Survive the Apocalypse in Dark Light: An Intense Hack ‘n’ Slash Metroidvania

In the aftermath of the apocalypse, the world is shrouded in an impenetrable darkness, a realm now home to creatures birthed from the Dark Void. As the last of the Dark Hunters, an elite cadre of human warriors, you are entrusted with a daunting task: to seal the Dark Void and rescue humanity from an impending doom.

At first glance, Dark Light might remind players of familiar titles in the roguelike and Metroidvania genres, but a deeper dive reveals how it separates itself from the pack. Cinematic-grade graphics that offer the player a choice between Pixel Mode (for that nostalgic feel) and Cinematic Mode (for high-detail visuals) provide a unique aesthetic rarely seen in roguelites. Inspired by manga like “Blame!” and “Berserk”, the world design evokes an eerie, futuristic dystopia.

In gameplay, Dark Light combines the best elements of souls-like combat and roguelike progression, making it a hybrid experience. You’ll face punishing enemies and intricate boss fights reminiscent of the Dark Souls series, where learning enemy patterns and adapting your strategy is critical. However, the randomized loot system is heavily influenced by classics like Diablo II, with a cyberware upgrade mechanic that introduces endless gear combinations to fine-tune your character’s build.

Behind the Darkness: The Journey of Dark Light’s Creators

Jimmy Yuan and Michelle Xie, the creative duo behind Mirari&Co. based in Sydney, Australia, took a bold leap into the gaming industry after years of producing high-quality visual effects and animation for big names like Cartier, Unilever, HBO and MTV. Without prior game development experience, their transition was marked by trial, error, and relentless passion for the gaming world. This passion fueled the creation of Dark Light, a labor of love from a small, tight-knit team.

Kurt Ruiter, the programmer based in Belgium who joined later on, was drawn to the project by its striking artwork and stayed to help shape the intricate mechanics. Despite the challenges of a three-person remote team spanning multiple time zones, Dark Light emerged as a visually striking game with depth and complex mechanics.

The team resisted pressure from investors and publishers to preserve their creative freedom, a choice that gives Dark Light its distinct art style. It also encouraged the small team to take on the role of self-publisher, ensuring that their creation reached gamers around the world

Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Darkness

Survive and thrive in Dark Light’s ever-evolving world by understanding a few core gameplay mechanics. The game’s Cyberware Enhancement system features over 100 unique pieces of gear, from head and eye enhancements to belt and leg modifications. Equip your hunter with the right gear to boost health, stats, or attack power. As you progress, you’ll unlock permanent upgrades through faction alliances, so choose your faction wisely—each comes with unique perks, skills, and drones that drastically alter gameplay.

Combat Tips

Movement is Key

Dodging, jumping, and timing your downward attacks are essential to stunning enemies and avoiding damage.

Tailor your Arsenal

Experiment with different weapons, from fast melee combos to ranged weapons, and upgrade them with elemental gems to increase damage. The fluid combat mechanics, similar to Dead Cells, encourage quick reflexes and adaptability.

Cyberware Balance

Balance offensive and defensive cyberware—prioritize health or stamina boosts when heading into more difficult boss battles. The right build can make all the difference

For fans of souls-like games and Metroidvania-style exploration, Dark Light offers something more—a layered experience with procedural loot, fluid combat, and a world that reacts and changes based on your choices.

Join the adventure today on Xbox Series X|S and experience the latest updates, enhancements, Gear up, dive in, and see if you have what it takes to survive the darkness!

Dark Light

Mirari&Co. Pty, Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆ 6

★★★★★

$17.99

Get it now

Dark light is a riveting souls-like game featuring fast-paced combat in a post-apocalyptic world. In the aftermath of the apocalypse, the world is shrouded in an impenetrable darkness, a realm now home to creatures birthed from the Dark Void. As the last of the Dark Hunters, an elite cadre of human warriors, you are entrusted with a daunting task: to seal the Dark Void and rescue humanity from an impending doom. Venture into the heart of this darkness, into the mysterious and perilous zones now claimed by the night. Augment your abilities with cyberwares, face the supernatural entities that lurk in the shadows, and engage in brutal combat against hordes of ferocious creatures. Collect their energy shards, join a faction, unlock skills, and face epic bosses in your relentless pursuit to halt the cycle of eternal darkness. FEATURES -Unveiling Unique Visuals and Dynamic World: Immerse yourself in the choice of Pixel Mode or Cinematic Mode, granting a nostalgic pixel aesthetic or visually striking experience. Explore 6 distinct biomes where enemies and temporary power-ups continuously evolve with each playthrough. Overcome 14 major bosses, numerous elites, and mini-bosses to acquire valuable loot and upgrade materials. -Intense Gameplay and Progression: Engage in challenging Souls-Like combat, mastering timing, dodging, and parrying. Progress through loot, items, and character upgrades, enhancing attributes like Strength, Agility, Faith, Intellect, and Blood. -Cyberware Enhancement: Choose from 100+ unique Cyberware gears, improving abilities across various categories. Obtain gears through drops or purchases. -Experience an ever-evolving world with shifting challenges and acquire unique power-ups through temporary totems. Collect new drones from various Factions and defeat powerful bosses to gain permanent upgrades in your skill tree. -Customizable Arsenal: Wield 9 melee-style weapons and 6 ranged base weapons, upgrading them with elemental gems for devastating effects. -Skill Tree and Faction System: Join a faction and unlock unique drones with 25-30 skills per faction, allowing you to tailor your playstyle and explore diverse paths of character development. Earn skill points by defeating bosses and completing quests, and strategically navigate the skill tree to master your preferred abilities.