Conquest Dark

Developer: Eldritch Sword Games
Release: Apr 30th 2025
Platforms:
Action
Indie
RPG
Early Access
Addictive
Deep Progression
Polished
Bleed Mechanic
E U L A Controversy
Conquest Dark Poster

" Addictive action RPG with deep progression and varied playstyles but slow upgrade grind "

Conquest Dark Review

Conquest Dark is a compelling entry in the bullet-hell survivor genre, offering deep RPG elements wrapped in a dark fantasy setting inspired by Conan's Hyborian Age. Players choose from various races, classes, and subclasses, then engage in ritual combat against hordes of enemies with a mix of weapons, abilities, and runes. The game boasts a strong sense of progression through meta-upgrades, factions, and gear enhancements, providing long-term goals and replayability.

Despite its promising gameplay and addictive loop, players note that the game is still in early access with limited content and balancing issues. The grind for upgrades can feel overwhelming, and some mechanics like the bleed debuff and damage visibility have drawn criticism. The game is well-polished for a solo-developed title, with no major bugs reported, though the recent controversial EULA has caused dissatisfaction among the community. Overall, Conquest Dark is an enjoyable but challenging experience that shines with further content updates and balancing.

Highlights

Players praise the game's addictive gameplay loop and deep progression system, including diverse races, classes, and rune-enhanced abilities.

The dark fantasy aesthetic and engaging combat mechanics receive positive remarks, with comparisons to Diablo and Vampire Survivors. The soundtrack and sound effects enhance the experience, and the game is noted for its polished performance without bugs.

Many appreciate the game's unique setting and the strategic layer added by faction reputations and meta-progression upgrades.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the bleed mechanic, which many find frustrating and unbalanced, forcing repetitive builds. The damage feedback and visibility are sometimes unclear, leading to unfair hits.

Players find the grind for upgrades excessive and slow, with some abilities feeling underpowered or overshadowed by others. The difficulty spikes, especially against bosses, and the lack of ramping difficulty during runs are also noted.

Additionally, the recent EULA changes have caused significant community backlash, impacting player trust.

Pros

  • Deep and addictive gameplay loop with rewarding progression systems.
  • Varied races, classes, and subclasses offer diverse playstyles.
  • Rune system adds meaningful customization to abilities.
  • Dark fantasy setting with Conan-inspired aesthetic is immersive.
  • Polished performance with minimal bugs for a solo-developed game.
  • Engaging combat mechanics with satisfying bullet-hell action.
  • Strong soundtrack and sound effects enhance atmosphere.

Cons

  • Bleed mechanic is frustrating and limits build diversity.
  • Damage visibility and feedback can be unclear and unfair.
  • Upgrade grind is slow and sometimes overwhelming.
  • Some abilities and builds feel underpowered or obsolete late-game.
  • Difficulty spikes abruptly, especially with bosses.
  • Lack of difficulty ramping during runs leads to pacing issues.
  • Recent EULA changes caused community distrust and backlash.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Experience an ARPG's rapid ascension to power in minutes, packed with savage, survivors-like action and devastating sword & sorcery combat. Perfect your builds through Dark Ritual runs that will decide humanity's future as you battle endless hordes across haunting ruins and cursed kingdoms.

Release Date Apr 30th 2025
Publisher Mad Mushroom
Developer Eldritch Sword Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (1,287)
93% Positive 7% Negative