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0 Happy to be checking out another studios attempt at the Mascot-Horror theme. This time we get Dark Pals from the team at Skunx Games. We enter another ruined factory called the Upwards and attempt to find out or escape, who know? If you are in the market for a new horror Dark Pals’ demo is available now on Steam.
Here we go again.
Gameplay
We awake in a run-down toy factory with no context of how we got here. We then use a small octopus that looks like it is sporting a ski mask to solve some puzzles and progress the story. Most of the information we learn comes from Televisions that play around the levels, with a Mr. Grin spewing the typical stuff. The puzzles themselves though are not that bad, with most being related to colours, and some others come from shooting targets. Between all these segments the player will face scripted chase sections with most being by the monster called Binky Drinky. Other than that the player can find two types of collectables with one being a disc, and the other a shadowy specter with a yellow crudely drawn face.
Graphics & Audio
The songs, particularly omelette man, are annoyingly catchy, and the noises the various creatures make are great. I love that the little squid gun makes ‘uh-uh’ noises whenever is can’t shoot something. The environments were interesting, and no area felt empty or forgotten about. The creatures are also quite unique in an unexpected way. While the one enemy is simply a dog, it’s really well animated, and it has a huge head and tiny body, kind of like the little pet shop toys, or ‘the dog’ 2000s McDonald’s toy.
Binky by far was the most creative and disturbing; I haven’t seen a creature quite like that in a long time. Again, well animated, and in equal parts makes you feel bad for him and nauseated. Watching Binky ‘soothe’ himself was, for lack of better words, uncomfortable and gross, but in the best way for a horror game. Dark Pals surprised me in multiple ways and wasn’t as run-of-the-mill as I’d anticipated.
Longevity
The Dark Pals’ demo isn’t that long with it clocking me in around 2 and a half hours to beat. But there are 27 achievements for the player to unlock. With some tied to beating certain puzzles within a specific time, or way. Like the football segment being done in less that 5 shots.
Final Thoughts
Although the game doesn’t provide much context even within the chapter, I still had fun. The monster weren’t conventually scary, Binky did make me feel uneasy, and a little bad for him. I mean Binky is really going through it just as much as we are. Puzzles are nice and easy and keeps you engaged, which I’m glad so that you aren’t just walking from point A to point B. But overall the star of the show goes to the visuals and animations, and that one song which is insanely catchy. There is one thing I wonder, why does the Omelette-man make the cookies?
I wouldn’t say that I’m actually interested in the story this time around, but the next chapter could change my mind. Looking forward to what Dark Pals comes up with.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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