DarkStory Online Review

DarkStory Online Gameplay

DarkStory Online is a Free Massively Multiplayer 2D RPG game developed and published by BraveWolf. The project was released in May 2020. The game was inspired by classic old-school RPGs like Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, the first instalments of Final Fantasy, and The Legend of Zelda.

The gameplay consists of completing quests, fighting various monsters and other components of the classic representatives of MMORPG. The main feature of the gameplay is its slowness and a significant focus on the grind. Compared to other representatives of this genre, the gameplay of DarkStory Online is more meditative and allows players to relax while doing one of the many things the game offers.

From this project, the developers managed to implement an excellent time killer, immersing players with its simplicity of the main mechanics, pleasant appearance, and also a unique combat system.

How the world of DarkStory Online works and who lives in it

The world of DarkStory Online has to itself from the first seconds of the game. Once in the fantasy universe, the player begins his adventure full of new acquaintances, exciting stories and much more.

The game world consists of several zones, which are divided among themselves according to the level principle. The player will be able to explore a medium-sized map that is inhabited by eight different peoples. Acquaintance with each of them occurs sequentially with the growth of the character's level. The world itself is divided into different biomes, and also has several layers with many underground locations.

Magical creatures in DarkStory Online

Since the main gameplay is tied to the grind, the lands of the DSO are filled with many different creatures, from rabbits to giant mutated mushrooms. Apart from hostile mobs, the world is filled with many friendly NPCs. Some of them will be happy to share exciting stories with the player. Someone will offer a quest, and someone will want to trade. Often, they will provide different services depending on their specialization: some will sell equipment for a specific profession, others will offer storage services, etc. This thoughtful content gives the world of DarkStory Online the impression of a vibrant world.

Bosses of DarkStory Online

In addition to the usual opponents, the game also contains much more dangerous creatures.

The player will meet most of these opponents at the end of questlines, as well as in dungeons. During the battle with them, a hood with the boss's health bar, as well as his name, will appear above the game interface. The help of other heroes may be required to defeat such a monster; otherwise, it is worth stocking up on healing potions. In addition to their distinctive appearance, each boss has its mechanics of behaviour and combat features. To defeat some of them, it may take more than one attempt, as well as the development of strategy and tactics of combat.

DarkStory Online Tutorial

The game has competently implemented training, thanks to which the player can quickly get used to the world of DarkStory Online.

At the very beginning, the player learns the basics of character control. The gameplay is tied to four control keys depending on the player's choice. Interaction is performed using the space bar; attack and loot are performed by pressing Ctrl. Besides, at any time the player can use the mouse buttons for specific actions.

Next, the player goes through a line of training quests, where he learns about combat, mining and crafting. He is also taught to use the inventory and other basics of the game.

The first island is educational and is aimed at developing the player from 1 to 10 levels. After the player is sufficiently familiar with the game, he will be taken to the central world location.

The visual and Sound component of DarkStory Online

Visually, the game is made in the style of old-school RPGs. The character is controlled from a top view in a two-dimensional space with cellular movement.

Despite the outdated design, the game manages to create a pleasant feeling. The developers were able to realize the atmosphere of the first parts of Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda. Travelling to DarkStory Online, the player will be able to plunge headlong into the world of medieval fantasy, while simultaneously admiring the created beauties of flora and fauna. The environment is filled with many different animals and plants that make it come alive. The detail of the character models is striking, as well as the competent compositional creation of locations. Each city and its content is unique and beautiful in its way. Also, the game has the high-quality animation and art style of the game world.

One of the best features of DarkStory Online is its soundtrack, which perfectly complements and fits nicely into the overall gaming style. The soundtrack is well-chosen for each location. Also, separate unique sounds have been selected for each action, NPC and mob.

Basic game mechanics of DarkStory Online

In-game newspaper

By clicking on it, you will see the window stylistically made in the form of a newspaper from the game world. Here, each user can check out the upcoming weekly events of DarkStory Online, receive daily rewards for visiting, as well as see developer announcements about innovations and forthcoming game updates. Also, the game periodically organizes voting for all players, where everyone can express which update in the game they would like to see next. There is a tab with the player rating, links to the game website and social networks of developers.

Achievements

This mechanic is one of the keys, as it promotes rapid progress in the game, as well as increasing the level of the character. There is a wide variety of different tasks related to killing a certain number of opponents, completing a series of quests, defeating a boss, etc. Each achievement is rewarded differently. If the player does not know what he should do at a given time, then he can open the achievements tab and focus on completing a specific task.

In-game donation store

DarkStory Online has a well-developed in-game donation store. In it, the player can purchase various items of equipment, mounts, and consumables.

The user can choose from dozens of different cosmetic items, including fonts, clothes, weapons, etc. The beauty of donation in this game is that it is cheap and does not affect the in-game balance in any way.

Character customization

The game has primary and secondary character customization.

Further, during the game, NPCs will become available that will allow you to edit the appearance. Also, the player will be able to customize his appearance: clothes, weapons, mounts at will with the help of decorative elements.

Co-op Play And PvP

In the game, many activities are tied to the interaction of the in-game community. So, users can meet and communicate in the in-game chat. The game has the mechanics of cooperative completion of unique missions and dungeons with strong bosses. Also, there is a grouping function, which allows you to play with friends, as well as quickly level up when working together.
The developers also delighted fans of PvP. So, the game has an exceptional location, which is a battle arena for battles between players. Participation in duels allows you to earn unique awards and achievements, as well as compete for places in the overall ranking among other players.

Crafting in DarkStory Online

The game implements a system of crafting various consumables from the constituent components.

Consumables currently available for crafting will be highlighted in green. To the right of the list, the ingredients required for crafting will be shown, as well as the final result and effects that the player will receive when using the selected consumable. Mostly they instantly replenish HP or MP, but some give a temporary bonus to damage dealt, defence, experience gained, etc.

The crafting mechanic allows you to acquire all the consumables you need for your adventure for free. The creation of items requires components that are dropped from certain types of mobs, as well as resources collected during the gathering process. Recipes open progressively since the necessary ingredients for specific consumables can only be obtained at higher levels.

In-game events

The developers of DarkStory Online continue to support the game and consistently introduce various in-game events and events dedicated to any dates or holidays. For a limited time, there are special quests in the game, several new NPCs appear, and many new mobs are added, and the designs of some old enemies are being reworked.

For example, on Halloween, the game received an event of the same name, in which NPCs, a temporary holiday currency for buying unique things, and quests for earning this currency were added to it. Some NPCs and mobs are now wearing festive costumes like pumpkin helmets and cloaks.

Professions in DarkStory Online

The game has professions related to the processes of resource extraction. The player can become a fisherman, lumberjack, miner or digger. Depending on the time spent in a particular business, the player will improve his skills in one specific case, as well as receive special rewards. With an increase in the professional level, the efficiency of resource extraction will increase, as well as the rarity of the extracted raw materials.

For example, having spent enough time excavating resources, the player will be able to increase the amount of experience in engaging in this profession. Besides, you can increase the chances of scooping certain types of resources, etc.

The gathering system in DarkStory Online

The process of collecting in the game is assigned a separate role since the professions of DarkStory Online are tied around it.
Here the player can engage in all kinds of mining of specific resources: valuable ores, wood, fish, etc.

The mining process is similar to battles: the player also presses on ctrl to act, but it will be directed to the source of a specific resource. For example, to mine gold, it's necessary to go to the mine and find ore to start collecting. To get this or that resource, the player will have to act a certain number of times. As a result, he will receive the corresponding drop, as well as a certain amount of profession points.

Also, for some processes, such as the same mining of ore, or fishing and chopping trees, appropriate tools are required: a pickaxe, a fishing rod, an axe, etc. Depending on the value of the resource being extracted, a more expensive and high-quality tool will be required. The resources obtained during any activity can be sold to merchants, as well as used in crafting items, etc.

Games Like DarkStory Online

• Elsword is a free action-oriented MMORPG developed by KOG Studios. The project was released at the end of 2007. This game is made in 2.5-dimensional style with side-scrolling and beat 'em up battles. Visually, the game has a lot in common with manga art. The story of the game follows the title protagonist Elsword and the El Search Party as they travel across the world of Elrios to protect the El from the encroaching demonic forces. The game is very similar to DarkStory Online. In particular, a similar style can be noted, as well as a genre. In both games, most of the playing time is spent on the grind.
• Runescape is a cross-platform browser-based multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Jagex Ltd. Executed as a Java client application; it provides players with a full 3D virtual world. The game has one and a half hundred servers in different countries. They are called worlds in RuneScape, and you can choose any when you enter the game. The player's character with all the acquired property can freely move from world to world and talk with players in other worlds. The player can move around the map - on foot or using various transportation methods. Also, each player can choose his path of development and levelling of the character, like many other games of the MMORPG genre, RuneScape is notable for its non-linear plot. The role-playing system is built on skills: developing a particular talent, you increase your level - a separate one for each skill.
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a video game developed and published by Nintendo. This project is a classic action-adventure game. The game combines elements of RPG, puzzles, besides, it has a well-thought-out and exciting plot. It shares visual and stylistic similarities with DarkStory Online: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is also executed in 2D pixel art with a top view. The mechanics of movement and interaction with objects are also shared between the two games.