Darkwood 2 Announced Amid Surprising Collaborations
Earlier this week, I found myself reflecting on ICE quoting Halo, a surreal experience. However, the publishers of Manor Lords, Hooded Horse, quickly grabbed my attention with their announcement regarding Darkwood 2. If you played the original Darkwood, you’d know it’s a survival horror game that immerses you in a dark, oppressive forest setting. In this sequel, you’ll navigate “the scorched deserts of a dying sea” slowly overtaken by sinister trees.
Stunning Developments
The shift in location isn’t the only surprising aspect; Darkwood 2 is being published by Hooded Horse, known mainly for their strategy games. More unexpectedly, the game is being developed by Ice-Pick Lodge, the studio behind Pathologic, with original creators Acid Wizard overseeing the process from a distance.
A Unique Horror Experience
Both Pathologic and Darkwood are contenders for the title of “the game most likely to give you the plague.” Having the creators of one developing a sequel to the other feels akin to having Jack the Ripper lead a scientific project. Furthermore, the key art evokes memories of Soul Reaver, a personal favorite. Nevertheless, I do have reservations about Ice-Pick Lodge’s ability to deliver a top-down horror game, especially considering the troubling allegations surrounding a former co-founder.
Setting and Gameplay Mechanics
Darkwood 2 is set near the Aral Sea, once the third largest lake globally but now a toxic wasteland due to extensive Soviet irrigation projects. The game takes place in the 1990s, amidst the abandonment of restoration efforts following these environmental changes. Gameplay-wise, Darkwood 2 will adhere to the original’s exploration and scavenging style, with players needing to gather resources and fortify shelters before nightfall brings danger, including new monstrous threats.
Concerns from Fans
Though there’s excitement for the sequel, fans of the original may feel apprehensive due to Acid Wizard’s departure from active development. They suspended their operations with a focus on maintaining their personal well-being, following a struggle to find an audience for their other projects. Acid Wizard co-founder Gustaw Stachaszewski shared emotional ties to Darkwood, reassuring fans that the project would continue, albeit under new stewardship.
Anticipation for Darkwood 2
While there’s no set release date for Darkwood 2, further details can be found on platforms like Steam and the Microsoft Store. The collaboration between Ice-Pick Lodge, known for their narrative depth, and Hooded Horse, specializing in strategy, could yield interesting results. Here’s hoping they do justice to this haunting legacy.
Final Notes
In light of recent events, Ice-Pick Lodge has chosen not to comment further on allegations regarding Dybowski, their founder. Their last statement indicated that he left to focus on personal endeavors. Meanwhile, the hopes for a thrilling and atmospheric Darkwood 2 continue to build.
