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Magrunner: Dark Pulse

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2013

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Quick resume

Magrunner: Dark Pulse is an action-puzzle game in which technology confronts the Cthulhu Mythos, penned by H.P. Lovecraft. Equipped with your Magtech glove, you must harness the ability to magnetically polarize and manipulate objects in the environment to survive and surpass challenging puzzles.

Global score

73/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Shooter, Puzzle

Pros

  • Challenging and original magnetic puzzles
  • Immersive lovecraftian sci-fi atmosphere
  • Good graphics and sound design
  • Solid single-player puzzle platformer
  • Reasonable game length and value

Cons

  • Weak and confusing story
  • Frustrating platforming sections late game
  • Some unintuitive puzzle mechanics
  • Lack of polish in animations and voice acting
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to solve puzzles in multiple ways using magnetic mechanics and explore levels at their own pace."

  • Competence
    4

    "Challenging puzzles requiring skillful manipulation of magnetic fields and platforming, with a steep learning curve."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual puzzle solving and personal progress without competitive elements or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players often engage in long sessions to solve puzzles, but some find later levels frustrating and may quit early."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players experiment with magnetic fields and multiple puzzle solutions, though within designed constraints."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; purely individual puzzle solving."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Immersive sci-fi and Lovecraftian atmosphere provides escapism from real life."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in puzzles and story."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try new mechanics and puzzle approaches, discovering solutions through experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some exploration of environments and hidden puzzle elements, though mostly within set puzzle rooms."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Limited customization or self-expression; players use predefined characters and environments."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong Lovecraftian horror and sci-fi themes create an imaginative fictional experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No community or social interaction; strictly single-player."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and learn complex mechanics progressively."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement to solve puzzles."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional connections formed; purely solitary experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress through levels and unlock new mechanics and story elements."

  • Relaxation
    -1

    "Some tension and frustration in difficult puzzles, but also moments of flow and satisfaction."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and atmospheric effects provide sensory stimulation, though not extreme."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative with Lovecraftian themes adds immersion, though story is considered weak or secondary."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires logical thinking, planning, and problem solving to complete puzzles."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension from timed puzzles and monster encounters."

  • Value
    3

    "Good value for price, especially on sale, with satisfying gameplay length."

  • Violence
    1

    "Some combat elements against monsters, but mostly puzzle-focused with limited violence."

  • Survival
    2

    "Occasional threats and need to avoid monsters add survival elements to gameplay."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026