A Dark Room Reviews

by Ag!:)

Was my favorite. Could play it for hours. New layout has cart wood and check traps buttons annoyingly close and shoved in corner. Seemingly they wanted to expand middle area info. I don’t know how it could be possible, but these layout changes have shifted this from a game I would play back to back to back— to a game I can’t force myself to get through one time. Seriously, I go back to it and think maybe I just haven’t given it a chance. But having the buttons you most need to tap so close and or so high up, makes it feel like a tedious clerical task instead of an intuitive journey. And I love this game. Want to contact programers and ask them to please change it back to the original. I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled with hope that they might have changed it back, but no luck. Dear Programmers: the past layout was perfect. Your game was brilliant. Please restore it. Thank you.

by Danie017

The only reason I gave this game 4 instead of 5 stars was due to the lack of any visual/audible stimulation outside of words, symbols, and lettering, which I know was the point of the game, but I personally, would have gotten much more satisfaction with some brief, but additional sounds and visuals.

With that said, the developers did an outstanding job creating this world using the simplest of artistic concepts to drive home the ultimate vision and goal they had in mind for this game- to stimulate the mind and create an in-depth world for the player to visualize through words and simplicity- and they did so very effectively and beautifully.

Overall, very addictive despite the lack of visuals or sounds. It was an OCDer’s HEAVEN when venturing out to reveal every last inch of the map. Kept you on your toes and guessing over and over. Bravo!

by Hornet.72

Myself and 4 of my cousins have always been very into various types of gaming. Personally I had never experienced a game similar to this in any way. At first I was indifferent about it, It wasn’t as if I had lost interest seconds into it, but I wasn’t sure what it was all about. I took my time, I read every little message that popped up and carefully progressed through the game, soaking up every little detail. I finished the game for the 7th time earlier today and decided I would leave a review just because of how extraordinary I find this game. I want to say a huge thank you to Amir and Michael for all of the time, effort, and thought put into A Dark Room. I 10/10 recommend this game to anyone who wants to expand their gaming genre and explore a text based, time extensive game. Please take your time and try to appreciate everything about the game, and I promise you it will be worth it and you will love it.

P.S. The Ensign is also a very great game and once I have ventured farther into it and beaten it just a couple more times I will be sure to leave a review there as well.

by Piptm

When you begin playing A Dark Room, it seems on the surface to simply be a text-based survival and accumulation game. It is a slow start, extremely minimalist and not immediately rewarding, which will turn most app game players off. As you keep playing through, it becomes clear that it is so much more than a survival game - it contains a powerful story that is intimately affecting and confronts the player’s preconceptions of accumulation and progress as being inherently good. The gameplay is frustrating, almost claustrophobic at times, and the plot is bleak and disturbing. Beyond this, though, the game contains its own sort of haunting beauty that stays with you long after completion. The secrets at the end of the game are worth sticking it out for!

by Giaface

For years, I’ve started and then forgotten about A Dark Room, but I always really enjoyed playing it. This time, I committed to finishing, and I’m so glad I did. Finally getting to experience the complete narrative was so rewarding and chilling. The secrets from the devs made finishing even more fun.

Despite its minimalistic interface, ADR is surprisingly visual. Very quickly, I was able to see the village, the builder, the gaunt man, the mines, the dusty path and everything the game had to offer in my head. It added a level of immersion that I don’t often get in iOS games.

Overall, I’m so glad I finally finished this game. Can’t wait to try it out without building huts!

by MB2011qq

I distinctly remember my first play through, my 7th grade self found a dark room on a school computer and it slowly began to occupy my mind during the lulls in Texas history. The slow creep of new mechanics and mysteries about the unique world you’re dropped into practically beg you to explore the dusty path and the subtle lore hidden throughout all aspects of the game. The minimalistic nature of the game encourages you to fill in the lore of the world yourself, allowing each player’s journey to be their own, as well as providing very satisfying revelations when you stumble upon some knew knowledge.
May the fire burn bright for you, may it keep you warm.

by I_am_froot

A friend of mine introduced me to the desktop version back in March of 2016. I thought it was kind of far out there and wasn’t too intrigued. After playing it for a second day, I got hooked. Ever since then I’ve been trying to play it, but I’d misplace my save file and my laptop broke. When I saw this was offered on iOS three days ago, I had no hesitation in buying it. I was so eager to play, I finished it in 3 hours. It may not seem like very long, but I knew what I was doing. It was just as frustrating when I played it the first time, but even more enjoyable. I had beaten it twice on desktop. It seems vivid and confusing, but if you notice the different nuances and patterns, it all becomes clear. You don’t get a parade upon finishing the game, it’s better, you get wisdom and insight. I plan on finishing it 3 more times this week. This game is perfect for those who want a game that allows you to explore a landscape on a limited plane, or for people who just want a game to play on the train or during a union break. I highly recommend it

by Dissapointed1316

I have loved this game my whole life. I played it when I was younger for the first time, and listened to all the audio after I completed it. It meant so much to me to hear that audio, and this game will forever hold a place in my heart.

This game gave kid me a different perspective on the world, while also giving me hours of entertainment. I think in total I’ve completed the game 4 or 5 times.

Now that I’m an adult, I’m currently in college, I don’t have time to play it all the way through anymore. I hope everyone gets this game, and considers donating. The creators put their heart and soul into this game, and I will forever love them for it.

by 0)7xpytl-01

I’m a simple man. A Dark Room was a quiet, simplistic, and addicting experience. I fear the deeper meaning of ADR was lost on me the first time around but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. I got ADR today and finished it today (a testament to its addictive powers, not my speed running skills, of which I have none.)
I was completely pulled out of my real life whenever I opened ADarkRoom.
About to start my second play through and I’m honestly excited to see what I make of it this run.
Let me end by saying thank you to the creators for the time and effort you put into A Dark Room. Your passion and care really showed and I look forward to gaining even more appreciation on my next pass.
Good day.

by Melapearl

I played this game once on the web a couple of years ago and purchased the iOS version, but I never opened ADarkRoom or finished the web version. Today, while looking through my purchase history, I saw ADR and was immediately thrown back to the intrigue I felt when playing the web version and proceeded to download it. I was sucked into the story again and even restarted a couple of times when I realized there were perks that assist in exploring the world in the hopes of getting them earlier. While it is a simplistic game, there is an in-depth story that leaves you kind of unsettled but definitely needing to know more. I only wish I could play it for the first time again.

by Sirfartsalotlike Reallyalot

There are no real words to describe how you will feel after you complete this game. Your experience is your own, but I had chills for a while. I became so attached to this world, and I greatly appreciate the graphics. From what you catch and understand to what dialogue goes right over your head. Your experience is your own. I played through this game once several years ago and didn’t think much of it. I played through it again and I’m speechless. There’s so much I missed and so much more I understand through the beautifully done dialogue once you complete the game.
May the fire burn brightly for you. May it keep you warm.
Keep wandering Wanderer m

by McDanks8

Recently I redownloaded ADarkRoom not having played it for about 3 years. I remembered the general idea of the game and the end result, but I forgot a lot of the major sequence events throughout. Just like the first time I played it, I had a surreal experience. This game is unlike anything you will see. It does what a lot of games fail to do- it does not only provide entertainment, but it interacts with your life outside of the game; it makes you feel something very profound that works its way into your thoughts outside the virtual world. I have thought about its message countless times and it amazes me to this day how such a simply designed text based game was able to have such an impact. Worth every penny.

by Re2101

This game is a beautifully written story with phenomenal structure. It seems to start out slow, but is only the beginning of an eerie story that can be anything you imagine it to be. I’ve bought this game, thoroughly enjoyed it and redownloaded it years later to enjoy it again. But as the maker of the game states, you can really only experience your first experience once. My first experience will always be the best. Another respectable aspect to this game is the physical format of its layout. An easy to follow screen with understandable tabs makes the game comfortable to run and leaves out anything that could possibly form an image for you. The game is literally what you make it. Give it a chance. ~May the fire burn brightly for you, may it keep you warm~

by Jdv13

A Dark Room is a game that takes a simple premise, and finds a way to make it interesting and engaging. There's no need for any highly developed visuals or cinematic sequences - the limited amount of information the game gives you is more than enough to not only build a world worth exploring and understanding, but to keep you invested until the end. The game may not be for everyone, as it lacks a lot of the superficial details that many modern games focus on, and this may be a characteristic that can be hard for some to engage with. But if you can compensate for the lack of superficial detail with you own imagination and curiosity(we do that with books all the time), this game will provide a truly unique and memorable experience, and is well worth the price point.

by _la.xoxo_

Please give this game a chance it only asks for so little bit gives you so much in return.
Playing in 2017 most games are all about having the best graphics, character development, and what not. But this game stayed simple. It allowed me to create my own world and question the reality around me. This game is strange. What world was this? And many others (thoughts) came to mind. It starts off slow but have patience. Patience is key. This game has taught me that. It has made me cry, smile, and feel lost. But remember if you’re every feeling lost... Stroke Fire... and keep playing.
Note the developers: thank you for such a great game. You have sent me through a world of emotions. And am hopeful to the future. And once again thank you ~from a simple girl whose has been inspired.

by RosieRosRo

I played this game a few years ago, on the old version which is funnily enough, no longer available in the states. Even after all of this time, I am still just as in love with this game as I was when I first started. The storyline is very interesting and the subtle shift from villagers to the enslaved adds even another level a story depth which I just adore. Overall I love this game, but if one thing were to be improved, I would love if there was more locations or different enemies, since after a few cities, you know exactly the order and difficulty of the foes. But, besides that, I don’t really have any complaints. If you’re looking for an addicting game with a subtle, yet mesmerizing plot, this is for you~

Thank you Michael and Amir for making such a beautiful game, you really did an amazing job.

by Thendikfnidi

Took me 182 minutes to finish the game and it was fantastic, I found myself drawn in and not wanting to put it down. It can be slow at first, and making a functioning economy can be difficult but it’s all about the challenge. Every time I died on the dusty path made me a little upset but I just wanted revenge and to see what was farther out. Game can feel grindy at some times but picks right back up after a little bit. Going to play through again with different styles. Worth the 2$ for sure. If you have trouble justifying the price, think about it as a three hour movie for 2$, that you control, that you can play over and over again, and that you own forever. It’s a good investment I think. I might try to play the web version.

Overall, great game and good developers. Worth the 2$ and has replay value. Good game 5 stars

by Ohhhhhhhyeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh

I highly recommend this game to anyone with an active imagination or anyone who loves falling into a story. This game places you in the middle of mind-bending twists and forces fate upon you in a way that leaves you wondering what could have been. The writers and creators of this game have done an incredible job building a world that reveals itself the more you play, build and explore. I wish I could review every aspect of this game, but there are so many twists that I would not want to spoil the surprises for anyone! After becoming invested in the story and completing the game the first time, it is so fun to go back and figure out how you could have pushed the limits even further. I greatly enjoyed this game and have purchased the prequel to enjoy as well. Super high recommendation for this game and anything this developer comes out with! Download this game!

by XXDjBlazinAznXx

This has by far been the best gaming experience on any mobile device I have ever experienced. For context, I have been partially gaming on this platform since the first iTouch came out in 2007. I generally do not review titles, but felt compelled to leave my thoughts after just completing this one. The creator ensures that there is never a dull moment. The pace is constantly increasing. I honestly can’t think of a time during my play-through in which I wasn’t constantly doing something or trying new things. I was fully invested from start to finish. Overall the game left me feeling very fulfilled, on the same level as some of the best console games I have played. If there was any game that I could recommend to anyone on mobile, it’s this one. You will not regret it. Thank you to the creator for the time you put into this game and for giving us an experience that is rarely achieved on this platform.

by YaBoyGt

To be honest I had no idea what the game was before purchasing it. I read on a list somewhere that it was a good game and decided to give it a shot. It was out of my normal scope of games but after playing for a period of time I really got into the progression of everything.

After quite a bit of progression, things just kinda stopped. I wasn’t sure how to make the next step happen or what to do. I put the game down because of frustration and went onto the next app. After about a month of not playing, I picked it up this morning figured out a few things and finished it tonight!

Point being, give the game a shot. It is different than most you will see but it turns out to be a lot of fun. After finishing, I actually was disappointed it was over. I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to end. I will say, that I think I could have shaved quite a bit of time off if I knew how it would end. I guess that is what a second play through is for although I’m not sure whether I will or not. Give it a shot, it’s only $.99.