Operation Darkness

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jun 24, 2008
Metascore
46

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 10 out of 22
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  1. Planet Xbox 360
    48
    Thanks to its great concept and terrible execution, Operation Darkness is the very definition of a guilty pleasure game.
  2. 1UP
    42
    So while Operation Darkness could've lit up strategy nuts, the completely awful camera and primitive PlayStation 2-quality graphics drain the life out of it. Even online co-op, the one unique feature that actually justifies Darkness' place on the 360, is about as fun as waiting to get your blood drawn.
  3. GamesRadar+
    40
    The lousy last-gen graphics murder what compelling plot there is.
  5. GameZone
    40
    Operation Darkness takes an intriguing idea, but ruins it with some awful gameplay.
  6. GameShark
    33
    Playing Operation Darkness is like being in love with a deadbeat. You can see the silver lining and you want to make it work, but it’s a downward spiral of concessions and empty promises and the next thing you know you’re living in a trailer and he’s hocking your jewelry for strippers.
  7. ZTGD
    30
    Between the horrific camera and the absolutely infuriating battle deaths it is a wonder that this game was ever allowed to be put on the shelves.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    28
    If you can handle inelegant controls, graphics, and story, and a text-heavy menu system, this might hold some appeal. Otherwise, avoid it like lycanthropy. [July 2008, p.81]
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  9. IGN
    25
    Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.
  10. Gaming Age
    25
    It's a very disappointing game in nearly every aspect.
  11. Official Xbox Magazine
    20
    No quantity of vamires, werewolves, and undead zombies can salvage its dreadfully tedious gameplay. [July 2008, p.70]

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
80
#80 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 7 out of 26
  1. Katoyama
    Sep 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. One of the best tactical RPG's ever i ever play!
    Bought it two or three times!!    … Full Review »
  2. dankmeow
    Mar 16, 2022
    9
    Oddly this was an amazing experience when it came out. Many reviews did not like it but this is one of the most memerable experiences on theOddly this was an amazing experience when it came out. Many reviews did not like it but this is one of the most memerable experiences on the 360. If you are into retro gaming it visually plays like a high end ps2 game. For its time the graphics are flat. Retro gamers shouldnt mind that. What one would think is just a WW2 SRPG turns out to add in zombies, magic, and much more one cannot mention for sake of spoilers. This game is hard so be warned. This game is not for everyone but for those it is for it sure is for.… Full Review »
  3. Bogger3k
    Feb 7, 2020
    2
    The game would be a very serviceable tactics RPG if it didnt suffer from several major flaws that detract from the cool setting and concept.The game would be a very serviceable tactics RPG if it didnt suffer from several major flaws that detract from the cool setting and concept. Including challenges that are only able to be overcome through lucky and RNG. Which turns that replaying of levels into a frustrating tedious chore. Very specifically, tanks are near impossible to remove from the map, and yet you have to in many missions. Especially the very limited ammo to do so, the very poor accuracy, and the fact they can one shot one of your many characters that can't die (otherwise you get a game over) and they just do this by running them over with their high mobility. This game is a mess and should honestly be avoided.… Full Review »
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