Operation Darkness

"If you like challenging Tactical RPGs you'l like this game"

Gameplay 8/10
I'd rate much higher if it weren't for the fact that the sudden variation in difficult is soul-crushing. The campaign is quite challenging, this isn't an easy game. It plays like a typical tactical RPG with turns, movements, and attacks, but there are several key features which make the game very different.

First there's the "cover" system which allows for in depth tactical decisions. You can have your characters move in groups, defend each other, or cover an area using it. And you absolutely need to use the cover system if you want to excel in the game as you're usually vastly outnumbered by enemy troops. Unfortunately the leveling and skill system are very basic, it's lacking any sort of customization or job system like many other tactical RPGs excel in.

A word of warning: the only community is dead. Which is unfortunate cause playing the game online is very fun. You basically bring in 4 of your characters from campaign and team up with other people's 4 against enemies. Doing this unlocks weapons in the shop. You can however fight these battles alone (or with a friend if a friend of yours buys this as well). But it's difficult to win some of the harder online battles this way as they're designed for a max of 4 players working together.

Controls: 9/10
I'd like to start by saying, the Camera problem which people talk about is a non-issue for me. I don't even understand how people consider it a problem. It's quite similar to the camera for a third person shooter, and I simply haven't had any trouble with it.

All of the buttons are used to allow you to switch between enemies and allies on the map quickly and input commands. I've never had any trouble doing exactly what I intend to do using the game's controls.

Graphics: 7.5/10

They're not amazing, but they do a good job of portraying the environments lag-free and showing massive maps. The levels are huge. The character portraits are animated and leave something to be desired however.

Story: 6/10
Extremely predictable, but not horrid. I didn't find myself wanting to skip through the cut scenes like I have in other tactical RPGs.

Sound: 7/10
It's unremarkable. The accents in voice acting are humorous, but nothing special.

Overall: 8/10
It's a cheap game, only 20 dollars at best new. If you like tactical RPGs you'll probably like this game, so give it a try.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/24/09

Game Release: Operation Darkness (US, 06/24/08)