When you look at the realm of CRPGs, we had a really strong year with the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3. There were other ambitious projects in the genre though, and Event Horizon’s Dark Envoy emerges as a valiant effort that’s PC-exclusive. A fantasy adventure set in the conflicted world of Jäan, this Real-Time with Pause tactical CRPG introduces us to the lives of two siblings, Malakai and Kaela, as they navigate a world torn apart by the clash of technology and magic. Here’s our review of the game, which launched back in October.
The game’s storytelling, while not reaching the intricate heights of GOTY-winner Baldur’s Gate 3, offers an engaging plot. The conflict between the technologically-advanced human Empire and the magic-centric non-human League provides a backdrop to the journey of the relic hunters that are our protagonists. As you progress, the choices you make shape the narrative and its conclusion, offering meaningful decisions that add depth to the tale while also drawing you in.
Dark Envoy impresses with its class and specialization system, presenting four core classes and twelve distinct specializations. The flexibility to shape your characters and unlock skills along expansive skill trees adds a layer of creative freedom when developing your characters. When others join your party those are characters are less customizable, but they still contribute to a well-rounded experience.
Combat is both the highlight and the challenge of Dark Envoy. The freedom it offers is commendable, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The AI’s lack of sophistication leads to relentless waves of enemies, causing combat to feel occasionally messy and imprecise. The animations can look a bit clunky as well, not always meshing effectively with the environment and thus breaking the immersion for a moment.
Exploration provides a counterbalance to combat and makes up a lot of the rest of Dark Envoy. The game’s world, though not visually as striking as the one in AAA titles we’ve played, invites you to explore dungeons and uncover secrets. The finite healing points on the map add a strategic layer, encouraging thoughtful actions during combat. And because a lot of technical issues have been fixed post-launch, Dark Envoy manages to deliver a playable and enjoyable adventure.
In terms of visuals and presentation, Dark Envoy falls short of leaving a memorable mark. Locations, while serviceable, lack detailed intricacies. Character models and animations, though functional, could benefit from more polish. However, the plus side is that the game is relatively undemanding in terms of system requirements, which is a rare treat when you consider the ambitious scope of the game.
Despite its limitations, Dark Envoy stands as an enjoyable CRPG that offers a decent amount of fun over a couple of dozen hours. Obviously Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a high standard for the genre, but Dark Envoy presents a viable option for those seeking a less convoluted CRPG experience for those looking to explore a colorful fantasy world. In conclusion, Dark Envoy’s strengths lie in its class and skill systems, offering a varied and satisfying experience in party customization and combat against the backdrop of an original fantasy backdrop.
Score: 7.0/10
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