Dark Train
A mechanical squid guides a train through handcrafted paper worlds.
Dark Train is a puzzle adventure game developed by Paperash Studio and released on 25 October 2016. It combines steampunk, noir fiction, and fantasy elements with unconventional game mechanics. The game is noted for its atmospheric presentation and unique control scheme.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Paperash Studio
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- Windows, OS X
- Released
- 25 October 2016
- Genre
- Adventure, puzzle
- Modes
- Single-player
- Designer
- Vojtěch Vaněk
- Programmer
- Jaroslav Hrdlička
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game is controlled entirely by mouse, with the cursor represented as a mechanical squid named Ann 2.35f. Ann 2.35f controls the Dark Train, which developers describe as a mechanical Tamagotchi. The player's objective is to deliver the train to its client. Each wagon of the train represents a distinct world, and players can rearrange the order of wagons, affecting the train's behavior. Players explore the train's secrets and can find small creatures to raise, which assist with train operations. The player eventually faces consequences of their actions when the train reaches its destination. The journey spans three worlds with slightly different gameplay. The story is told visually without spoken or written dialogue. Ann 2.35f has her own head and can become scared, hiding or waiting. Her abilities include entering the inventory, camouflaging, and learning to emulate shapes and objects to transform into. Her eyes glow to signal warnings or changes in train status. She can be repaired in her engine room. Players may encounter Ann's sisters, who have their own heads and interests and are not always friendly. The first world, the World of the Inventor, teaches control and mechanics. The second, the World of Transparent lands, uses a different scale, takes place outside the train, and introduces new threats and train control methods. The final world, the World of the Client, has different rules and mechanics.
Development
Dark Train originated from an idea by Vojtěch Vaněk's Prague-based studio Paperash Studio. The studio had previously created animation projects using similar techniques later employed in the game. Paperash collaborated with experienced developers from other Czech studios, including Bohemia Interactive, Madfinger Games, and CBE Software, who assisted with programming. The game was announced in November 2014 and developed using the Unity engine. Graphics employ cut-out animation: paper is cut, pen-drawn, then digitized and post-produced. Developers noted that the game's world grew alongside its real-world model. They stated they continue the tradition of Czech animation and had previously created two short animated films, Strap and Box. A Greenlight campaign began on 12 November 2015 to secure a Steam release and introduce the game to a non-Czech audience. Dark Train reached the TOP20 on 16 November 2015 and was Greenlighted on 22 November 2015, receiving 2,154 yes votes, 5,899 unique visitors, and 230 followers. The game was released on Steam on 25 October 2016. A free update, Deep into the City 1, released on 2 December 2016, added three new levels: Basketball playground, Harp Room, and Factory of Panzer Ritter, along with new train upgrades. A second free update, Frozen to the Metal, released on 20 December 2016, added three winter levels and a time-limited event active until the end of January 2017. A demo was released on 9 March 2017. Deep into the City 2, a free update released on 5 April, added a new location and other content while disabling some Frozen to the Metal content until winter.
Reception
Critics have praised Dark Train. Chris Priestman from Kill Screen said the game feels like Alex Proyas films from the 1990s, highlighting its mysterious storytelling and depth. Lukáš Grygar of Games.cz gave it a 9 out of 10, noting it resembles Amanita Design’s work but shifts when the train picks up speed. He admired the art, how the visuals and music work together, and the tough challenge and replayability. Games.cz named it the best adventure game of 2016 and one of the year’s top games. Dark Train earned six nominations at the Czech Game of the Year Awards, matching Samorost 3 for the most nods. It was up for Best Game, Best PC/Console Game, Best Audio, Best Game Design, Best Story, and Best Visuals. The winners were announced on 10 February 2016, and Dark Train took home Best Visuals. It also appeared in the International Video Game Contest at Anifilm 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Dark Train available on?
Dark Train was released for Windows and OS X.
Who composed the music for Dark Train?
The music for Dark Train was composed by Stanislav Abrahám, Jan Burian and Ann 2.35f.
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