2019
    80
    After a somewhat shaky start to the game, which included a steep learning curve, I found myself enthralled in Darkwood and I did not want to put it down. From its brilliant tension building, atmosphere and sense of vulnerability for the player, it has better horror elements than most AAA horror titles nowadays. If you are into your survival horror games, you do not want to miss this one, despite one or two missteps along the way.
  3. Pure Nintendo
    Jun 3, 2019
    80
    Darkwood is a simple but hugely satisfying top-down horror survival game that will have you jumping at shadows.
  5. Hobby Consolas
    May 23, 2019
    80
    Darkwood plays with the fear of the unknown to create an atmosphere and situations of pure terror. If you've been looking for a true survival horror game for years, one that doesn't rely on jump scares and make you turn on the lights at night... You've just found it.
  6. Nintendo Life
    May 17, 2019
    80
    Darkwood is, thankfully, rather unlike any other horror game on Switch. Those with a taste for survival games will appreciate the constant pressure to salvage parts and craft new items while a clock ticks down in the background, while those with a love for all things sinister will really appreciate some of the truly disturbing moments. Despite the occasional technical flaw, the result is a purposefully slow experience that rewards multiple playthroughs with a storyline that branches depending on just how far into madness you’re willing to tread.
  7. 3DJuegos
    May 22, 2019
    75
    A horror and survival experience which defends a convincing level of challenge and some visual and ambientation values (illumination and sound) that makes it a good choice for patient and dedicated gamers.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 7 out of 39
  1. Rtheom
    May 22, 2019
    4
    Don't pick this up on Switch yet. They haven't optimized it for the system (or something like that), so it sputters and chugs all over theDon't pick this up on Switch yet. They haven't optimized it for the system (or something like that), so it sputters and chugs all over the place. At some of the locations where you're switching from one area to the next, it can take as long as a minute to load. It makes the game virtually unplayable for any length of time and makes it nearly impossible to react to the monsters properly. Wait for them to get a few patched out before picking this up.… Full Review »
  2. Reed618
    May 26, 2021
    10
    I'm surprised the reviews aren't higher. This is honestly a horror masterpiece. There really aren't many games which actually make you jump atI'm surprised the reviews aren't higher. This is honestly a horror masterpiece. There really aren't many games which actually make you jump at shadows or feel like something is watching you but darkwood nails that feeling perfectly.

    It's essentially a survival game in which you gather resources and you can make some minor improvements to your hideout by barricading windows and doors or refueling the generator. Crafting weapons and other items is important too. Weapon degradation and ammo limitations generally encourage the player to avoid combat where possible.

    Overall the game is quite forgiving though. If you die you lose some of the items in your backpack but the spot where you died is marked on the map so you can often go there and retrieve them. I felt intimidated at first. But while the game is masterful in creating an oppressive atmosphere it's also encouraging. You have a journal telling you where you need to go and dying doesn't have any massive penalty. It's just scary which is ideal and I never feel like i'm losing progress.

    As you explore you'll encounter... some very odd things... and occasionally meet really unique and messed up individuals. Quests involve making morally ambiguous decisions and prove quite memorable. The atmosphere and style of this game is like no other.

    A lot of games have staged chase sequences and jump scares and monsters which are scary because they have messed up faces but darkwood just offers a small world full of terrors for you to explore. Some stuff you'll miss and some of it is random. If you're a horror fan then this is the definition of a must play game. I couldn't recommend it enough.    … Full Review »
  3. Meeleepit
    Oct 11, 2020
    7
    Super stoked about Darkwood. Never heard of this gem of a game. Found this on special in the switch E-store and decided to give it a bash andSuper stoked about Darkwood. Never heard of this gem of a game. Found this on special in the switch E-store and decided to give it a bash and i am literally **** myself around every corner. No jump scares in this title. Whoa, mind blown!… Full Review »
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