Dark Train Critic Reviews

At the first glance, impenetrable, yet totally cohesive and immersive puzzle game in the inside. It impresses not only with visuals, but also with powerful scenes from the game world and its hidden secrets.

Dark Train has broken the mold when it comes to puzzle games and created a very dark and engaging experience, despite not having a storyline. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a puzzle game that does not hold your hand.

Dark Train is a heart-felt ode to a creative spirit. Great visuals together with inventive puzzles create an amazing game whose soul you’ll surrender to.

Paperash has created one of the deepest and most interesting puzzle games on PC in a while, with a narrative that does not just rest on its laurels after players glance through a single page of lore. The game offers thorough backstory, giving both casual gamers and hardcore puzzle fans something that not only offers a challenge but also offers something easy to dig into. The game's art style brilliantly mixes the Arcanum look with brilliant sound effects similar to those found in Limbo, bringing you one of the most decent indie titles I've seen on Steam. Although the game is currently only on PC, I wouldn't mind seeing it on Xbox One in the future as well.

Dark Train takes you on a singular, confusing, marvellous journey into a seemingly grey industrial world that proves to be full of exuberant imagination. All in the company of a mechanical squid called Ann.

Dark Train easily could be a game you’ll either love or hate. Those who appreciate a good hint system, distinct feedback and puzzle pathfinding might feel left in the weeds because of its obfuscating nature. But if you like games that don’t hold your hand or get in the way, prepare to be challenged. You’ll want to keep a pen and paper handy to make notes as the game mixes things up at nearly every turn. Dark Train is a neat, confounding, obtuse, and fascinating puzzle adventure that brings to mind older, niche PC games.

There’s an existential discussion to be had over whether or not games need to be fun, and I’m not prepared to have it. Dark Train is not fun, but it is beautiful.

To its credit, the sound design of Dark Train compliments its engaging presentation to create a fully realized mechanical world, and a dense soundscape that is as effective and oppressive as the dreary and haunting visuals. Along with the strong art design, Dark Train provides an evocative, beautiful, but ultimately alienating experience. It’s slow and confusing in all the wrong ways, and provides no payoff at the end of its painful, frustrating adventure.