A moment of valor shines brightest against the backdrop of despair
Darkest Dungeon II is a punishing experience, much like the original game. There are no checkpoints, if your party dies then players must start over from the beginning of each level. Upgrades that are unlocked during each run are not kept; which is a chance from the usual roguelike games. And I must say this game still has the best narrator since the guy who set the stage of destiny in the Soul Calibur series.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
Much like its predecessor, Darkest Dungeon II has players exploring dark and dangerous environments with a team of four heroes. Players will need to use positioning and synergy between the heroes to find success in the hard-as-nails turn based battles. The combat system in DD 2 is much like the original, easy to use but difficult to master. As players unlock new classes, they will have to spend time experimenting with them to find the best team for success. Each attack has a range of damage that can be done instead of set numbers, so each battle requires a bit of luck as well.
One of the new systems that developer Red Hook Studios added this go round is an affinity between heroes that tracks how well they all get along. Even the smallest decisions can turn your heroes against each themselves which will add negative effects to specific skills. When this type of thing happens, it can totally wreck a planned strategy and players will have to pivot and fight through. Adding to the complication is the return of the stress system, a mechanic that is a series staple. When heroes become stressed, they run the risk of having a meltdown which will make them lose most of their HP, the animation that is accompanied with this is fun to see. While its possible for them to overcome the meltdown, it’s a rare occurrence but will reward the hero with a return of their health.
Another change from the original is how players navigate the world, in DD 2 players will explore this darkly, beautiful world in a stagecoach. The stagecoach can be damaged by road hazards which can add fights along the path but players can also guide the stagecoach left and right to run over various obstacles where some of which will drop items to use. And players will be able to choose their paths based some of which will be much harder than others.
I have said many times that I am not a big fan of these roguelite games, and while that remains true; I did enjoy all my time with Darkest Dungeon II much like I did the original. The first few runs are going to feel absolutely unfair as players will fall long before reaching the boss of an area. But there is something to be said of finally figuring out the perfect team and finding success in the ashes of defeat. I do wish this game had a campfire or some sort of checkpoint system because its not a great feeling to be hours into a run and have to start ALL over because of a small oversight. But even with these small issues I still couldn’t stop thinking about new strategies to help my heroes find success in this dark and gothic world. This is a dangerous journey, but it’s one worth taking.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
