The Long Dark
Release Date: August 1, 2017
Adventure, FPP, post-apocalypse, sandbox, survival, crowdfunding, crafting, action adventure, exploration games, PS Plus Premium, PS Plus Extra, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A first person survival sandbox game, developed by independent Canadian studio Hinterland. The team includes veteran game developers, who previously worked for Relic Entertainment, Volition, and BioWare. The game takes you into a post-apocalyptic world after a massive geomagnetic storm. With all electronic devices disabled and water and food supplies running low, the player has to struggle to survive the incoming winter.
The Long Dark for PC, PS4 and XONE is a survival simulator played from a first-person perspective. It was created by independent studio Hinterland, founded in 2012 by Raphael Van Lierop, who had been previously involved in titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Company of Heroes and Far Cry 3. The Canadian development team also includes former employees of BioWare, Riot Games, Sony Santa Monica and Volition, Inc., who were behind, among others, Saints Row, Red Faction, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, God of War, Sly, Knights of the Old Republic, Baldur's Gate and L.A. Noire.
Story
The game presents the story of pilot William Mackenzie, a survivor of a geomagnetic storm, which caused all electronic devices to shut down. Access to water and food is becoming increasingly difficult, roads are no longer safe, and if that was not enough, a severe winter is coming. The goal of the player is to survive this apocalypse.
Despite the strong emphasis on freedom of gameplay and action, the creators also focused on creating an interesting story divided into episodes, which was written by Marianne Krawczyk (God of War, L.A. Noire), featuring memorable characters and the main protagonist who gives us insight into his actions, current physical state, or the events taking place in the northern wilderness.
Gameplay
The sandbox structure of the game provides many options. It’s up to us which direction we choose, and the freedom of exploration of the snow-covered area is not limited in any way. Moreover, throughout the game there is no shortage of significant moral choices, often influencing the fate of others or our survival in a world without any electronic devices.
The basis of the game is to explore the vast world and seek, among others, shelter from the cold, raw materials allowing us to light a bonfire, and useful items including weapons for protection against wild animals. Fight sequences are rare – above all, the developers wanted to tell a mature story and provide a real survival simulator. Thus, the player must keep in mind factors such as weather, temperature, fatigue, strength, energy and endurance of the equipment, as well as skillfully adapt to the currently prevailing situation. In case of bad weather, it’s a good idea to wait it out in a deserted house, warm up by the red-hot fire, and gather strength to continue our journey.
Technology
The graphic design of The Long Dark on PC, PS4 and XONE is the work of Hokyo Lim, whose art we could admire in League of Legends and The Unfinished Swan. Thanks to the support of Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset, the experience of the game can be further enhanced.
Last updated on November 20, 2015
November 24, 2021
Best survival games 2022 | TOP 25
The best survival games where you will collect resources, build shelters and try to survive in the jungle, outer space, underwater and during the zombie apocalypse.
Videos and Screens
[3:00] The Long Dark Make It Right
[5:30] The Long Dark ELEGY - A Visual Poem of The Long Dark
GameSpot: 6 / 10 by James Swinbanks
Bugs and a rough story weaken what is, at its core, a great survival game.
Destructoid: 7.5 / 10 by Alyssa Hatmaker
While the story mode leaves something to be desired, the survival mechanics of The Long Dark's sandbox make it worthwhile. We have three more episodes of Will's journey to weave a wider story throughout the alternately unforgiving and inviting Canadian terrain. In the meantime, I'll be sitting back with my coffee mug, reflecting on my own small stories within The Long Dark.
Post Arcade (National Post): 8.5 / 10 by Chad Sapieha
After nearly three years surviving in alpha, The Long Dark has finally launched its long-awaited story mode, and it's worth playing
The main pros of the game
- Immersive Atmosphere: Many players highlight the game's stunning visuals, atmospheric sound design, and the overall sense of isolation and survival in a harsh wilderness, which creates a deeply engaging experience.
- Unique Survival Mechanics: The game emphasizes resource management, planning, and strategic decision-making, making each choice feel significant. Players appreciate the lack of traditional survival game tropes like base building and crafting of weapons, focusing instead on surviving against nature.
- Challenging Gameplay: The permadeath feature and the unforgiving environment contribute to a sense of tension and accomplishment, rewarding players for learning and adapting.
- Quality of Updates: Players have noted that the game has been consistently updated over the years, with new content that enhances the core gameplay rather than altering it drastically.
- Customization Options: The ability to adjust difficulty levels and customize gameplay experiences is praised, allowing players to tailor their challenges.
The main cons of the game
- Incomplete Story Mode: Long-time players express frustration over the unfinished state of the Wintermute story mode, with some feeling that the developers have prioritized DLC over completing the main narrative.
- Clunky Controls and Mechanics: Some users find the controls awkward, particularly the inability to jump or climb, which can hinder exploration. The fire-starting mechanic and inventory management also received criticism for being frustrating at times.
- High Difficulty and Slow Progression: The slow pacing and high difficulty level may deter casual players or those looking for a more action-oriented experience. Some players find the gameplay repetitive, especially in survival mode.
- Limited Resource Management: Players have noted the lack of certain resources (like storage options) and the frustrating disappearance of items after use, which can hinder gameplay.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Multiplayer/Co-op Mode: Several reviews express a desire for a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to experience the survival aspect together.
- Improved Story Content: Users are looking for a more complete and engaging story mode, with an end to the narrative arc that has been in development for years.
- Expanded Crafting and Building Options: Players wish for more crafting possibilities, such as wearable storage expansions or the ability to modify and decorate shelters.
- Better Tutorials or Guidance: Some new players feel overwhelmed and would benefit from a more comprehensive tutorial to help them understand the game's mechanics and survival strategies.
- Additional Gameplay Elements: Suggestions include the ability to interact with NPCs, trade, or have more dynamic weather and environmental interactions to enhance immersion.
Summary
- Overall, The Long Dark is praised for its unique approach to survival gameplay and atmospheric design, but it faces criticism for its incomplete story mode and some gameplay mechanics that could be improved.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 496 votes. 272 players anticipated the game.
The Long Dark Summary
Early Access:September 22, 2014
Game Series: The Long Dark
Platforms:
PC Windows August 1, 2017
PlayStation 4 August 1, 2017
Xbox One August 1, 2017
Nintendo Switch September 17, 2020
Developer: Hinterland
Publisher: Hinterland
The Long Dark System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5 2.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB GeForce 8800 GT or better, 1 GB HDD, Windows XP
Recommended: Intel Core i7 2.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 555 or better, 1 GB HDD, Windows 7
The Long Dark Developer Apologizes for Criticizing Manor Lords
Raphael van Lierop revised his post about Manor Lords, apologizing to Slavic Magic studio, Hooded Horse company and Internet users for his words.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
July 10, 2024
How I Survived Another Summer. About Games That Are (Not) Afraid of Cold
At the end of the summer, I would like to pay tribute to the productions that for the past few years have allowed me to survive the increasingly unbearable heat, and at the same time reflect on why games – unlike other cultural artifacts – shun cold so much.
Opinions
Jakub Mirowski
September 27, 2022
The Long Dark's Survival Mode Receives First Paid DLC
The Long Dark is set to hit „second early access,” which is what the developers are calling a future season pass that will see the survival mode receive a number of paid DLCs.
video games
Krzysztof Kaluzinski
May 1, 2022
The Long Dark for Free on Epic Games Store
Another free game has appeared on Epic Games Store. This time it's The Long Dark. You can pick up the game until tomorrow.
special offers
Agnes Adamus
December 19, 2020
The Long Dark Removed From GeForce Now at Dev Request
The Long Dark has been removed from GeForce Now streaming service. One of the creators of the game, the founder of Hinterland Studio - Raphael van Lierop, commented on the matter. He informed that the owner of the platform - Nvidia - has never asked for permission to share their content.
video games
Damian Gacek
March 2, 2020
The Long Dark Will Get a Sequel
Raphael van Lierop, head of Hinterland, admitted that The Long Dark 2, a continuation of the sandbox survival game, will be released in the future. The company is also working on two new projects, about which we will hear in a few years.
video games
Konrad Serafinski
November 3, 2019
The Long Dark Story Mode won't be out any time soon
The Long Dark Story Mode was supposed to be out in Spring 2016, but it’s not going to happen. Hinterland Games decided to expand their project and adjust the release policy, which resulted in delaying the launch.
video games
April 5, 2016
The Long Dark will get an episodic Story Mode in Spring 2016
A new trailer from The Long Dark reveals the game’s Story Mode. The first episode is promised to arrive in Spring 2016. In the meantime, Early Access palyers can check out new features included in the December update.
video games
December 16, 2015
The Long Dark received big content update adding a new region
The Long Dark just got bigger thanks to Desolation Point update, featuring a new region, metal forging system, improved weather, and other changes.
video games
September 18, 2015