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{{short description|2018 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Dusk
| title = Dusk
| image = Dusk game logo.jpg
| image = Dusk cover.jpg
| developer = David Szymanski
| developer = David Szymanski
| publisher = New Blood Interactive
| publisher = [[New Blood Interactive]]
| composer = Andrew Hulshult
| composer = [[Andrew Hulshult]]
| producer = Dave Oshry
| producer = Dave Oshry
| engine = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]
| engine = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[Nintendo Switch]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[Linux]]|[[macOS]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]}}
| released = Windows: December 10, 2018 macOS and Linux: February 6, 2019
| released = {{ubl|'''Windows'''|December 10, 2018|'''Linux, macOS'''|February 6, 2019|'''Nintendo Switch'''|October 28, 2021|'''PlayStation 4'''|October 31, 2023}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}
}}


'''''DUSK''''' is a 2018 [[retro]]-styled [[first-person shooter]] developed by David Szymanski and published by New Blood Interactive for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]], and [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/brutal-new-fps-mixes-hexen-doom-and-quake/ |title=Brutal new FPS mixes Hexen, Doom, and Quake |first=Evan |last=Lahti |accessdate=August 18, 2017 |website=pcgamer.com |date=September 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/dusk-90s-style-shooter-mind-teenager/ |title=DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A ’90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY |first=Zack |last=Zweiden |accessdate=August 18, 2017 |website=killscreen.com |date=September 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/09/15/from-doom-til-dusk-a-new-classic-fps-murderthon/ |title=From DOOM ‘Til DUSK: A New ‘Classic’ FPS Murderthon |first=Brendan |last=Caldwell |accessdate=August 18, 2017 |website=rockpapershotgun.com |date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> The game is produced by Dave Oshry, who previously co-directed the 2013 [[video game remake|remake]] of ''[[Rise of the Triad (2013 video game)|Rise of the Triad]]''.
'''''Dusk''''' is a 2018 [[first-person shooter]] created by American developer David Szymanski<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/duskdev |title=David Szymanski|access-date=February 9, 2020 |website=Twitter}}</ref> and published by [[New Blood Interactive]] for [[Windows]], [[Linux]], [[macOS]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/brutal-new-fps-mixes-hexen-doom-and-quake/ |title=Brutal new FPS mixes Hexen, Doom, and Quake |first=Evan |last=Lahti |access-date=August 18, 2017 |website=pcgamer.com |date=September 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/dusk-90s-style-shooter-mind-teenager/ |title=DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A '90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY |first=Zack |last=Zweiden |access-date=August 18, 2017 |website=killscreen.com |date=September 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/09/15/from-doom-til-dusk-a-new-classic-fps-murderthon/ |title=From DOOM 'Til DUSK: A New 'Classic' FPS Murderthon |first=Brendan |last=Caldwell |access-date=August 18, 2017 |website=rockpapershotgun.com |date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> The game is produced by Dave Oshry, who previously co-directed the 2013 [[video game remake|remake]] of ''[[Rise of the Triad (2013 video game)|Rise of the Triad]]''.


==Plot==
==Plot==
''Dusk'' takes place in and around the fictitious rural town of Dusk, [[Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/DUSKdev/status/893895761733308417 |title=@DUSKdev on Twitter |first=David |last=Szymanski |accessdate=November 7, 2017 |website=twitter.com |date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> A huge network of "[[Lovecraftian]] ruins" are discovered underneath a section of farmland, which attracts the attention of the government. Military personnel and scientists establish research labs and factories in the town in an attempt to harness the magic of the ruins. Much of the research team soon fall victim to a series of [[demonic possession]]s and industrial disasters, which force the remnants of the team out of the town. A large perimeter wall is built around the town, sealing it off from the outside world. The player takes the role of a nameless treasure hunter ("DuskDude"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/14oHE_J9aJjdr0ikcRFTkaHA-bCLKLFyFH9kJCaimjnI/edit |title=DUSK Episode 1 Player Haters' Guide |first=Dave |last=Oshry |accessdate=August 18, 2017}}</ref>), who's heard rumors that hidden riches exist within the sealed town.<ref name="killscreen">{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/dusk-90s-style-shooter-mind-teenager/ |title=DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A ’90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY |first=Zack |last=Zweizen |accessdate=November 7, 2017 |website=killscreen.com |date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> The treasure hunter is apprehended by the town's denizens, brought to a secluded farmhouse, and propped onto a [[meathook]].
''Dusk'' takes place in and around the fictitious rural town of Dusk, [[Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/DUSKdev/status/893895761733308417 |title=@DUSKdev on Twitter |first=David |last=Szymanski |access-date=November 7, 2017 |website=twitter.com |date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> A huge network of "[[Lovecraftian]] ruins" is discovered underneath a section of farmland, which attracts the attention of the government. Military personnel and scientists establish research labs and factories in the town in an attempt to harness the magic of the ruins. Much of the research team soon fall victim to a series of [[demonic possession]]s and industrial disasters, which force the remnants of the team out of the town. A large perimeter wall is built around the town, sealing it off from the outside world. The player takes the role of a nameless treasure hunter ("Dusk Dude"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/14oHE_J9aJjdr0ikcRFTkaHA-bCLKLFyFH9kJCaimjnI/edit |title=DUSK Episode 1 Player Haters' Guide |first=Dave |last=Oshry |newspaper=Google Docs |access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> or "The Intruder"), who has heard rumors that hidden riches exist within the sealed town.<ref name="killscreen">{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/dusk-90s-style-shooter-mind-teenager/ |title=DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A '90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY |first=Zack |last=Zwiezen |access-date=November 7, 2017 |website=killscreen.com |date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> The treasure hunter is apprehended by the town's denizens, brought to a secluded farmhouse, and impaled onto a [[meathook]].


''The Foothills'', the first episode, is largely set in the country outskirts around Dusk's perimeter wall. After the treasure hunter escapes from the farmhouse, he travels across a variety of rural environments such as swamps, barnyards, cornfields, and sawmills. After breaching the perimeter wall and entering the town, the protagonist uncovers an underground passageway, which ultimately leads him to an [[industrial region|industrial zone]] on the outskirts of the city.
''The Foothills'', the first episode, is largely set in the country outskirts around Dusk's perimeter wall. After the protagonist escapes from the farmhouse, he travels across a variety of rural environments such as swamps, barnyards, cornfields, and sawmills. After breaching the perimeter wall and entering the town, the protagonist uncovers an underground passageway, which ultimately leads him to an [[industrial region|industrial zone]] on the outskirts of the city.


In the second episode, ''The Facilities'', the player character fights through the remnants of the possessed military and science personnel, who guard an array of occult machines within the industrial zone. In the penultimate level of the episode, it's revealed that the machines extract power from the minced remains of slaughtered humans. Deep in the ruins of the industrial complex, the treasure hunter finds an [[Portals in fiction|otherworldly portal]], which he activates and walks through.
In the second episode, ''The Facilities'', the player must fight through the remnants of the possessed military and science personnel, who guard an array of occult machines within the industrial zone. In the penultimate level of the episode, it is revealed that the machines extract power from the minced remains of slaughtered humans. Deep in the ruins of the industrial complex, the protagonist finds an otherworldly portal, which he activates and walks through.


In the third and final episode, ''The Nameless City'', the treasure hunter finds himself in an alternate reality. After passing through a cathedral, the treasure hunter travels through various locations, with eventually him being forced into a trial that takes place within a corrupted version of the treasure hunter's memories. In the end, the treasure hunter confronts and defeats the cult's leader, named Jakob, whom in turn is killed by his followers. The treasure hunter then is confronted by the godlike being responsible for the events taking place in the town, referred to as Nyarlathotep, and defeats it as well. However, before the treasure hunter is able to deal the killing blow, Nyarlathotep claims the treasure hunter to be "worthy" and gives him an unknown power, presumably corrupting the treasure hunter in the process and taking Jakob's place as leader of the cult.
In the third and final episode, ''The Nameless City'', the protagonist finds himself in a nightmarish dimension. After passing through a cathedral, he travels through various locations, with him being forced into a trial that takes place within a corrupted version of his own memories. In the end, the protagonist confronts and defeats the cult's leader, named Jakob, who in turn is killed by his followers. As he attempts to leave Jakob's lair, the protagonist finds himself trapped by the one responsible for everything that has occurred: the Outer God whom Jakob served under and the source of the cult's power known as [[Nyarlathotep]]. A final battle ensues, and as the protagonist is able to deal the killing blow, Nyarlathotep deems him to be "worthy" and gives him his power, presumably corrupting him in the process and taking Jakob's place as leader of the cult. Nyarlathotep then places the protagonist in a kind of stasis "until [Nyarlathotep] has need of [him] again".


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==


The object of ''Dusk'''s gameplay is to reach the exit of the level, while surviving all hazards on the way. Such hazards include hostile enemies such as robed cultists, demonic livestock, sentient scarecrows, and possessed soldiers. The player has access to a variety of weapons, including dual-wielded sickles, pistols, single and double-barrel shotguns, an assault rifle, a hunting rifle, a magic crossbow, a mortar, a magic sword, and a weapon called the "Riveter" that shoots exploding rivets. A unique mechanic of ''Dusk'' is the unlocked y-axis, allowing the player an additional degree of rotation whilst in midair, which grants the ability to perform front and back-flips.
The object of ''Dusk'''s gameplay is to reach the exit of the level, while surviving all hazards on the way. Such hazards include hostile enemies such as robed cultists, demonic livestock, sentient scarecrows, and possessed soldiers. The player has access to a variety of weapons, including dual-wielded sickles, dual pistols, dual single-barrel shotguns, a double-barrel "super shotgun", an assault rifle, a hunting rifle, a magic crossbow, a mortar, a magic sword, and a weapon called the "Riveter" that shoots exploding rivets. A unique mechanic of ''Dusk'' is the unlocked rotational-axis, allowing the player an additional degree of rotation whilst in midair, which grants the ability to perform front and back-flips.


The multiplayer component of ''Dusk'', titled ''DuskWorld'', features an online [[deathmatch]] mode which supports up to 16 players.
The multiplayer component of ''Dusk'', titled ''DuskWorld'', features an online [[deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]] mode which supports up to 16 players.


''Dusk'' inherits many design staples from 1990s first-person shooters, such as non-regenerating health, greater emphasis on movement and speed, and the ability to carry a large amount of weapons at once.
''Dusk'' inherits many design staples from 1990s first-person shooters, such as non-regenerating health, greater emphasis on movement and speed, and the ability to carry a large number of weapons at once.


==Development==
==Development==
The earliest concepts for what would eventually become ''Dusk'' were conceived in the mid 2000s by lead developer David Szymanski. At the time, Szymanski only had access to computers with low-end hardware, which precluded him from playing recent video game releases; instead, he played older first-person shooters such as [[Half-Life (video game)|''Half-Life'']] and [[Doom (1993 video game)|''Doom'']]. These games would ultimately become major inspirations for ''Dusk'''s gameplay.<ref name="techraptor">{{cite web |url=https://techraptor.net/content/indie-interview-dusk |title=Indie Interview - DUSK |first=Perry |last=Ruhland |accessdate=November 7, 2017 |website=techraptor.net |date=December 5, 2016}}</ref>
The earliest concepts for what would eventually become ''Dusk'' were conceived in the mid-2000s by lead developer David Szymanski. At the time, Szymanski only had access to computers with low-end hardware, which precluded him from playing recent video game releases; instead, he played older first-person shooters such as [[Half-Life (video game)|''Half-Life'']] and [[Doom (1993 video game)|''Doom'']]. These games would ultimately become major inspirations for ''Dusk'''s gameplay.<ref name="techraptor">{{cite web |url=https://techraptor.net/content/indie-interview-dusk |title=Indie Interview - DUSK |first=Perry |last=Ruhland |access-date=November 7, 2017 |website=techraptor.net |date=December 5, 2016}}</ref>


''Dusk'''s development began in 2015, stemming from a series of tests Szymanski created in the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity game engine]]. In an attempt to emulate the visual style of [[Quake (video game)|''Quake'']], Szymanski modeled a low-[[polygon]] shotgun and fixed it to a camera; from that point, development on ''Dusk'' began in earnest.<ref name="killscreen" />
''Dusk''{{'}}s development began in 2015, stemming from a series of tests Szymanski created in the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity game engine]]. In an attempt to emulate the visual style of [[Quake (video game)|''Quake'']], Szymanski modeled a low-[[polygon]] shotgun and fixed it to a camera; from that point, development on ''Dusk'' began in earnest.<ref name="killscreen" /> The artistic direction of ''Dusk'' drew inspiration from several sources. The rural farmhouse setting of Episode 1 was inspired by the film ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre]]'', the video game ''[[Redneck Rampage]]'', and Szymanski's own experiences of living in rural [[Pennsylvania]]. The abandoned factories of Episode 2 were inspired by the world of the ''[[S.T.A.L.K.E.R.]]'' series of video games, which takes place in an [[Alternate history|alternative reality]] version of [[Ukraine]]; Szymanski said that ''Dusk'' was initially to be set in Ukraine as a nod to ''S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'', prior to settling on the game's rural Pennsylvania locale. In designing ''Dusk'''s levels, Szymanski took cues from [[John Romero|John Romero's]] level design in both ''Doom'' and ''Quake'', emphasizing non-linearity and abstract geometry.<ref name="techraptor" />


The visuals of ''Dusk'' were crafted to be evocative of 1990s first-person shooters. Through deliberate design, textures are low-resolution and have a limited palette, and both models and map geometry feature a lower amount of polygons than contemporary 3D games. Szymanski initially experienced difficulties adhering to the graphic limitations of 1990s shooters, as Unity engine continually introduced undesirable visual improvements throughout development: "[The] biggest challenge is just convincing Unity to stop doing things that make the game look better," Szymanski commented.<ref name="killscreen" />
The visuals of ''Dusk'' were crafted to be evocative of 1990s first-person shooters. Through deliberate design, textures are low-resolution and have a limited palette, and both models and map geometry feature a lower amount of polygons than contemporary 3D games. Szymanski initially experienced difficulties adhering to the graphic limitations of 1990s shooters, as Unity engine continually introduced undesirable visual improvements throughout development: "[The] biggest challenge is just convincing Unity to stop doing things that make the game look better," Szymanski commented.<ref name="killscreen" /> Szymanski's next project, the 2022 video game ''[[Iron Lung (video game)|Iron Lung]]'', features a similar short-form horror experience with lower detail graphics as ''Dusk''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Handley |first=Zoey |date=2022-03-21 |title=Review: Iron Lung |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-iron-lung-pc-horror-game/ |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref name=Bloody>{{Cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3707036/iron-lung-review/ |title=[Review] A Descent into an Ocean of Blood Makes 'Iron Lung' an Oppressively Atmospheric Experience|last=Boehm. |first=Aaron |date=March 15, 2022 |website=Bloody Disgusting! |language=en-US |access-date=April 23, 2021}}</ref>


⚫
In January 2019, after the initial PC release of ''Dusk'', Dave Oshry announced that the game would be receiving console ports, a physical PC release and more free content including a co-op mode, [[New Game Plus|New Game+]] and mod support.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/519860/announcements/detail/1708452170036452919 |title=Three years ago... |first=Dave |last=Oshry |access-date=January 29, 2019 |website=steamcommunity.com |date=January 2, 2019}}</ref>
The artistic direction of ''Dusk'' drew inspiration from several sources. The rural farmhouse setting of Episode 1 was inspired by the film ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre]]'', the video game ''[[Redneck Rampage]]'', and Szymanski's own experiences of living in rural [[Pennsylvania]]. The abandoned factories of Episode 2 were inspired by the world of the ''[[S.T.A.L.K.E.R.]]'' series of video games, which takes place in an [[alternative reality]] version of [[Ukraine]]; Szymanski said that ''Dusk'' was initially to be set in Ukraine as a nod to ''S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'', prior to settling on the game's rural Pennsylvania locale. In designing ''Dusk'''s levels, Szymanski took cues from [[John Romero|John Romero's]] level design in both ''Doom'' and ''Quake'', emphasizing non-linearity and abstract geometry.<ref name="techraptor" />

⚫
In January 2019, after the initial PC release of ''Dusk'', Dave Oshry announced that the game would be receiving console ports, a physical PC release and more free content including a co-op mode, [[New Game Plus|New Game +]] and mod support.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/519860/announcements/detail/1708452170036452919 |title=Three years ago... |first=Dave |last=Oshry |accessdate=January 29, 2019 |website=steamcommunity.com |date=January 2, 2019}}</ref>


==Release==
==Release==
[[Pre-order]]s for ''Dusk'' opened in August 2017. In a nod to the episodic [[shareware]] releases of '90s first person shooters like ''Doom'' and ''Quake'', pre-orderers gained immediate access to the first episode of ''Dusk'', ''The Foothills'', in advance of the full game's release. A closed beta for ''DuskWorld'', ''Dusk'''s multiplayer component, opened in December 2017 to selected volunteering participants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/retro-fps-dusk-has-a-free-multiplayer-closed-beta-right-now/ |title=Retro FPS Dusk has a free multiplayer closed beta right now |first=Shaun |last=Prescott |accessdate=January 18, 2018 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun|rockpapershotgun.com]] |date=December 19, 2017}}</ref>
[[Pre-order]]s for ''Dusk'' opened in August 2017. In a nod to the episodic [[shareware]] releases of 1990s first person shooters like ''Doom'' and ''Quake'', pre-orderers gained immediate access to the first episode of ''Dusk'', ''The Foothills'', in advance of the full game's release. A closed beta for ''DuskWorld'', ''Dusk'''s multiplayer component, opened in December 2017 to selected volunteering participants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/retro-fps-dusk-has-a-free-multiplayer-closed-beta-right-now/ |title=Retro FPS Dusk has a free multiplayer closed beta right now |first=Shaun |last=Prescott |access-date=January 18, 2018 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun|rockpapershotgun.com]] |date=December 19, 2017}}</ref>


''Dusk'' released into [[early access]] on January 11, 2018, containing both ''DuskWorld'' and the first two episodes of the singleplayer campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/old-school-shooter-dusk-blasts-into-early-access/ |title=Old-school shooter Dusk blasts into Early Access |first=Samuel |last=Horti |accessdate=March 14, 2018 |website=[[pcgamer.com]] |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> On June 12, 2018, New Blood Interactive announced that ''Dusk'' will be released for the [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3504770/e3-2018-new-blood-interactives-dusk-headed-switch/ |title=[E3 2018] New Blood Interactive’s ‘DUSK’ Headed to the Switch |first=Pat |last=Torfe |accessdate=June 17, 2018 |website=[[bloodydisgusting.com]] |date=June 17, 2018}}</ref>
''Dusk'' released into [[early access]] on January 11, 2018, containing both ''DuskWorld'' and the first two episodes of the singleplayer campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/old-school-shooter-dusk-blasts-into-early-access/ |title=Old-school shooter Dusk blasts into Early Access |first=Samuel |last=Horti |access-date=March 14, 2018 |website=[[pcgamer.com]] |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> On June 12, 2018, [[New Blood Interactive]] announced that ''Dusk'' will be released for the [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3504770/e3-2018-new-blood-interactives-dusk-headed-switch/ |title=[E3 2018] New Blood Interactive's 'DUSK' Headed to the Switch |first=Pat |last=Torfe |access-date=June 17, 2018 |website=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |date=June 17, 2018}}</ref>


''Dusk'' fully released out of early access on December 10, 2018.<ref name="rps_release">{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/10/retro-fps-dusk-leaves-early-access/ | title=Gory retro FPS Dusk rips and tears out of early access today | work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] | first=Dominic | last=Tarason | date=December 10, 2018 | accessdate=December 19, 2018}}</ref>
''Dusk'' fully released out of early access on December 10, 2018, on the 25th anniversary of its inspiration, ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]''.<ref name="rps_release">{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/10/retro-fps-dusk-leaves-early-access/ | title=Gory retro FPS Dusk rips and tears out of early access today | work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] | first=Dominic | last=Tarason | date=December 10, 2018 | access-date=December 19, 2018}}</ref>

The Switch port was released on October 28, 2021, followed by a version for PlayStation 4 on October 31, 2023.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Linneman|first=John|date=2021-10-20|title=Dusk on Switch: a beautifully nightmarish modern retro shooter|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2021-dusk-on-switch-a-beautifully-nightmarish-modern-retro-shooter|access-date=2021-10-31|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=DUSK coming to PS4 on October 31 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/10/dusk-coming-to-ps4-on-october-31 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Prequel ==
On April 1, 2021, New Blood Interactive released a seeming April Fools joke in the form of screenshots of a 2D roguelike version of ''Dusk''.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-04-08|title=New Blood Announces Its April Fools Joke, DUSK '82, Will Be A Real Game|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dusk-82-announcement/|access-date=2021-10-31|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> The screenshots were soon revealed to be genuine previews of a real game.

''Dusk '82 ULTIMATE EDITION'' was released on October 22 for Halloween 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Mike|date=2021-10-24|title=[Trailer] Action Puzzler 'DUSK '82: ULTIMATE EDITION' Available Now|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3688699/trailer-action-puzzler-dusk-82-ultimate-edition-available-now/|access-date=2021-10-31|website=Bloody Disgusting!|language=en-US}}</ref> The game is an action/puzzler similar to ''[[Chip's Challenge]]'', though with thematic and story elements of ''Dusk'', and features [[chiptune]] versions of the ''Dusk'' soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult.


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 90/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dusk | title=Dusk for PC Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=December 19, 2018}}</ref>
| MC = PC: 88/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dusk/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=DUSK for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=December 19, 2018}}</ref><br />NS: 88/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dusk/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=DUSK for Switch Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 3, 2022}}</ref>
| Destruct = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glagowski |first1=Peter |title=Review: DUSK |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-dusk/ |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=15 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
| GI = 8.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Reeves |first1=Ben |title=Dusk Review - Getting Old Schooled |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dusk/getting-old-schooled |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219022403/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dusk/getting-old-schooled |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=13 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
| GameRev = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Santa Maria |first1=Alex |title=Dusk Review - Feed My Head |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/467951-dusk-review-feed-my-head |website=[[GameRevolution]] |date=10 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
| HCG = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cunningham |first1=James |title=Review: Dusk |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-dusk/320220/ |website=Hardcore Gamers |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
| JXV = 17/20<ref>{{cite web |last1=Journalist |first1=Jeuxvideo |title=Test Dusk: un FPS frénétique au doux parfum rétro |url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/978493/dusk-un-fps-frenetique-au-doux-parfum-retro.htm |website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |date=26 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 89/100<ref>{{cite web |last1=Birnbaum |first1=Ian |title=Dusk review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dusk-review/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
⚫
The early access release of ''Dusk'' received generally positive reviews. Significant praise was directed towards the authenticity of ''Dusk'''s gameplay in relation to its 1990s progenitors, with ''Gaming Nexus'' commenting: "Dusk is not some pretender, desperately trying after the crown of 90s FPS while sneering behind a faux-confident, pixelated façade. Dusk is an earnest love letter to 90s shooters, mixing all their best elements into an intoxicating, gothic tribute."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/5467/DUSK-Episode-1/ |title=DUSK Episode 1 |first=Sean |last=Colleli |accessdate=January 17, 2018 |website=gamingnexus.com |date=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Echoing this sentiment, ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' quipped that the game "manages to avoid being the retro game equivalent of an observational comedy stand-up, hoping that simply jogging your memory will provide sufficient entertainment ... ''Dusk'' has too much energy to fall into that trap."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/17/dusk-fps/ |title=DUSK is a delicious cocktail of nineties shooters |first=Adam |last=Smith |accessdate=January 17, 2018 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |date=January 17, 2018}}</ref>


⚫
The early access release of ''Dusk'' received generally positive reviews. Significant praise was directed towards the authenticity of ''Dusk''{{'}}s gameplay in relation to its 1990s progenitors, with ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' saying that the game "manages to avoid being the retro game equivalent of an observational comedy stand-up, hoping that simply jogging your memory will provide sufficient entertainment ... ''Dusk'' has too much energy to fall into that trap."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/01/17/dusk-fps/ |title=DUSK is a delicious cocktail of nineties shooters |first=Adam |last=Smith |access-date=January 17, 2018 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |date=January 17, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
''[[PC Gamer]]'' praised the level design of ''Dusk'', stating that the game "is both an ode to and evolution of the greatest era of FPS level design."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dusks-incredible-fps-levels-continue-where-quake-left-off/ |title=Dusk's incredible FPS levels continue where Quake left off |first=Norm |last=Steadman |accessdate=January 17, 2018 |website=[[pcgamer.com]] |date=August 14, 2017}}</ref> Following a gameplay preview of ''Dusk'''s third episode, ''[[Destructoid]]'' commented: "if the level design trend exhibited in this early state is any indication, DUSK could be in the running for one of the best FPS games ever made."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/dusk-s-episode-three-is-shaping-up-nicely-498579.phtml |title=DUSK's Episode Three is shaping up nicely |first=Peter |last=Glagowski |accessdate=May 1, 2018 |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=April 14, 2018}}</ref>

⚫
''[[PC Gamer]]'' praised the level design of ''Dusk'', stating that the game "is both an ode to and evolution of the greatest era of FPS level design."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dusks-incredible-fps-levels-continue-where-quake-left-off/ |title=Dusk's incredible FPS levels continue where Quake left off |first=Norm |last=Steadman |access-date=January 17, 2018 |website=[[pcgamer.com]] |date=August 14, 2017}}</ref> Following a gameplay preview of ''Dusk''{{'}}s third episode, ''[[Destructoid]]'' commented: "if the level design trend exhibited in this early state is any indication, DUSK could be in the running for one of the best FPS games ever made."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/dusk-s-episode-three-is-shaping-up-nicely-498579.phtml |title=DUSK's Episode Three is shaping up nicely |first=Peter |last=Glagowski |access-date=May 1, 2018 |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=April 14, 2018}}</ref>

The Switch port was praised as a faithful conversion and "a nigh-on flawless iteration of an excellent game".<ref name=":0" />

{{Clear}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website}}


[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:Cthulhu Mythos games]]
[[Category:2010s horror video games]]
[[Category:Cthulhu Mythos video games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Unity (game engine) games]]
[[Category:Retro-style video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Andrew Hulshult]]
[[Category:Video games set in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Video games set in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Ku Klux Klan in popular culture]]
[[Category:Video games developed by David Szymanski]]
[[Category:Video games about cults]]
[[Category:New Blood Interactive games]]

Latest revision as of 16:21, 4 August 2024

Dusk
Developer(s)David Szymanski
Publisher(s)New Blood Interactive
Producer(s)Dave Oshry
Composer(s)Andrew Hulshult
EngineUnity
Platform(s)
Release
  • Windows
  • December 10, 2018
  • Linux, macOS
  • February 6, 2019
  • Nintendo Switch
  • October 28, 2021
  • PlayStation 4
  • October 31, 2023
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Dusk is a 2018 first-person shooter created by American developer David Szymanski[1] and published by New Blood Interactive for Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.[2][3][4] The game is produced by Dave Oshry, who previously co-directed the 2013 remake of Rise of the Triad.

Plot

[edit]

Dusk takes place in and around the fictitious rural town of Dusk, Pennsylvania.[5] A huge network of "Lovecraftian ruins" is discovered underneath a section of farmland, which attracts the attention of the government. Military personnel and scientists establish research labs and factories in the town in an attempt to harness the magic of the ruins. Much of the research team soon fall victim to a series of demonic possessions and industrial disasters, which force the remnants of the team out of the town. A large perimeter wall is built around the town, sealing it off from the outside world. The player takes the role of a nameless treasure hunter ("Dusk Dude"[6] or "The Intruder"), who has heard rumors that hidden riches exist within the sealed town.[7] The treasure hunter is apprehended by the town's denizens, brought to a secluded farmhouse, and impaled onto a meathook.

The Foothills, the first episode, is largely set in the country outskirts around Dusk's perimeter wall. After the protagonist escapes from the farmhouse, he travels across a variety of rural environments such as swamps, barnyards, cornfields, and sawmills. After breaching the perimeter wall and entering the town, the protagonist uncovers an underground passageway, which ultimately leads him to an industrial zone on the outskirts of the city.

In the second episode, The Facilities, the player must fight through the remnants of the possessed military and science personnel, who guard an array of occult machines within the industrial zone. In the penultimate level of the episode, it is revealed that the machines extract power from the minced remains of slaughtered humans. Deep in the ruins of the industrial complex, the protagonist finds an otherworldly portal, which he activates and walks through.

In the third and final episode, The Nameless City, the protagonist finds himself in a nightmarish dimension. After passing through a cathedral, he travels through various locations, with him being forced into a trial that takes place within a corrupted version of his own memories. In the end, the protagonist confronts and defeats the cult's leader, named Jakob, who in turn is killed by his followers. As he attempts to leave Jakob's lair, the protagonist finds himself trapped by the one responsible for everything that has occurred: the Outer God whom Jakob served under and the source of the cult's power known as Nyarlathotep. A final battle ensues, and as the protagonist is able to deal the killing blow, Nyarlathotep deems him to be "worthy" and gives him his power, presumably corrupting him in the process and taking Jakob's place as leader of the cult. Nyarlathotep then places the protagonist in a kind of stasis "until [Nyarlathotep] has need of [him] again".

Gameplay

[edit]

The object of Dusk's gameplay is to reach the exit of the level, while surviving all hazards on the way. Such hazards include hostile enemies such as robed cultists, demonic livestock, sentient scarecrows, and possessed soldiers. The player has access to a variety of weapons, including dual-wielded sickles, dual pistols, dual single-barrel shotguns, a double-barrel "super shotgun", an assault rifle, a hunting rifle, a magic crossbow, a mortar, a magic sword, and a weapon called the "Riveter" that shoots exploding rivets. A unique mechanic of Dusk is the unlocked rotational-axis, allowing the player an additional degree of rotation whilst in midair, which grants the ability to perform front and back-flips.

The multiplayer component of Dusk, titled DuskWorld, features an online deathmatch mode which supports up to 16 players.

Dusk inherits many design staples from 1990s first-person shooters, such as non-regenerating health, greater emphasis on movement and speed, and the ability to carry a large number of weapons at once.

Development

[edit]

The earliest concepts for what would eventually become Dusk were conceived in the mid-2000s by lead developer David Szymanski. At the time, Szymanski only had access to computers with low-end hardware, which precluded him from playing recent video game releases; instead, he played older first-person shooters such as Half-Life and Doom. These games would ultimately become major inspirations for Dusk's gameplay.[8]

Dusk's development began in 2015, stemming from a series of tests Szymanski created in the Unity game engine. In an attempt to emulate the visual style of Quake, Szymanski modeled a low-polygon shotgun and fixed it to a camera; from that point, development on Dusk began in earnest.[7] The artistic direction of Dusk drew inspiration from several sources. The rural farmhouse setting of Episode 1 was inspired by the film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the video game Redneck Rampage, and Szymanski's own experiences of living in rural Pennsylvania. The abandoned factories of Episode 2 were inspired by the world of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series of video games, which takes place in an alternative reality version of Ukraine; Szymanski said that Dusk was initially to be set in Ukraine as a nod to S.T.A.L.K.E.R., prior to settling on the game's rural Pennsylvania locale. In designing Dusk's levels, Szymanski took cues from John Romero's level design in both Doom and Quake, emphasizing non-linearity and abstract geometry.[8]

The visuals of Dusk were crafted to be evocative of 1990s first-person shooters. Through deliberate design, textures are low-resolution and have a limited palette, and both models and map geometry feature a lower amount of polygons than contemporary 3D games. Szymanski initially experienced difficulties adhering to the graphic limitations of 1990s shooters, as Unity engine continually introduced undesirable visual improvements throughout development: "[The] biggest challenge is just convincing Unity to stop doing things that make the game look better," Szymanski commented.[7] Szymanski's next project, the 2022 video game Iron Lung, features a similar short-form horror experience with lower detail graphics as Dusk.[9][10]

In January 2019, after the initial PC release of Dusk, Dave Oshry announced that the game would be receiving console ports, a physical PC release and more free content including a co-op mode, New Game+ and mod support.[11]

Release

[edit]

Pre-orders for Dusk opened in August 2017. In a nod to the episodic shareware releases of 1990s first person shooters like Doom and Quake, pre-orderers gained immediate access to the first episode of Dusk, The Foothills, in advance of the full game's release. A closed beta for DuskWorld, Dusk's multiplayer component, opened in December 2017 to selected volunteering participants.[12]

Dusk released into early access on January 11, 2018, containing both DuskWorld and the first two episodes of the singleplayer campaign.[13] On June 12, 2018, New Blood Interactive announced that Dusk will be released for the Nintendo Switch.[14]

Dusk fully released out of early access on December 10, 2018, on the 25th anniversary of its inspiration, Doom.[15]

The Switch port was released on October 28, 2021, followed by a version for PlayStation 4 on October 31, 2023.[16][17]

Prequel

[edit]

On April 1, 2021, New Blood Interactive released a seeming April Fools joke in the form of screenshots of a 2D roguelike version of Dusk.[18] The screenshots were soon revealed to be genuine previews of a real game.

Dusk '82 ULTIMATE EDITION was released on October 22 for Halloween 2021.[19] The game is an action/puzzler similar to Chip's Challenge, though with thematic and story elements of Dusk, and features chiptune versions of the Dusk soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult.

Reception

[edit]

The early access release of Dusk received generally positive reviews. Significant praise was directed towards the authenticity of Dusk's gameplay in relation to its 1990s progenitors, with Rock Paper Shotgun saying that the game "manages to avoid being the retro game equivalent of an observational comedy stand-up, hoping that simply jogging your memory will provide sufficient entertainment ... Dusk has too much energy to fall into that trap."[28]

PC Gamer praised the level design of Dusk, stating that the game "is both an ode to and evolution of the greatest era of FPS level design."[29] Following a gameplay preview of Dusk's third episode, Destructoid commented: "if the level design trend exhibited in this early state is any indication, DUSK could be in the running for one of the best FPS games ever made."[30]

The Switch port was praised as a faithful conversion and "a nigh-on flawless iteration of an excellent game".[16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "David Szymanski". Twitter. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  2. ^ Lahti, Evan (September 15, 2016). "Brutal new FPS mixes Hexen, Doom, and Quake". pcgamer.com. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  3. ^ Zweiden, Zack (September 20, 2016). "DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A '90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY". killscreen.com. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  4. ^ Caldwell, Brendan (September 15, 2016). "From DOOM 'Til DUSK: A New 'Classic' FPS Murderthon". rockpapershotgun.com. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  5. ^ Szymanski, David (August 5, 2017). "@DUSKdev on Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  6. ^ Oshry, Dave. "DUSK Episode 1 Player Haters' Guide". Google Docs. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c Zwiezen, Zack (September 20, 2016). "DUSK IS HOW YOU MAKE A '90S SHOOTER FOR TODAY". killscreen.com. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Ruhland, Perry (December 5, 2016). "Indie Interview - DUSK". techraptor.net. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  9. ^ Handley, Zoey (March 21, 2022). "Review: Iron Lung". Destructoid. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  10. ^ Boehm., Aaron (March 15, 2022). "[Review] A Descent into an Ocean of Blood Makes 'Iron Lung' an Oppressively Atmospheric Experience". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  11. ^ Oshry, Dave (January 2, 2019). "Three years ago..." steamcommunity.com. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  12. ^ Prescott, Shaun (December 19, 2017). "Retro FPS Dusk has a free multiplayer closed beta right now". rockpapershotgun.com. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  13. ^ Horti, Samuel (January 11, 2018). "Old-school shooter Dusk blasts into Early Access". pcgamer.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  14. ^ Torfe, Pat (June 17, 2018). "[E3 2018] New Blood Interactive's 'DUSK' Headed to the Switch". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  15. ^ Tarason, Dominic (December 10, 2018). "Gory retro FPS Dusk rips and tears out of early access today". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  16. ^ a b Linneman, John (October 20, 2021). "Dusk on Switch: a beautifully nightmarish modern retro shooter". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  17. ^ "DUSK coming to PS4 on October 31". Gematsu. October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  18. ^ "New Blood Announces Its April Fools Joke, DUSK '82, Will Be A Real Game". TheGamer. April 8, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  19. ^ Wilson, Mike (October 24, 2021). "[Trailer] Action Puzzler 'DUSK '82: ULTIMATE EDITION' Available Now". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  20. ^ "DUSK for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  21. ^ "DUSK for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  22. ^ Glagowski, Peter (December 15, 2018). "Review: DUSK". Destructoid. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  23. ^ Reeves, Ben (December 13, 2018). "Dusk Review - Getting Old Schooled". Game Informer. Archived from the original on December 19, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Santa Maria, Alex (December 10, 2018). "Dusk Review - Feed My Head". GameRevolution. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  25. ^ Cunningham, James (December 14, 2018). "Review: Dusk". Hardcore Gamers. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  26. ^ Journalist, Jeuxvideo (December 26, 2018). "Test Dusk: un FPS frénétique au doux parfum rétro". Jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  27. ^ Birnbaum, Ian (December 11, 2018). "Dusk review". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  28. ^ Smith, Adam (January 17, 2018). "DUSK is a delicious cocktail of nineties shooters". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  29. ^ Steadman, Norm (August 14, 2017). "Dusk's incredible FPS levels continue where Quake left off". pcgamer.com. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  30. ^ Glagowski, Peter (April 14, 2018). "DUSK's Episode Three is shaping up nicely". Destructoid. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
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