Darklight Conflict would've been a really cool game if it wasn't so difficult and if there was a saving option...
Space Sims are not very common games nor are they popular. Darklight Conflict is a space sim released for the Playstation and Saturn. The storyline is what you'd expect from sci-fi game. A human was apparently taking down some jet fighters on earth, when suddenly he is transported in a distant far away area of the galaxy. There is a huge war involving aliens. The alien groups include the Reptons and the Ovons. You, as the human, joined forces with the Reptons and are suppose to do mission objectives that they assign. When you first start out Darklight Conflict, you are given 9 training levels to get you pumped up for tasks in real levels. The training levels show you how to enter in hyperspace units, shoot enemies down with many different types of weapons, and how to do move elements from one place to another. After you complete all the training missions, you're out to do the mission objectives that the Reptons order you to. You have to, however, get used to the control layout throughout the game. DC also happens to be a very difficult game, making most of the missions more frustrating then enjoyable. This flaw can really infect people's enjoyment in this game, because the gameplay concept is interesting and cool.
Graphics:
For a Saturn game, this game shines very well. The light-sourcing is very good and the polygons have solid details and look pretty realistic-looking. The frame rate is very solid and never seems to slow down much. So, to sum it up, Darklight Conflict is a good looking 32-bit game.
Sound:
The music is techno with a space-feel to it, which is fine. Though the music wasn't very interesting, it's what you'd expect from a sci-fi space game. The computer's voice in the game is pretty good and robotic. And finally, the sound effects are suitable for this game. In audio terms, Darklight Conflict isn't as impressive as the graphics and gameplay, but it's not an annoyance.
Conclusion:
Another issue with Darklight Conflict is that there's no save system. That's right; instead you have to type in passwords to go to the level you last left off. Both systems have a save option for most of their games, but not here. Also, if you die in DC, (and you can easily considering the game's difficult missions) you have to start the entire game all over unless you pause and press restart. Darklight Conflict has over 50 levels (including the training levels). So with no save system and an automatic restart of the game if you die, this game feels like an old-school arcade game. So while Darklight Conflict's gameplay, graphics and variety of other stuff is impressive, the lack of saving features and the hard missions prevent the enjoyment this title could've had...
Pros:
-Interesting gameplay
-Pretty graphics
-Over 50 levels
-Decent variety of weapons and other actions
Cons:
-Too hard.
-No save feature, instead, password system replaces it...
-If you die, you have to start the game all over again.