Dark Cloud is a classic action RPG that was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2000. The game was developed by Level-5, a studio known for their charming and whimsical games that often blur the lines between genres. At its core, Dark Cloud is a dungeon-crawling adventure where you take control of a cast of unique characters and explore a variety of procedurally generated dungeons.

Each dungeon is filled with traps, enemies, and treasure, and the game’s real-time combat system allows you to switch between characters on the fly and utilize a variety of weapons and abilities to take down foes. One of the most interesting aspects of Dark Cloud is its unique weapon upgrade system. As you defeat enemies and explore the dungeons, you collect a variety of items and materials that can be used to upgrade your weapons. Each weapon has a limited number of upgrade slots, and you can mix and match different materials to create powerful and unique weapons that suit your playstyle.

In addition to the dungeon-crawling and combat, Dark Cloud also features a town-building aspect where you must rebuild the various towns and villages that have been destroyed by the game’s main antagonist. As you rebuild, you’ll attract new residents and merchants who will sell you new weapons, items, and upgrades. The art direction and music in Dark Cloud are also standout features. The game’s colorful and cartoonish visuals have aged surprisingly well, and the music is a delightful mix of catchy melodies and atmospheric tracks that perfectly capture the game’s adventurous spirit.

Despite being over 20 years old, Dark Cloud still holds up as a unique and engaging experience that is well worth playing today. Its blend of dungeon-crawling, combat, and town-building is still fresh and innovative, and its colorful visuals and memorable characters make it a joy to experience from start to finish.