Dark Scrolls Review – A Roguelite That Keeps You Coming Back

When Nostalgia Is Done Right

I'll admit it—I didn't expect much from Dark Scrolls. At first glance, it looked like just another indie roguelite relying on retro pixel art and nostalgia to attract players. However, after just a few runs, it became clear that the game has far more to offer than I initially expected.

I played it both solo and in co-op with a friend, and I genuinely enjoyed both experiences. What's interesting is that each mode feels different enough that it almost feels like you're playing two similar, yet distinct, games.

What Is Dark Scrolls?

Dark Scrolls is a 2D dark fantasy action roguelite where you take control of a cursed warrior fighting through hordes of undead, demons, and other terrifying creatures.

The real stars of the game are the magical scrolls you collect during each run. They completely change the way you play, granting everything from devastating area-of-effect spells to temporary transformations into a skeleton or even the ability to fly over enemies.

The game immediately brings back memories of Ghosts ‘n Goblins. It's unforgiving, you die quickly, and every mistake is punished—but every defeat also makes you want to jump straight into another run. That classic “just one more try” feeling is executed incredibly well.

Solo or Co-op? Two Different Experiences

Playing solo feels intense and personal. Every mistake is yours alone, every boss is a real challenge, and every victory feels truly earned.

Co-op, on the other hand, is pure chaos in the best possible way. One player charges forward like a berserker while the other fills the screen with spells and desperately tries to keep the team alive. There were plenty of moments where we couldn't stop laughing as we frantically ran from waves of demons while trying to revive each other.

Co-op makes the game a bit more forgiving, but it's still challenging enough to keep every run exciting.

Combat and Scrolls Keep Every Run Fresh

Combat is precise, fast, and extremely satisfying. Jumping, dodging, and timing your attacks all feel responsive, making every successful encounter rewarding.

The scroll system is what truly elevates the experience. Every run can play out completely differently depending on which abilities you discover, constantly encouraging experimentation with new builds and strategies. That variety is what keeps pulling you back for another run.

A Dark World with Plenty of Charm

Despite its dark fantasy setting, Dark Scrolls never feels overly grim. The pixel art perfectly complements the atmosphere, while a subtle sense of humor running throughout the game keeps everything light enough to remain enjoyable. The visuals may not reinvent the genre, but they have plenty of personality and make exploring the game's cursed world a pleasure.

What I Loved

• Precise and highly satisfying combat
• A wide variety of magical scrolls that make every run feel unique
• Beautiful retro pixel art and a charming dark fantasy atmosphere
• A powerful “one more run” factor that keeps you coming back
• Chaotic and genuinely fun co-op gameplay

What Could Be Better

The opening hours can be quite difficult and frustrating until you fully understand the mechanics. Some bosses feel uneven in terms of difficulty, and the procedurally generated levels occasionally start to look a bit too similar. Still, none of these issues are significant enough to ruin the overall experience.

Final Verdict

Dark Scrolls doesn't reinvent the roguelite genre, but it succeeds where it matters most—it constantly makes you want to start another run after every defeat.

Its combination of challenging combat, creative scroll mechanics, enjoyable co-op gameplay, and nostalgic retro presentation makes it an easy recommendation for fans of old-school action games.

If you enjoy Ghosts ‘n Goblins but want a modern roguelite progression system with plenty of room for experimentation, Dark Scrolls is definitely worth your time.

Score: 8/10

It may not redefine the genre, but it will easily steal a few evenings from you and leave you saying:

“Just one more run.”

Game Information

Developer: Doinksoft
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Genre: 2D Action Roguelite / Dark Fantasy
Platforms: PC (Steam) and on Nintendo Switch
Availability: Available now on Steam and Nintendo store