These days, there are a lot of Android games that are akin to that of console games. Even the graphics seem to catching up now, with a lot of our smartphones packing as many pixels as our TVs did not too long ago. Of course, with this comes the potential for games to “borrow” aspects and ideas from console giants – I’m looking at you Gameloft – but every once in a while comes a game that feels new and original, while at the same time reminding you of something you used to play. This is where In Darkness comes in and if you’re a fan of Zombie games then you’re really going to love this. I know what you’re thinking, Zombies, what more can be done with them by now? Well, read on to found out what.
Description: In Darkness is a game that launched on 21.12.2012 so, you can imagine it’s going to have certain themes in it. The game will have you fighting against puzzles and zombies in equal measure. This isn’t another Dead Trigger, this is a game that will have you thinking about what to do next and what you need to do to escape the evil hordes. Keeping up with the zombies as horrifying screams pound your eardrums is bad enough but when you’ve got to piece things together to advance, you’re in for a challenge all right! With some very detailed graphics and a decent arsenal of weaponry, there’s a lot to impress. Read on to find out more.
How it Works: To get started on your post-apocalyptic nightmare you’re going to have to install the game from the Play Store, after a short download later, you’re ready to get stuck in.
Once you’ve got the game installed you can go ahead and embark on your adventure into the scary unknown but, of course, before you head out you’ll need to know the controls. Which are, for the most part, pretty simple and well laid out:
If there’s one thing I will say about the controls, it’s that the aim speed is very slow indeed so, be prepared to hit a learning curve if you’re used to something like a gaming mouse on the PC – as I am. With that said and done, it’s time to dive in and see what the game has in store for you, this is what you’ll see when you start the first level:
So, not much to go on is there? The first thing you might notice is that the game has its own unique look and feel. It’s got these sort of cell-shaded graphics that remind of the game XIII. Unlike most other shooters, you have to use your brain to get around the problem at hand and you can’t just walk through that door, you have to figure out how to open it.Once you have the door open you can progress on to the other levels but, if you found the first level difficult, as I did, then you might want to go grab a cup of coffee to wake you up as the game is just as difficult as you progress. Then there’s the zombies…
The zombies here are relatively easy to defeat but, that isn’t going to help you take them down in numbers, the control system can hold you back here, the fire button – for me, at least – is in a very awkward position and being small doesn’t help finding it in a pinch. There are a number of weapons for you to shoot down the undead, ranging from the pistol you see above, to an Uzi and a Shotgun as well. All in all, it’s a lot of fun shooting them down, and in true zombie style they seem to crawl out from everywhere:
If there’s one thing that annoyed me as I played the game is that the cliche – and incorrect – misconception that a shotgun only does any damage when a zombie is right in front of your face. Other than that, the whole game looks and plays well. There’s much to love when it comes to the game’s sound as well, as screams and shouts really freak you out a little bit, and the longer you play the more effective it becomes.
Opinion: Here at Android Headlines I’m the one that plays a lot of PC Games and Xbox games, so, when I picked up In Darkness I was instantly reminded of Resident Evil. However, when I played it a little more I quickly turned to the idea of this being a cross between Left 4 Dead and Resident Evil. All good things to say about a game I’m playing on my phone. The game does have its wonks but, it’s not been out too long and I’m sure these will be addressed in future updates. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and it’s been easy for me to recommend it to others.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – While the Aim Speed is far too low, the game runs very well and there were no issues as I played through it.
- Features (4/5) – The blend of puzzle, action and adventure all work very well here and the arsenal of weapons is decent enough, In Darkness will keep shooter fans happy, indeed.
- Theme (5/5) – One area where In Darkness excels is creating a foreboding atmosphere, with detailed graphics and gruesome noises, this is perhaps the best zombie flick I have seen in a while.
- Overall (4/5) – In Darkness is a good game as it stands but, with a little more polish it could become a great game. It’s very much worth checking out and if you’re fan of shooting zombies, you’re going to love this.
Pros
- Stunning graphics give the game a unique look and feel.
- Great audio helps paint the picture of the game very well.
- Good amount of weapons.
- Challenging gameplay.
Cons
- Poor control system.
- Needs more polish.
Conclusion: For those of us looking for a great game to play that has guns and zombies there are a lot of choices out there but, In Darkness is one of the freshest and most original takes on the genre. Sure, you could just keep playing Dead Trigger but then you’d be given the same objective gameplay over and over, here you have to use your brain to try to combat the levels and it’s not all about the endless killing of zombies. Audio and graphics play a good part in the whole game and while there are some niggles that lie mainly with the control system I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the game. In Darkness is a lot of fun and I have no doubt it’s only going to go from strength to strength as time goes on. Go ahead and give the game a try if you’re looking for something new to take on!
