Steam Community :: RetroactiveAndroid TTV/YT

90.8 hrs on record (90.3 hrs at review time)

TL;DR: Don't expect to play DD1 again. The game is really good when taken on its own merits.

For fans of Darkest Dungeon 1

This game suffers the same issue that many sequels do, especially when the sequel tries something new. There are way too many people who loved the predecessor and, instead of taking the new game on its own merit, viscerally gut it whenever it ISN'T its predecessor. If you were a fan of Darkest Dungeon 1 for the gameplay, this is not a slam dunk "this is gonna be EPIC" game for you. While a lot of things were kept in terms of the combat, the broader gameplay has been completely changed. Gone is the hamlet, gone is the protracted campaign, and in its place is a roguelike with unlocks. I'm not saying you're not going to like it, but the gameplay style is entirely different. Don't expect a sequel like CoD with the sequel being the same game with different levels. DD2 is DD1 RE-IMAGINED.

If you were a fan of the original Darkest Dungeon for the atmosphere and story elements, then you are in luck. Red Hook has delivered an incredible atmosphere and a new look at classic characters! It draws you in in a way DD1 never did, and that's saying something considering how immersive DD1 was!

For people who have never played Darkest Dungeon 1

If you are here and have NEVER played DD1.... you're all good! :) Like I said earlier, DD2 is a RE-IMAGINING of DD1, and you can go into DD2 without ever playing DD1! I'd recommend still trying DD1 at some point as it is an exceptional game, but you can absolutely play this first!

Do not expect this to be a forgiving game, though. Even at its easiest, all it takes is a few mistakes to start a downward spiral that is very difficult to break. Do not expect to beat every act first try. There are content creators that do this as one of the hardest challenges in the game. Expect to fail, but failure is not the end. Every failure is a chance to unlock something new with the gathered Hope, a chance to learn what makes a better team and what is the right move, and a chance to experience this game again. And when you get the run, when luck has smiled on you and even when it turns away again you have THE build, THE team, when even the worst of luck can't stop you any more, you will relish the victory more after the failures you've faced.

In terms of gameplay: a Slay-the-Spire style world, with branching paths to follow and numerous locations to visit on your trek to the Mountain. Turn and position based combat, with characters having specific moves that can only affect specific ranks and be used from specific ranks. Difficulty with massive variance, with a pity system in the Radiant Torch that grants more power with every failure and the challenges of the Infernal Torches. RNG that can really screw you over, yet skilled players can ride the wave to great effect. Persistent unlocks as you restore hope to this shattered world.

Edit: gaem still gud

Posted 8 May, 2023. Last edited 27 November, 2024.

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