Darkspore

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 24 expert reviews

Excellent:

1
Good:

3
Average:

12
Bad:

8

Pros:

Interesting sci-fi setting.
Approachable action-RPG concept.
Easy to find and connect with other players.

Cons:

Rote click-fest.
Co-operation with others is unnecessary at best.

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Last revision on January 23, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Interesting sci-fi setting
Approachable action-RPG concept
Easy to find and connect with other players
The promise of new heroes drives you forward
Squad mechanics lead to tactical flexibility
Combat and customization evolve as you play

Reviewers Didn't Like

Rote click-fest
Co-operation with others is unnecessary at best
Shoddy graphics
Enemies and loot don't provide great motivation
Lame storytelling, even by action RPG standards
Lack of context can make combat feel like pure grind with no stakes
Some minor mechanical quirks

Expert reviews and ratings

We wouldn't recommend Darkspore as a single-player game, but it's much better in co-operative multiplayer mode...

By Computeractive on June 04, 2011

While many baulked at the idea of the Spore licence being used for something darker and more violent in tone, Maxis Software’s eventual take on the Diablo style point-and-click action-RPG is depressingly bereft of controversy in execution....

By Strategy Informer on May 18, 2011

graphics are good if you do not zoom in Graphics are good but not spectacular for an action role playing game and the audio department fares well in the game with sound effects crisp. Music seems lacking and we will really love it if the game...

By VR-Zone on May 17, 2011

Most of us know Maxis from a longstanding history of memorable games in the simulation genre, including franchise favorites like SimCity and The Sims. Most gamers are probably also familiar with Spore, Maxis’ evolution simulator from 2008 that allowed...

By Game Chronicles Magazine on May 13, 2011

Built with the same engine as 2008's Spore, Darkspore is an action role playing game (RPG) in the same vein as Diablo and its ilk. There are a few things that set it apart: Darkspore has a sci-fi setting instead of fantasy, and also has the player...

By NZGamer on May 09, 2011

Darkspore proves no rival to Diablo, Dungeon Siege or Torchlight, but it’s still a canny enough application of the action-RPG formula to be addictive to those of a suitably loot-hungry disposition, and highly polished with it. Just don’t believe...

By NowGamer on May 05, 2011

Hack n' slash your way through Maxis' outer space dungeon crawler that offers Spore's stellar character customization, but none of the humor or innovation.There are no cute creatures falling in love. There’s no dancing and singing to win over friends....

By GamePro on May 03, 2011

Pros: Interesting sci-fi setting; approachable action-RPG concept; easy to find and connect with other players.

Cons: Rote click-fest; co-operation with others is unnecessary at best; shoddy graphics; enemies and loot don't provide great motivation.

By GameSpy on May 03, 2011

The pedigree of the development studio suggests great things, but despite some entertaining customisation options, Darkspore feels peculiarly half-baked....

By PC Advisor on May 03, 2011

Cynicism be damned; I bought into the hype hook, line, and sinker during the lead-up to the original Spore's release. Designer Will Wright's numerous talks on the project not only promised a full-fledged evolution sim, but also characterized the...

By 1Up on May 02, 2011

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