Darkwood coming to PS4 on May 14, Switch on May 16, and Xbox One on May 17

Dphex · May 20, 2019

Gilver said:
How is the replay value, heard its better to start on normal then after beating it go again on the permadeath difficulty for a more tense experience. But is it worth the replay?

there are two major quest givers and you have to decide who to follow at some point. also, there are things that you might do otherwise after you know it if that makes sense. some things you might completely miss in the first playthrough. the areas are randomly generated so it has a different layout when you replay it. (landmarks and points of interest have different locations)

i would say it lasts for 2 playthroughs. first one is obviously tenser because you don´t know what to expect but permadeath mode will help with that and provides a tough challenge. definitely start on normal to learn the game. i restarted even normal after 2-3hours because i wanted a clean start after i knew how the game is meant to be played.

this is a 80s/90s throwback game, it will tell you not much at all, you have to figure out things on your own.(which is part of the ride for sure)

Gilver · May 20, 2019

Dphex said:
there are two major quest givers and you have to decide who to follow at some point. also, there are things that you might do otherwise after you know it if that makes sense. some things you might completely miss in the first playthrough. the areas are randomly generated so it has a different layout when you replay it. (landmarks and points of interest have different locations)

i would say it lasts for 2 playthroughs. first one is obviously tenser because you don´t know what to expect but permadeath mode will help with that and provides a tough challenge. definitely start on normal to learn the game. i restarted even normal after 2-3hours because i wanted a clean start after i knew how the game is meant to be played.

this is a 80s/90s throwback game, it will tell you not much at all, you have to figure out things on your own.(which is part of the ride for sure)

Thanks, already bought it and will start today to see if I like it (hope I do).

the_wart · May 20, 2019

I read Darklands and almost spit out my coffee.

Dphex · May 20, 2019

Gilver said:
Thanks, already bought it and will start today to see if I like it (hope I do).

the game needs some time to unfold because in the beginning many things are unclear. once you find the groove to handle things it becomes addicting and really tense.

00lsen · May 20, 2019

AllThingsPurple said:
Super excited for this.

The music in the trailer is dope. Seems to be a cover of ucieczka by halina frackowiak though I can't find the version from this trailer

It sounds like the original to me. Mad props for showing this classic tune to a bigger audience. Same like This War of Mine made people discover Zegarmistrz światła purpurowy.

As for the weird premiere dates, last time the devs were just 3 guys so a simultaneous launch might have been too much for them.

AllThingsPurple · May 20, 2019

00lsen said:
It sounds like the original to me. Mad props for showing this classic tune to a bigger audience. Same like This War of Mine made people discover Zegarmistrz światła purpurowy.

As for the weird premiere dates, last time the devs were just 3 guys so a simultaneous launch might have been too much for them.

I dunno, I listened to the original on YouTube and it sounded way flat compared to the version in the trailer

Truant · May 20, 2019

Truant said:
Loved everything about this except for the survival mechanics. Any chance they're toned down on Switch?

Anyone?

AllThingsPurple · May 20, 2019

Dphex · May 20, 2019

Truant said:
Anyone?

as far as i know they changed the game over the years, when did you play this the last time?

but in its core this is pretty much a survival horror game where you will have to collect resources, craft stuff that helps you and try to survive the nights. i think it all comes together in great way, one of the games where crafting has a purpose.

Truant · May 20, 2019

AllThingsPurple said:
Why would they be?

Could be they included a less stressful mode for people on the go. Just asking.

AllThingsPurple · May 20, 2019

Truant said:
Could be they included a less stressful mode for people on the go. Just asking.

Yeah, there was a better reply after mine

Gilver · May 20, 2019

Truant said:
Could be they included a less stressful mode for people on the go. Just asking.

Whats the most stressful survival mechanic/s (in a bad way)?

00lsen · May 20, 2019

Truant said:
Could be they included a less stressful mode for people on the go. Just asking.

When you play on the easiest difficulty there is no penalty for dying. It takes the edge off significantly and you don't even need to try to survive the night.

ghostcrew · May 20, 2019

I grabbed this on Xbox and I love the vibe of it but it seems super screen teary? Like, the performance seems horrible. I'm on an Xbox One X so it seems super strange. Whenever I sprint the screen just wobbles and it seems to be tearing bad.

Dphex · May 20, 2019

ghostcrew said:
I grabbed this on Xbox and I love the vibe of it but it seems super screen teary? Like, the performance seems horrible. I'm on an Xbox One X so it seems super strange. Whenever I sprint the screen just wobbles and it seems to be tearing bad.

the Pro version also has screen tearing sometimes but there was a patch yesterday and now it is a bit better. still not perfect though. the game is made by 3 people, might be that they are not too experienced with console versions.

aember · May 20, 2019

ghostcrew said:
I grabbed this on Xbox and I love the vibe of it but it seems super screen teary? Like, the performance seems horrible. I'm on an Xbox One X so it seems super strange. Whenever I sprint the screen just wobbles and it seems to be tearing bad.

Weird, I'm on the X and it's running beautifully, no issues whatsoever.

That being said, I wish it ran bad, because I'd have an excuse not to play this scary creepy-ass game. :(

Dphex · May 20, 2019

aember said:
That being said, I wish it ran bad, because I'd have an excuse not to play this scary creepy-ass game. :(

Ha! this game is sooo good, the suspense is sometimes really nerve wrecking

definitely a "play in the dark and with headphones" game, the sound design is superb with headphones

akasha · May 21, 2019

Dphex said:
i am around 15 hours in this game, i will say it now: this is easily one the best horror games this console generation.

this is exactly how you do "horror" without bullshit attached. what a gem this game is, superb! atmosphere and especially the psychedelic infused sound effects are off the charts

So did they keep their promise that there are no lazy horror elements like cheap jump scares (or zombies)?

Got lured into buying Layers of Fear by online reviews and really got tired of them, although its story / setting was interesting enough to keep me going.

Searching for some true well-written horror with story depth now though.

Deleted member 6235 · May 21, 2019

Darkwood is in-fucking-credible. I don't think there's anything quite like it out there.

ghostcrew · May 21, 2019

aember said:
Weird, I'm on the X and it's running beautifully, no issues whatsoever.

That being said, I wish it ran bad, because I'd have an excuse not to play this scary creepy-ass game. :(

Weird. I'll do a console reset and try it again tonight. I might refund it and buy it elsewhere if it's no better. I'd like it on Switch if it performs well there. :(

Dphex · May 21, 2019

akasha said:
So did they keep their promise that there are no lazy horror elements like cheap jump scares (or zombies)?

Got lured into buying Layers of Fear by online reviews and really got tired of them, although its story / setting was interesting enough to keep me going.

Searching for some true well-written horror with story depth now though.

yeah, there are no jumpscares or zombies and the game is scarier than other horror games as a result, it definitely has a psychological angle and plays with the fear of the unknown. It is a slow burner that starts off tame and lures the player into a false security;-)

The game is bloody fantastic, it is a real dark trip into the woods. A really unique experience!

akasha · May 21, 2019

Dphex said:
yeah, there are no jumpscares or zombies and the game is scarier than other horror games as a result, it definitely has a psychological angle and plays with the fear of the unknown. It is a slow burner that starts off tame and lures the player into a false security;-)

The game is bloody fantastic, it is a real dark trip into the woods. A really unique experience!

Alright, thanks! I'll keep it on my watch list then :) The HLTB times are also quite promising given the friendly price.

Feeroper · May 21, 2019

I picked up the PS4 Pro version - this game is amazing! However I am also having some serious and unexpected screen tearing issues. I can deal with it, but its really odd as it doesn't seem like it would be that demanding. Has anyone with the Switch version noticed any tearing or other issues? I was really tempted to get it on Switch but opted for PS4 due to the minor PS+ discount and no tax where I am.

ghostcrew · May 21, 2019

Feeroper said:
I picked up the PS4 Pro version - this game is amazing! However I am also having some serious and unexpected screen tearing issues. I can deal with it, but its really odd as it doesn't seem like it would be that demanding. Has anyone with the Switch version noticed any tearing or other issues? I was really tempted to get it on Switch but opted for PS4 due to the minor PS+ discount and no tax where I am.

This is me too but with the Xbox version. The screen tearing is crazy whenever you sprint. Thinking of doing a refund while it's still applicable and buying on Switch (if performance is ok) or PC. Game seems super great.

Hark · May 21, 2019

This game just keeps popping up for me and has been for months. Looks like I'll have to take the plunge now.
No jumpscares, right?

Dphex · May 21, 2019

JMizzlin said:
This game just keeps popping up for me and has been for months. Looks like I'll have to take the plunge now.
No jumpscares, right?

No jumpscares but scary stuff happening ;-)

edit:
new PS4 patch, 1,5GB big, will report if it fixes the screen tearing. at least they are patching the game like crazy so they seem to try.

edit 2:
performance is MUCH better on PS4Pro now, screen tearing rarely occurs anymore and the performance overall is smoother

Dphex · May 22, 2019

so, after around 20 hours i am in chapter 2, this game is really long...what a value for this little money

ghostcrew · May 22, 2019

Dphex said:
No jumpscares but scary stuff happening ;-)

edit:
new PS4 patch, 1,5GB big, will report if it fixes the screen tearing. at least they are patching the game like crazy so they seem to try.

edit 2:
performance is MUCH better on PS4Pro now, screen tearing rarely occurs anymore and the performance overall is smoother

Good to know! I'll check tonight to see if Xbox has had an update and seen any improvements.

GamingRobioto · May 22, 2019

I've bought it blind based of hugely positive user feedback and loving the sound of what it offers.

Only £11 on PSN, hopefully another indie bargain.

KLoWn · May 22, 2019

How are the controls? I heard someone say they were worse than on PC, but he didn't say in what way.

Dphex · May 22, 2019

ghostcrew said:
Good to know! I'll check tonight to see if Xbox has had an update and seen any improvements.

it is really so much better now, there is no screen tearing anymore on the Pro

KLoWn said:
How are the controls? I heard someone say they were worse than on PC, but he didn't say in what way.

they are good to me, you can press a button to transfer stuff into your inventory, another button to drop items on the ground.

fighting is left trigger to ready weapon, right trigger to use weapon, also good. when you explore you hold the right trigger and use the analog to look further in all directions. Inventory is also accessed on one button.

i have no problem with the controls at all, i think they are really fine

Dphex · May 24, 2019

chapter 2 doesn´t fuck around, holy shit

also, thread is not very active, seems the game flew under the radar of many people. that is a shame because this game is definitely great.

there are easily 30+ hrs game for a little price and the game there is, well, it is just awesome. this will for sure end up on my GOTY list.

Deleted member 37917 · May 24, 2019

how's the game on switch? I'm kind of wary to buy games I don't really need at launch given the often sub-par performances.

Chance Hale · May 24, 2019

Bought this on pc during early access and it got lost in the fog over the years for me despite playing a bit at the official launch. Definitely my next game after Pathologic 2

AllThingsPurple · May 26, 2019

I've not spent a lot of time with this game, I'm on day 3 and it's really cool atmosphere and everything but im not sure it's for me, the inventory management drives me crazy lol, finding a bunch items when your backpack is already full is pretty annoying.

While I know a bunch of people will love the vagueness and ambiguity of the game I wish it was a little more direct, I feel I'm just wondering round aimlessly and now getting killed quite regularly.

I really wanted to like this game, just not sure it is for me.

akasha · May 27, 2019

I've heard that the Switch version is not optimized well yet, any comments? Better wait for a patch?

fundogmo · May 27, 2019

akasha said:
I've heard that the Switch version is not optimized well yet, any comments? Better wait for a patch?

Can't speak to the other versions, but in the eight hours I've played, there was one area where the framerate dipped to about 8 fps. Thankfully nothing much goes on in that area.

Overall the game is great though. It's pure dread and terror for trying to survive, but life before and after moving onto a weapon beyond the board and nails is life-changing

akasha · May 27, 2019

fundogmo said:
Can't speak to the other versions, but in the eight hours I've played, there was one area where the framerate dipped to about 8 fps. Thankfully nothing much goes on in that area.

Overall the game is great though. It's pure dread and terror for trying to survive, but life before and after moving onto a weapon beyond the board and nails is life-changing

Thanks!

Mega1X · May 27, 2019

fundogmo said:
Can't speak to the other versions, but in the eight hours I've played, there was one area where the framerate dipped to about 8 fps. Thankfully nothing much goes on in that area.

Overall the game is great though. It's pure dread and terror for trying to survive, but life before and after moving onto a weapon beyond the board and nails is life-changing

I am a chicken when playing horror games, but I think its dread from Jump Scares. I read there is no Jump Scares but the atmosphere is creepy and really intense. Can you confirm? Thinking about getting it.

Dphex · May 27, 2019

AllThingsPurple said:
I've not spent a lot of time with this game, I'm on day 3 and it's really cool atmosphere and everything but im not sure it's for me, the inventory management drives me crazy lol, finding a bunch items when your backpack is already full is pretty annoying.

While I know a bunch of people will love the vagueness and ambiguity of the game I wish it was a little more direct, I feel I'm just wondering round aimlessly and now getting killed quite regularly.

I really wanted to like this game, just not sure it is for me.

it is oldschool, just explore, find the Wolfman, he will tell you what to do. figuring out what to do is part of the game.

the game is about deciding what to pick up but you can craft upgrades for both inventory and hotbar so you have more space later on.

day 3 is literally nothing.

hint:

buy or find a watch and carry it with you so you see the time, makes exploring better.

ghostcrew · May 27, 2019

I really want to dive in and love this game but the performance on Xbox One is still utterly terrible. It hasn't received any updates (apparently PS4 has). As soon as you sprint it feels wrong. I don't know it's frame pacing or what but it makes me feel ill. Very disappointed. I'm gonna put in a refund request and just grab it on PC I think.

Don't buy this on Xbox.

Mega1X · May 27, 2019

ghostcrew said:
I really want to dive in and love this game but the performance on Xbox One is still utterly terrible. It hasn't received any updates (apparently PS4 has). As soon as you sprint it feels wrong. I don't know it's frame pacing or what but it makes me feel ill. Very disappointed. I'm gonna put in a refund request and just grab it on PC I think.

Don't buy this on Xbox.

Stock Xbox One or even Xbox One X has issues?

ghostcrew · May 27, 2019

Mega1X said:
Stock Xbox One or even Xbox One X has issues?

I'm on Xbox One X.

Feels like it needs v-sync or something. Feels like the frame rate isn't consistent with my TV refresh rate. It's horrid.

akasha · May 27, 2019

ghostcrew said:
I really want to dive in and love this game but the performance on Xbox One is still utterly terrible. It hasn't received any updates (apparently PS4 has). As soon as you sprint it feels wrong. I don't know it's frame pacing or what but it makes me feel ill. Very disappointed. I'm gonna put in a refund request and just grab it on PC I think.

Don't buy this on Xbox.

Thanks! Alright, I assume there are some issues across versions. Is there any patch in sight yet, given that this released on PC years ago?

ghostcrew · May 27, 2019

akasha said:
Thanks! Alright, I assume there are some issues across versions. Is there any patch in sight yet?

Some users in here said that PS4 received an update that helped. Hasn't been anything on Xbox as far as I know.

Mega1X · May 27, 2019

ghostcrew said:
I'm on Xbox One X.

Feels like it needs v-sync or something. Feels like the frame rate isn't consistent with my TV refresh rate. It's horrid.

Yikes, that's not a good thing.

fundogmo · May 27, 2019

Mega1X said:
I am a chicken when playing horror games, but I think its dread from Jump Scares. I read there is no Jump Scares but the atmosphere is creepy and really intense. Can you confirm? Thinking about getting it.

I wouldn't consider the game has jump scares because you can see every horrible thing coming, and when the shoe finally drops it's just a confirmation of your worst fears, instead of something unexpected. The game is definitely more TENSE than filled with shallow jump scares, but there are definitely moments where something horrible happens that will catch you off guard.

An example of a typical scare, is that you have to barricade yourself into a hideout at night and wait for morning. During the night, you are extremely vulnerable, and the first time someone breaks through your window is a legitimately terrifying experience that will make you tense up.

Mega1X · May 27, 2019

fundogmo said:
I wouldn't consider the game has jump scares because you can see every horrible thing coming, and when the shoe finally drops it's just a confirmation of your worst fears, instead of something unexpected. The game is definitely more TENSE than filled with shallow jump scares, but there are definitely moments where something horrible happens that will catch you off guard.

An example of a typical scare, is that you have to barricade yourself into a hideout at night and wait for morning. During the night, you are extremely vulnerable, and the first time someone breaks through your window is a legitimately terrifying experience that will make you tense up.

That honestly sounds a lot more fun that cheap jump scares

ghostcrew · May 31, 2019

Darkwood got an update on Xbox and feels tons better now!

Dphex · May 31, 2019

ghostcrew said:
Darkwood got an update on Xbox and feels tons better now!

finally, nice! enjoy it

Darkwood coming to PS4 on May 14, Switch on May 16, and Xbox One on May 17

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost

The Shrouded Ghost