Dark Scrolls is the latest game from “Doinksoft” in the platform genre, sent to the team for a preview by publisher Devolver Digital. It takes me back to when I was young and glassy-eyed in the Commodore 64 era. Let’s jump in and see if the latest offering can generate some nostalgia.

Loading in, you are greeted with a 30-second cut scene featuring three dragons, a dark scroll (I assume), and the three characters of the game, setting the backstory. No text is given, but as the cutscene continues, it helps you paint a picture of the story ahead. Once completed, you have your choice of three characters from the cut scene, each with their own special skill set.

Grizz appears to be a large barbarian who uses a ground-pound attack. Emery’s appearance is like a large hat that uses arrows and balls as his special skill, and finally, Pigeon looks a lot like an elf and throws his knives downwards to attack enemies.

You start in a neutral area with a graveyard in the background, providing a nice backdrop. You can easily change characters depending on which one you want to take into battle by selecting the tombstone.

There is also a nicely put-together tavern you can enter to spend the diamonds you earn as you progress through the maps. Currently, only random emotes or soap shields are available for purchase.

Entering the game map, the background is an enchanted forest as you work your way towards a castle at the end of the scene. What I love about the game is that if you die, you have to start all the way back at the beginning at the tavern. But most importantly, the map changes as you enter it again, ensuring you have a different challenge each time you play.

It is your usual jump over enemies, landing on their heads to kill them, and jumping or weaving through obstacles as the screen moves right to left, ensuring you don’t fall behind and die. Numerous different enemies are in the scene as you progress, from purple spiders, blue frogs and my personal favourite, the zombies with their tongues sticking out, just to name a few.

Dark Scrolls is coming along nicely, as per the preview sent through. It really is that 90’s flashback with the graphics, sounds and play style. If you’re looking to relive that era of your life, put on the fluro clothing, baggy jeans, and fire it up for some good old-fashioned fun.

Written by: Mike Bridge