Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a sci-fi horror 2.5D side-scrolling game with a compelling narrative premise and atmospheric visuals. Players explore a derelict spaceship infested with alien lifeforms, guided by a voiced AI narrator. The game features crafting mechanics, light-based enemy interactions, and resource management, creating an immersive survival experience. However, the game is widely regarded as incomplete and abruptly ending, with many mission objectives and areas feeling unfinished or inaccessible. Numerous bugs, glitches, and control issues notably detract from gameplay, including problems with elevators, door interactions, and character movement. The combat system is considered clunky and repetitive, with limited weapon variety and enemy types. Despite these flaws, some players appreciate the story, voice acting, and atmospheric design. The game’s short duration and lack of polish have been criticized, and many feel the product was released prematurely due to funding issues. Overall, Dark Matter offers an intriguing but flawed experience that may appeal to fans of atmospheric sci-fi but is not recommended at full price.

Highlights

Players praise the atmospheric and detailed graphics, including lighting effects and dark, creepy environments that enhance immersion. The narrative and AI voice acting receive positive mentions for creating a compelling sci-fi horror story. The light-based gameplay mechanics—such as enemies reacting differently to illumination and environmental traps triggered by light—are noted as innovative and engaging. Crafting and resource management add depth, with players appreciating the ability to create ammo and medkits. Exploration elements and map design contribute to the game’s mood, and some find the side-scrolling perspective refreshing for the horror genre.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game’s incomplete and abrupt ending, leaving many storylines unresolved and creating a sense of an unfinished product. Players report numerous bugs and glitches, including stuck elevators, clipping issues, and save point malfunctions that sometimes prevent progress. Controls are often described as clunky and awkward, especially with gamepads, complicating aiming and movement. Combat is considered repetitive and unsatisfying, with limited enemy variety and simplistic AI. The game’s short duration and lack of polish reduce replay value. Some players find the crafting system bland and the objectives unclear or nonsensical. The game’s dark visuals, while atmospheric, can be overly dim, hindering visibility. Overall, many feel the game was rushed to release due to funding shortfalls and lacks the depth it promised.