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Game:Darkest Dungeon IIPublisher:Red Hook StudiosDeveloper:Red Hook StudiosGenre:Role playing gameTested for:PS5Available for:PS4, PS5, Switch, XOne, XSXUSK:16Released in:8 / 2024
Right from the start, it says “Heroes will die and journeys will fail,” and indeed: This tough roguelite role-playing game takes no prisoners. In the first few hours, you won’t see any land and will instead be overwhelmed by numerous systems, mechanics and a flood of information – especially if you stumble into the scary adventure as a complete newbie. But it also says: “Your first expedition doesn’t have to be a success right away. Take courage and don’t give up” – also wise advice. Every new carriage ride you take in the atmospherically dark world helps you understand the complex principle further. You’ll soon develop a feel for the many subtleties of the game elements. In the uncompromising, turn-based battles, you keep an eye on the positioning and synergies of your heroes, ensure their physical and psychological well-being and use status effects to your advantage. Outside of the brawls, however, you optimize your brave band by honing equipment, skills, or character-specific quirks.
You will still fail regularly – often through your own fault, but sometimes because luck is simply not on your side. In the best roguelite tradition, however, each journey rewards you with a resource that you invest in permanent improvements to various aspects. In this way, you grow over the course of the game through the challenges that the ominous world – within the framework of its extensive and atmospheric five acts – has in store for you. Keyword “atmospheric”: The title builds on the dark style of its predecessor, but gives the characters in particular significantly more depth with its 3D models and revised animations.
Opinion & Rating
Kevin Pinhao says: With its tough first few hours, Darkest Dungeon II is likely to put off many players right from the start. Yes, that was the case with part 1 too, but Red Hook Studios could have given interested newcomers a little more guidance. But if you manage to overcome the nasty entry hurdle and climb through the many cleverly interwoven systems and mechanics on your own, you will be rewarded with a well-thought-out and long-term captivating roguelite RPG experience. You should, however, have a certain level of frustration resistance, because even as an experienced player, you can expect numerous on-screen deaths.
A playfully complex and atmospherically scary roguelike with a nasty entry barrier.
Single player
80Multiplayer
ChartSound
