The Darkest Tales

The Darkest Tales is a game that you want to like but can't due to some significant issues. The concept isn't exactly new, but it is interesting to see known fairy tales embrace a much darker side. The 2D perspective makes it feel fresh, since other similar titles tend to go with 3D. The characters are fine, but their intrigue comes from the dark turns taken in service of the game. The platforming and combat feel off, and even though there's some depth in the skill tree, those aforementioned factors will make it difficult for players to press through to the end. If you have the patience or don't mind playing on the easy difficulty level to get through this title, then snap it up if it goes on sale. Otherwise, with the platform already flooded with excellent 2D adventure games, it feels safe to skip this one.

The Darkest Tales is full of great ideas, but the game is let down by numerous critical flaws that leave players feeling frustrated rather than excited. Although the developers are working hard to fix the game, it still isn’t in a state where I could recommend it to you with a clear conscience. This conclusion saddens me all the more because The Darkest Tales could be such a good game—if only everything worked as it should.

The Darkest Tales is like a rough little gem, the beauty of which can be admired but has to contend with a few too many rough edges. Artistically and narratively inspired, the Trinity Team production makes a fun and intriguing action platformer by letting itself be carried away by dark fairy tales and surprising transmedia citationism. It is a title that pales the talent of the developers, minus a few smears in the play balance and on the technical side. Give it a chance and you will not regret it.

If The Darkest Tales' gameplay was tightened up a great deal, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it as it has quite a unique premise.

This very dark take on childhood fairytale characters is quite cool pretty, but it gets let down by less inspired combat and controls

Despite its shortcomings, The Darkest Tales is still a (mostly) fun time. I adore its concept of a fairy tale world being taken over by an evil entity that perverts it into something horrific. Most of the level designs were incredibly creative and well varied, with the only one I didn’t care for because there was hardly anything to see. The voice acting and musical score were all solid, and helped to create an unhinged world to explore. Unfortunately the platforming (particularly because of the unreliable double jump) holds The Darkest Tales back from being truly great.

The Darkest Tales is a solid action 2D Platformer with a twist on classic Fairy Tales. A fun short adventure that tells a story about a teddy bear trying to rescue its owner. Plus, how cool is a duel-wielding Teddy Bear? How much more do you want?