Pathways Into Darkness Review

MandaloreGaming・2 minutes read

"Pathways Into Darkness" is a 90s dungeon crawler game with a unique blend of first-person shooter and dungeon crawler elements, originally planned as a sequel but evolved into a standalone game. Players navigate through detailed environments, engaging in slow-paced combat and strategic resource management to stop an ancient god's awakening, with a variety of undead enemies and key interactions with dead characters shaping the gameplay and story.

Insights

  • "Pathways Into Darkness" is a 90s dungeon crawler game with a unique plot involving a Pentagon meeting interrupted by an alien race warning of an ancient god awakening, requiring players to detonate a nuclear device in a pyramid to stop it.
  • The game's strategic combat, item management, and interactions with corpses for information and guidance, along with the various possible endings and intricate storyline involving Nazi artifacts and a demon vial, create a complex and immersive gameplay experience that evolves as players progress deeper into the game.

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Recent questions

  • What is the plot of "Pathways Into Darkness"?

    The game follows a Spec-Ops commando tasked with stopping an ancient god's awakening by detonating a nuclear device in a pyramid.

  • How does combat work in the game?

    Combat in the game is slow-paced, requiring strategic positioning, deliberate movements, and careful resource management to navigate and survive encounters.

  • What is the significance of interacting with corpses in the game?

    Interacting with corpses using the yellow crystal reveals vital information about the story and gameplay, providing hints, extra ammo locations, and guidance on the next steps.

  • Who is Muller in "Pathways Into Darkness"?

    Muller is the leader of a Nazi expedition in the game, holding crucial information but being deceptive, requiring players to piece together the truth.

  • What are the different types of undead in the game?

    The game features various types of undead, including those resembling humans and unique manifestations like phantoms or shades, with deadlier encounters as players progress deeper into the game.

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Summary

00:00

"90s dungeon crawler game with alien threat"

  • "Pathways Into Darkness" is a 90s dungeon crawler game developed by only 3 people, combining first-person shooter and dungeon crawler elements.
  • Originally planned as a sequel to "Minotaur: The Labyrinths of Crete," the game became its own entity due to development changes.
  • The game was initially exclusive to Mac but is now playable on Mac, Windows, and Linux thanks to the Aleph One port by W'rkncacnter.
  • The game's plot involves a Pentagon meeting interrupted by an alien race, the Jjaro, warning of a dormant ancient god awakening and threatening the world.
  • Players assume the role of a Spec-Ops commando sent to stop the god's awakening by detonating a nuclear device in a pyramid near its body.
  • The game features simplistic yet detailed environments, with colorful and unique character designs for monsters encountered.
  • The game lacks music, relying on sound effects like enemy attacks and player actions, creating a tense and immersive atmosphere.
  • Gameplay involves item management, a timed mission, and the need to rest to heal, with a map marking important locations and a watch tracking time.
  • Players collect treasures and special items to increase health, find weapons with limited ammo, and use spellcasting with crystals that recharge but can shatter.
  • Combat in the game is slow-paced, requiring strategic positioning, deliberate movements, and careful resource management to navigate and survive encounters.

09:53

Navigating enemy attacks and secrets in game.

  • Enemy attacks can come through solid corners in the game, making it challenging.
  • Understanding enemy patterns helps navigate through tight spaces with ease.
  • As you progress, more resources become available, and new enemies are introduced, expanding the maps.
  • Missing out on crucial items like the AK rifle can impact gameplay significantly.
  • The game involves strategic weapon usage, such as conservatively switching between a pistol and a knife.
  • Interacting with corpses using the yellow crystal reveals vital information about the story and gameplay.
  • Conversations with dead characters provide hints, extra ammo locations, and guidance on the next steps.
  • The game's story revolves around a Nazi expedition seeking powerful artifacts in a pyramid.
  • The expedition leader, Muller, holds crucial information but is deceptive, requiring players to piece together the truth.
  • The game's conclusion involves setting a nuke with a specific code and finding a radio beacon for extraction, leading to various possible endings.

20:00

"Exploring undead realms, battling demons, escaping"

  • Different types of undead exist, with some resembling humans while others are more unique, like phantoms or shades.
  • The deeper you go, the deadlier the manifestations become, leading to a Cuban explorer guiding you to a detonation site.
  • Seeking a demon vial for its power, a group accidentally releases the demon, leading to a final battle against it.
  • Facing the demon requires navigating through rooms of monsters, with a strange electric beep marking its presence.
  • Banishing the demon leaves behind an alien gemstone needed to exit, draining health unless stored in a special box.
  • The game concludes with arming a nuke, leaving behind a copy of "Mein Kampf", and escaping, raising questions about the demon vial's origin and powers.
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