Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Dungeons of Hinterberg

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

2024

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

AvailableJul 18, 2024

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X

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

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Dungeons of Hinterberg has garnered a lot of positive feedback from critics. CGMagazine praises the unique story of a lawyer-in-training on vacation in a magical tourist destination with unexpected happenings, setting an intriguing premise for the game. Digital Trends appreciates the nuanced and weighty narrative that tackles the complexities of the tourism industry and personal growth, adding depth to the protagonist's journey. TechRadar Gaming highlights the heartfelt story with themes of relaxation and self-discovery, providing players with choices in how they navigate through the alpine village of Hinterberg. The Indie Informer commends the exploration of commercialism and the impact of magic becoming real, offering a fresh perspective on the narrative. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the story of Dungeons of Hinterberg. COGconnected mentions that the game features a thin narrative veneer over standard ARPG gameplay, suggesting that the storytelling might not be as robust as some players would prefer. RPG Site notes that while the story is functional, it is predictable and lacks strong emotional impact, potentially limiting the overall engagement for players seeking a more immersive narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Dungeons of Hinterberg is largely positive. Critics like GameCritics and But Why Tho?? appreciate the relatable and intriguing narrative that resonates with themes of finding oneself and pursuing happiness, appealing to a wide audience. IGN Brasil and Pure Xbox highlight the consistency and unique blend of dungeon exploration with character development, offering a refreshing take on RPG storytelling. Despite some criticisms about predictability and narrative depth, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's strengths in storytelling, character interactions, and thematic exploration, making Dungeons of Hinterberg a compelling narrative-driven experience for players looking for a mix of adventure, self-discovery, and magical intrigue.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Dungeons of Hinterberg earns praise for its unique story of a vacationing lawyer facing unexpected magical encounters. Critics highlight the game's exploration of tourism, personal growth, and commercialism, with choices for players in the alpine village. While some critics find the narrative thin and predictable, most agree that the game offers a compelling mix of adventure, self-discovery, and magical intrigue.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Gameplay of Dungeons of Hinterberg has received praise from multiple critics for its positive aspects. CGMagazine commends the game for offering a modern take on N64-era 3D Zelda titles with unique puzzles and magic abilities tied to specific biomes. Checkpoint Gaming appreciates how the game combines puzzles, combat, and relationship-building in a captivating manner with distinct dungeons and satisfying mechanics. IGN Brasil highlights the competent and balanced combat, creative puzzles in dungeons, and the engaging relationship system that becomes more interesting as the campaign progresses. On the downside, some critics have pointed out certain negatives regarding the Gameplay of Dungeons of Hinterberg. Digital Trends mentions that combat can become repetitive and lacks enemy variety, which may affect the overall experience for some players. New Game Network describes the combat as routine hack and slash with limited variety, indicating a potential lack of depth in this aspect of the game. Twinfinite also notes that while the game features clever puzzles and enjoyable dungeon exploration, the combat lacks variety and can become repetitive, potentially leading to a less engaging experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a compelling gameplay experience with a mix of RPG elements, combat, dungeon crawling, and social simulation features. Critics like COGconnected appreciate the classic ARPG combat mechanics, well-done environmental puzzles, and variety of dungeons to explore. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive combat and lack of variety in certain aspects, the general sentiment is positive towards the game's innovative dungeon design, unique spells, engaging combat, and relationship-building mechanics. The blend of exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and social interactions seems to have resonated well with the critics, making Dungeons of Hinterberg a recommended title for players looking for a mix of classic and modern gameplay elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Dungeons of Hinterberg for its modern twist on classic Zelda gameplay, unique puzzles, and engaging relationship-building features, but note drawbacks like repetitive combat and lack of variety. Overall, the game offers a compelling mix of RPG elements, combat, dungeon exploration, and social simulation, making it a recommended pick for fans of classic and modern gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dungeons of Hinterberg, highlighting its vibrant and captivating art style. CGMagazine appreciated the striking comic-book-inspired aesthetic that featured grounded yet fantastical characters and environments. Checkpoint Gaming commended the gorgeous visual aesthetic with distinct areas, beautifully designed dungeons, and a charming setting that brought the Austrian town of Hinterberg to life. Gfinity also noted the game's gorgeous art style with bright colors and a unique comic book effect, praising the variety in setting and gameplay mechanics within the dungeons. PCGamesN commended the game for its gorgeous art direction, diverse environments, and distinct regions that enhanced the overall experience, making exploration rewarding and visually appealing. However, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Dungeons of Hinterberg. New Game Network mentioned technical issues like clipping and pop-in problems, which affected the overall visual polish of the game. RPG Site highlighted setbacks such as aliasing in dialogue boxes and simplistic enemy designs that detracted from the otherwise beautiful environments with vivid and vibrant color palettes. SpazioGames also noted limited animations and frequent loading screens that detracted from the unique art style blending cel shading with detailed Austrian mountain landscapes. Overall, despite some minor criticisms, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dungeons of Hinterberg. The game's colorful and attractive stylized line-art aesthetic, reminiscent of the Dragon Quest series, captured the essence of the Austrian Alps, as noted by COGconnected. IGN Brasil appreciated the creative dungeon designs and varied regions with distinct magical themes, evoking a sense of playing The Legend of Zelda. The Indie Informer praised the vibrant visuals that brought each biome to life, creating expansive areas to explore and discover. The majority of critics found the art style to be unique, engaging, and well-suited to the game's tone and setting, ultimately enhancing the overall gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dungeons of Hinterberg's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its vibrant art style inspired by comic books and Austrian landscapes. Despite some minor issues like technical glitches and simplistic enemy designs, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's colorful and attractive aesthetic, reminiscent of Dragon Quest and The Legend of Zelda, makes exploration rewarding and visually captivating, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Dungeons of Hinterberg have received a mix of opinions from various critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the melodic soundscapes and detailed sound design that enhance the atmosphere of the game. TechRadar Gaming praises the game for its immersive audio that complements the different regions and encounters in Hinterberg. Additionally, But Why Tho?? and Digital Spy appreciate the ambient soundtrack, describing it as beautiful and relaxing, contributing to a cozy and engaging atmosphere. Pure Xbox also commends the music and sound design for enhancing the exploration and combat experiences, noting how they contribute to the laid-back nature of the game. On the other hand, there are criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dungeons of Hinterberg. COGconnected and New Game Network express disappointment in the lack of voice acting and monster audio in the game, with COGconnected specifically mentioning that the audio design is underwhelming overall. New Game Network points out the middling soundtrack and absence of spoken dialogue, which they feel turns the game into a somewhat monotonous experience akin to a podcast. They also suggest that more variety in enemy designs could have improved the overall experience. These criticisms highlight the missed opportunities in terms of enhancing the audio elements to create a more engaging and diverse gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with a general appreciation for the music and sound design of Dungeons of Hinterberg. While there are criticisms regarding the lack of voice acting, monster audio, and variety in enemy designs, the majority of reviewers find the ambient soundtrack and soundscapes to be immersive and enhancing of the game's atmosphere. The relaxing and melodic nature of the music is praised for contributing to a cozy and engaging vibe, which aligns well with the laid-back exploration and combat experiences the game offers. Despite some shortcomings, the overall sentiment suggests that the Sound Design and Music of Dungeons of Hinterberg largely succeed in creating a pleasant auditory backdrop for players to enjoy.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are divided on the sound design and music of Dungeons of Hinterberg. Positive reviews praise the melodic soundscapes and detailed design that enhance the game's atmosphere, while criticisms focus on the lack of voice acting and monster audio. Despite some flaws, most reviewers appreciate the ambient soundtrack for its immersive and cozy vibe, contributing to a laid-back gameplay experience. Overall, the game's audio elements are seen as largely successful in creating a pleasant backdrop for players.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the general consensus among critics is mixed. While GGRecon praises the smooth performance of Dungeons of Hinterberg on PC, TechRadar Gaming notes occasional frame rate drops on the Steam Deck. However, they also highlight the overall fluid performance on both PC and Steam Deck. Despite some issues, the game seems to run well on these platforms, with only minor hiccups reported by Twinfinite. On the other hand, the opinions regarding the technical performance on Xbox Series X are more varied. Critics like GameCritics and Hobby Consolas report no major technical issues, with Hobby Consolas even mentioning the addition of a hoverboard to improve mobility. However, Metro GameCentral and SpazioGames highlight issues such as controls affecting gameplay experience and frequent loading screens, respectively. Inverse also points out minor missing quality-of-life features that impact the overall experience on this platform. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of Dungeons of Hinterberg are somewhat polarized. While some reviewers like Pure Xbox and Hobby Consolas appreciate the stable performance and minor issues encountered, others such as New Game Network and Metro GameCentral point out significant technical issues like visual problems and control issues affecting gameplay. The consensus seems to be that while the game runs smoothly on certain platforms like Xbox Series X, there are notable technical shortcomings on others like PC, particularly in terms of controls and visual glitches.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Dungeons of Hinterberg. The game runs smoothly on PC and Steam Deck with minor hiccups, but occasional frame rate drops are noted. Xbox Series X sees varied opinions, with some praising stable performance and a hoverboard addition, while others mention control issues and frequent loading screens. Overall, critics are polarized, with some appreciating stable performance and others pointing out significant technical problems like visual glitches and control issues.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Dungeons of Hinterberg are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's various elements that contribute to its replayability. Checkpoint Gaming mentions how the game encourages replaying dungeons for loot and unlocking bonuses through evolving relationships, providing a cozy and low-pressure experience. Digital Trends appreciates the strong replay value offered by intricate puzzles, social links, and multiple story arcs that deepen the understanding of the game world. GGRecon and Noisy Pixel both emphasize the variety of dungeons, combat strategies, and relationship-building choices that encourage players to explore different powers and abilities on subsequent playthroughs. On the flip side, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the game's replayability. GameSkinny notes that while the game offers replay value through adjustable difficulty levels and social simulation elements, the climbing mechanic and lack of exploration freedom could hinder replayability for some players. New Game Network expresses concerns about lacking fundamentals in combat and relationship building segments, which may deter them from returning for a repeat run despite enjoying the variety in gameplay mechanics across dungeons. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dungeons of Hinterberg offers substantial replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics and engaging systems. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and The Indie Informer appreciate the different difficulty settings, social interactions, and relationship choices that provide varied experiences across playthroughs. IGN Deutschland and Hobby Consolas highlight the game's diverse dungeon designs, social interactions, and strategic equipment choices that offer unique experiences with each playthrough. The general sentiment is that while there may be minor issues like inconsistent puzzle quality or control weaknesses in some levels, the overall package of Dungeons of Hinterberg presents a compelling and replayable experience for fans of ARPGs and social simulation games.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Dungeons of Hinterberg's replay value, praising its diverse gameplay elements like loot-hunting, evolving relationships, and intricate puzzles. While some point out drawbacks like limited exploration freedom and combat issues, the consensus is that the game offers varied experiences with each playthrough, making it a compelling pick for fans of ARPGs and social sims.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praised Dungeons of Hinterberg for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, and unique blend of genres. CGMagazine described it as a "wonderful and unexpectedly charming action RPG," highlighting its appeal to fans of the genre. IGN Brasil commended the game for successfully combining The Legend of Zelda and Persona mechanics, creating a synergistic and enjoyable experience. Additionally, TechRadar Gaming and Pure Xbox both lauded the game for its heartfelt story, art style, and choice-driven gameplay, emphasizing its positive aspects. On the downside, some critics pointed out specific areas where Dungeons of Hinterberg fell short. COGconnected mentioned issues with platforming, forced social elements, underwhelming audio design, and small combat arenas that hindered the overall experience. GameSkinny highlighted flaws like finicky climbing mechanics and lack of exploration freedom, which detracted from the otherwise fun and light-hearted gameplay. SpazioGames noted technical limitations and gameplay balance issues that could affect the overall enjoyment of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a unique and engaging experience with a mix of RPG mechanics, social interactions, and exploration. While there are criticisms regarding certain aspects like combat, platforming, and technical issues, the game's creativity, heart, and captivating elements shine through. Critics like Digital Spy and Hobby Consolas found the game to be challenging yet engaging, offering a delightful sense of adventure and gameplay variety. The positive reception from critics like GGRecon, who praised it as sensational and a strong contender for one of the best games, further solidifies the overall positive sentiment towards Dungeons of Hinterberg.

TL;DR

Critics are raving about Dungeons of Hinterberg for its captivating story, unique gameplay blend, and appeal to RPG fans. It combines Zelda and Persona mechanics for a synergistic experience. However, some critics criticized issues like platforming, social elements, and audio design. Despite flaws, the game's creativity and heart shine through, offering a challenging yet engaging adventure with positive overall sentiment from critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

85 reviews found

100

GGRecon

Jul 18, 2024