The Dark Spire

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Apr 14, 2009
The Dark Spire Image
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Dark Spire is an RPG of exploration and character development in the purest sense. Parties will be assembled, stats will be rolled, items, weapons and armor shall be equipped, and monsters will be slain. [Atlus USA]
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Play Magazine
    90
    Spire is simply too niche for most. But if you can squeeze yourself into that niche, prepare for addiction to take root.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Gamervision
    80
    The Dark Spire is a challenging, unique, and well-made game that stands out in more ways than one. However, its old-school look and brutal difficulty make this a title that will only appeal to a small group of gamers. If you’re looking for something different on your DS, this is definitely worth a try.
  3. IGN
    80
    I commend a team like Success on making a game – and Atlus for publishing one – that pushes the boundaries of classic RPG designs like The Dark Spire does. Here’s a game that has no gimmick, no “hook” to pull gamers in, and offers no apologies for players that stumble mistakenly into this deceptively deep and mature experience.
  4. RPG Fan
    73
    Definitely not for everyone. But regardless, at the end of the journey, after the countless deaths and billions of bruisings, the stat rolling and puzzle solving, you will undoubtedly feel accomplished.
  5. Game Informer
    70
    From the unforgiving difficulty to the minimalist presentation, this title is a naked homage to antediluvian dungeon crawls. [May 2009, p.90]
  6. Everyeye.it
    70
    Dark Spire is a game enjoyable only by classic RPG super fans. It's a tough dungeon crawler, with a very classic and tactic gameplay (maybe too much), and good music. Unfortunately the setting is just one city, with one huge dungeon.
  7. Nintendo Gamer
    40
    Visually it's 15 years old. No thanks. [July 2009, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Daverwob
    Sep 10, 2010
    10
    If you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games weIf you've played games for 20 years and are pretty much sick of the hand-holding, cut-scene ridden, dodgy narrative-driven masses of games we are spoonfed these days, and just want an old-school, polished and incredibly addictive dungeon crawler in the style of yesteryear, this is for you. Why not challenge your brain to a style of game you've never played before? Brilliant, perfect (for what it is), so don't judge this by what you are expecting from the games of today, judge it for what it is, with an appreciation for the past. This guy sums it up perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioRpxc4yXvU

    These types of games are what I live for.    … Expand
  2. rpgmasta
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    Pure retro-nostalgia. Surely it is not a game for everyone, but it is a tribute to the dungeon crawler genre.
  4. JPoppaWUSC
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    This is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library thatThis is the handheld game of choice for those of us raised on Zork and Wizardry, and it's a perfect addition to the hardcore RPG library that has more recently included games like Demon's Souls and The Witcher. The game has already become a rarity in the United States, but considering the fact that it has received Game of the Year awards from classic RPG circles, it's well worth time spent seeking it out. Other recommended classics in the same vein may include 3D Dot Game Heroes on PS3, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade on PSP, Etrian Odyssey on DS, Warriors of the Lost Empire on PSP, or Fighting Fantasy on DS.… Expand
  5. Nick
    Apr 18, 2009
    9
    If you are looking for a challenging dungeon crawler RPG that hails its roots from games like Wizardry then you need to buy The Dark Spire. If you are looking for a challenging dungeon crawler RPG that hails its roots from games like Wizardry then you need to buy The Dark Spire. This is not the game you complete in 8 hours. This game is about figuring out the best 4 party strategy that can conquer monsters and complete quests.… Expand
  6. efake
    Apr 21, 2009
    9
    Exactly what it presents itself as. A very well done wizardry clone. If that sounds fun, get it and enjoy it. If you're not sure what Exactly what it presents itself as. A very well done wizardry clone. If that sounds fun, get it and enjoy it. If you're not sure what that is, skip it. Good music and writing. interesting puzzles, and the harsh sort of gameplay you should be expecting from a game that pays such obvious homage to the old school dungeon crawlers. Niche as hell, but accomplishes exactly what it wanted to, and you've got to respect that.… Expand
  7. JJCoolio
    Aug 17, 2009
    0
    dont play this pece ov shit its da worst ds game eva.
    tha gfx r blak nd white and its way to hard u cant even get past the tutoril withot    dont play this pece ov shit its da worst ds game eva.
    tha gfx r blak nd white and its way to hard u cant even get past the tutoril withot dying. and wen u die you lose all yor charecters and it costs loads of monie to make them alive agen. trust me play chinatown wars instead of this pece of shit.    … Expand

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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best DS Game of 2009
34
#34 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
28
#28 Most Shared DS Game of 2009