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MONSTER

Curse of the Dead Gods

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Curse of the Dead Gods
Item: Curse of the Dead Gods
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableFeb 23, 2021

PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperPasstech Games

Overview

You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers - it leads to this accursed temple, a seemingly-infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters. Your greed will lead you to death, but that is not an escape. Rise to fight again. Delve deeper again. Defy the malignant deities that linger in this place. Battle through hordes of enemies in dark, cavernous passages filled with traps and secrets of all sorts - fire-spewing statues, explosives, hidden spikes, and worse. Collect mystical Relics and an arsenal of weapons to make yourself unstoppable. Corruption builds in you with every step - encourage or ignore it, but each powerful curse can be a double-edged sword. - A skill-based roguelike exploring a cruel, dark temple made of endless rooms and corridors - Swords, spears, bows, guns - wield these and many more - Unique curses influence each attempt, putting a twist on every action - Dozens of enemies, with powerful champions and deadly bosses to face off against

Elsewhere

6.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Curse of the Dead Gods splits critics: its atmospheric, minimalist design and roguelike mechanics earn praise for immersion and gameplay focus, but the story is repeatedly called shallow, generic, and emotionally detached. While some accept its sparse narrative as genre-appropriate, others condemn it as irrelevant, lacking character depth, lore, and emotional stakes—especially compared to games like Hades. Environmental storytelling and codex entries fail to engage, leaving players disconnected. A tolerable trade-off for fans of challenge, but a glaring flaw for those seeking substance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

56%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Curse of the Dead Gods receives mixed but generally neutral feedback, with several critics acknowledging its atmospheric and genre-appropriate minimalism. Reviewers like Games.cz and PlayStation Universe highlight that while the narrative is sparse, it aligns with the roguelike’s focus on gameplay, emphasizing immersive settings such as Mesoamerican temples and a cursed world. GameSpew and WellPlayed note that the basic framework—such as an adventurer trapped in a temple or seeking riches—provides a functional premise for exploration and survival, even if it lacks depth. The game’s oppressive atmosphere, described by PlayStation Universe as “oppressive and immersive,” is frequently praised, suggesting that the setting compensates for the lack of traditional storytelling. Additionally, TheXboxHub and XboxAddict argue that the straightforward motivation—retrieving treasure or escaping a dungeon—works within the genre’s expectations, making the minimal narrative less of a flaw. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for its lack of depth, originality, and character development. Everyeye.it and GamePro Germany explicitly call the narrative “minimalistic” and “irrelevant,” with the latter noting it feels like “placed on a post-it.” Wccftech and PC Invasion point out that the absence of dialogue, cutscenes, or meaningful lore—relying instead on codex entries or environmental storytelling—leaves players disconnected from the protagonist’s journey. God is a Geek and GameStar compare it unfavorably to Hades, which they argue has richer character interactions and a more engaging plot. IGN and Jeuxvideo.com also criticize the underdeveloped lore, noting that the game’s premise feels generic and lacks emotional investment. Many reviewers, including KeenGamer and Malditos Nerds, feel the story is overly simplistic, with no clear motivations or character arcs, making it a weak point compared to other roguelikes. Overall, the consensus leans toward the narrative being a functional but unremarkable aspect of Curse of the Dead Gods. While some critics, like Games.cz and TheXboxHub, accept the minimal story as fitting for the genre’s focus on gameplay, others, such as IGN and PC Invasion, view it as a significant shortcoming. The game’s strengths lie in its atmospheric design and roguelike mechanics, which overshadow the lack of narrative depth. However, the repeated criticism that the story feels “thin,” “underdeveloped,” or “irrelevant” suggests that while it may not detract from the core experience, it fails to leave a lasting impression. For players prioritizing storytelling, Curse of the Dead Gods is likely to feel unsatisfying, but for those valuing exploration and challenge, its minimal narrative is a tolerable trade-off.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A deep, challenging roguelike with innovative mechanics like corruption and light/dark dynamics, praised for strategic depth and reward—yet plagued by limited weapons, steep difficulty, and controls. A standout despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Curse of the Dead Gods is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and engaging mechanics. Critics consistently highlight its roguelike structure, which combines procedural generation with strategic progression systems. Game Informer lauds the "detailed roguelike mechanics," emphasizing weapon progression, combo systems, and strategic boss fights, while GameStar describes the combat as "challenging and precise" with a "motivating reward system." The game’s unique elements—such as the corruption system, light/dark dynamics, and curses—are frequently noted as standout features. IGN Portugal praises the "engaging and challenging nature of the combat," while Game Rant highlights the balance between strategy and action, calling it a "core strength" of the game. Many reviewers also commend the variety of weapons, curses, and progression loops, with GameSpew noting the "dynamic combat" and "adaptive progression systems." The game’s emphasis on risk-reward mechanics, such as managing stamina, parrying, and corruption meters, is seen as a key driver of its replayability and depth. Despite these positives, several critics point to notable flaws. PC Invasion criticizes the "limited weapon variety," noting that only a few weapons feel worthwhile, while Multiplayer.it points out a "steep difficulty curve" that drops quickly and "limited enemy variety." GameOver.gr mentions repetitive room layouts despite procedural generation, and Jeuxvideo.com highlights issues with parrying mechanics and hitboxes. Additionally, some reviewers note control challenges: Digital Chumps mentions initial struggles with keyboard/mouse controls, while Hey Poor Player criticizes stamina mechanics as "overly punishing." TheXboxHub acknowledges the game’s "frustrating difficulty spikes in later stages," and GamePro Germany notes that certain systems, like the corruption mechanic, feel "too easy to master." These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is ambitious, some execution issues and design choices may detract from the experience for certain players. Overall, the majority of critics view Curse of the Dead Gods as a strong entry in the roguelike genre, with its gameplay praised for innovation and depth. Game Informer, GameStar, and IGN Portugal all emphasize its engaging mechanics and strategic layers, while TheXboxHub and Game Rant highlight its rewarding progression loops. While some reviewers point to flaws—such as weapon variety or control responsiveness—the consensus is that these issues do not overshadow the game’s strengths. The combination of challenging combat, unique systems like corruption and light/dark dynamics, and a focus on strategic decision-making has earned widespread acclaim. As GameSpew notes, the game “encourages repeated playthroughs,” and with its blend of skill-based mechanics and roguelike unpredictability, Curse of the Dead Gods is seen as a compelling and memorable experience despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Stylized cel-shaded visuals and atmospheric lighting elevate Curse of the Dead Gods’ Mesoamerican themes, but technical flaws on Switch, repetitive environments, and derivative design dampen its impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Curse of the Dead Gods are widely praised for their stylized art direction and atmospheric depth. Critics consistently highlight the game’s cel-shaded aesthetic, which evokes comparisons to Darkest Dungeon while incorporating Mesoamerican themes through tribal motifs, temple designs, and vivid environmental storytelling. Digital Chumps emphasizes the innovative use of lighting as a core mechanic, with dark environments illuminated by braziers and torches creating an oppressive, immersive atmosphere. Games.cz and WellPlayed commend the sharp, comic-style visuals and strong Mesoamerican influences, while TheXboxHub and XboxAddict note the detailed Aztec-inspired temples and immersive dungeon design. The art style is frequently described as a key strength, with GameSpew praising its polish and smooth performance on next-gen consoles, and Screen Rant highlighting the contrast between colorful surroundings and oppressive darkness to enhance tension. However, several critics point to limitations in originality and technical execution. Everyeye.it and GamePro Germany criticize the game for lacking distinctiveness, noting that its Mesoamerican themes are underexplored and the art style feels derivative of Darkest Dungeon. COGconnected and Vandal highlight visibility issues, particularly on Nintendo Switch, where excessive darkness and small text hinder gameplay. God is a Geek also points out graphical flaws on Switch, such as HUD scaling problems in handheld mode. Additionally, Wccftech and Jeuxvideo.com note repetitive environments, with many reviewers suggesting that the single-temple focus limits variety. While some praise the dynamic lighting and enemy designs (e.g., KeenGamer’s mention of distinct temple aesthetics), others like Malditos Nerds argue that the biomes become monotonous, and the lack of cutscenes or narrative depth in visual storytelling is a missed opportunity. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most acknowledging the game’s strong art direction and atmospheric design as its defining features. The cel-shaded visuals, effective use of light/dark mechanics, and Mesoamerican-inspired environments are frequently cited as standout elements, even if they draw comparisons to other games like Darkest Dungeon or Hades. While technical issues on certain platforms and a lack of originality in some aspects are noted, the majority view the visual design as cohesive and immersive. Critics like Games.cz, WellPlayed, and GameSpace praise the stylized presentation for enhancing gameplay, while others like IGN France and Jeuxvideo.com acknowledge its atmospheric appeal despite limited graphical innovation. The game’s visuals are seen as a significant asset, even if they don’t fully break new ground in terms of artistic uniqueness.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Curse of the Dead Gods' sound design masterfully builds an immersive, eerie atmosphere through ambient tension and subtle cues, but its minimalistic, repetitive music lacks variety and fails to deliver impactful scores during key moments.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

92%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall reception of Curse of the Dead Gods’s sound design and music is largely positive, with multiple reviewers highlighting its atmospheric and immersive qualities. Critics like TheXboxHub praised the "effective ambient noises," while Xbox Tavern noted that the soundtrack is "subtle" but complemented by sound effects that serve as critical gameplay cues. Hey Poor Player and NintendoWorldReport both emphasized the game’s reliance on eerie, tension-building ambient sounds, with the latter pointing to "creepy ambient sounds" that intensify during dangerous moments. IGN France and The Indie Game Website also commended the audio for enhancing the game’s atmosphere, with the former describing it as "pleasant and eerie" and the latter noting how the soundscape "enhances the eerie atmosphere of the temple." Additionally, RPG Fan highlighted the immersive impact of the audio, stating that the soundscape "complements the visuals to evoke a sense of tension and immersion." However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the musical composition. KeenGamer criticized the music for being repetitive outside of boss battles, noting that while "boss themes are standout elements," the lack of variation dampened the experience. Hey Poor Player also mentioned inconsistency, as the game "lacks a traditional musical score" except during key moments, which felt jarring compared to other aspects. SpazioGames noted minimal background music, with only "occasional audio highlights," while XboxAddict suggested that sound effects (like traps and combat) were more satisfying than the music itself. Jeuxvideo.com acknowledged the atmosphere-boosting music but felt it lacked "epic tracks during key moments," indicating a missed opportunity for grander musical moments. These critiques suggest that while the sound design excels in creating tension, the musical elements often fall short of expectations. Despite these mixed observations, there is a general consensus that Curse of the Dead Gods prioritizes atmosphere over traditional scoring, with its sound design being a standout feature. Xbox Tavern and Hey Poor Player both emphasized how ambient sounds and subtle audio cues effectively build tension, while KeenGamer acknowledged the clarity and impact of sound effects. However, the music’s repetition and lack of variety were recurring criticisms, particularly from KeenGamer and Jeuxvideo.com. Overall, reviewers like TheXboxHub, IGN France, and RPG Fan praised the audio for its role in immersion, even if it didn’t always deliver a robust musical experience. The game’s focus on environmental soundscapes and minimalistic music creates a unique but polarizing approach to audio design, with most agreeing that it enhances the game’s eerie tone despite its limitations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Curse of the Dead Gods delivers rock-solid technical performance across platforms, with smooth 60fps on PS4/PS5, stable 30fps on Switch, and PC optimization praised as "sublime." While Nintendo Switch struggles with clunky controls and tiny text, and PC has minor frame hiccups, these quirks don’t derail the experience. A technically impressive, mostly flawless roguelike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Curse of the Dead Gods receives largely positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in stability and optimization. On PS4, Everyeye.it highlights smooth 60fps performance on the PS4 Pro, while GamePro Germany notes "technically flawless" execution on PS5 (though they played on PS4), suggesting strong cross-platform consistency. For Nintendo Switch, Eurogamer Italy praises its stability at a consistent 30fps and responsive controls, with Nintendo Life emphasizing no hitching during intense scenes. On PC, multiple critics like GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it laud the game’s "fully optimized" performance and "sublime technical aspects," while IGN France and Jeuxvideo.com acknowledge minor frame drops or bugs but stress their negligible impact. The Xbox One version, though less discussed, is noted for smooth gameplay by Screen Rant, with God is a Geek highlighting its compatibility across PC, Xbox, and Switch. Overall, the game’s technical foundation appears robust, particularly on newer hardware. Despite these positives, some platform-specific issues emerge. On Nintendo Switch, GameSpace criticizes movement mechanics as "less snappy" compared to Hades, while Gaming Nexus points to small text size causing eyestrain in handheld mode. Vandal also notes visibility challenges due to excessive darkness, and Eurogamer Italy mentions minor input confusion during combat. For PC, Jeuxvideo.com reports frame drops on dual monitors and "small bugs," though these are deemed non-critical, while Digital Chumps highlights control issues with keyboard/mouse that don’t affect stability. On PS4, WellPlayed acknowledges minor gameplay-related quirks like screen shake but emphasizes no major technical flaws. While most platforms avoid significant hiccups, the Switch’s hardware limitations and PC’s input/optimization nuances reveal areas for improvement. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Curse of the Dead Gods demonstrating strong technical performance across all platforms. The game’s stability, optimization, and lack of critical bugs are consistently praised, particularly on PC and next-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While the Nintendo Switch version faces some visual and control challenges—such as text scaling issues and less responsive movement—it remains a technically solid experience. Critics like Everyeye.it and GamingTrend highlight its smooth performance, while others like GameSpew and Eurogamer Italy note minor quirks that don’t detract from the core gameplay. The game’s technical foundation is robust, with only isolated issues affecting specific platforms, reinforcing its reputation as a well-optimized title despite its roguelike complexity.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"Curse of the Dead Gods" delivers addictive roguelike chaos with permadeath, randomized curses, and inventive progression, but its repetitive temples, grind-heavy systems, and lack of post-game depth risk wearing thin—a must-play for fans of the genre, but a mixed bag for those craving innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praise Curse of the Dead Gods for its robust replay value, driven by its roguelike mechanics and progression systems. Reviewers like Digital Chumps, GamePro Germany, and Push Square highlight the game’s permadeath, randomized curses, and unique progression elements (e.g., Jade Rings, Crystal Skulls) that encourage experimentation with builds and strategies. The procedural generation of dungeons, weapon variety, and evolving challenges—such as the “Segen der Götter” system or randomized temple layouts—create a sense of unpredictability that keeps players engaged across multiple runs. PlayStation Universe and Xbox Tavern emphasize the game’s customization options, including relics, currencies, and live-service events, which add layers of depth for completionists. The “one more run” mentality, noted by Screen Rant and TheXboxHub, underscores how the game’s difficulty and reward systems foster persistence. However, several critics point to limitations that could dampen long-term engagement. Wccftech and DarkZero note that repetitive temple layouts, limited enemy variety, and a grind-heavy progression system may frustrate players over time. PC Invasion and RPG Fan criticize the game’s formulaic structure, arguing that its procedural generation lacks sufficient variation to sustain interest beyond initial playthroughs. IGN France and Jeuxvideo.com mention that while the roguelike framework is strong, the single-temple design and repetitive environments risk making later runs feel stale. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameSkinny and Riot Pixels, acknowledge that the game’s challenge can become monotonous, with the lack of post-game content or meaningful endgame goals reducing its longevity for certain players. Overall, critics agree that Curse of the Dead Gods excels in creating a compelling loop for roguelike enthusiasts, but its replayability is somewhat constrained by repetition and design limitations. While GameSpew, WellPlayed, and Finger Guns laud the game’s ability to deliver unique experiences through randomized elements and strategic depth, others like Wccftech and PC Invasion caution that its appeal may wane for players seeking more variety or content. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with many recognizing the game as a solid entry in the genre despite its flaws. For fans of permadeath-driven challenges and procedural generation, the replay value remains high, but it may not fully satisfy those craving deeper innovation or sustained engagement beyond the initial cycle.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Curse of the Dead Gods highlights its strengths in gameplay mechanics, combat depth, and atmospheric design. Critics like GameSkinny and WellPlayed praised its "fantastic action roguelike" qualities, emphasizing strong risk-reward systems, tactical combat, and a unique visual style that sets it apart. The game’s focus on challenge and experimentation resonated with reviewers such as GameSpace, who noted its "engaging mechanics" and "tactical depth," while Finger Guns highlighted its "robust soulslike combat" and complex systems. Many also appreciated the game’s adaptability, with Gaming Nexus calling it a "standout title in the genre" due to its addictive gameplay and fresh approach to roguelike mechanics. The variety of curses and random elements, as mentioned by COGconnected, kept each run dynamic, contributing to its replayability and appeal for hardcore fans. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks that limited the game’s impact. PC Invasion and Riot Pixels criticized the repetitive gameplay and over-reliance on RNG curses, arguing that it diminished the experience compared to titles like Hades. The lack of narrative depth was a recurring issue, with The Sydney Morning Herald noting its "minimal narrative" and IGN France pointing out "a lack of story depth." Others, such as GameStar and Wccftech, highlighted unbalanced difficulty spikes and limited content, which could frustrate casual players. Additionally, Games.cz and Malditos Nerds noted that the game felt derivative, failing to innovate beyond its inspirations and falling short of the polish seen in more established titles. These criticisms underscored a sense of missed potential, particularly in areas like story development and enemy diversity. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics leans positive, with many acknowledging Curse of the Dead Gods as a solid entry in the roguelike genre. Game Rant and RPG Fan emphasized its strengths in gameplay and progression, even if it lacked narrative depth. While some, like Nintendo Life, called it "a winner despite its lack of narrative," others such as Video Chums and GamingTrend praised its balance of challenge and reward, recommending it to fans of the genre. The game’s ability to deliver a satisfying, skill-based experience—despite its shortcomings—earned it a place among notable roguelikes. As Push Square noted, it’s "far from a curse," reflecting a shared belief that while not perfect, Curse of the Dead Gods offers enough innovation and depth to warrant attention from enthusiasts.

TL;DR

Curse of the Dead Gods delivers sharp, tactical roguelike combat and atmospheric charm but falters under repetitive RNG-driven mechanics, minimal storytelling, and uneven difficulty—yet its addictive challenge and innovation still make it a standout for genre fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

76 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Mar 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its strong combat system, art style, and depth but criticized for its lack of story and progression issues. It has potential to be a top-tier rogue-lite if updated regularly.

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Gaming Nexus

Nintendo Switch

Mar 22, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An excellent roguelike that balances challenge with progression, offering engaging gameplay, visual appeal, and high replayability. The curses and random elements keep each run fresh, making it a standout title in the genre.

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Screen Rant

Xbox One

Feb 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A well-crafted roguelike with unique mechanics, balanced difficulty, and stylish presentation. It successfully carves a niche in the genre, appealing to fans of similar games.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Feb 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the game is a challenging but rewarding experience, highly recommended for those seeking difficulty. It balances punishing mechanics with satisfying gameplay and creative design elements.

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IGN

Feb 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Curse of the Dead Gods stands out in the roguelite genre with its innovative mechanics, strategic depth, and engaging combat. While it lacks a strong narrative, its unique systems and replayability make it a standout title despite minor flaws.

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God is a Geek

Xbox One

Feb 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Curse of the Dead Gods is an excellent rogue-like with strong gameplay variety and balance, though it has minor technical issues on Switch.

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GameSkinny

Mar 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Curse of the Dead Gods is a fantastic action roguelike with strong gameplay and risk-reward mechanics, despite its lack of narrative depth and repetitive elements. It's recommended for players seeking challenge and experimentation.

GameSpace

Nintendo Switch

Mar 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review is largely positive, highlighting the game's engaging mechanics, visual style, and unique features while acknowledging its similarities to Hades. It recommends the game for fans of rogue-lites and action RPGs.

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XboxAddict

Xbox One

Mar 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes with a positive overall assessment, highlighting the game's rewarding gameplay, combat, and progression. It’s recommended for fans of challenging roguelikes.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Feb 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A stylish, confident dungeon crawler with challenging mechanics, creative use of light/darkness, and rewarding progression. While brutal and punishing, it balances difficulty with adaptability, offering a satisfying experience for players who master its systems.

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