Dark Ages (0)

Overview

Originally released in 1991 in 3 volumes, the first of which was freely available as shareware. The game has since been released in its entirety as freeware.

• Volume 1: Prince of Destiny
• Volume 2: The Undead Kingdom
• Volume 3: Dungeons of Doom

Gameplay

The gameplay consists of 2D platforming through several different environments and throwing energy bolts at enemies. Initially, players can only throw one energy bolt at a time, but this can be increased by picking up additional combo spheres, to a maximum of four. The energy bolt itself can also be upgraded through several statues found throughout the game; the 4th and final form being a constant stream of energy. Also, upgrading the combo sphere total to 16 allows players to fire off a constant stream of energy.

Players have a maximum of eight health throughout the game; coming into contact with any enemy or hazard will reduce it by one. The only ways to increase health are by collecting coins (the number needed varies depending on the difficulty setting) or by collecting a rare heart power up, restoring all of the player's health.

At certain points throughout the game, players will encounter an old man who will open the path to the next level once players retrieve certain items for him.

Releases

This game and many others were released as freeware by in March 2009 and can be downloaded from their website:

As well as this, the game is featured in the 3D Realms Anthology compilation release.