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. Wired
    70
    So while it falls short of greatness, Operation Darkness can content itself with being merely a fun game with an amazing premise.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    68
    Strategy-RPG fans will ignore the game's shortcomings and find much to praise, but this isn't a game that's going to rope in those who aren't already fans of the particular genre.
  3. Hardcore Gamer
    65
    It innovates from the usual set of strategy titles in so many areas without falling flat on its face, and it’s a meaty title besides.
  5. RPG Fan
    65
    Operation Darkness isn't so bad as to be unplayable, but it gives no motivation for the completion of more than a few hours of play.
  6. GameFocus
    61
    Very poor camera.
  7. GotNext
    60
    Operation Darkness isn't going to keep the poetic part of your mind captivated, but the strategist in you could get addicted.
  8. Worth Playing
    60
    Operation Darkness isn't a bad game at all. It has its issues, but they don't ruin the experience — with the possible exception of the absolutely shameful graphics. The problem is that it doesn't really rise about mediocre.
  9. Gamervision
    60
    I can overlook the average graphics, the camera mechanics, and even the sub-par voice-acting. What I can’t accept is that the story, which was supposed to be the most interesting part of the game, is just plain boring.
  10. GameSpot
    60
    This strategic RPG is ugly and frustrating--but it can also be a lot of fun.
  11. Gaming Target
    58
    In the end what we’re left with is this: a game that has plenty of unfulfilled potential with a taste of what could have been.
  12. GameSpy
    50
    It's not quite as engrossing a turn-based strategy experience as Final Fantasy Tactics, but its unique setting kept my interest long enough for me to discover the fun that lay beneath the unpleasant exterior.

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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