"Computer Gaming World" in 1992 offered contrasting opinions. Scorpia liked the historical setting and use of religion but criticized "Darklands" repetitive encounters and—more seriously—many bugs and missing features, such as the inability to save within dungeons which, she reported, was a problem given the game's instability. She concluded that "the game ultimately brings little or no satisfaction when 'finished'." Johnny L. Wilson acknowledged the bugs and repetitive nature but emphasized that "I still like the game", citing the importance of skills and an "open-ended feel and an element of free-will that I haven't previously experienced in a CRPG". In 1993, Scorpia called "Darklands" "perfect example of a fine idea ... gone wrong" with a "horrible ending", and "not a recommended game".