This will be the second game from Mirami&Co, with its release date still to be announced, and it has completely captured my attention since I saw the trailer on IGN. I’m talking about Dark Light: Survivor, a horde roguelike, according to my own judgment and based on what I could see in the videos, although the game’s Steam page doesn’t specifically mention it, BUT with several striking and noteworthy changes.
At first glance, it’s clear that the developers at Mirami&Co have poured their hearts into this game. Personally, I’ve been a big fan of this kind of game ever since I discovered Vampire Survivors, and before long, despite not wanting to, I had to admit just how incredibly addictive they are. That said, I’ve searched many times for games in the genre, hoping to find alternatives just as addictive and entertaining as Poncle’s game, and I’ve realized that, with a few exceptions, almost all the other options are relatively monotonous and repetitive.
And this is exactly where Dark Light: Survivor comes in. And what better way to explain to you why it’s different than by showing you the same video that caught my attention? Here’s the official Dark Light: Survivor trailer, courtesy of IGN:
The Dark Void, The Multiverse, and The Phantom Train
Released in 2022, Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic hack ‘n slash platformer where players take on the role of a Dark Hunter, tasked with sealing the Dark Void and stopping its nightmarish creatures. Featuring fast-paced combat and a cyber-enhanced progression system, the game laid the foundation for the universe continued in Dark Light: Survivor.
Okay, maybe you already get what I meant just by watching the trailer up there, but just in case you haven’t noticed yet, let’s talk a bit about what sets Dark Light: Survivor apart from most other titles in the genre, using its Steam description as a starting point:
- Dark Light: Survivor is a roguelike survival game where you play as one of the last humans, journeying through a shattered multiverse in search of the fabled Elysium.
- The Dark Void has unleashed horrific creatures that decimated humanity and fractured the multiverse. Amidst this chaos, a legend speaks of an Elysium untouched by the darkness.
- The remnants of humanity have uncovered celestial quantum technology, using it to construct the Phantom Train, capable of traversing the multiverse.
- As a Dark Hunter, you are aboard the Phantom Train, hoping to reach Elysium. In each universe, you must collect energy to power the train for the next leap. Prepare yourself to face increasingly terrifying and powerful creatures, for the journey is perilous, and Elysium remains elusive.
Why Does It Catch My Attention So Much?
Now, the premise of this project is intriguing for many reasons. For example, its originality in terms of narrative. At first glance, it seems to have a lot more depth than most titles in this genre. The whole setting in a multiverse where we travel between versions using the Phantom Train, while having the goal of reaching Elysium to finally be at peace, free from constant threats. And let’s not forget the Dark Void, the presence responsible for the cataclysm that wiped out humanity as we know it, constantly throwing its abominations in our path throughout our journey.
Leaving its story and narrative aside for a moment, let’s talk about some more technical aspects. One of the first things that stands out when watching the trailer is the shift from an isometric perspective to third-person, offering both a top-down view and an over-the-shoulder perspective, which for many of us could easily become the preferred way to play. Personally, I think this dynamic shift greatly enhances immersion, not to mention that it’s something I’ve never seen in any similar title before.
Additionally, we’ll have the option to switch between two visual modes, one with stunning 4K cinematic graphics and another in pixel art style, which will undoubtedly bring back good memories for many of us. It’s worth mentioning that this change is purely visual and won’t affect anything other than how we see and experience the game. On top of that, we’ll have access to a highly customizable arsenal, allowing us to upgrade weapons and armor to adapt to each new challenge the Dark Void throws at us.
Throughout the different instances of the multiverse we traverse aboard the Phantom Train, we’ll face intense battles and unexpected encounters with increasingly deadly and terrifying enemies. We’ll be able to explore environments as dangerous as they are diverse, including abandoned cities, dark forests, and post-apocalyptic ruins, all populated by enemies that will be anything but friendly. Obviously, our survival will be entirely up to us!
This time, I won’t include the “What Does It Remind Me Of?” section, since Dark Light: Survivor’s main strength is that it brings together things I’ve never seen before, either individually or combined, which in my opinion, gives it several points in its favor. Its release date is still undefined, but we can expect updates with confirmed dates sooner rather than later. If I were you, I wouldn’t take my eyes off this title. And now that we have to wait, how about heading to the comments and sharing your thoughts on this impressive project? You know, gamer, we’ll be reading you! 🙂
Images Source: IGN Official YouTube Channel, Dark Light: Survivor on Steam
