Most of the bugs in the game were correctable by subsequently released patches

Patch (computing)

A patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update a computer program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance...

. Before ubiquitous Internet connectivity, such patches were typically only available through BBS

Bulletin board system

A Bulletin Board System, or BBS, is a computer system running software that allows users to connect and log in to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, a user can perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging...

 downloads by modem owners and informal person-to-person copying, and thus many gamers were only able to play the originally-released version. This gave Darklands a reputation as a buggy game.

However, this did not stop GameSpot

GameSpot

GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...

 from adding it to their list of "The Greatest Games of All Time".

Todd Howard cited the game as an influence on Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks, LLC, is an American video game company. A subsidiary of ZeniMax Media, the company was originally based in Bethesda, Maryland and eventually moved to their current location in Rockville, Maryland...

' series The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls is a role-playing video game series developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.-History:...

.