Dark Horizon (PC) Review
Posted by Chris Vicari on 09.26.2008
For those looking for something new in the space sim genre, it may be best to look elsewhere.
It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen the last space simulation game. I guess it’s not as popular as it was during the glory days when Wing Commander, Freespace and Privateer first came on the scene. It’s a shame really as the space sim genre has a great amount of untapped potential. When first hearing about Dark Horizons, ironically when it was released as there was no press coverage at all, I had high hopes for the game, but sadly it wasn’t everything I was looking for.
Despite being similar to many games out there, the plot does not fit in with the usual stuff as much. Without spoiling too much, the game is set far into the future, as you would have guessed, but the universe is under attack by a being enormous enough to consume star systems. And of course you have your usual dissention or in-fighting so you won’t always spend your time combating this…thing.
Gameplay and Theme
Sadly, Dark Horizons is your typical space simulation game. While it’s definitely not a bad thing at all, as anyone who’s a fan of the genre will be more than happy playing this game, I just wished for more. I wanted something that I’ve never seen before so I’d have the opportunity, “Now that was cool.” These moments never really happened though. If you’re looking for a game similar to X3, Privateer or Darkstar One where there was some semblance of an open world with the ability to trade and perform side missions, you won’t find that here. Dark Horizon follows the tried-and-true formula by having you complete a linear progression of missions, 22 in all, to get to the ending. Nothing wrong with that.
What sets this game apart from the rest of the pack and it became the game’s major selling point, is the ability to customize your ship. A word of warning though, the customization opportunities are nowhere near as intuitive as they are in games like Spore and Galactic Civilizations II. It’s very similar to how Star Wars Galaxies allows you to trick out your ship. Basically, you start with a chassis, pick which armor you want, add a few guns along with some missiles and you’re set. That’s it. You can’t alter the colors of your ship, change the positions of the weapons or do anything of the sort. A lot of potential was squandered here and it’s a serious letdown. To be honest though, it isn’t too big a deal. If you’re the type who’d rather not spend their time worrying about which setup is better, the game comes with some preset loadouts such as fighter, bomber and assault fighter, which helps streamline the process some. After you pick out something you like, you’re ready to go.
As previously mentioned, the game plays just like the majority of the space sims on the market. You sometimes watch a short cinema to progress the story, watch the mission briefing so you know what you’re doing and then your hurled into the depths of space to complete them. There are some plot twists and curves during the course of the game, but it’s pretty much expected if you’re a veteran of the genre. As for the combat, I found it dull and uninspired. It’s just like everything else out there except for one thing maybe: the ability to change combat modes. To do so, all you have to do is raise or lower the temperature output of ship which can easily be performed at the touch of a button. Lower your temperature far enough and you gain the ability to stealth through space undetected, but at the cost of speed and damage output. On the other side of the spectrum is Corter mode. Here your ship moves at top speed and can fire much faster, but this offensive prowess comes with the cost of your shields. It can help spice things up, but you’ll usually find yourself going all out in the heat of battle rather than stealthing about during the thick of it. As you fire your weapon or engage the afterburner, you’ll raise the temperature of your ship inevitably forcing you into Corter mode anyway. It’s an interesting spin, but the options lose their appeal after the first few missions.
During the beginning of the game, you’ll be spending your time following your squad leader’s orders. Expectedly, you’ll eventually command a squad of your own and thankfully it isn’t too complex. With the press of a button, you can order your wingmen to cover you, engage a target or what have you. Ship A.I. is, how can I put this, okay at best. Often times enemy ships were more interested in colliding with me than actually trying to shoot me. Friendly ships did a fairly good job of doing what they were supposed to. Often times though they have a tendency to blow up as they don’t have the keen ability to escape from the enemy. Also, once you’re missile locked, I didn’t see an option to launch flares.
All in all, Dark Horizon’s gameplay wasn’t bad at all. I was only able to play the game in bursts of 1-2 missions though as I did get bored easily. Even though I’ve consistently knocked the game for its unoriginality, it’s by no means a sub-par game. Don’t expect any surprises though. If you don’t mind playing a run-of-the-mill game, than Dark Horizons could be for you.
Graphics
Dark Horizon’s graphics actually look fairly dated when compared to the capabilities of today’s computers. I often found myself asking, “That could have definitely looked better.” The graphics still look pretty good and the ship combat is fun to watch. Explosions aren’t bad either.
Sound
My biggest complaint of all lies with the game’s sound. It seems that in the developer’s efforts to effectively capture what it feels like to fly around in space, that they hindered the overall experience of the game. The only sound you’ll hear is the occasional explosion, when you fire your guns and when you engage the afterburner. That’s it. You don’t hear other ships fire or anything and half the time I had no clue what was going on because there was no sound in the background. Music was fairly uninspired and often times you didn’t hear it. Voiceover work was alright and the dialogue was pretty funny at times as it doesn’t really make much sense. One line was, “I am looking into their minds to eradicate their souls!” Or something along those lines. Needless to say, I laughed pretty damn hard.
Lasting Appeal
Dark Horizon, like many games of its type, has almost no replayability whatsoever. Once you complete the 22 missions and beat the game, you’d only really want to play it again if you completely love it. The game does not come with an editor or mission creator of any sorts so don’t expect any fan-made material either. What a shame.
Fun Factor
If you’re really into the space sim genre, then you will have some fun playing Dark Horizon. It’s combat is tried-and-true so you’re guaranteed a worthwhile experience. Don’t expect the excitement to last long though, but perhaps long enough to complete the game one time.
The 411
While Dark Horizon isn’t the greatest thing since sliced bread, it is by no means a poor representation of the genre. If you’re looking for something new and ground-breaking, don’t expect it here. If you just want a good ole fashioned space sim, Dark Horizon fits the bill.
Graphics
8.0
Fairly dated graphics by today's standards, but they are still pleasing on the eyes.
Gameplay
8.0
Tried and true gameplay makes Dark Horizon fun, but the ability to customize your ship could be better.
Sound
6.5
Sound, when heard, is nothing great at all. Dialogue is pretty amusing though.
Lasting Appeal
7.0
Good enough for one play through, but the lack of modding tools certainly hampers any chance of longevity.
Fun Factor
8.0
Engaging gun battles will keep anyone intrigued for a while, but the fun eventually tapers off.
