Dark Matter

Platform(s): PC
Genre: Action
Publisher: Iceberg Interactive
Developer: InterWave Studios
Release Date: October 2013

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'Dark Matter' Picks Up Steam This Month - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 4, 2013 @ 1:59 a.m. PDT

Dark Matter is a Metroid-like, intense sci-fi side scrolling game that combines the twitch mechanics of a first person shooter with an adventure platformer.

Dark Matter is about light and shadow. Dark Matter’s intense storyline set in a sci-fi/horror/adventure world set on the deep space exploration vessel, the Endeavor.  One year into its mission, the Endeavor sent a static filled communication about strange lights and angels and then was never heard from again. You play as Ensign, a female crew member who emerges from cryosleep almost 70 years after the final transmission. The crew has vanished and the Endeavor now drifts in space dying and infested with unknown, deadly parasites.  You must survive long enough to get the ship running before it dies, find out what happened to the crew and the mission and make it safely home.

Dark Matter is at its core a modern descendant of Metroid.  Dark Matter is driven by similarly progressive unlockable level mechanics, but with a creepy and dark atmosphere where light and darkness play a vital role in the player’s survival. It is a side scrolling throwback to Metroid-like platformers without the jumping puzzles where the best action requires careful planning and quick execution. Dark Matter is a single player, 2.5D adventure platformer game. Unlike other side scrolling platformers, Dark Matter requires the type of twitch aim and quick reflexes that first-person shooter fans enjoy.

Michiel Beenen, CEO at InterWave Studios says: "After Nuclear Dawn, we dedicated ourselves to a more personal project, a revival of the Metroidvania canon, but with an InterWave twist. Dark Matter is a fantastic convergence of passion and technology, a dark world to explore, a great new story to discover. We are excited to bring it to a worldwide audience thanks to Iceberg's great work."


Key Features:

  • 14 levels set in a gritty tale of deep space survival
  • Four weapons, each with four ammo types
  • The ability to collect scrap and alien resources to craft tools and health packs
  • Specialized weapon upgrades that enable players to develop their own combat techniques
  • Complex enemy AI that reacts to player actions and tactics
  • Non-linear exploration and storytelling
  • Elemental ammo effects enabling gamers to freeze, dissolve, electrocute or set fire to their enemies
  • Light and darkness are integral parts of gameplay, not just visual touches
  • Uncompromisingly real-time light and shadow casting for spine-tingling moments of pure, darkness-fuelled terror
  • Clean, hand-painted textures and custom-shading techniques are combined in a unique visual style
  • Dynamic soundtrack that adapts to gameplay circumstances
  • Steam Cloud support for save games
  • SteamPlay, available for Windows, OSX and Linux

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