The Ensign Positive Reviews

The Ensign App User Positive Comments 2024

The Ensign app received 183 positive comments and reviews by users. Can you share your positive thoughts about the ensign?

The Ensign for Positive User Reviews

✓ So worth itWow! What a b$7ch of an update. The difficulty level shot up. Completed it fully twice but this makes everything agro again. You will die. A lot. But the story line is awesome, and it's so addictive in the 'your not going to get the best of me' game..Mel WilliamsVersion: 1.45

✓ 10/10Absolutely fantastic game, especially considering it’s a mobile and text-based game with a surprising amount of depth. The recent update is especially amazing as it makes achieving the impossible feel even more rewarding..X-Man X-TremeVersion: 5.2

✓ Absolutely amazingBefore you buy the game, know this, THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT GAMES ON THE APP STORE. YOU W I L L DIE MANY TIMES!!! It's made to be tough, you get better at it though. You just need to keep trying. To the developer(s): I truly love this game, I loved a dark room too, I even loved A Noble Circle. I find your games perfect and intriguing. I honestly don't know if there's anything you could have done better.(except a button straight to the end screen😉) I feel like I live my life in anticipation of your next game(please make another) If you're out of ideas, try making one from a human's perspective, or maybe the builder, or, even better, the Admiral. Picture this, you are the Admiral and you attempt to conquer Earth in a sort of strategy game. I really look forward to your next game.1800notascamVersion: 1.55

✓ Not for EveryoneI played this game for about an hour total before I lost interest. I’m sure the game has a load of secrets and is really enjoyable once you learn secrets and strategies, but after about 10 tries I just didn’t find the repetitive restarting fun. For that reason I won’t give it a poor rating, but if you are someone who is expecting a casual game to play through in an afternoon or a laid back prequel to A Dark Room, you may want to look into it more. I’ve read on other reviews that the game becomes easier the more tries you take, so maybe I’ll edit this review when I come back and try again! Still, it deserves four stars for the complexity and uniqueness. Worth $2 if only to support the Dev 🙏🏼.ZghearneVersion: 1.55

✓ Truly amazingA truly wonderful game, locked the dark room, and this is just as good, would suggest this game to everyone who is even considering buying it, just make sure you play the dark room first. May the fire burn brightly for you, may it keep you warm..IJames901Version: 1.37

✓ Something you should experienceHonestly. I love this game. I played through A Dark Room. Both endings. I love the way both of these games make you think about your actions and the morality of them. For such a simple text based concept. Both games manage to convey an interesting and thought provoking story. I just played through the ensign again after the new ending came out and I gotta say I loved it. You should definitely take the time to struggle and play through this without looking for spoilers. Just remember Death Awaits. 👌🏻✌🏻.EnderTheBeanVersion: 6.1

✓ Feature Request: Flip Screen (Will Review Later)Can you add screen rotation compatibility. Landscape is totally unnecessary and I understand would require a whole layout readjustment, I’m simply asking to allow flipping upside down. The charger port of an iPad is on the bottom, this game is played in portrait. It’s uncomfortable to play while charging. I can’t lay on my back and rest the iPad in my stomach, lol. Can you fix that real quick so when I play in the same portrait mode you programmed this in its with my charger cable coming out of the top? I confirm I’m not in screen lock it’s just not supported by the app. Thank you I love your work!!.NeuralRayVersion: 1.55

✓ This is a great game!Just because it's different than "The Dark Room" doesn't mean it's not as good. Yes, it's very difficult and sometimes painful, but the developer didn't want a game that you could beat just like that and forget about it. I really liked the red text that tried to get under your skin. I thought it was something nice to keep you from throwing your device across the room and keep playing. Something else that I liked that helped push forward was the audio clips at the end. I really like how the developer tells you some backs story and things like that about the game..AdniyaVersion: 1.55

✓ Really engaging!It's not quite in the league of A Dark Room, but this prequel is pretty great. It took me a while to work out, and a longer while still to finish. Warning: it's very frustrating at first - stick with it and it starts to make more sense... Probably best to play after finishing A Dark Room..Alice53zVersion: 1.55

✓ Work of artSuch a good game..FatcowismeeVersion: 1.55

✓ Simple yet grippingThough it starts as out as seemingly impossible, once you get the hang of the game (and it doesn't take that long to) it's fantastic. Not a very long game, and it doesn't have a huge replay value, but definitely worth the price..Chip_159Version: 1.55

✓ SpeechlessAmir, once again, thank you for a beautiful game. I have played it twice through - the first time, I did the bare minimum, to reach the end. When I saw that there was more that needed to be done, I just had to try again. It was worth it. My head is pounding, my eyes are red and my throat is parched, but I've done it. Full 100% completion. I achieved The Impossible. I appreciate being given a choice in the moral dilemmas that cropped up throughout the game, unlike in ADR. Somehow, it was spiritually comforting to be able to project my own human ideals on the Ensign, despite his vehement rejection of humanity. A few technical issues cropped up with my lowly 4s, where the game would force quit in the earlier stages upon death in battle or impending thirst. Upon reopening, one of two scenarios would happen: I would be met with an entirely reset game again, or the map would be identical prior to the force quit, but my water would be refilled. This was an ultra-marathon of a game. It has not shaken me to the core as A Dark Room did, but it moved me and reaffirmed my own morality, in a roundabout way. Be warned - this is a cerebral, tactical, and a grinding game. There is, I feel, less mystique and fewer darker undertones than ADR, but a brilliant companion piece..ThejazbandVersion: 1.35

✓ Very good.If you're coming here without having played A Dark Room, I strongly suggest you play ADR first. This prequel is much more interesting if you have played ADR beforehand, and ADR is definitely worth it. To anyone else or anyone who just wants to know how this game is: First off, I prefer ADR, although that's my preference. Second off, this game is HARD. It's basically a rougelite. Actions you make minimally affect your next life. And you will be moving from life to life, that is to say you will be dying, a lot. But it's fun. It is very, very fun, and quite difficult. Tl;dr: Very hard game. Get it if you enjoyed ADR..Lainie graceVersion: 1.55

✓ The EnsignI've never played such an amazing game. at first i became really discouraged and i wanted to give up. many times i did. it's taken me over a year to complete this game. i had to take long breaks from this game because i got so frustrated. the layout is simple. it's just letters and symbols, but it's more than that. this game tears you apart mentally and you have to test your values. it's so intriguing and beautiful. the pain of dying over and over and over is something i would've never imagined. just don't give up on this game. never give up on it. keep trying and trust me, you won't regret it.MacadruliVersion: 1.55

✓ Perseverance is keySo first, you need to resign yourself to dying and restarting a few times. It's going to happen. Accept it. Keep going. Second, it's worth exploring the whole place. I won't spoil it all but the first time I saw 'cake' my thoughts were 'trap'. I'm still not sure if that's right or not. It's currently my favourite part though. Third... It's hard. It is hard. But completing it is possible. You can do it! That final play through took me just over 6 hours total - it's not quick. The 'practice' rounds to get there... Way way longer. If you have a thesis due in a few days like me - don't download til after. You have been warned. :P.004ASH DreamerVersion: 1.55

✓ Amazing, just amazing.The endsign and the dark room were the two best video games I have ever played, it was crazy how the creator could create real life emotions and moral Dilemmas from something as simple as a text based game. All in all this is an amazing game for you to play if you would like to enjoy a good challenge..BenjamicVersion: 1.55

✓ Does not work with IOS 14Great game.Raymund12Version: 5.2

✓ 😍😍😍😍Amazing.PurplenaknakVersion: 1.40

✓ Hard as all heck, but worth itThere are few apps left on the App Store like this one. I played this years ago and loved it, but the additions of a new ending, a little more of the story, the defectors and the 2 dope swords in the ship easily makes it my favorite game on the store. The eerie feelings of going from house to house in a bleak and dark landscape, some with real thought provoking decisions being presented, are powerful. I had to literally stop the game to think about the decision with the defenseless woman. Not many games can do that, especially on the App Store. I love this game, I love struggling in the beginning, I love being a powerful warrior later and I love overcoming the Impossible. High praise for this game. Plus the note in the house near the corner is classic. Thanks for making this..Sensai WuuuVersion: 6.9

✓ Fun and challenging, but broken tooI really enjoy this game and how difficult it is. I do have a problem with it requiring you to die. Yes, defectors are very hard early on but I challenged myself to be strong enough to kill them endlessly without dying. They literally hit me with every step and can't kill me (I've killed 40 in a row) but the game doesn't let me access landmarks until I let them kill me so I can't continue. Even the swamp turns grey. If you require death, then make defectors one shot you by the 5th one instead of how it's currently set where I have to just watch it kill me..EickbarVersion: 1.55

✓ It was so good!Just finished 'The Ensign' after playing through 'A Dark Room' and MAN!!! I enjoyed this game so very much! I truly wish I could play through again for the first time. Excellent, compelling storyline, super fun and challenging game mechanics, mystery and intrigue.. what more can we ask for?!? I will be waiting for more games that chronicle this series and I hope to meet the builder again someday!.GeggsyihgthfVersion: 1.55

✓ Different but goodPlay dark room first as although this is a prequel it is the better of the two games. If you still want more then move onto the ensign. Tough enough to be fun but not too hard to put me off..Dark room fanVersion: 1.40

✓ Punishing??? Indeed!!So, yes in the beginning I thought this was difficult, and many months had passed since I played, but I picked this game back up and persisted in finishing it, turns out it's not actually as hard as it initially seemed... But overall I'd have this to say. To Armir, you have created 2 of the most detailed, and intricate games I've played of the last 5 years, and though it is only text, the work, time and effort you've put in to ADR and The Ensign, fully shines through. The story is impeccable, the gameplay mechanics are fluid and extremely well thought out, and overall... It's interesting and challenging all at the same time, whilst always keeping me captivated. So I thank you, these 2 games have become 2 of my highest ranked ones of all time. You give me hope for future games!!!! Never stop creating.KazzaskullVersion: 1.55

✓ Loved itSuch a journey. Felt close to quitting a few times. Can still remember the feeling of seeing the red text for the first time...little reassurance to keep going but it was enough to inspire me to continue on the dusty plane.RoycemwVersion: 6.9

✓ A great prequel!This a a very good prequel to ADR, I love the story as you play though the game and the difficulty of the game is perfect as it makes you want to push on..ErkfirVersion: 1.37

✓ Best game I ever playedAwesome, this game tells a great story of the wanderers empire. Turns out your guy in a dark room is a multi armed alien and also your guy in this game is pretty evil considering the fact that he kills already starved human resistance. This game is totally worth it but some things ruin u sometimes right before u finish. First couple times u play just mess around and find all the effects of what u do. Everything in this game ties into a dark room this game you are still the same wanderer just before u go into a coma or something..LihiniVersion: 1.55

✓ Hard but fun and rewarding. Frustrating Bug at endgame.I played both this and a dark room back when it first came out and I was a kid. I just recently came back to it and in my opinion it’s an extremely fun and challenging game. It’s very tempting to just walk around without purpose but every step matters because you have to constantly watch your food and water levels. The battles are fun but fair and the fighting seems RNG like at first because you can either hit or miss but typically you lose fights from lack of preparation rather than being “unlucky”. I think that if you enjoy a thoughtful storyline along with challenging gameplay this game is for you. HOWEVER one critique I have is a bug at the end of the game. When you get to the end of the game after completing it a specific way you unlock a mode, but it’s bugged and the screen does not show properly so you can’t use it. This is extremely frustrating because a lot of time and effort goes into unlocking this mode. If the developer is reading this please fix!!!.T-BandzzxxVersion: 6.1

✓ I love cake!Just wonderful, worth the effort, the goading red text just made me more determined. Cake was very funny..RSDelVersion: 1.55

✓ Sigh....This game is annoying. To say the least. I am leaving a five star review not because of the immediate gameplay, but because of the creativity of the developer and the way he has managed to create an immense feeling of satisfaction when you succeed at even the smallest task. I have not yet completed the game. Also, note that this is not a marathon game. If played in small intervals, you will eventually get used to inevitable failure and, when faced by it, simply sigh and take a break. For all it's infuriating aspects, it's overpowered bosses, it's taunting and it's overall atmosphere of "Still trying? I pity your inability to forded the inevitable", this is a masterfully created game, and I will complete it. I WILL. After I go bang my head against the wall.....VermontvetsVersion: 1.55

✓ 100% would recommendThis is by far my favourite game. I’ve had it for 4 years now and every so often I’d come back to it and become fully immersed in its story. Finally, I finished the game (I didn’t realise I did at first, however) and I’ve never felt so accomplished before. I found the art style so simplistic yet creative. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your imagination I would definitely recommend this one, plus you should check out “A Dark Room” (created by the same person) as it ties in with this one..Awwww m8Version: 1.55

✓ ThrillingAbout four hours ago, after I died for the nth time and got a smarmy red text message about how bad I was at this game, I opened up the app store and typed out a negative review. Then I deleted it and went back to the game. Maybe there was something I was missing? Turns out, there was. As interesting as the story elements were, they were nothing compared to the feeling of realizing that I'd discovered the whole map and maxed out my ship, at the same time as I (shaky and exhilarated) barely managed to kill the defector. So glad I stuck with it. A great game, and a worthy successor to A Dark Room..R H AckermanVersion: 1.55

✓ Frustratingly Excellent!Having played "A Dark Room" I was itching to play this prequel. Massively different but strangely similar. I couldn't stop playing no matter how often I died. With every death you learn how to progress that little bit more through to the end. I've never felt such hopelessness in a game as I have in this when I've noticed my water level is too low to reach the nearest replenish point after thinking I've got a good foundation of food and weapons. Remember games like Ghouls & Ghosts? No save, play from start to finish. You die you start from the beginning albeit with subtle perks each time. Test your resolve.BlindBakerVersion: 1.55

✓ A worthwhile experiencePlay "A Dark Room" first. Then (if you like that and finish it) come and experience this. Don't read the reviews on the description page. Thar be spoilers, and these are games you can only fully appreciate the first time you play them..Barbie's SeamstressVersion: 1.33

✓ PerfectJust like ADR, it is one of the best games I have ever played. The storytelling is brilliant and the gameplay is addictive and enjoyable, you actually feel like you are accomplishing something. Both ADR and The Ensign have made me feel so much emotion. It has been a very long time since I have felt this way about games. Can't wait for more of your wonderful creations..BeboppedVersion: 1.35

✓ Love itAmir I'm very impressed you have done it once again. A beautiful game an absolute artwork. Just the right amount of story telling and text to keep it esoteric but at the same time keep the user engaged and interested enough to attempt it over and over again. 10/10 for me love it..SylvoooVersion: 1.27

✓ It's not too hard to beatYou all say it's "too hard" and "impossible" but it's difficulty is only so high to give you a sense of accomplishment when you beat it. I thought it was too hard. I thought I'd never beat it. I even attempted to leave a negative review. But I kept trying and trying and I did it. I beat the ensign. Even upon death I feel the red text is a reward, a taunt, like an Easter egg to keep you playing so even if you do die, you get something new. Don't quit. Don't stop. Push forwards..ManallthenicknamesaretakenVersion: 1.55

✓ Amazing gameI loved this and a dark room and played then both non stop for hours. Great story and really addictive game play. Imagination required !.HughvalentineVersion: 1.37

✓ Punishing but satisfying to beatAfter many, many months of playing and temporarily "giving up", i have finally beaten this game. i haven't beaten the secrets, but i have made it. there are no words for how much i love this game. yes, i hate it for punishing me again, and again, and again - but i love it. i love all the features about it. i love the red text. i don't want to spoil it for anyone, so all i advise that you do is stick with it. the graphics are not amazing, but it compensates with a mysterious story, punishing fights and moral choices (which messed with me at first, but i have become desensitised to from many months of playing). anyway, i highly recommend this game for people who love text based, low graphic indie games that include time travel. (bonus points for the portal reference).PurplendicularVersion: 1.55

✓ AmazingBrutal, yet satisfying. Punishing yet a sense of accomplishment. Don't give in too early. Don't listen to the secrets til you've uncovered 100% of the map. Definitely worth the money. I normally don't finish games. Maybe because these days games aren't designed that way. But this was brilliant. And so was a Dark Room. Thanks for the privilege in allowing me to learn the world for myself. This is the difference between kids games and games for adults..Jakos202Version: 1.37

✓ Amazing gameplayThe storyline was so compelling and it wasn’t so difficult that I wanted to give up. However, the game crashed after I finished and I didn’t get a chance to listen to the secrets because it completely reset.EviebevienevolantVersion: 1.55

✓ Awesome!So simple yet sooo annoyingly addictive. Frustrating and rewarding. I love this game!!!.Vickiw76Version: 1.55

✓ If there were 10 stars I would give it 11This game like the dark room really appeals to me and my youth. Who remembers elite on the spectrum. This game is so similar not in content or every story line but simplicity. It's about the story which you guide your way through and your actions that have consequences. It's not easy and the challenges draws you back again and again. More games should be like this. For me games are not about shinny graphics but compelling playability..SharpebusinesssenseVersion: 1.37

✓ PerfectIf perfection exists in this universe in glad to own it and play it and now right it a review the simple graphics are awesome the story amazing and it even beats the dark room (which I'm happy to have bought regardless of the simple description and only one photo though that might have been why I did because it intrigued me and this did the same) it's worth every penny it costs and I think everyone should play it atleast ounce in there life where gameplay meets art and story is where the ensign and the dark room lie.LoyalDroneVersion: 1.55

✓ Time ParadoxJust How Many Times Could It Go Wrong?!.SenjansVersion: 1.40

✓ Another delightful game from Amirali RajanI always know it's money well spent when I buy one of this dev's games. This time, he wowed me with his brilliance by building the game using one of my favorite mechanics of A Dark Room. Each game by him is its own world for the player to explore. He does so much with such simple materials; you can just tell that he really loves his craft and spends a lot of time and energy pouring that into meticulously designing every facet of his games. I would say something about what I pictured the world of this game to be like, but I don't want to give anything away. All I will say is this: Be patient with yourself, even when you die of starvation because you weren't paying attention to your food supply. Trust me, it's worth the frustration..Em 'n' m'sVersion: 1.55

✓ Great funThe Ensign is a cruel, difficult and a ruthless game and it is much darker than "A Dark Room", but it's definitely a lot of fun. The game puts all its emphasis on the dusty path game mode from A Dark Room (which was one of my favourite features of ADR) and it works very well. The twists and turns in the story are very well put together, and the little messages you receive after you die also accentuates the cruel nature of the game. Oh and trust me, you will die. A lot!.-Redemption-Version: 1.37

✓ Excitement!I enjoyed A Dark Room quite some bit, and I know I'm going to enjoy this. It's a wonderful experience!.BraybraydzVersion: 1.39

✓ Just give up. You know you want to.Loved this and A Dark Room. Two stellar games. Will be eagerly awaiting the third instalment..HogramVersion: 1.55

✓ EnticingSuch a great game! Leaves you wanting more..Hi guys I'm watching HHSVersion: 1.47

✓ One of The Most Rewarding Games of All TimeI started off with this narrative through “A Dark Room.” Upon my first attempt, I instantly realized I had never played anything like it. It challenged me in ways I had never been. The details while minimalistic, immerse the player in a greater way than most console games do. Every word read pulls the player deeper into the world of the game, and constantly makes one want to know more about this dark and mysterious world. “The Ensign” is just as interesting if not more interesting than “A Dark Room.” It gives a slightly different mechanic when it comes to traversing the dusty path. However, it does an outstanding job of providing the player with a similar yet unique experience compared to “A Dark Room.” It is challenging, immersive, stunning, terrifying, and rewarding all in the same experience. I strongly urge others to play these games and experience both stories for themselves. There has never been a game like this..WilliamD96Version: 6.1

✓ Frustrating and... kind of worth it?This game is designed to make you scream and throw your phone across the room. it’s set up to make you fail the first... 6 or 7 times? so just get it over with quick. don’t try to survive. you can’t. after 6 or 7 tries, they start you out with more hp and things to help you succeed. i finally beat it and i guess it was worth it. i was going to give 3 stars but hell, i’ve spent so much time with it, i guess it deserves another. i wish they would give a more satisfying ending other than merely setting up the next game, “a dark room.” good game to play on the train/bus or to kill a few minutes now and then..ChickenSoupForTheColeVersion: 1.55

✓ Amazing!I played A Dark Room, and I was blown away so I had the try The Ensign. The game did not disappoint! Both games are a work or art. I did however miss the resource gathering aspect from ADR though a number of new mechanics in the Ensign made up for it. If you haven't played either of these games, you're missing out !.Niall ConaghanVersion: 1.37

✓ Cool cool coolSuspenseful gaming. I loved the technical side of this game and the strategy involved. I thoroughly enjoyed being punished and I genuinely felt myself learning from my mistakes and getting to know the game. Towards the end I found it to be too easy, I was dominating everything and hoarding upgrades. I probably could have explored the world more but at 70% explored my ship was ready and I was eager to see what would happen next..MontanzkingVersion: 1.55

✓ Don't give upYes, I was shocked the first time I died and had to start over. But then I realized that, of course, without the builder's locket to resurrect you (as in ADR), what else could happen? I was IMMENSELY relieved when, on my third try, I started being able to survive the defector fights, and it got better from there. It's actually a good thing that you die so quickly at first - imagine spending two hours on the game the first time, being over halfway done, and THEN dying for the first time and realizing you have to start over? I've spent 10 hours on this game over the past few days, completed it twice (the second time to get some of the content mentioned in the Secrets that I missed the first time), and am glad I spent the $2. I especially appreciated the hug I got in the red text the time I died during the final space flight due to too few hull hp. That hug was the main reason I didn't give up at that point. (I recommend at least 30 hp, for the record.).Porcupine888Version: 1.55

✓ Great gameI really enjoy playing this game, at first i was getting frustrated because i kept dying all the time, but each time i got a little bit further and i understood what was happening a little better. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.BdjfkendjjsVersion: 1.33

✓ AmazingOne of the few games on the AppStore that is worth buying, while a bit repetitive, this pulls it off masterfully as the player wanders through a randomly generated map. Even with such simple graphics it manages to pull off a great and compelling story. 5/5.X_Formula_BOMBVersion: 1.55

✓ Great potentialI kept dying at the beginning which is very frustrating.JdikkVersion: 1.37

✓ Great GameHighly recommend this game and A Dark Room.MephistophelixVersion: 5.2

✓ Needs adjustment or not!Needs a little bit of a change in thinking as there is quite a big difference between this game and 'a dark room'. I think the difficulty level is a bit hit and miss as I just came across a 199 hit level character shortly after discovering an iron mine and my hit points were a maximum of 40. It was also impossible to avoid this character as he tracks you. So after spending numerous 15-30 minute spurts of fame playing you are thrust back to square one. This is what the dev means by not many people being able to complete the game. Update: looks like my frustration was unfounded! Suppose I shouldn't say more than that so changed my star rating to max as you do need to persevere!.Chocho8Version: 1.27

✓ No spoilersSo this is actually a huge step up from the dark room. It has a more in depth story line that actually ties in with the dark room. Throughout the game, you’ll find yourself being frustrated. A lot. But that’s sort of the point. I’m not going to give anything away, but I will say that your game plays off your history. You’re going to die. You’re going to want to quit. But don’t. I won’t say the game plays off of you dying, but I’ll say that you only grow as you play and die and play again. The more you put into it, the more reward you get out once you start again. Visit the top left corner with a few stuns and plenty of ammo and food. Try to hit as many spots as frequently to keep your food and water up. Never give up! 😉.AsdfghjllooingftjbgVersion: 1.55

✓ I let this sit for a few yearsThe Ensign was too hard for me and I had given up. I distinctly remember NOT liking this game. But after revisiting A Dark Room and loving it even more now than when I first played years back, I gave it another shot. Wow. This game is incredible. Honestly, the developer is on another level. I don’t think I was mature enough to appreciate this game before. I’m glad that I could experience it differently now, and am curious if it will hit even more differently when I’m even older and revisit..Rina LeeVersion: 6.9

✓ Great gameEo1neon says hi. Thanks for making a really difficult game, I'm glad I managed to make it to the end. Anyway, great game (if you can read) and a great story as well, I kind of want to know more about the characters involved but all in all great game and worth the money..Eo1neon says hiVersion: 1.40

✓ Challenging and addictive!I loved A Dark Room and this is even better, and you can keep re playing it! I really enjoyed the goading when I was dying, it was frustrating but challenged me. Amirali you have a great brain, please keep these coming as there is nothing else like these..DrewSE9Version: 1.45

✓ A Dark Room this is notIf you haven't played The Dark Room and love text adventure games and management titles please leave the Ensign here, forget you saw it for now, and go play that. The Ensign sadly does not come close to its predecessor, it strikes a different tone in its gameplay and loses out on much of the dark room's narrative discovery. If you just have to have more when you finish the dark room and are up for more difficulty then by all means get this game, it's still pretty good if you spend some time with it, just don't expect the same great experience twice..JadeXyanVersion: 1.55

✓ Amazing!When I first got this game, I got sucked into it, but gave up. A while ago, I got back into The Ensign and was completely blown away by all the lore hidden in the crevices of the mysterious rebuilding world that we find ourselves in. After putting around 4 hours into the game, I finally got god mode and I firmly believe that I will be putting in another good chunk of ky life to discovering as much as possible. Beating this game felt like I had finishing reading a great book, and I was both happy and sad about it. The detailed descriptions really do help the imagination take off, and after a while, you dont really notice that literally everything in the game is text-based. Great game..TheManUnderTheStairsVersion: 1.55

✓ UpdatedConfused if the game is glitched or if it was an intentional update or get rid of water and food. Keep dying because I can’t find food anywhere and can’t heal my hp. Used to love this game now just confused.Theresa72400Version: 5.2

✓ Indie game that stimulated my imaginationIt's a rare game that really draws me into its world, in the same way that a book does. I love it when that happens - and it happened with the ensign :). Its a sequel to "a dark room" so play that first if you havent yet..JustinleoVersion: 1.33

✓ Amazing game.I really enjoyed this game, even if I did slam my phone down due to dying of dehydration. Just like life, you can't just give up and say it's crap until you have explored everything this has to offer..Jakethesnake600Version: 1.40

✓ Persistence pays offI downloaded this after finishing A Dark Room, and I almost gave up early on due to the implied difficulty. On the cusp of quitting, I read an online walk through which convinced me to keep going just a bit further, and I’m sooo glad I did. After understanding that the early punishment is intended and a rite of passage, I was able to start progressing to the point where the game became enjoyable, perhaps even more so than A Dark Room. It’s more than a puzzle/battle game, please make sure you read the text, and appreciate the storyline, the emotions they’re trying to elicit, and know that it’s worth the initial steep learning curve..FlubberPieVersion: 1.55

✓ The view from the top is amazing.Hard game to start with, but if you stick with it it's amazing when you Finnish. Loved a dark room, like this as well. Great game! Take the challenge.Mr neon LeonVersion: 1.55

✓ Subtle, challenging and hugely rewardingThis is one of the best games I’ve played in a very long time. Like many, I came to this via A Dark Room, which I also enjoyed greatly, but if anything I thought The Ensign was even better. Graphically it’s as simple as its predecessor, stripped back to a very pure RPG mechanism. As the other reviews suggest, it really is punishing at the beginning, and you will die countless times. But over time you start to see each death as progress rather than repeated failure. As the developer explains in his commentary at the end, the difficulty remains the same throughout the game, so every advance you make means you’ve actually improved. There are times (dying after a chance encounter in a seemingly abandoned house, falling prey to a sniper in the long grass) when I thought about giving up. Indeed, the trolling messages after each death seem to actively discourage you from continuing, hinting the whole thing is a cruel and pointless trick. But it also keeps you coming back for more pain; the world the developer creates is so fully realised, and the mysteries of this unforgiving landscape so enticing, that once it has you it’s virtually impossible to put down. After eight hours of play I finally made it to the end, and don’t remember getting so great a sense of achievement from any other game. Simple, sophisticated, rich, subtle, punishing and rewarding - The Ensign is a masterpiece..Richard_EdinburghVersion: 1.55

✓ BrilliantDon't give up on it too early. Totally worth it..Scatterbrain_3Version: 1.55

✓ Insanely difficult, beautifully absorbing.After I had beat the iOS version of A Dark Room (which is an amazing experience, you have to play it), I was led to this. From the co-creator of the iOS A Dark Room, I had a high expectation to fill. And fill it did. The Ensign is an amazing game. There. That's all you need to know. Get it. Experience it. Live it. ... Ok fine. It takes A Dark Room's Dusty Path and turns that into a game of its own. You start out small, megear food, water, and compass and are pushed into this world, filled with compelling narrative and battles for miles. You control your character around; fighting enemies, scavenging items, upgrading your equipment and falling deeper into the story. You die. A lot. Certain things are permanent, but it's back to the start again. But oddly, you want to push through again and again for more. This game is hard but rewarding. I'd say it's a must for every iOS user. Push on, no matter what the screen tells you....AscendingAnthemVersion: 1.37

✓ A reviewThis game ironically took it's sequel/predecessor and developed it into something more challenging but fun all the same. Love the 'don't give up' and 'give up' death screens, they motivate. This may sound random but that last update had a part where you got me laughing. The one where you said 1* reviews make you laugh more at our rage and tears. Seriously, it's funny as heck..FishOMatic2.0Version: 1.40

✓ Incredibly Difficult, Incredibly satisfyingAmazing storyline, excellent gameplay. A very good prequel. Replayable for those little bits you missed, or simply to try and beat the game again. Special Easter eggs and challenges make replaying infinitely entertaining. A level of skill is required in my opinion, the learning curve is steep and frustrating, but not insurmountable. A very enjoyable game, to the point that my first reaction to seeing an update for the game was to gasp in excitement. The challenges are no joke. “Made accomplishing the impossible a little harder” YEAH YOU SURE DID. SURE DID. TLDR: Highly recommend. Difficult, but not impossible..IkillsquidsVersion: 5.2

✓ StunningLeaves your heart racing after the 1st 20mins of game time before the vibes begin to shiver thru your hole body the more you discover and explore the map.best app I have downloaded since adr.MartyJohnstonVersion: 1.37

✓ Awesome !Game is too easy :)) make something harder please ! Beat the impossible a couple of times. 11/10.WisteliasVersion: 1.55

✓ AddictiveThis game was frustrating addictive and a bit creepy. So satisfying coming to the end after hours of play. Totally satisfying my OCD. Reminded me a little of a game I played in the 80s. The first version of Zork. Equally frustrating and creepy. The game leaves a lot to the imagination. Not something you find these days. Loved it..Ellel8Version: 1.55

✓ Challenging but funLike many here I died countless times but kept playing until I eventually got to the end. It's remarkably rewarding despite the difficulty, similar to Dark Souls I suppose..Microbug99Version: 1.55

✓ Well worth .99 centsI consider myself as a casual gamer. I rarely go above easy and this game was definitely a challenge, both emotionally and game play wise. It's something I had to put down because I got too frustrated with dying 2 minutes in and a game I had to put down because I needed to consider what kind of person I want to be. There is only one moment (as far as I know) where the Ensign takes pause at a decision and that made me rethink everything I've done in the game. It is not an easy journey but I feel that it is an important one and one you can make if you keep at it..TatorqeVersion: 1.55

✓ A beautiful well written gameThis game is so well made. The learning curve is steep, but once you get the hang of it it’s not bad at all, I can speed through a playthrough in 30 minutes. The taunting narrator is great, it motivated me to do better and not give up. All throughout the story is amazing too, seeing glimpses into the past is handled beautifully, and the final flashback really hits home. This is definitely my favourite mobile game ever..Canmore5Version: 6.1

✓ GabriellaThe sequel/prequel And again it’s just... AMAZING!!.GJSM123Version: 1.55

✓ Controlling CitiesIn the secrets to a dark room, it mentioned a feature of moving armies from city to city and defending things and just a gameplay like that. I wonder if a game could be made from the humans' perspective of the wanderers or maybe even a defector that joined? Or perhaps even throw in the builder from the first game and explain that story and add different gameplay to it. So the humans would have a different gameplay than wanderers or defectors so that could lead to different gameplay. This is kinda a not to the maker not really a review, but I loved the game. Have to admit there were times where I'd have to stop for a bit because this game is very frustrating...very much so. But an amazing game altogether! So glad I found this game!.ThaunierVersion: 1.55

✓ 🙌 Must buy 🙌I defiantly wouldn't consider myself a gamer; infact the dark room and the ensign are the only games I have played and completed...😅 but I guess that says something, this game takes you on an incredible journey that anyone can experience! if you aren't a gamer; play this game!!!.Zoeypo3yVersion: 1.37

✓ Jesus ChristThis game is EXTREMELY hard. I unfortunately rage quit but still a great prequel.Kim Jong TristanVersion: 1.45

✓ May the fire burn brightly for you, may it keep you warmSuch a simple interface reignites imagination lost. If you fail you did something wrong. Don’t blame the game, learn from it. Too often would I get caught up in getting to a location that I forget to take enough water. A punishing time is ahead of you but worth completing to 100% for a greater appreciation of the story. May the fire burn brightly for you, may it keep you warm..GrmaddenVersion: 5.2

✓ AwesomeReally good fun..Freofan13Version: 1.55

✓ TerrificDifficult, but very rewarding..Scott_sellarsVersion: 1.55

✓ Make another!!I played A Dark Room maybe a year or two ago and I loved it. That game was my favorite to play during school. So when I saw this one I was excited to get back into the story. I loved every detail and effect put into it. You are one of my favorite game creators. Please tell another story. Tell 10 more even. There’s no one else like you on the market so please keep doing this and making the games that are so unique because I promise you that I will continue to play them. Thank you so much for the time on the dusty path. :).Johnald the 2ndVersion: 1.55

✓ I love it but crashesAmazing game just like a dark room but harder, the only issue I have is that it crashes after I die, but I'm using an IPhone 4s so that may have something to do with it..That guy who games n stuffVersion: 1.27

✓ My WorldA beautifully structured game the drove me to the edge of insanity at some points... Although seen as I was so asked I will explain the world I perceived in this masterpiece. I saw a world of darkness, ever step walking blind in the present but useless starlight. The building were run down, crumbling, every corner held a secret. I especially enjoyed the mansions were there were many rooms kept but still ruined, they were beautiful in the stark contrast of the ruins of the war. Also when I wandered far from the swamp, I felt encouraged to stay away from the swamp, to stay out, no matter the danger it presented, I lost track of myself many times and paid for it in death, and each time I smiled as I felt a deep hatred towards that damned red text that relentlessly taunted me. Without graphics it's still a visually beautiful game to play, the layout is simple and easy to overlook and let your imagination take over and play with you. Praise for another incredible game created by an incredible man. Thankyou for this experience.Ellabella73Version: 1.33

✓ On a rollMade an impossible game even harder..Cloudbird99Version: 1.45

✓ ExcellentThis is the first mobile game in a long time that has had me so thoroughly gripped and emotionally invested. The initial frustration makes actually succeeding feel incredible..Sauron3000Version: 1.55

✓ Difficult, but fair, and very much rewarding.Difficult at first, but once you get the hang if it, it's rewarding as heck. Love ADR and The Ensign, the simplistic gameplay and interesting lore both! Overall, it's kinda short, but considering it costs as much as a coffee, I can't really count that as a negative. Doesn't drag on and is very much replayable with the random maps.Fancy.FewVersion: 1.55

✓ Challenging but worth itVery hard start although each time you die it gets a little easier so don't give up. Play this after A Dark Room. You don't get story telling this good in platinum titles, that's for sure.Zebba79Version: 1.55

✓ MOOOOOAR PLEASE!!Like I said. Please sir may I have some more....TheNeighbourVersion: 1.55

✓ Mindblowing on so many levelsI cannot explain in words how much I love this game. It will make you feel so many emotions because of its brutal story, amazing gameplay, and the decisions you make. However, if you haven't played A Dark Room, do NOT play this game. Play a dark room first, otherwise you will not get the full experience. This game is hard at first, and you will be frustrated. Sometimes you have to die to progress into the game. The game even mocks you sometimes when you die. My favorite and most aggravating was when I was killed by a sniper. I had gotten pretty far, and by my foolishness I went too far from the center and encountered a sniper. He killed me and I had to start over. As I was passing through the introduction, the screen turned black and a single word in red appeared. headshot. I smiled and wanted to smash my phone against the wall. So to finish this up, the game is well worth the 99 cents. I would pay $10 for this game because I love it so much. The story is so rich, brutal, and sad. It makes you question who to trust and which side you really should be on. And I just love it..Jonahman45Version: 1.55

✓ AhhhhhhSo fun but so hard ahhhhh.Stephanie532Version: 1.55

✓ Deep and challengingDon't be put off by the the first 1 hour of game play. Persistence is rewarded.MarkhickinVersion: 1.55

✓ GIVE ME MORE!A dark room was an amazing experience. This is a great game that compliments the original! A must play for all ADR fans! Left me wanting to play more!!.MaconieVersion: 1.33

✓ Great gameSame style yet completely different feel from "A Dark Room" trully these games are hidden jewels in the app store..HahahahahahahahahahaaaaaVersion: 1.47

✓ InfuriatingI've always been a fan of text based adventures. This is a little gem. Word of warning though, I died at the very end and threw my phone at the wall. Still awesome though, hence 5 stars..SirstabbalotVersion: 1.55

✓ FRUSTRATINGBut very enjoyable! Dark room was good but this is better! Very hard at first learning how to get your P's set up and finding out how to improve your skills but it gets very easy as you get to carry more food/water. Looking forward to the next game !.NiknooVersion: 1.37

✓ Awesome - amazing : a REAL challengeTakes some times to understand how to play it but once you're in, you're HOOKED! Would love to say more but don't want to reveal too much of it. This game really separates the boys from the men. HUGE WOW!!! Let see if you too are strong enough in every sense of the way and face what's in it..SebgagneVersion: 1.40

✓ Great roguelikeJust the essential parts of a roguelike. A focused experience. Eerie story. Great tone. Please make another game where I play as @ !!!.TurboPubx-16Version: 1.55

✓ Love it!I can't stop playing, it's so hard, reminds me of old Computer games that were ridiculously hard..every try I get better and more determined! So annoying but so addicting!!!!! Great game.Bro55000Version: 1.45

✓ Don’t Eat The CakeDwarf fortress’ aesthetic in a sci-fi setting. it’s tough as nails and won’t hesitate to pound them into every square inch of your brain and fingers if you don’t know what you’re doing and don’t improvise adapt and overcome the challenge. this is the most rewarding gaming experience I have ever had. ornstein & smough didn’t even make me feel a fraction of finally hitting that 100% after refusing the food the water the katana and the compass. the story is haunting and beautiful, and is a perfect companion piece to a dark room. easily the best mobile game on the market..NightcoremoonVersion: 6.8

✓ Not badAfter playing a dark room, I was incredibly stoked about a prequel. Overall, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed, there was less story in this game, which what made ADR sooo good, was an incredible storyline. However, it may be unfair to compare, as people already understand the background from ADR. Not a bad game at all, still worth the money, it is quite a challenge. The game truly is brutally difficult. For all of you who are just starting to play it, persevere!.CheupyVersion: 1.27

✓ Anti-casualAnother good, deep game. Even harder than the last. It's taking an embarrassing amount of time to complete the map and apparently there's more to do. The one-life thing almost put me off at the start, but I'm determined to beat this after all the minutes I've put in (and because of those sarcastic 'just give up' comments)..Yeahyeah231Version: 1.47

✓ Player that has played over 13 hours.And would gladly play another 13 hours. I don't know what it is about this game, or any game this developer brings to my life ..They're something special to me. I can't help but be so engaged and absolutely sucked in for hours on end. And it's not just me! This is an amazing, interesting, fun and RAGE INDUCING game that you won't be able to put down..MissJessicaaaVersion: 1.55

✓ The Annals of my JourneyWhen I finally beat the game I was in complete disbelief and awe. Had I truly won? Was this another cruel trick left by the developer. Thats when I saw the secrets box finally unlocked. Now I leave a story of my journey through the cold planet. The planet that survived without a parent star. The fire that burned in the impossible cold and the souls of humanity. Amongst the defectors a wanderer cadet would grow and learn in blood and hardship. Deja vu would be an understatement. A time paradox again and again. Only after wandering aimlessly. Desperately attempting every possible solution to an impossible task. Only by seeing everything there was to see could a resolution be found. In the ashes of a futile attempt rose a second chance. In a dark room..CaringalVersion: 1.33

✓ Go Look Up AnnalsAnd tell me what it means, please. The Ensign was a brutally difficult game, perhaps made more so by the lack of instruction and my rapid tapping against the input lag. While the latter is my own fault (whoops I missed the outpost) and the former is the game's style, it is still a very unforgiving adventure. At least, at the beginning and the end. The narrative and world building was amazing. Everyone praises the red text, with its Spec Ops: The Line-ish themes, presented in a trollier manner, but it's the little touches from the moral decisions that hit me. Looting the grave just has the game ellipsis at you. 'The child starved first' was also harsh, and what caused me to rethink my decisions, reread the options given to me. I really should take the bonus clips' advice and go replay ADR with a clearer eye, but I've still some unfinished business here, with my 5.5 hours of gameplay. The dungeon aspect was interesting, retaining some of the random event aspect from The Dusty Path while allowing you to choose the general way the event went. Of course, with the first few scenes always consistently the same, this can be slightly abused for large amounts of goods (namely in caves and cities, as far as I've seen). And then there was the checklist. Don't accept the food, witness the ritual, locate the obligatory pastry reference. So I started a new runthrough with a foodless beginning. I died right after the tannery, because I was expecting the same first battle as the 'main game'. Thus began the second run, playing much more conservatively, knowing that I would probably need it. But the lack of a compass combined with a turn-based timer in the form of the defector's increasing health leads me to believe that wasn't the greatest idea. Eventually, a bolas missed, and I fell to (I believe) the 9th defector, about ten minutes into combing for the armoury. That was when I learned that refusing the food was actual permadeath. Being limited by the water supply, not being able to know the location of your goal, and being at the whim of the RNG in the later battles (and maybe the map gen, though I assume (hope) that red text was only joking) makes the actual permadeath runs sound ridiculous in theory, especially compared to ADR's villagerless playthroughs. I presume that the fact that the only mention of this mode in the post-game dev notes is to tell you 'you are worthy' and the rest was about the base game implies that it wasn't the best thought out idea. With the rest of the moral decisions mentioned in the sound files I had yet to find, I'll probably spend a few hours on 100% map completion just to find out everything I can do without the skills of manipulating numbers before going off to play ADR instead. The Ensign has its flaws and its bugs, its real permadeath mode probably my least favourite, but it tells an amazing story, letting you further explore the world, the cultures, the post-apocalyptic mess introduced in ADR, all while being told you're an idiot and are terrible at the game, by the game itself. The game is a lie. Er..GapppleVersion: 1.40

✓ For those who need a challengeThis is not a one for casual gamers who like all the hard work to be done for them. There is nothing to hold your hand. You’ll die at least 5 times at the beginning while the game mocks you mercilessly. A great deal of effort, persistence, strategy, attention, and personal investment in the plot are required to get the most of the Ensign. That being said, I’m an older-school gamer and usually need to finish everything I start. I was hopelessly hooked from the beginning. This game is superbly challenging and punishing. When you finally rise to it, the level of satisfaction is second to none. I’ve beaten it around 4 times in full and still enjoy coming back for more. There’s really nothing else like it..Scott_reviewVersion: 1.55

✓ Great game :DThe Ensign is a amazing game, i wasn't paying much attention to story but it was still a really enjoyable game got a bit angry and peeved with the game every now and again, but in the end i had no regrets of playing and i really enjoyed dying and coming back just to become stronger..Epic saber manVersion: 1.40

✓ Great gameWould recommend to anyone who has given up hope in this damn App Store..OdimachkieVersion: 1.55

✓ All consumingA very thought provoking game with lots of depth and strategy. It's not mindless entertainment, but pushes your emotional and ethical limits. Great game.GgloorVersion: 1.55

✓ Hard, frustrating, creative, addictingI logged 990 minutes total before finally finishing, which probably means I'm bad at this game. But if you're reading this review and thinking about buying, you can bet you'll get your money's worth in sheer quantity of time spent trying to "win." I'm not much of a gamer, but I took a chance on "A Dark Room," just from App Store ads/reviews, and it led me to purchase this one as well. I've never played a game like it, so my hat is off to the author for the unique storytelling style and artistic integrity (I assume — because I'm sure there must've been a lot of pressure to make this thing easier and more linear, for mass consumption). You will be challenged! You will quit many times! But you'll keep coming back for more. Now I'll try the other game with shapes n stuff....HgghjjytedfVersion: 1.55

✓ Wow, just very interestingI have to admit, i HATED the game in the beginning and didnt play it for a year or two, but then i came back with curiosity and regretted not having the patience to die a couple times. Overall, it is very interesting. Just wish there was a book about the whole story or at least a game series.BlueberryjaaaaayamVersion: 1.55

✓ Most memorable game in a whileA rogue-like, even in terms of graphics. But the way the narrative develops, the side commentary--just so really hit the spot for me!.WhimsicalrogueVersion: 1.40

✓ UpdateEdit: I reinstalled the app and now it seems to be working perfectly. Below is what happened, just letting you know, if you are playing with voiceover on, and you update, you might have to reinstall the app because on my iPhone XR I had to do that. So I just updated this game, and every time I go to open it, it crashes and brings me back to my home screen. I don’t know if it’s something to do with the voiceover screen reader or if it is just me. I’m still giving this game a four star rating because it is a very good game, I haven’t gotten to the ending yet..Abby fiveVersion: 5.2

✓ Amazing!The in depth thought that went into this game is absolutely amazing! Although it is difficult at first i would recommend playing "A Dark Room" first to get the concept of it. I did and i absolutely love the challenge of this! Just a heads up though... You MUST die a few times to be able to get through different stages of the game! But all in all I love the app! :D.ThEmAn111123Version: 1.27

✓ Took me 3 years but I finally did itJust a tip, don't pick the start a new journey option every time..FaceTorchedVersion: 1.55

✓ Great fun … eventuallyDon’t give up. Really rewards repeated play. Take a break if you get frustrated (I did many many times) but you will make progress. You’ll find yourself wanting to 100% it after refusing food in the end..David GowerVersion: 6.9

✓ The Punisher!Wow! Just finally beat this game after 3 weeks! It was HARD! If you give up easily when playing games, this is not for you. However if you want an extremely rewarding and well thought out game, then buy it now! Fantastic prequel to the dark room!.Chomper604Version: 1.33

✓ Different but funWhen I first started it I found myself extremely confused and didn't understand what to do or how to go about playing it. I decided it was a wasted purchase and almost moved on. However, I found myself going back to the game whenever I had a spare few minutes. Now I am so glad I did, I play it a lot as it is very difficult but that's part of the appeal. There's still elements of the game I don't understand but I'm hoping to understand them as I go on. Really good game, different than 'A dark room' but still very similar. A worthy sequel..BeckieLDVersion: 1.39

✓ Completely and utterly consuming.My dissertation is due in three days and I spent hours playing this game today. Gripping. Unputdownable. This game will stay with you for weeks. ADR is fantastic but if I'm honest I enjoyed the Ensign even more. I've told literally all my friends to play it so I can have people to talk about it with. So so good. Can't recommend enough..Max_080Version: 1.55

✓ Don’t give up!Such an amazing game - remember that dying is part of the journey!..(67sghvjVersion: 1.55

✓ Amazing!Finally pushed through, and that experience was amazing. I felt alone in a world, walking blinding in starlight. In spite of the red text that relentlessly taunted me, and I feel other players like myself, I continued to keep going. "just leave a one star review and move on. you'll feel that empty vindication you so seek". So far I have refused the food and performed the ritual on the Admiral in one run Even the morality-based events were well thought out. I doubt any player would kill someone in real life, but these events explore our perception of a virtual world against reality. It seemed as if the defectors were continuing hunting the wanderers, even the game goes on to describe"the seven sisters rise and set, chased by orion".Apex x'coolVersion: 1.55

✓ Less mysterious, more vaguely confusingI thoroughly enjoyed A Dark Room, so bought this immediately. I was loving it, but a few hours in nothing story-related had happened for a long time, making me think I was finished. Without being too spoilery, it's possible to finish the game and get the same ending as people who have unlocked every detail far before you've done so. I found that a huge bummer, because it does take tons of repetition to get there, and it's not worth starting over to find details knowing it'll all end the same anyway. The ending itself is super vague, and not in a fun way. I couldn't tell if I'd won or lost until going through developer notes. I do like it in general, but I'm left feeling a bit unsatisfied..Should've gnomeVersion: 1.55

✓ What a fascinating experienceSick at home for two days I stumbled across the ensign. With time on my hands I began to explore the dusty path, going through the beginning phases of anger and frustration at the seemingly unavoidable 'time paradox' restart and the strangeness of the world. After a few death and a better idea of what was happening I became truly involved in the ensign, like no game I've ever played before. I began to unpack the storyline, piece by piece. The troll notes increased my curiosity in the game. An original and almost obnoxious add-on, they served to remind the player that yes, this is a game. It's a hard game. But it's also a test of who you are. I came across the agonizing choices between mercy and survival, the interesting twists and turns and finally the solution to this seemingly unsolvable game. After jumping through all the barely-visible loops I arrived at the end screen. I can only describe the experience as once in a life time... Confusing, yes. Difficult, yes. Soul destroying? Oh yeah. Fascinating and incredibly rewarding? Yes. I enjoyed every mind trick and every twist. This can only be experienced for the first time once! Thank you amirali for every minute you put into this creation and every interesting aspect you added. And thank you for the cake! I sincerely look forward to whatever you do in the future..AtruradmirerVersion: 1.45

✓ ExcellentThis game is great. Frustrating, but still awesome.Egg WasabiVersion: 1.55

✓ One of the bestFrustrating but so wonderful.MmemisssVersion: 1.55

✓ PhenomenalEasily the best app I've ever played. Despite it being difficult and extremely frustrating, it's worth it. Left me in awe. If you are a fan of ADR, you will love this. I imagined The Ensign as a desolate battlefield. In my mind, I imagined buildings destroyed and humans struggling to survive. At first, I thought of myself as the hero and the defectors and humans as the bad guys. However, as the narrative unfolded, I began to question everything I did and why I did it (which I assume is exactly what the creator wanted). This is a beautifully made and very well thought through app. I can't wait for the next addition to the Wanderer's story!.Smileygirl300Version: 1.55

✓ GREAT PRE SEQUELThis game is a must for people that love The Dark Room. I've finished it several times and keep coming back to it. If you haven't yet download it and you'll be obsessed. Great game can't wait for next update or sequel/pre sequel. Couldn't give it any less than a 5 star.Bubbie0165Version: 1.55

✓ SuperbI highly recommend this game, it was an enjoyable journey. Definitely play Dark Room before you play the Ensign, otherwise you will spoil it for yourself..TapasLoverVersion: 1.37

✓ Great game but needs a save optionLike "A Dark Room", this text base role playing adventure game is refreshing. However, it is much harder than its predecessor and really needs a save option. Dying 2 hours into the game and having to restart takes away a lot of the replay attraction..Steve BunkVersion: 1.40

✓ Great gameWould recommend.Benny's LaptopVersion: 6.9

✓ Frustratingly addictiveThe respawn messages are very mean. Don't give up..Jomsm8Version: 1.55

✓ Better than the first!A dark room had its moments, but the difficulty of this game really makes you feel connected to the ensign. I played through this game without taking the food at all (I didn’t know you got a boost when you restart and took the food) so it took me three days to complete, but I got 100% completion when I did. The references to ADR were especially powerful. I loved the genius design choices, especially with the defectors. Amazing game, I would definitely recommend if you’ve played A Dark Room..Cjdude214Version: 1.55

✓ Deliberately HardFantastic game if you want a challenge - this is NOT a cakewalk. Fans of A Dark Room will love this prequel.ArcaeenVersion: 1.55

✓ Perseverance is everything.This game is difficult - too difficult, at least the first time, and the second, and the third, the fourth not so much, and so on. By the time you complete this game you will hate it. It's beautiful, enjoy!.Lizz JickerVersion: 1.39

✓ Words Can't DescribeI absolutely loved this game. It was pretty difficult at first, but I quickly realized how to properly play this game as opposed to A Dark Room. That's the thing about this game though, it forces you to think and adapt as opposed to other games where you are just mindlessly tapping your screen. Another good quality about The Ensign is that it is difficult in more ways than one. I not going to say exactly why as to preserve this game for more people but it's outstanding. I wish there were more things I could say, because I can't find the words to explain the awe I had while playing this game..BdlwalkerVersion: 1.55

✓ Wow... That was frustratingly fun.Don't know about you, but I died twice before realizing that my character wasn't going to"auto-defeat" the enemy (and don't even get me started on the 199 hp defector!). . . I haven't played A Dark Room, but The Ensign seemed to be able to stand on it's own. I... Died... So many times right away, and the red text felt like it was taunting me... Challenging me to do better... To be better. . . I appreciate the developer's comments (secrets). I think it happened after I went into space he first time. Really opened up my eyes for what games should be (instead of offering difficulty levels and IAP's). Thank you, sir. .... 973 minutes. Yep. Beat it, though..QuirkyJoeVersion: 1.40

✓ Unforgiving but worth itDear Amirali, the dark room was great. And although at first I hated this game because it refused to offer any help. But as I got better it was worth it. Finishing the game was so satisfying. Please make a continuation to the game sometime in the future. Either a sequel or another prequel. Perhaps during the war..A user named JorgeVersion: 1.40

✓ Great but how do I save??I absolutely LOVE this game! It’s so cool and creative and immersive. However, I’ve been having trouble with saves, like I could play for half an hour- defeating multiple defectors, exploring many caves, even opening up the map a bunch. But then, if I quit and come back, sometimes it’ll bring me to the last house I looted and then I’ve lost all my progress??? Also, there is a mini error. When I revive, and he gives me his gear, it says he’s giving me a laser, but what I get in my inventory is a katana. Not that I don’t appreciate the katana, but it is deceiving. Anyway, I love this game, but it’s really hard to progress when it never saves my work! Am I dumb and missing something about how to save? Send help T^T.Puzzled4gamesVersion: 6.1

✓ Great gameGreat developer making creative games. I enjoyed the dark room as well. I wish the UI was a bit thematic. I feel like the game would explode in popularity if the UI looked like something like a fantasy flight boardgame art style that added to the immersion of the setting..BeshayerVersion: 1.40

✓ Haunting and self defining experienceIt's hard to review an experience so personal. The storytelling is excellent. As a sci-fi fan, it leaves me wanting more of this world. The difficulty of the game really gets you emotionally involved. The story is filled with stuff, yet your imagination fills in the rest to make this journey yours. It's beautiful, it's brutal. Loved adr, love the ensign. Thanks for the experience. I'll never forget her. Hope she's okay. Still thinking of her..GabRay53Version: 1.47

✓ Worth itThis game like a dark room is difficult but the story line is very compelling and creates an imaginative scene despite consisting only of a white screen and black letters and symbols. It is worth playing through to the end which may take some time and ties in well with a darkroom whilst being very enjoyable overall. Perhaps the third mechanic for your game could be on the starship not sure how but traversing the asteroid fields and escaping worlds could be a major component..Epic game person thingVersion: 1.40

✓ A timeless masterpieceWhile some may instantly feel cheated when they discover the text based gameplay and ASCII-based world map, I can assure you that this is one of the most deep, imaginative, punishing experience you will ever have on mobile gaming (possibly any platform). So immersive was the experience that I feel obliged to write my first ever review for a game on the App Store. Mr Amir, I am now a fan and look forward to the third installment in this serious. Bravo sir, Bravo!.Nabs344Version: 1.37

✓ Great gameIt's a great game, quite challenging and frustrating but it is so addicting and I found myself spending hours playing it. I love the taunts every time I died, they are always different. A thing to consider is make sure every bug is gone because sometimes the app just shuts down and one time it reset, making me have to start all over again which was so annoying. Don't let this stop anyone wanting to play the game. It's pretty awesome and totally worth it. You may spend hours frustrated at ur device but once you get that end screen, it's so relieving. So get the game, and have heaps of fun dying all the time! :P.Purple_angel__Version: 1.40

✓ True artThis is a great experience.XavierhebertVersion: 1.55

✓ Brutal In The Best Sense of the Word.I would have to say that this game is brutal and almost impossible. You will die often, as much from your own carelessness as from the enemies you face. However, like many very difficult things it's extraordinarily satisfying, so much so that when I "finished," the game (I don't know if that's even the right word) I actually went back and subjected myself to more brutal death just to "complete" two of the unfinished "tasks." (I'd be clearer but I don't want to give too much away.) this game is not the brooding existential exercise of "A Dark Room," but is a more traditional RPG (although not traditional by the normal standards.) I highly recommend this game if you are up for.a challenge and don't mind some frustration mixed in with your triumph. Or should I say a lot of frustration. Tablet throwing level. I mean it. But buy the game anyway. It's great..PaleopilotVersion: 1.55

✓ Enjoying every little bit of itAfter a dark room, this was definitely needed. Enjoying it however, the voice-over accessibility features have been dumbed down a little from the last episode and I'm struggling a little to play this. Still works though. I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a challenge..Sbey1905Version: 1.55

✓ Difficulty rise3 easy 5 me. Got god mode on first try. Like the added war mantle though. That's interesting..GearlistVersion: 1.55

✓ Worth every minuteI have been a fan of Dark room and this is the same, it makes me become a fan boy to see all the references back to Dark room... This game takes everything that was good with the previous game and runs with it, it runs so fast that it is an instant classic, I can't find anything bad with this game.... All but one, can there please be a prompt for the reset game, I reset my game twice, but it just gives me an incentive to reply and beat it. This is a must have for every device, keep up the good work guys!.MdirifndicfjdoscudnfjdjsVersion: 1.37

✓ Incredible!I played A Dark Room and loved it and bought this one too... Let me tell you... It requires brain power to play this game... You have to have a strategy in order to keep going and I didn't get that at first so I wasn't getting far. After playing for the 100th time I finally got the hang of it. This and A Dark Room are 2 of the best games I have ever purchased from the App Store. I also love the fact that just like reading a book, you use your imagination for the images. Get it! You won't regret it!.Amy2313Version: 1.55

✓ Addictive and amazingThis is the most disheartening yet satisfying and amazing game i've ever played on. Those messages after your death are so disheartening but thought-provoking. 10/10.BenkinsellaVersion: 1.37

✓ Free tears...Great game, really simple design that makes things more fun. When completing the game and finding out that there are secrets that i can find, it nearly made me cry (not giving you the satisfaction of my tears), then I realised i had to start again (then I cried). Out of seriousness, really great game, going to get the secrets soon. Maybe add camouflage sO I DONT DIE BY SNIPERS. Keep up the good work.Msxus27428Version: 1.40

✓ The prequelCouldn't think that you could create an immersive and thought-provoking text based game, then I found these games... Amazing development style and learning process, if you've played a dark room it's similar to the exploring part of the game. 11/10. Cake for everyone..A guy named AdamVersion: 1.45

✓ GreatBeat it twice with food and I acheived the impossible I keep finding the other things then dyeing tho...SwagmalvolmVersion: 1.45

✓ Dark Souls level of geniusSimple, difficult, rewarding. If you continue to die, keep trying. With more story elements and a harsher beginning than a dark room, it's harder to get into but amazing when you do..Redder876Version: 1.55

✓ FantasticLoved A Dark Room - The Ensign requires a lot of patience and a certain amount of stubbornness. Great game!.Low&andslowVersion: 1.40

✓ PowerfulThe Ensign is the hardest game of all. One wrong move and you've doomed yourself. It may not look like much, but the narratives, the mocking, the passion keeps you going. Don't play this before sleeping. Your guilt is your enemy..Bdfjbarhhgrgjnfff potatoVersion: 1.40

✓ Oh I get it!Great little development of A Dark Room. Mind boggling tough when I first started out but then the penny dropped and now I'm hooked! While I'm here though I must just say those "Voice Over" add-ons in ADR don't half sound pretentious. I realise you guys have probbly put your life and soul into this thing but it is just a game after all, it's not exactly Tolstoy or the cure for cancer or anything! Great game though. Cheers bye x.Torn HamsVersion: 1.27

✓ Great challengeI have died and tried many times and still enjoy the game.3784688431468096532256784Version: 1.40

✓ HopeTHE best game I have ever played. Hands down. So addictive, interesting, and clever. I love revisiting this game every few months. Just completed it again for the third time this year. I can't wait to pick it back up again in a few months time..Charlie827Version: 1.45

✓ 😳It's such a great game and btw, it's really really really hard game.Qwerty hoop 1234875Version: 1.55

✓ A Great PrequelI highly recommend playing A Dark Room another time before you start the Ensign, if only to remember the story well. Personally I see it as a perfect prequel to A Dark Room. The experience and journey these two games offer is like none other. The world in ADR may seem shallow from the start, but along with the progress near the end and this game, its world and story much richer than it may seem. Don't expect it to be the same. There are new and expanded mechanics, and the game is much different. Definitely don't expect it to be as easy as ADR. Although it will beat you down many times, don't give up. It is very rewarding, much more than the original game. Don't feel that it is too hardcore for you. You'll become much better with practice and death. Persevere. If you feel the need for a greater view and immersion into the world of ADR and you want some more challenges to overcome, this is the game for you. Definitely worth the price. PS Amir's secrets is one of my favourite parts. Try to find as many easter eggs before listening to them. As he says, you can only truly experience the game once. Don't spoil anything for yourself if you think you can find them..1234626357643Version: 1.55

✓ CompellingThe Ensign is a perfect mixture of punishing lessons, curiosity-evoking storytelling, and perseverance. Although nearly impossible at first, I thoroughly enjoyed God Mode and exploring the beautifully crafted world. This and ADR are such wonderful, powerful games that make you question your own morality. Can't wait for another one! (Why not make another game, this time with the protagonist as one of the defectors, hunting down the admiral?).Hey mossyVersion: 1.55

✓ Such a wonderful experience!I can’t begin to find the words to give this game the praise it deserves. Right from the start I was sucked in, the story engrossed me completely. The difficulty only strengthened my want to dig deeper. With each failure I became more determined to succeed. A Dark Room was an amazing experience and this one only added to the brutal but beautiful story that you created. Thank you Amirali Rajan, your game painted such an interesting picture and I loved every minute of it..Syd BillingsVersion: 5.2

✓ Fantastic game!Bought this game as a result of loving the first one. This game is much, much harder- permadeath, struggle to survive. With every death I learned more and more survival tactics until I finally managed to beat it. I was shaking for a good ten minutes afterwards! Especially good if you like punishing games and uncovering more of the story..MariyanneVersion: 1.55

✓ It's hard, but that's the point.Quick bug before the review: If you meet a defector on top of a location, such as the Iron Mine, you get the upgrades without having to go through the challenge. If you liked a dark room, don't immediately think you will like this game. Imagine you were instantly thrown into the world, but you have no resources. You can't prepare through building the village, if you die, you are back to nearly square one. This is NOT and afk game like a dark room. You DON'T get the satisfaction of being overpowered with materials. There is no afk resource building. But if you like quick pace, challenges at every stage, and the feeling of progress + the pain of losing everything, you will LOVE THIS. I highly recommend playing a dark room first to understand how the game works..ValoranceVersion: 6.9

✓ RewardingThis game is rewarding and fun, no matter how many times you die... And you will die... Lots! ;).ZencarrotVersion: 1.55

✓ Don't give up! ✊Absolutely amazing. The sheer depth of story and the universe that's suggested but not explicitly spoon-fed you is brilliant to say the least. After playing A Dark Room and thinking I knew what it was all about I was pleasantly corrected after playing this - it's hard to not give anything away but all I can say is get this game, PERSEVERE and you'll be rewarded with one of the best prequels of any medium. It made my imagination run wild and made my mental images constantly evolve during the many revelations..Always_B#Version: 1.33

✓ Great gameTough as balls but fun as hell.BgsuwwstsvVersion: 1.55

✓ Well worth it.Just spend the $0.99 on it. Well worth more than that..NiteJudgeVersion: 1.55

✓ Difficult but beautifulThough this game is listed as Prequel, definitely play A Dark Room first, preferably at both levels, Easy and (without huts) Hard. After that, this game will make more sense. It took me several tries, but while trying, I found the "flow" of this game to be exceptional. Hours would fly by, and each time I played the game (I have gone through multiple times now), I would have a different experience, and hear the story in a different way. Well done!.NovaSTLVersion: 1.55

✓ This game is a Masterpiece!So very many games today are filled with crazy graphics and bright lights...but not this. This is sort of a throwback to games where you actually had to Use your Imagination and THINK! I LOVE IT!! It is a "simple" black and white text based game...but wow! It draws you in and makes you Actually Use your Brain! It's also extremely difficult and takes an amount of persistence that I think is totally lacking in today's gaming world. Most games are filled with immediate gratification for the short attention spans of so many people...Not This! Most games are just Way Way Way too short! Not this! Punishing is a great way to describe the experience of playing this game...which makes the ultimate reward of my persistence That Much More Satisfying!! If you want a whiz bang crazy graphics blitz that only gives you an hour, or maybe two, of easy gaming then go for something else. But if your at all like me, and love a thoughtfully written and Truly Challenging game then this is for you! Thank You!! Awesome Job!! :).RavenJMVersion: 1.55

✓ Appears to be difficultThis game seems really difficult at first but it's actually quite clever and not very hard once you figure it out. I died many times before finally completing it and enjoyed the humour that came with each death. An interesting prequel to A Dark Room indeed..PibzVersion: 1.55

✓ Fantastically exciting methodical and tactical.I thoroughly enjoyed playing the Ensign, even more so than the ADR. I did get quite frustrated when I kept on dying from not having either enough food and water, or just simply being killed by the Defector! I can remember being faced with the 199 Hit points from the Defector and thinking "i've got no chance!" I enjoyed building up my strength, sight and health, and collecting a range of weapons to defend my self. I am also visually impaired,and was very excited to find 2 very good games, that I could get my teeth in to and build up my own picture of the different situations that unfolded as the game progressed. My overall take on life, is that you always try to get back up when something knocks you down, which I applied to this game too. Please try it, it deserves a go or two!! I shall definitely be getting my family to have a go. Thank you so much for developing this game. I look forward to more developments. Sasha.Keatsy2104Version: 1.37

✓ Review from completionistI got a 100% competition play through within 5 hours, which is totally with the $1.29 for this game. Difficult wise it is a bit of a grind, but you learn things pretty quickly, especially if you're familiar with A Dark Room's dusty path. This is a game that you either love or hate, and there's not grey line for it. In my opinion it's worth it, and even if you aren't convinced, it's only a buck. I only gave it four stars as it's extremely annoying when you accidentally click "loot all" in your camp's stash. Remove the button for that? It's not a difficulty thing (which you seem to be living from the tears caused by it) but overlooked game design..ChickenTendererVersion: 1.40

✓ Excellent roguelike with twistsHad fun playing this game through some tough roguelike aspects, though got a bit easy towards the end..Another coderVersion: 1.37

✓ HopeThis game and all the series (A Dark Room, Noble Circle) are dope ! Very mind stimulating !.AaaaapppeeeeVersion: 1.55