The Beginnings of the Dave Saga
Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion, also known as Dangerous Dave 2 and Rooms of Doom, takes players on a haunting journey in a mansion filled with terror.
The narrative revolves around Dave’s mission to rescue his brother, Delbert, who has disappeared within the haunted confines of the mansion.
The game’s engine, based on the Shadow Knights, incorporates additional code for smooth character movement. Furthermore, an auto-loading shotgun, a game-changer, makes its debut in this sequel.
Several features introduced in this game were carried forward into its successors, Dangerous Dave’s Risky Rescue and Dave Goes Nutz.
Gameplay Unveiled
In this side-scrolling action game, players navigate through a sprawling mansion, battling an array of monsters and collecting items, primarily for bonus points. Achieving certain point thresholds earns you extra lives, while facing formidable boss fights awaits you after a set number of levels.
One of the game’s unique aspects is the innovative approach to ammunition. Unlike other games with limited ammo, Dave wields a shotgun with the ability to fire eight bullets simultaneously. However, reloading takes time, and it is essential to time your shots strategically. Adding to the depth, players can aim the shotgun in various directions—up, down, or straight ahead.
A Haunting Tale
Dave’s journey commences with the abduction of his brother Dilbert, leading him to a peculiar and horrifying mansion. The exterior may seem innocuous at first, with initial encounters against zombies posing little challenge.
However, as you delve deeper into the mansion’s abyss, the atmosphere darkens, revealing treacherous terrain like the basement and subterranean passages.
Throughout the eight levels, Dave encounters a diverse array of creatures, each with distinct movement and attack patterns. Some throw knives, others descend from the ceiling, and some simply materialize to ambush the hero.
Adapting to each adversary demands different strategies. In the depths of the mansion, players face two formidable bosses, one midway and another as the final challenge.
Game Mechanics
Given the game’s action-oriented nature, some violence occurs when Dave meets his demise, portrayed through brief animations.
The game defies the convention of collecting ammunition or weapons along the way, as Dave is armed with an 8-shot shotgun from the start. It automatically reloads during idle moments, eliminating the need for manual ammunition collection.
This unique approach adds depth to the gameplay.
Will you save Dilbert from the clutches of the mansion’s most terrifying horrors?
Another distinctive feature is the ability to aim the shotgun not just straight ahead but also upwards and downwards, proving invaluable when dealing with foes on different elevations or navigating staircases swarming with zombies.
What Can You Collect?
In the mansion’s eerie corridors, your primary collectibles are various precious gemstones and items that contribute to your overall score.
Amassing 10,000 points awards Dave an additional life. These life bonuses can sometimes be found within specific levels, often concealed in secret areas.
Facing the Challenge
One notable aspect of Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion is its lack of a save feature. The absence of save points means that completing the game requires a continuous playthrough from start to finish. However, this doesn’t deter players who persevere.
As you familiarize yourself with the mansion’s layout and enemy placement, you can significantly improve your odds of survival. Skilled players can even complete the game in just half an hour. Yet reaching this level of proficiency takes dedication and patience, making the game a lasting source of enjoyment and challenge.
Conclusion
Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion is pretty challenging game, particularly due to the absence of save points. However, it offers a multitude of intriguing features such as the unchanging weapon and reloading mechanism.
The game presents a wide variety of adversaries, each with distinct behaviors, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay. While mastering the game can be a slow and challenging process, it offers hours of enjoyment.
Play Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion online
Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion is accessible online through web browsers and on mobile and tablet platforms.