Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Dungeons of Hinterberg

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dungeons of Hinterberg
Item: Dungeons of Hinterberg
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Interactive Movie, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJul 18, 2024

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperMicrobird Games

Overview

From developer Microbird, Dungeons of Hinterberg takes place in the Austrian Alps, where the small town of Hinterberg has become a tourist destination due to its lush scenery and crisp mountain air. And also monsters. It's a great place to holiday if you want to kill some monsters.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg impresses with its unique premise and engaging narrative centered on Luisa, a lawyer-in-training in a magical village, exploring themes of capitalism and personal growth. Critics praise its character interactions but criticize the story's predictability and lack of depth, suggesting it often feels like a backdrop to gameplay. While it offers relatable themes of burnout and self-discovery, the narrative's flaws leave it a charming yet imperfect experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Dungeons of Hinterberg has garnered praise from several critics for its unique premise and engaging narrative. Reviewers like CGMagazine and IGN Brasil highlight the intriguing journey of Luisa, a lawyer-in-training seeking respite from her city life in a magical alpine village. Critics such as Digital Trends and GGRecon commend the game for tackling complex themes like capitalism and personal growth, while also weaving in elements of mystery and character interaction. The narrative's focus on self-discovery and the exploration of relationships is noted by multiple reviewers, including Noisy Pixel and Gfinity, who appreciate the depth added to the protagonist's journey through her interactions with the town's colorful inhabitants. However, the game has also faced criticism for its narrative shortcomings. Critics like COGconnected and Gamesurf argue that the story is thin and lacks the depth and nuance necessary to elevate it beyond a simple good versus evil narrative. RPG Site and Twinfinite echo this sentiment, describing the overarching plot as predictable and lacking emotional impact. While some reviewers, such as GameSkinny, appreciate the light-hearted approach to dungeon diving, others feel that this focus detracts from a more substantial storytelling experience, suggesting that the narrative serves more as a backdrop to gameplay rather than a compelling driving force. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging the game's potential while pointing out its narrative flaws. Critics like Digital Spy and But Why Tho? emphasize the relatable themes of burnout and self-discovery, resonating particularly with younger audiences. Despite its predictable elements, the game’s exploration of contemporary issues within a fantastical setting offers a fresh take on the genre. While some reviewers appreciate the balance between light storytelling and character interaction, others feel that the narrative could have been more robust. Ultimately, Dungeons of Hinterberg presents a charming yet flawed narrative experience that invites players to engage with its themes of escapism and personal growth, albeit with varying degrees of success.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg impresses with its mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat, drawing comparisons to The Legend of Zelda. Critics praise its innovative dungeon design and engaging gameplay that blends combat with social simulation. However, repetitive combat and basic enemy AI are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the game is lauded for its clever mechanics and captivating experience, making it a solid choice for RPG fans. Overall, it successfully modernizes classic elements while offering an enjoyable adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Dungeons of Hinterberg has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who appreciate its blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and IGN Brasil, highlight the game's modern take on classic elements reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda series, particularly in its dungeon design and unique puzzles. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Gfinity commend the game's low-pressure environment that allows for captivating gameplay, combining relationship-building with engaging mechanics. The presence of diverse magical abilities and character customization, as noted by Noisy Pixel and Hobby Consolas, adds depth to the gameplay, making it appealing to both action RPG fans and those who enjoy social simulation aspects. However, several critics point out notable weaknesses in the gameplay. A common criticism is the repetitiveness of combat, with many reviewers, including Digital Trends and Twinfinite, mentioning that the combat mechanics can become routine and lack enemy variety. Critics like Gamesurf and New Game Network also highlight that while the combat serves its purpose, it is straightforward and lacks depth, which may deter players seeking more complex mechanics. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameSkinny and IGN Deutschland, mention issues with the AI of enemies and the finicky nature of climbing mechanics, which can hinder the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dungeons of Hinterberg successfully combines various gameplay elements, creating an enjoyable experience that appeals to a wide audience. While there are criticisms regarding the combat's depth and enemy variety, the innovative dungeon design, clever puzzles, and engaging exploration are frequently praised. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and RPG Site encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing the game's ability to balance combat, puzzles, and social interactions effectively. Despite its flaws, the game is seen as a commendable effort that successfully captures the essence of classic RPGs while introducing modern mechanics, making it a worthwhile experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg dazzles with its vibrant, comic-book-inspired visuals, earning high praise for its stunning aesthetic that brings the Austrian Alps to life. Critics celebrate its unique art style and immersive environments, highlighting it as a major game strength. However, technical flaws like clipping, pop-in, and limited animations temper the enthusiasm. Overall, while some issues exist, the game's graphics are a standout feature that enhances the gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Dungeons of Hinterberg is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its striking and vibrant aesthetic, often likening it to a comic-book style that effectively captures the charm of the Austrian Alps. CGMagazine noted the "striking comic-book-inspired aesthetic," while Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the "gorgeous visual aesthetic" that brings the town of Hinterberg to life. Critics like Gfinity and GGRecon emphasized the unique art style, with Gfinity describing it as a "gorgeous art style with bright colors" and GGRecon pointing out the captivating comic-book crosshatch art style. The game's diverse environments and distinct regions were frequently commended, with PCGamesN stating that the visuals enhance the overall experience, making exploration rewarding and visually appealing. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out technical shortcomings that detracted from the visual experience. For instance, New Game Network mentioned issues with clipping and pop-in, while Hobby Consolas criticized the graphical presentation for having problems like textures and animations. Additionally, Digital Trends described the characters as "toy-like," which may not resonate well with all players. SpazioGames also noted that while the art style is unique, limited animations and frequent loading screens could detract from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the visual design is ambitious and engaging, it is not without its flaws. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Dungeons of Hinterberg features a visually stunning and charming art style that enhances the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers found the graphics to be a highlight of the game, with many praising the colorful environments and creative dungeon designs. Critics like Loot Level Chill and PlayStation Universe emphasized the immersive quality of the visuals, with the latter describing them as reminiscent of "hand-drawn postcards." The combination of vibrant colors, unique artistic choices, and engaging environments has led to a largely favorable reception, indicating that the game's graphical presentation is a significant strength, even if some technical issues remain.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg shines with its beautiful ambient soundtrack, praised for creating a cozy atmosphere that enhances gameplay. However, critics are split, noting the lack of voice acting and impactful audio detracts from the experience, leaving it feeling underwhelming. The game excels in relaxation but misses a chance for deeper immersion, highlighting a need for more dynamic sound design in future updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

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

The sound design and music of Dungeons of Hinterberg have garnered a mix of positive feedback from several critics, particularly regarding the game's ambient soundtrack and its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. Critics like But Why Tho? and Digital Spy praised the beautiful ambient scores that enhance the overall experience, contributing to a cozy and engaging vibe that aligns well with the game's aesthetic. Pure Xbox noted that the music and sound design effectively support the laid-back nature of the game, enriching both exploration and combat experiences. TechRadar Gaming also highlighted the detailed sound design and melodic soundscapes that enhance the atmosphere of different regions, suggesting that the music plays a crucial role in immersing players in the game world. However, the game has faced significant criticism regarding its sound design and music, particularly due to the absence of voice acting and the perceived lack of impact in its audio elements. Critics such as COGconnected and Gamesurf pointed out that the game feels underwhelming without voice acting, with dialogue presented only as text, which detracts from the overall experience. New Game Network echoed this sentiment, describing the soundtrack as middling and noting that the lack of spoken dialogue turns the game into a "podcast experience." This suggests a missed opportunity to fully engage players through auditory storytelling, which many critics felt could have elevated the game. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided opinion on the sound design and music of Dungeons of Hinterberg. While some reviewers, like But Why Tho? and Digital Spy, appreciate the ambient music and its role in creating a relaxing atmosphere, others, such as COGconnected and Gamesurf, criticize the lack of voice acting and impactful sound design. This divergence indicates that while the game successfully creates a soothing auditory environment, it also falls short in delivering a more dynamic and engaging sound experience. The absence of voiceovers and varied audio elements seems to be a common concern, suggesting that the developers may need to consider these aspects in future updates or sequels to enhance player immersion and enjoyment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg gets mixed reviews for technical performance across platforms. On PC, critics praise smooth gameplay but cite janky controls and visual issues. Xbox Series X offers stable performance with minor flaws, yet struggles with controls and loading times. The PS5 version suffers from framerate drops. While it shows potential, the game needs significant refinement to ensure a consistently enjoyable experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Dungeons of Hinterberg has garnered a mixed reception across different platforms, with some positive notes emerging from the reviews. On PC, critics like Gamesurf and GGRecon noted that the game generally runs well, with a stable frame rate and smooth performance during most gameplay, even on the Steam Deck OLED. TechRadar Gaming echoed this sentiment, highlighting fluid performance overall, despite some minor frame rate drops during intense moments. On Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox reported a generally stable performance with only minor hiccups, while Hobby Consolas mentioned the introduction of a hoverboard to improve mobility, indicating a thoughtful design choice to enhance player experience. However, the negatives cannot be overlooked, as several critics pointed out significant issues across platforms. On PC, COGconnected criticized the game for janky and imprecise controls, particularly during platforming sections, which can hinder puzzle-solving. New Game Network highlighted visual technical issues such as clipping and pop-in problems, while Gfinity and Twinfinite mentioned sluggish controls and minor glitches that detracted from the experience. On Xbox Series X, Metro GameCentral reported issues with controls and camera angles, while SpazioGames noted frequent loading screens and a lack of voice acting that impacted the overall technical performance. Push Square pointed out framerate drops and screen freezes on PS5, which detracted from the visual appeal of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dungeons of Hinterberg has moments of solid technical performance, it is marred by various issues that affect gameplay across platforms. The PC version is characterized by a generally stable experience but suffers from control and visual problems, as noted by critics like New Game Network and COGconnected. On Xbox Series X, while some reviewers found the performance stable, others pointed out control issues and loading times, indicating a lack of consistency. The PS5 version appears to have its own set of challenges with framerate drops, as mentioned by Push Square. Collectively, these reviews suggest that while the game has potential, its technical performance requires further refinement to deliver a consistently enjoyable experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dungeons of Hinterberg boasts strong replay value, praised for its evolving relationships, intricate puzzles, and diverse dungeons that keep players coming back. Critics highlight social simulation elements that enhance character arcs and combat strategies, with optional quests adding to the allure. However, some reviewers point to its linearity and limitations in combat and exploration mechanics as potential drawbacks. While the game offers a solid base for multiple playthroughs, concerns about its lack of freedom may leave some players wanting more. Overall, it's a mix of engaging content and notable limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Dungeons of Hinterberg is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting various aspects that encourage players to return for multiple playthroughs. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends emphasize the game's ability to foster replayability through evolving relationships, intricate puzzles, and diverse dungeons. The social simulation elements mentioned by GameSkinny and TechRadar Gaming further enhance the experience, allowing players to explore different character arcs and combat strategies. Critics like GGRecon and Noisy Pixel also note that the game provides incentives through optional quests and character boosts, making the prospect of replaying appealing for those who enjoy exploring different gameplay styles. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value. Some reviewers, including Gamesurf and PlayStation Universe, point out the linear nature of the game, which may limit the overall replayability for some players. This sentiment is echoed by New Game Network, who, despite enjoying the game, expressed doubts about returning for a repeat run due to perceived deficiencies in combat and relationship-building mechanics. Additionally, GameSkinny mentions that certain gameplay elements, such as the climbing mechanic, may detract from the freedom of exploration, impacting the desire to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a solid foundation for replay value, particularly through its engaging social interactions and diverse gameplay mechanics. While some critics like IGN Brasil and Gfinity acknowledge that the relationship system may not resonate with all players, the majority find enough variety in dungeons, character interactions, and combat strategies to warrant multiple playthroughs. Nevertheless, the concerns regarding linearity and certain gameplay mechanics indicate that while the game has significant replay potential, it may not fully satisfy all players seeking extensive exploration and freedom in their gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding "Dungeons of Hinterberg" is largely positive, with many critics praising its unique blend of gameplay elements and charming aesthetics. CGMagazine describes it as a "wonderful and unexpectedly charming action RPG," while Checkpoint Gaming highlights its clever combination of puzzles, combat, and relationship-building, calling it a "captivating indie game." The game is also commended for its engaging narrative and beautiful visuals, with Digital Trends noting its thought-provoking experience and high replay value. Critics like GGRecon and Inverse emphasize the game's refreshing narrative and cozy atmosphere, suggesting that it offers a delightful adventure for players seeking both action and social interactions. However, while the game has received acclaim, it is not without its flaws. Several reviewers point out issues with combat mechanics, platforming, and technical aspects. COGconnected mentions problems with platforming and underwhelming audio design, while TechRadar Gaming criticizes clunky combat and repetitive puzzles. GameSkinny also notes "finicky climbing mechanics" and a lack of exploration freedom, indicating that these elements may detract from the overall experience. Critics like Twinfinite and SpazioGames echo these sentiments, mentioning predictable storylines and gameplay balance issues that could impact enjoyment. Despite the criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that "Dungeons of Hinterberg" is a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of the action RPG genre. Most critics agree that the game successfully combines various gameplay mechanics, creating a unique and engaging adventure. GameCritics and Hobby Consolas highlight the successful blend of Zelda-like exploration and Persona-inspired social simulation, suggesting that the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the game is celebrated for its creativity, charm, and engaging gameplay, making it a compelling choice for players looking for a fresh indie title.

TL;DR

"Dungeons of Hinterberg" is a charming action RPG praised for its blend of puzzles, combat, and relationship-building, offering a captivating adventure with beautiful visuals. Critics highlight its engaging narrative and high replay value, though issues with combat mechanics, platforming, and predictability have been noted. Despite some flaws, the game's creativity and unique gameplay make it a recommended choice for indie RPG fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

94 reviews found

100

GGRecon

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg is praised as sensational, offering a fun gameplay loop and a refreshing narrative experience. It is described as a breath of fresh air and a strong contender for one of the best games of 2024.

Read full review

Loot Level Chill

PlayStation 5

Mar 24, 2025

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a captivating game that combines beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and a meaningful story, making it a worthwhile experience for players.

But Why Tho?

Xbox Series X

Jul 26, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg is praised as a fantastic adventure with addicting gameplay, an engaging narrative, and a memorable cast of characters, earning a high score of 9/10.

Checkpoint Gaming

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg cleverly combines puzzles, combat, and relationship-building into a captivating indie game with memorable moments and a gorgeous aesthetic.

Read full review

PCGamesN

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg is highly praised for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and replay value, making it a journey that is both satisfying and worth revisiting.

Twinfinite

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a unique and refreshing holiday experience despite its predictable story, repetitive combat, and minor technical issues.

Read full review

Digital Trends

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a thought-provoking and engaging experience with a unique narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and high replay value, despite some combat and visual design shortcomings.

Read full review

Gfinity

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a fresh take on social action RPG gameplay, blending genres effectively and delivering a novel experience. Despite some limitations in town activities and control sluggishness, the game largely fulfills its potential.

Read full review

The Indie Informer

Jul 18, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg provides a captivating experience with engaging gameplay, a thought-provoking story, and vibrant visuals, offering a satisfying adventure for players.

Read full review

GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Sep 19, 2024

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

Dungeons of Hinterberg is praised for its gameplay, story, relationship system, and thoughtful design, offering a holistic and resonant experience. The review gives it a rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Read full review