DUSK
" Fast-paced indie action shooter with nostalgic 90s gameplay but confusing level design "
DUSK Review
DUSK is widely celebrated as a modern boomer shooter that masterfully blends classic 90s FPS elements with fresh, creative twists. Players appreciate its fast-paced, kinetic gameplay reminiscent of DOOM, Quake, and Blood, featuring satisfying gunplay, diverse weapons, and fluid movement. The game's atmosphere is praised for its eerie, horror-infused vibe, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack and unique level design. It offers substantial replay value with secrets, medals, and multiple difficulty settings, appealing to both veterans and newcomers to the genre.
However, some players find the level design occasionally confusing and maze-like, leading to frustrating navigation and backtracking. Boss fights receive mixed reactions, often described as underwhelming or simplistic. While the story is present and intriguing, it is not the game's main focus and can be somewhat cryptic. Minor technical issues such as save and achievement system bugs have been reported but do not significantly hinder the overall experience. Overall, DUSK is considered a polished, enjoyable homage to classic shooters with a distinct horror twist.
Highlights
Players consistently praise DUSK's fast and satisfying gameplay mechanics, highlighting the fluid movement and impactful gunplay, especially with shotguns and unique weapons like the M60 machine gun and crossbow.
The game's atmosphere and horror elements stand out, creating an eerie and immersive experience complemented by an excellent soundtrack from Andrew Hulshult.
Graphically, it embraces a retro, low-poly aesthetic that fans of old-school shooters find charming and nostalgic.
Replayability is enhanced by secrets, medals, and multiple difficulty levels, making it engaging for both newcomers and boomer shooter veterans.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on confusing and sometimes convoluted level design, with players often feeling lost or frustrated by backtracking and maze-like layouts.
Boss fights are frequently described as underwhelming, repetitive, and lacking depth.
Some players find the story cryptic and not well integrated, making it hard to follow without external research.
Technical issues such as save system glitches and achievement tracking problems have been reported.
Additionally, the horror elements can be intense and may not appeal to all players, especially those sensitive to jump scares or dark themes.
Pros
- • Fast-paced and fluid gameplay reminiscent of classic 90s shooters.
- • Satisfying and diverse weapon arsenal with unique mechanics.
- • Eerie and immersive horror atmosphere enhances tension.
- • Excellent soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult complements gameplay.
- • High replayability with secrets, medals, and difficulty modes.
- • Retro low-poly graphics evoke nostalgic shooter feel.
- • Level design becomes more creative and complex over time.
Cons
- • Level design can be confusing, maze-like, and cause backtracking.
- • Boss fights are often underwhelming and simplistic.
- • Story is cryptic and not central to the gameplay experience.
- • Save system and achievement tracking have reported bugs.
- • Horror elements may be too intense for some players.
- • Some weapons feel basic or underpowered to certain players.
- • Occasional frustration due to unclear objectives or paths.
Rating Criteria
Battle through an onslaught of mystical backwater cultists, possessed militants & even darker forces as you attempt to discover just what lurks beneath the Earth in this retro FPS inspired by the '90s legends.
