Endless Dungeon is a tactical dungeon-crawler action game that combines tower defense, twin-stick shooter, and co-op elements in a sci-fi setting.
The game is developed by Amplitude Studios, the same people that brought us Endless Space and Endless Space 2. It is published by Sega, and it is a successor to the cult classic Dungeon of the Endless. The game was released on October 19, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Endless Dungeon is simple but addictive. The game starts with a short comic-like animation on how you get stranded in an abandoned space station full of monsters and mysteries. Your only hope of escape is to reach the core of the station, but you can’t do that without your crystal bot, which is basically your lifeline. The crystal bot powers the doors and turrets that you need to survive. However, it is also defenseless, and every creature in the station wants to destroy it. You have to protect your crystal bot at all costs, or you will die and start over.
Each run requires you to recruit your own team of shipwrecked heroes, initially just starting with the character from when you started the game for the first time. Eventually, you will get to recruit an interesting bunch of characters as you progress in the game. Each character has their own skills and abilities. You can choose from a variety of characters, such as a flamethrower-wielding engineer, a poison-sniping assassin, or a shield-bashing tank. You have to think carefully about who you want to bring, as you can only carry up to three characters at a time. You can also customize your weapons and turrets from a wide selection of options, ranging from lasers to rockets to mines. You can play solo or with up to two friends in multiplayer mode.
The game is divided into procedurally generated rooms that you have to explore and clear. Each room has different layouts, enemies, traps, and loot. You have to use your tactical skills and reflexes to plan your moves, place your turrets, and fight off the waves of enemies. The game is challenging but fair, as you can always retreat to a safe room and heal up if things get too hairy. However, you also have to manage your resources carefully, as ammo and health are limited.
The game has a lot of replay value, as each run is different and unpredictable. You never know what you will find in the next room or what kind of boss you will face at the end of each level. The game also has a lot of secrets and Easter eggs to discover, as well as references to the Endless Universe that fans will appreciate.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics of Endless Dungeon are colorful and cartoonish, but also detailed and immersive. The game has a distinct style that blends sci-fi and fantasy elements and is sometimes comic book like, which does not detract but adds a certain flair to the game. The space station is full of futuristic gadgets and alien creatures, but it also has a retro vibe with neon lights and pixel art. The game runs smoothly and has no noticeable bugs or glitches.
I would say that the game’s graphics are very immersive and would not be boring at all to spend hours at a time watching it in-game, even at a top-down level. I also can see that the developers of the game made a painstaking effort to animate everything and made sure that each piece of item, weapon, equipment, etc. had its own graphics and animation, ensuring it wasn’t boring or repetitive.
The sound of Endless Dungeon is also impressive and atmospheric. The game has a great soundtrack that features singer Lera Lynn and composer Arnaud Roy. The music is catchy and dynamic, changing according to the situation and mood. The sound effects are also realistic and satisfying, from the explosions of the turrets to the screams of the enemies. The voice acting is also well-done and humorous, adding personality to the characters.
Controls
Endless Dungeon also makes it easier to jump right in to play the game. Controls are very easy to get into and are very intuitive. It’s a good mix of keyboard and mouse usage, and it’s reminiscent of other dungeon-crawling or shooter games.
You use the keyboard for movement by using the WASD keys, to activate skills, and to interact with objects and doors. The mouse, on the other hand, is used to point your character in the right direction, to use your weapons, or if you just want to punch something. Veteran gamers will easily get a handle on it, while newbies should be able to jump easily as there are some short instructions provided for first-timers.
The simplicity of the controls and not needing detailed instructions (which can sometimes bog down other games’ introductions) make Endless Dungeon a game that is very easy to get into and very easy to get lost in.
Story
What I think Endless Dungeon lacks is a deep storyline. But that is to be expected with a game like this. There is enough story and plot for this game to hook you in, but don’t expect RPG-level storytelling.
As the story goes, you find yourself trapped on the space station when your ship crashes into it. With no way home, you learn that you have to get to the station’s core if you have any hope of getting out. You learn that you are not alone, and a bunch of other survivors are on the station as well, stuck and also looking for a way home.
As you move along the dungeon, there are also mementos that you can pick up that speak about the lore of the space station and the larger universe. It also gives you clues to what happened on the station and perhaps clues that will help you get to the core and hopefully back home. So apart from the broad strokes of storytelling, there isn’t much. The story isn’t bad per se, and it’s good enough to get the game going, but it could be stronger.
Verdict
Endless Dungeon is a fun and addictive game that will appeal to fans of roguelites, tower defense, twin-stick shooters, co-op games, or sci-fi games. The game has a lot of depth and variety, as well as challenge and replayability. The game also has a lot of charm and humor, as well as references to the Endless Universe. The game is well worth the price of $29.99 for the standard edition or $39.99 for the last wish edition.
If you are looking for a game that will keep you entertained for hours with its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and co-op fun, then Endless Dungeon is the game for you.
