A grim fantasy dungeon crawler built on survival
Spark in the Dark is a single-player isometric dungeon crawler from Stellar Fish, set in a brutal dark fantasy world. Players descend into shifting underground labyrinths filled with traps, monsters, and secrets. With procedural generation, each run feels different, while five distinct hero classes provide varied approaches to combat and survival.
The central mechanic is the fight against darkness itself. Light becomes a precious resource, and straying too long without a torch or lantern steadily drains health. This system adds constant pressure, layering on top of tactical combat and environmental hazards. Weapons and gear also degrade over time, forcing careful resource management.
How does Spark in the Dark play?
Exploration unfolds through procedurally generated dungeons filled with enemies, traps, and lore-rich discoveries. Each of the five playable classes—ranging from melee-focused fighters to more adaptive builds—changes how you approach battles. Combat is deliberate, with positioning and timing determining survival. Equipment management plays a large role, as armor and weapons wear down, requiring maintenance or replacement. These systems give each run weight, though repetition and harsh difficulty can wear on long sessions.
Atmosphere is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Bleak environments, dim lighting, and haunting sound design create an oppressive, immersive tone. Journals, books, and environmental storytelling add depth to the lore, encouraging exploration beyond combat. Performance in demos can be uneven, and the lack of features like saving mid-run has been noted by players.
Replayability remains central to its design. With randomized layouts, multiple classes, and evolving strategies, each descent offers new challenges. However, Spark in the Dark is still in active development, meaning content is limited compared to a full release. For fans of roguelike dungeon crawlers, it promises a fresh take with its survival-driven mechanics, but those seeking smoother progression or multiplayer options may find its scope restrictive.
Authentic, but Unforgiving
Spark in the Dark excels at delivering a chilling dungeon-crawling experience with its dark survival systems, immersive atmosphere, and high replay value. At the same time, its steep learning curve, lack of saving, and solo-only design limit its audience. For players who enjoy methodical, punishing adventures, it stands out as one of the more distinctive indie dungeon crawlers in recent memory.
