This game is a 3D isometric adventure of the same class as other Amiga titles such as 'Heimdall' and 'Cadaver', although having more depth than the former and a great deal more atmosphere than the latter. In fact atmosphere is one of Darkmere's greatest strengths - the game literally oozes it, with eerie sounds and foreboding shadows ever holding the promise of terror lurking around the next corner.
Graphically the title was rather impressive for its time, with a variety of colorful and well drawn characters to converse with or batter into an early grave.
It has a very unique feel, using sound effects skillfully to immerse the player ever deeper in the bleak and ominous environments. Compelling them to venture ever deeper into uninviting and gloomy surrounds to face the thrill of what may be lurking there. Each level requires you to traverse the map completing set tasks before you are allowed access to the next game area. It's a fairly formulaic approach to gameplay with the many puzzles proving rewarding to solve, but hardly taxing to the seasoned gamer.
The control system is easy to pick up and feels relatively smooth for the most part, but combat can seem a bit finicky, especially when blocking attacks. Navigating the game environments can be quite challenging
simple, because of their vastness and relative open end ness, it is very easy to forget what you found, where and how to get back there. It would be highly advisable to keep notes of tasks the characters give you and the whereabouts of important objects and places to prevent you from quickly becoming confused and despondent.
In overview, Darkmere is a good looking and engaging role playing action adventure which promises many hours of gaming. If you take the time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game world and the plight of its denizens, Darkmere can be a very rewarding experience.
