Dark Scrolls
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Dark Scrolls Media
Dark Scrolls - Official New Release Date Trailer
Dark Scrolls | Reveal Trailer | Scrolling in 2026 (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
Critic Reviews for Dark Scrolls
You can strongly dislike automatic side scrolling platformers and still love playing Dark Scrolls. I am proof in the proverbial pudding – I struggled to put it down. What sets Dark Scrolls apart from other platformers is its focus on simplicity. It's a great co-op platformer that's merely held back by its balance and relatively punishing progression. Its charm and co-op chaos will win you over the next time you want a party game to play with your friends!
A bit too much is left up to the player to figure out, and I would have welcomed a bit more transparency while I struggled through my first couple hours with the game. By the time I hit my stride, I was bored of fighting the same enemies and bosses over and over. Short bursts and co-op play feel like the best ways to enjoy Dark Scrolls. Even then, there's really not enough charm or polish to shine through an experience that references the classics without containing what gives them staying power.
Dark Scrolls is a title I should have loved and instead loathed. It is not offensively bad or poorly made, so you may find some fun here that I did not.
In theory, I should enjoy Dark Scrolls a lot more, but its charming aesthetic and strong audiovisual design ultimately can't make up for the fact that this auto-scrolling platformer just isn't very fun to play.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Dark Scrolls presents an intriguing concept by blending platforming, shoot ’em up, and roguelite elements within a charming retro-inspired aesthetic. Its diverse cast of characters, enjoyable co-op gameplay, excellent pixel art, and fast-paced action stand out as key strengths. However, the execution falls short of its potential, with imprecise controls, frustratingly unfair moments, uninspired level design, and repetition setting in too early. While there is some fun to be found, these shortcomings ultimately prevent the game from maintaining its appeal from start to finish.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fortunately, this game features a roguelike progression system. Everything you collect during your walkthrough can be used in your village. Updates and the like are therefore collected gradually, allowing you to become stronger and stronger. As a result, the levels naturally become more bearable and easier depending on the amount of money and points you manage to gather. Dark Scrolls is generally quite good and is a game that is easy to play. Unfortunately, it loses some points due to the not-so-intuitive controls. However, if you enjoy old NES games with fun co-op, then you will likely get something out of this. The full playthrough takes about 6-10 hours. For ten dollars, it is up to you to consider if it is worth it.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
