Video Game Review: Dark Void

There is a lot of potential in this game; it's basically like "The Rocketeer" on an alien planet.  You get to play a adventurer of sorts who gets warped through the Bermuda Triangle to a place called The Void, where a race of oppressive aliens called Watchers plot to take over the world.  After a few levels, you get to meet Nikola Tesla, who is also trapped in The Void, and that's when you get your jetpack and take the fight to the skies.  From there, it's a pretty fun romp as you fly all over the place, shooting down UFOs, blowing up the robotic Watchers, and ultimately leading humanity to its salvation.

The biggest draw to this game will be its seamless transitioning from standard cover-based FPS action, to a really neat "vertical cover" option (in which you can jetpack up and down vertical surfaces, shooting up or down or all around at enemies), to just taking off and flying all over the place.  Of course, if you aren't careful, it's all too easy to double-tap the button and have the jetpack slam you into a stone wall, resulting in instantaneous death (which can either be frustrating, or hilarious, depending on the situation).  Overall, I found the combat enjoyable and smooth.  It's made all the more satisfying with the fantastic art designs for the world of the Void, and for the Watchers with their really cool robotic exoskeletons and vehicles.

The story for this game has a cool premise, but its execution leaves much to be desired.  It is successful at merging an old-fashioned sense of adventure with modern sci-fi.  However, the story incorporates an awful lot of cliches, and a lot of the plot elements come off as underdeveloped or unrefined.  The last act feels especially rushed (and as a result, the final boss is pretty darn easy to beat).  The final cutscene proves to be something of a downer.  Overall, it has a few strengths, but many weaknesses.

Unfortunately, the game itself exhibits a lot of weaknesses as well.  Most level designs aren't too bad, but you can expect lots of glitches (including some that affect trophies, so be careful).  Graphics overall are not terrible, but not great either.  Same goes for the voice-acting.  The best that can be said is that the game has some really cool-looking art design, the gameplay feels smooth, and it's not too hard or frustrating to play.  Upon completion of the game, it is very easy to revisit the episodes to find more collectables, trophy hunt, or just to experience things all over again.

This game has its share of weaknesses, and I can't blame folks if they think it stinks.  Regardless, with its easy gameplay and its concepts, I found the game quite enjoyable without being overbearing or overtaxing; it's a casual, relaxing affair.  If you're at all interested, it should be worth ten bucks or so.

3.5/5 (Entertainment:  Very Good | Story:  Average | Game:  Average)