A Blast from the Past: Darkstone Restoration Review

For those who miss the straightforward action RPGs of yesteryear, Darkstone Restoration is a welcome return to the genre’s roots. This 1999 hack-and-slash game has been remastered and released in early access, bringing with it a fresh coat of paint and updated controls.

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Developed by a team passionate about preserving the essence of classic action RPGs, Darkstone Restoration stays true to its heritage while offering a more polished experience. The UI and graphics have been overhauled, with the option to switch between keyboard and controller controls, and even the ability to play with a controller.

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The game’s graphics may not be the most visually stunning, but the remaster has done an admirable job of bringing the original’s charm to the modern era. The volumetric fog and procedural grass, while aesthetically pleasing, do come at a cost to the game’s performance, so it’s a good thing the developers have provided options to turn them off.

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The real star of the show, however, is the game’s demo. This generous offering lets players create characters from any of the game’s eight classes and explore the early-game dungeons, complete with three randomly selected quests to tackle. It’s a great way to experience the game without committing to a full purchase.

One of the things that sets Darkstone Restoration apart from its modern counterparts is its commitment to simplicity. Gone are the days of seasonal ladders and DLC treadmills; this is a game that understands that sometimes, less is more. Players can focus on the action, without the added complexity of skill trees, builds, and online multiplayer.

The absence of online multiplayer is notable, but the game does offer couch co-op for those who want to play with friends. A permadeath mode is also in the works, which will add an extra layer of challenge to the game.

Overall, Darkstone Restoration is a love letter to the action RPG genre, and a must-play for anyone who misses the straightforward, hack-and-slash gameplay of yesteryear. With its generous demo and commitment to simplicity, it’s the perfect game for players looking for a break from the complexity of modern RPGs.