DARQ: Complete Edition Reviews
Darq initially intrigued me with its Tim Burton inspired dream world and brain bending puzzles. Sadly, things moved sharply in decline after those positive first impressions. Tedious stealth sections often killed the pace, as did all the trudging back and forth to collect items, and the dizzying nausea-inducing puzzle section? That's just mean. Darq is less the compelling brilliance of Nightmare Before Christmas and more the baffling misfire that was Alice in Wonderland.
Because I'm much more inclined to play these sorts of puzzle platformers on a console over computer, DARQ has been in various wishlists of mine for some time. I'm honestly glad that I waited for the chance to play this on my PS5, not only because my old laptop couldn't have handled it, but I feel that this complete edition is a polished final version and everything the developers wanted it to be. It runs smooth as silk, autosaves frequently, those scary moments have more impact when I witness them on a TV over a computer screen. DARQ Complete Edition has been such a positive experience for me that I'm excited to see what Unfold Games does next.
Deep atmosphere, rare setting and cool puzzles are tied up with lackluster music, boring monster encounters, and a plot, that's a little way too obscure. There is a lot to like about DARQ, but be ready for many shortcomings.
Review in Russian | Read full review
DARQ Complete Edition is a dark puzzle platformer in which you must help a boy named Lloyd navigate a seemingly endless loop of nightmares. Its lack of story and solid scares may disappoint some players, but it's a solid pick-up for those seeking a quick, creepy gaming experience.
Darq: Complete Edition is a solid puzzle game with a familiar look and an adequate challenge. The inclusion of two puzzle-heavy additional levels help affirm its identity, but it still always feels a bit torn between its two worlds.
Darq isn't the most difficult puzzle game out there, but it does excel in all uniqueness categories. Its greyscale art style adds to its overwhelmingly gothic vibe while providing puzzles that are difficult enough to force you to pause yet easy enough to solve. It's definitely something to check out, even if you won't be challenged to the fullest extent.
DARQ Complete Edition for the Nintendo Switch is a joy to play if you like creative, physics-based puzzlers with a touch of platforming. The "wow factor" from this one is an exhilarating reactive emotion for many of these unique, dimension bending solutions. If you like low-key puzzle games, with a dark Tim Burton presentation-quality, all at an affordable price then place this on your "must buy" list!
DARQ is a unique combination of short, succinct puzzles taking place over the backdrop of a David Lynch movie. Follow the story of Lloyd, a malnourished man attempting to escape his mind-bending dreams. The 2019 hit returns, with this triumphant complete edition.
DARQ may be short, but it’s the perfect length to ensure it never outstays its welcome. It uses clever puzzles and a fantastic atmosphere to draw you in, then challenges you just the right amount to keep you invested. The inclusion of the DLC makes the Complete Edition the best way to play, and if you enjoy a mind-bending and physics-twisting puzzler, you’ll love everything DARQ has to offer.
DARQ: Complete Edition is a very curious and compelling living nightmare. Fans of puzzle adventures games like Myst or Broken Sword will find the alluring mystery and quandaries to solve to be very satisfying. The art direction is impressive, and for a title that was developed by an incredibly small team, it is comparable to mid-level developed indie creations. It is simplicity in a very pure form, and that is why it works so well... at least when it doesn't glitch.
This was an amazing Indie Dev Puzzle Horror Game. One of the best I’ve played on the Nintendo Switch.
Still, it is hard to forgive the length, the lack of the story, and the fact that after you played or, replayed it once more, there is nothing more to do here. The atmosphere is special, the puzzles are well thought out, and the environment is very detailed, but each player has to decide for themselves how 2-3 hours of fun should translate into a price tag.
DARQ is a masterclass indiegame with brilliant level design and perfect audio. The brevity of the experience is only amplified by the uniquely grim aesthetic and the mindbending levels that make you hunger for more.
DARQ: Complete Edition excels in gameplay with brilliant environmental puzzles and an atmospheric setting. Its short length is a drawback but maintains rhythm and tension.
Review in Italian | Read full review
With a dark and strange look that feels like it comes from the mind of either Tim Burton, or at least one of his contemporaries, there's no doubt that DARQ easily catches the eye...
This game is absolutely a surprise this year! It combines puzzling elements with horror and the atmosphere is getting more and more dark. It's a short title but definitely fun to play.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
DARQ: Complete Edition will make you play it time and time again, hunting down secret encounters, secret items, and hoping you’ve somehow managed to survive along the way for the best experience yet.
Despite its short playtime, DARQ: Complete Edition is a good puzzle / platform game that you can enjoy. It is perfect for those who want a little scare while solving puzzles.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
DARQ is one of the most original games that I have played in recent times. Despite its short duration, DARQ transmits to an atmosphere of nightmares, gloomy and terrifying, from which you can only get out by solving well-constructed puzzles and with mechanics that will make your brain does a lot of exercise.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
DARQ is an experience that I’m glad I finally got to play. It offers unique puzzles and mechanics within a macabre theme that I love. It really made an effort to create a seamless experience that had me playing all the way through and enjoying every moment. I will mention that it is quite short, but I don’t mind as it offered a tight experience that had me engaged the entire time.