PC Critic Reviews

Dark Scrolls is an indie 2D platformer featuring auto-scrolling, roguelite, and bullet hell mechanics. The levels are procedurally generated and reminiscent of *Super Ghouls’n Ghosts*, even though the game itself isn't particularly difficult. Despite offering creative and varied gameplay options, the stat system can be extremely overpowered, overshadowing many of the other available choices. The game is worth playing for roguelite fans and deserves the attention of anyone interested in it.

Dark Scrolls revives the philosophy of old-school, forced-scrolling arcade platformers like SonSon and enriches it with a modern roguelite structure. The screen advances relentlessly, forcing players to stay constantly on the move while facing waves of enemies and massive bosses, all while collecting coins to invest in upgrades that activate progressively via a unique "Rage" meter. The roster of heroes—each with distinct abilities and movement styles—ensures plenty of variety, and the local co-op mode is a delight for nostalgia lovers. The experience is slightly marred by the repetitive nature of the procedurally generated levels and somewhat uninspired, conventional enemies. Ultimately, it is a successful blend of past and present—one capable of costing you more than a few sleepless nights.

Dark Scrolls isn’t doinksoft’s most enjoyable or approachable game. But between the references to several Capcom classics, it’s frantic energy, and plenty of little secrets, there’s a lot of plucky personality. It can be punishing, grindy and under-explained at times. But each chaotic attempt offers enough oddball charm to justify another run.

While Dark Scrolls boasts an excellent retro aesthetic and rock-solid platforming fundamentals, it ultimately fails to transcend mediocrity due to a lack of distinct innovation. However, for fans of Ghosts 'n Goblins looking for a reasonably challenging experience, it remains a highly competent homage well worth a casual playthrough.

Dark Scrolls is still a charming game that was clearly crafted with love and is worth checking out, regardless of your interests in side-scrollers and roguelikes. Just be prepared to climb out of that grave and into a solid adventure.

Dark Scrolls balances high-intensity platforming with a somewhat rewarding progression system. The boss battles are a highlight, utilizing tried-and-true pattern-recognition mechanics that often reward patience and muscle memory. Coupled with a map full of mysteries, branching paths, and new heroes to rescue, there is an amount of replay value here. The single-player mode is so-so, but if you are looking for a frantic, retro-fueled challenge to tackle with a friend on the couch, Dark Scrolls is an absolute must-play.

Dark Scrolls is certainly fun at times, but it overall feels a bit insubstantial. If you’re looking for any sort of plot, Dark Scrolls proudly doesn’t have any of that. While it does have a fairly impressive number of varied characters to unlock, the oddly variable level of difficulty keeps it from being as mechanically satisfying as it could have been. It’s definitely not worth getting if you want to play it solo, but if you have friends to play with, there is some enjoyment to be had.

Dark Scrolls presents an intriguing concept by blending platforming, shoot ’em up, and roguelite elements within a charming retro-inspired aesthetic. Its diverse cast of characters, enjoyable co-op gameplay, excellent pixel art, and fast-paced action stand out as key strengths. However, the execution falls short of its potential, with imprecise controls, frustratingly unfair moments, uninspired level design, and repetition setting in too early. While there is some fun to be found, these shortcomings ultimately prevent the game from maintaining its appeal from start to finish.

Dark Scrolls is a game which I reckon will be a perfect salve for some people, being a neat call-back to the days of 8-bit gaming and old school shmups, but I just found it to be a bit too samey. It's fun, sure, but it works best in shorter half hour bursts for me. I expect a bit more from my roguelites, but if you approach this as an arcade game instead, you'll be in a better frame of mind.

Doinksoft created a wonderful side-scrolling shooter a couple of years ago in Gunbrella, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But here, it feels like they missed the mark in many ways. There’s some fun to be had, though; it’s not a complete washout. Characters are varied and goofy in the best ways. I found two that I gravitated towards, and that felt pretty powerful once I got the hang of controlling them. The problems arise in a handful of meaningful areas, from a lack of accessibility and explanation of mechanics to the very minimal roguelike rewards. I don’t think it’s a game everyone will enjoy, but there are some wild retro moments that will still put a smile on your face.