70
However, I realize there is indeed a market for this kind of game, and for those looking for a fun (albeit masochistically hard) old-school RPG, there is no better place to go than The Dark Spire. [Apr 2009, p.80]
50
A drab experience that takes little advantage of the DS hardware (menu issues annoy) and rarely rises above the level of sufficiency. [May 2009, p.91]
75
You have to hand it to Atlus and Success for taking on a project that's aimed at such a niche audience -- their passion for giving gamers a hardcore title obviously ranked above any need to dumb the game down. Bravo!
10
Pure retro-nostalgia. Surely it is not a game for everyone, but it is a tribute to the dungeon crawler genre.
10
This is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library that has more recently included games like Demon's Souls and The Witcher. The game has already become a rarity in the United States, but considering the fact that it has received Game of the Year awards from classic RPG circles, it's well worth time spent seeking it out. Other recommended classics in the same vein may include 3D Dot Game Heroes on PS3, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade on PSP, Etrian Odyssey on DS, Warriors of the Lost Empire on PSP, or Fighting Fantasy on DS.
10
If you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games we are spoonfed these days, and just want an old-school, polished and incredibly addictive dungeon crawler in the style of yesteryear, this is for you. Why not challenge your brain to a style of game you've never played before? Brilliant, perfect (for what it is), so don't judge this by what you are expecting from the games of today, judge it for what it is, with an appreciation for the past. This guy sums it up perfectly: ****/watch?v=ioRpxc4yXvU These types of games are what I live for.
The Dark Spire
DS
Released On:
Apr 14, 2009
Metascore
Mixed or Average
69
User score
Generally Favorable
8.1
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
48% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
48% Mixed
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
90
Spire is simply too niche for most. But if you can squeeze yourself into that niche, prepare for addiction to take root.
80
The Dark Spire is not for everybody, even for those claming to be elite RPG gamers. However, if you seek a very deep and rewarding game of a higher difficultly caliber then I would say don't hesitate and pick this up as soon as you can.
User score
Generally Favorable
78% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
11% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Sep 17, 2018
10
Pure retro-nostalgia. Surely it is not a game for everyone, but it is a tribute to the dungeon crawler genre.
Oct 13, 2011
10
This is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library that has more recently included games like Demon's Souls and The Witcher. The game has already become a rarity in the United States, but considering the fact that it has received Game of the Year awards from classic RPG circles, it's well worth time spent seeking it out. Other recommended classics in the same vein may include 3D Dot Game Heroes on PS3, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade on PSP, Etrian Odyssey on DS, Warriors of the Lost Empire on PSP, or Fighting Fantasy on DS.
75
The Dark Spire is a great game. Unfortunately, it will only appeal to a very specific audience due the game's difficulty and archaic style.
73
Definitely not for everyone. But regardless, at the end of the journey, after the countless deaths and billions of bruisings, the stat rolling and puzzle solving, you will undoubtedly feel accomplished.
70
However, I realize there is indeed a market for this kind of game, and for those looking for a fun (albeit masochistically hard) old-school RPG, there is no better place to go than The Dark Spire. [Apr 2009, p.80]
60
The Dark Spire certainly attained its goal of creating an homage to classic dungeon-crawling RPGs. But its confusing design choices and unforgiving gameplay may turn off anyone born after 1990.
40
Visually it's 15 years old. No thanks. [July 2009, p.77]
Sep 10, 2010
10
If you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games we are spoonfed these days, and just want an old-school, polished and incredibly addictive dungeon crawler in the style of yesteryear, this is for you. Why not challenge your brain to a style of game you've never played before? Brilliant, perfect (for what it is), so don't judge this by what you are expecting from the games of today, judge it for what it is, with an appreciation for the past. This guy sums it up perfectly: ****/watch?v=ioRpxc4yXvU These types of games are what I live for.
SummaryThe Dark Spire is an RPG of exploration and character development in the purest sense. Parties will be assembled, stats will be rolled, items, weapons and armor shall be equipped, and monsters will be slain. [Atlus USA]
Rated E +10for Everyone +10
