Into The Darkverse

This is a tough review to write without spoilers so it’s more about how the game made me feel and why it should stay spoiler free. Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a fan of DarkPark despite not having played all their games yet, something I will fix as soon as I can. When ‘Stay in the Dark’ announced its impending closure, I hit full panic mode. I just knew I had to play it, with so many people sharing how much fun they had. I quickly gathered a team and jumped on a plane. This was early in my horror game journey, so I had never played anything like it. I knew it wouldn’t be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. So, when Heiner mentioned we’d play a new DarkPark game, I got a little giddy inside.

I wanted to write this review mainly for two reasons. Firstly, I loved that this was unlike anything I’d ever played before, even though I’d heard of similar games existing. Secondly, I couldn’t believe how scared I was. This was a whole new feeling: different, edgy, and difficult to describe. At one point, I even thought, “I’m not sure this is fun,” and very nearly quit. My team didn’t know that until now. I’m glad I didn’t though, because it’s amazing how these games play with your mind and emotions.

This may sound vague, but I think going in without expectations is best. Spoilers will inevitably surface, but for me, having no clue what was coming made it more powerful. I wouldn’t describe this as an escape room in the classic sense but more as an adventure, where every sense feels heightened. The tension builds from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the end—I had no idea what to expect or how it would conclude.

The experience opens with a breathtaking set piece, visually stunning on its own, while also becoming truly terrifying from another perspective. Being the most scared in my team, I can’t help but feel I was targeted on purpose! Somehow, though, that played to my advantage in the end. It gave me a moment of pure joy—I think I might have squealed with delight—and in that rush, I almost forgot the mission we had. Sorry, Jackie.

Puzzles are fewer here but they demand real teamwork, which made them rewarding. The sets are on point, perfectly crafted for DarkPark fans, and the finale was a brilliant conclusion that allowed us to relive the highlights of the whole experience. This game is built on trust, collaboration, and a spark of creative genius. And now… I’m counting the days until Rise of the Phoenix.