With a retro twist, an influence from some old school games, and a rogue-like mechanic, One More Dungeon offers players the chance to go dungeon diving. Is it any fun? Is it worth your time? Let’s find out.
First off, I do really like One More Dungeon. I kept saying that to myself when playing, as I debated whether or not to go to bed or continue playing. Deceptively addictive, and with a decent amount of mutators to change gameplay, there’s enough to keep pulling you back in. You can make it as easy or hard as you like once you’ve bought said mutators. From changing the size of the levels, to giving you one hit point, One More Dungeon has got a great selection.
Every dungeon is randomly generated, so you’ll never play the same one twice and therefore you won’t learn the lay of the land. Luckily there is a map overlay that’s available at the press of a button to help you locate yourself and possible avenues to explore. Closed doors, crates and objects to interact with are all displayed once you locate them, so cleaning up before you exit is made a lot easier. Although the enemies that dwell within will make life difficult for you should you not be aware of your surroundings the moment that you get too close.
The game is comprised of a blocky aesthetic that resembles low-def Minecraft texture pack. So if retro feels aren’t our thing, then this may well not appeal to you. Now remember earlier when I said about influence from old school games? If you’re old enough like myself, you’ll remember games such as Doom and Hexen. The reason I mention this, is because of how objects within the environment react when you manoeuvre around them. A good example is the bodies of fallen enemies and the portals that spawn in randomly, always face you no matter which way you move. Just like the aforementioned games used to do. A far cry from what games are capable of doing these days, but a nod back to the old days put a smile on my face.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good rogue-like game and they can be immensely enjoyable as you explore, kill and loot your way through the various dungeons. But that’s where it falls apart a little at the seams. Loot is just so hard to come by. I didn’t have too much issue finding health potions, but new weapons that can dish out more damage were as rare as hen’s teeth. More often than not, I’d get 4-5 levels in and die whilst still holding my starting dagger which doesn’t deal much damage at all. Sure the magical staffs that can shoot fire, ice or poison are useful, but the energy crystals that are needed to power it don’t last forever. Take into account that unless you buy the mutator that halves enemy health, you’re in for a rough ride. Occasionally you’ll strike it lucky with the RNG and have a fantastic run, where there’s plenty of health potions, weapons, artefacts and even a shop for you to discover.
As for the audio, the background track is so quiet and diluted, you can barely notice its existence unless you’re paying attention to it. Something that stood out more would have been ideal, but it’s not the be all and end all. Sound effects are at a minimum too, and I found myself focusing more on gameplay than what sounds were being emitted through my TV.
Verdict
One More Dungeon can be very fun, addictive to a degree even. But there does need to be some balancing in regards to the loot as it’s hard to find some good stuff on your adventure. You won’t finish this quickly, but if you do, then give yourself a pat on the back as it’s a hefty challenge the further you get. It’s not perfect, but it’s above average to a high enough degree that you’ll find yourself passing the time marching through dungeon after dungeon, loot what little is available and smiting the enemies that thwart your progress.
Developer: Stately Snail
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
Release Date: 1st August 2018
Price: £7.99/$7.99/€7.99
File Size: 248MB
Xbox One copy provided for review purpose.