Score
Gameplay:	9
Graphics:	6
Sound:	9
FunFactor:	6
PlasmaFactor:	8
Overall:	7.6

Dark Fall: Lights Out Review
November 14, 2004 by Scott Parrino

by Scott - September 14, 2004

You are cartographer Benjamin Parker sent to map the area around Fetch Rock. While on your journey the Fetch Rock Lighthouse goes dark. You go ahead and investigate what has caused this disturbance and not only discover that the two lighthouse operators are missing, but something strange is going on around the Fetch Rock Lighthouse� Not only do you explore Fetch Rock in 1912, but through four other time periods, from B.C. to A.D.

Challenging Puzzles

When you first load up Dark Fall: Lights Out, you�ll notice that it all it requires is your mouse. You don�t need to use your keyboard for movement, actions, etc. In fact, if you guys remember the classic PC hit Myst, then you�ll have no problems playing DF: LO. Through pointing and clicking you must navigate and solve puzzles to further your investigation. Each object that can be used interacts with your cursor whether to look at it, pocket it, or use it.

Now to be honest, this is a very complicated game. You must have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of logic. Puzzles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can carry on from area to area. Through your travels in time, you will have to remember combinations, locations, and certain details to apply to different times.

The difficulty of this game is only what you make of it. I recommend keeping a notepad and drawings of puzzles, notes, and so on. If you get stuck, do not get frustrated and have a fit in front of a large group of people. Just think it through. There is no dying or losing the game, so all you have to worry about the puzzles.
 

Just Pretty Pictures

This is probably the only disappointment to DF: LO. Aside from really great reflective water effects and a swinging light and steam here and there, the scenery is mainly static. Don�t get me wrong the detail is fantastic but there is no real sense of three-dimensional movement. While I believe this is to reduce the required hardware to play DF: LO but compared to other games coming out requiring nearly four times the hardware, DF: LO is graphically behind. In fact, DF: LO and Myst look surprisingly alike in more ways than one save for the apparent extra detail in Lights Out, but then again it is nearly a decade ahead.

Other than that, the visuals are creepy and give you a sense of dread of what might happen. Coming from playing Doom 3 constantly I was always expecting something to jump out from the dark shadows.
 

Creepy Audio

The audio in DF: LO is right-on. The Adventure Company did not hold back in ambient sound, creepy voices, and sounds effects that would make anyone jump. There are times where you can scarcely hear a voice calling for you and you swear you must be going mad. While traveling through the dark lighthouse, I would hear footsteps coming up the steps and then silence. I didn�t move for fear of scaring myself, but I was also frozen with what could happen next.

Don�t think the audio is just for entertainment, you will have to pay close attention to its hints. Do not play with the sound off or even off, as you�ll miss many a hint and perhaps a clue.

The voice actors mainly have British accents, which is not only correct to that area of Fetch Rock, but is also very pleasing. I personally enjoy the accent and got a huge kick out of listening to them.
 

Too Tough?

Looking at Lights Out from a casual gamer player�s point of view, is it too tough for Greg Gamer? Like I mentioned earlier it depends on how you approach it. There are certain games for certain people. If you have been playing UT2k4, Doom 3, and other fast paced action games, and your only puzzle PC game you played was a shareware puzzle piece, then Lights Out is definitely NOT for you. However, if you have patience and enjoy logic and puzzle solving situations, then this game is right up your alley.
 

 

 

Myst Lovers Will Enjoy It

The last time I played Myst was on my friend�s Playstation almost a decade ago. We got so into it we played it without saving our game and sure enough, it froze and well, we started over. We played for hours on end because the storyline and the interaction and puzzles. That feeling still carried on today (although this game doesn�t freeze or crash) and I really enjoyed Dark Fall: Lights Out. If you are into puzzle solving games then I heavily recommend Lights Out. You won�t be disappointed.