Darkman (video game)

Ocean Software

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Darkman (video game)

Darkman is a 1991 video game created by Ocean Software, with development credits to Painting By Numbers for the NES version and Twilight for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum editions. Ocean Software also handled its publication. The game was made available on various systems such as Amiga, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Atari ST, NES, and Game Boy. Notably, two separate games bearing the Darkman name exist: one designed for the NES and another distinct version for the Game Boy. The narrative loosely follows the storyline of the film sharing its title.

NES version

This title is a side-scrolling platform game starring the superhero Darkman. Players can execute actions including jumping, kicking, punching, and swinging on ropes during gameplay sequences. The main goal is to defeat the boss character at each stage before time runs out. In alignment with the movie’s plot, Darkman employs masks to impersonate criminals who caused his disfigurement; these disguises deteriorate when exposed to sunlight. While in disguise, he assumes both the look and unique abilities of the character he mimics.

Between levels, players must photograph gangsters to craft masks. The precision of these photographs influences how much time is granted in upcoming stages. The final confrontation takes place atop a skyscraper, recreating a pivotal moment from the film.

Reception

The ZX Spectrum edition garnered favorable reviews: Crash magazine gave it an 82% score, Sinclair User rated it 78%, and Your Sinclair awarded 85%. Conversely, a budget re-release review by Your Sinclair in 1993 assigned it a considerably lower rating of 22%.