If you need a time waster and you're fond of sidescrollers, Dark Scrolls is an OK entry that can keep you busy for a while at a budget friendly price-point. It does the job for which it is designed, but the execution is a bit lackluster.
Dark Scrolls2026
Dark Scrolls
2026 Devolver Digital62Worthwhile
Playtime
ShortIt typically takes about 8 hours to finish the game.
Playable on
- Steam DeckPlayable
- Steam MachineVerified
Available on
- $9.99
- $9.99
Game modes
- 2 players
Details
- Launch
- June 22, 2026
- Developer
- doinksoft
- Publisher
- Devolver Digital
Overview
Dark Scrolls is a fantasy-themed action platformer that fuses shmup-style chaos with roguelite progression and is packed with charm, challenge, and secrets.
Screenshots
Reception
Press61
Players65
WorthwhileWorthwhile- Metacritic59from 17 reviews
- OpenCritic63from 14 reviews
Dark Scrolls looks and plays like an old-school 8-bit game, but it doesn’t have the refinement and diversity of the top games from that era.
So: Fun but unbalanced, or unbalanced but fun? I legitimately still cannot decide which part is more meaningful for the Dark Scrolls experience, but I can say this: I did have a good time with the game, and I respect the passion put into the old school vibe. Even the digital game guide filled me with nostalgia!
#DarkScrolls is pared back and straightforward, but finely crafted.
I really enjoyed my time with Dark Scrolls. If I’m being honest, dear reader, it took a few runs before everything finally clicked, but once it did, I could really see what Doinksoft was going for. In fact, I ended up finding it noticeably easier than Demon Throttle. It’s still a fairly niche game, though, one aimed squarely at players who love the...