Dungeons of Hinterberg – PC Review

Dungeons of Hinterberg – PC Review

Genre: Action RPG, Puzzle
Developer: Microbird Games
Publisher: Curve Games
Release Date: July 18, 2024
Platforms: Steam
Release Price: $29.99
Written By: Draul
Edited By: Bex

Dungeons of Hinterberg is an action RPG that masterfully blends dungeon-crawling, puzzles, and social simulation, set against the picturesque backdrop of a magical Austrian alpine village. Developed by Microbird Games, this indie title stands out with its combination of accessible gameplay, engaging storytelling, and vibrant art direction.

The core gameplay revolves around protagonist, Luisa, exploring 25 unique dungeons scattered across four distinct regions. Each dungeon presents a mix of combat and puzzles, which are bolstered by special region-specific magical abilities. The puzzles are cleverly designed to challenge players without overwhelming them, maintaining a balanced difficulty curve. Combat, though straightforward, is satisfying, with a variety of light and heavy attacks, dodge mechanics, and magic skills to keep encounters engaging.

Outside the dungeons, the game shifts focus to social interactions in the village of Hinterberg. Players can choose how to spend their evenings, deepening relationships with quirky characters ranging from fellow adventurers to influencers. This Persona-inspired social system adds depth to the game, offering meaningful rewards like new abilities and stat boosts as relationships grow.

Visually, Dungeons of Hinterberg is stunning. Its cel-shaded aesthetic enhances the natural beauty of the alpine regions, from autumnal forests to snowy peaks. The design of dungeons reflects this creativity, with settings that range from treetop mazes to swampy ruins. This attention to detail immerses players in both the magical and mundane aspects of Hinterberg.

However, the game isn’t without its flaws. The boss fights, though inspired by local mythology, are underwhelming, lacking the strategic depth of other gameplay elements. Similarly, while the combat system is enjoyable, its simplicity might feel repetitive during longer sessions. These minor shortcomings, however, do little to detract from the game’s overall charm.

 

Pros:

  • Gorgeous cel-shaded visuals and diverse environments.
  • Clever puzzles with a balanced difficulty curve.
  • Engaging social simulation adds emotional depth.
  • Accessible yet satisfying combat mechanics.
  • Unique blend of exploration, combat, and narrative.

Cons:

  • Boss battles lack depth and challenge.
  • Combat simplicity might feel repetitive over time.
  • Minor pacing issues in the narrative progression.

 

Draul gives Dungeons of Hinterberg a Drastik Measure 8.2 out of 10 (82)

 

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a charming and refreshing indie RPG that excels in blending adventure, storytelling, and social elements, making it a must-play for fans of imaginative, narrative-driven games.