Dark Lands
Games can show how dark the world can be by setting their action in a world that is literally dark like the one you'll explore in Dark Lands. You are a warrior trying to get through the lands that are covered in darkness. You're a strong and capable warrior able to endure a fair amount of pain and wield a number of different weapons. Each area is a gauntlet filled with traps and hazards as well as a variety of monstrous enemies littered throughout. The darkness may be surrounding you, but you can try and cut a path through it by running freely and fighting hard.
About Dark Lands
There are games that are meant to feel like they go on forever when the truth is that their journeys have an end. You can eventually stop running in this game, but you're driven to get to the very end. There are not always actions that you need to do since the hero is quite mobile. If you want to avoid fighting enemies, you certainly can do that and just focus on the running. Even though the game is set in dark lands, you can still get into a state of flow that can make you feel at peace once you reach it.
How to Play
Dark Lands is a 2D platform game that has some Endless Runner elements while using tap and swipe controls that can be recreated with the mouse and keyboard. Despite the presence of onscreen buttons, the mouse controls aren't very reliable so a keyboard is preferable.
Controls
- Up Arrow - Jump (double tap for double jump)
- Down Arrow - Slide
- Left Arrow - Stop/Block
- Right Arrow – Attack
The goal is to get the warrior to the end of each section of the dark lands unless you're playing in Survival Mode which challenges you to run as far as you can. The hero will automatically run from left to right at a constant pace unaffected by jumping or sliding. He'll automatically climb objects with which he comes into contact. He'll stop if the obstacle is too high or if you press the Left Arrow button.
While running across the lands, you'll come across a variety of hazards like buzzsaws, swinging blades, crushing blocks, and other similar dangers. There are also enemies posted across the lands that will block your way. You're free to jump over them if they're not too tall, but you'll stop running if you choose to fight them. You can attack enemies when they're in range and not blocking and then defend against their counterattack. When defeated, enemies will drop loot, crumple to the ground, and let you keep running. Enemy attacks and hazards will drain your health represented in the top left corner. If it drops to zero, the hero will fall and will need to be revived or you'll need to restart.
Throughout the lands are small glowing orbs that can be collected on contact. These can be used between segments to purchase new weapons and armor for the hero. They can boost your attack power, health, and speed. You can also earn gems from defeating enemies that can be spent on boosts to improve your abilities during runs and on revives.
You can choose to play the level-based version of the game in the Adventure Mode or play the Endless Runner version with Survival Mode.
Tips and Tricks
The biggest tool you have at your disposal is the ability to stop and stand still. This lets you set the pace of your running and observe the upcoming elements so you know how to react. Combat is also a worthwhile endeavor since it's quite slow with attacking and blocking being easy to execute.
Game Details
- Developer: Mingle Games
- Platforms: Web Browser (PC and mobile), iOS, and Android
- Languages: English
Gameplay Footage
FAQs
Is Dark Lands based on a real place?
There are multiple regions that can be considered dark and have been used to describe areas in fantasy settings like The Lord Of The Rings.
Games similar to Dark Lands
With a focus on combat and running, this game is found in the Sword and Running Games categories on GamePix. It runs with titles like Draw Joust, Slice Rush, Alpha Guns, and Parkour Game.