Eyes in the Dark

Roguelikes are the word of the day for indie gaming this year. You'd be forgiven for thinking that every other release from smaller developers was some platform following the same mechanical formula with their own unique story. That notion doesn't stray too far from Eyes in the Dark, but the game's visual appeal has caught out attention.

One of the primary traits of typical indie roguelikes is that their worlds have a colorful aesthetic surrounding them. Eyes in the Dark is entirely the opposite, using only black and white, resembling an ink-based art style seen in graphic novels. That element alone has us interested in what this title can bring, even though it probably has all the hallmarks of a standard platformer.

Darkness is in Bloom

So let's start with what makes Eyes in the Dark like the other indie roguelikes out there. It's got a particular art style, a heavy narrative meant to spark meaning, and intense gameplay with many things moving about. However, what's a little more intriguing is that the title has more to offer than the copy-paste mechanics formula we've gotten so used to seeing.

Eyes in the Dark follows the tale of Victoria Bloom as she attempts to cleanse her stately home of darkness. You'll use your trust flashlight and consistently upgraded light arsenal to destroy all the weird and wacky monsters that continue to infest the manor. Enemies will pour at you from every corner, so it's always best to be on your toes!

The gameplay is fascinating because the manor evolves, creating unexpected layouts and unpredictable combat scenarios. It's an element that adds to the excitement of the game, presenting a unique design that breaks the boundaries of typical roguelikes. However, that aspect can be equally as frustrating where the intensity of combat and unknown layout don't allow for much of a strategic approach.

That intensity also causes the game to lag, too. Something we don't see too often in games like Eyes in the Dark isn't particularly welcome. But alas, there's enough to entertain players and stand out as a game in an oversaturated genre. Victoria Bloom's adventures will captivate with some great combat, a fantastic aesthetic, and a narrative shrouded in mystery.

Viva la Victoria

Albeit frustrating for various reasons, Eyes in the Dark is a roguelike worth playing, especially if you're getting bored of the same formula title after title. The game is reminiscent of a bedtime storybook and triggers feeling around that factor. Though it's not the same magnificent experience as games like Hollow Knight, it's an ideal option if you're looking for a game that delivers on high roguelike standards.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Beautiful black and white art style
• Constantly changing the layout to intensify the gameplay
• Unique combat approach

Cons:

• Some bugs cause the game to lag and crash
• Gameplay gets frustrating when there's unpredictability
• Projectiles from enemies get annoying