As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of games that try to emulate the greatness of FromSoftware’s legendary Souls series. However, every once in a while, a diamond like Deathbound from Trialforge Studios shines brightly amidst the sea of imitators. This game isn’t just another derivative title; it offers a unique party-based twist that sets it apart from the rest.
Although numerous games mimic aspects from FromSoftware’s Souls series, most of them seem like imitations, typically boasting an intriguing setting or a few distinct gameplay features. Occasionally, smaller studios attempt to tackle the same concept, but with innovative mechanics added for a fresh experience. One such example is Trialforge Studios’ creation, Deathbound.
The game Deathbound is primarily bound together by its distinctive feature: the simultaneous control of multiple characters. In fact, the studio often refers to Deathbound as a Souls-like game with party mechanics. Although you manage only one character at any given moment, you can switch between your “equipped” characters. You can equip up to four characters in this way, each with their own distinct move sets, weapons, equipment, and special abilities.
In the immersive world of Deathbound, I’ve noticed that every character I encounter seems to have met an untimely end, often connected, though not always directly, to the ongoing conflict that shapes this game. As I uncover each new soul, I’m granted a glimpse into their past, a condensed narrative that reveals who they were and why they found themselves in the afterlife. The diversity in these stories is captivating, from ruthless assassins to innocent mages, my comrades are as varied as they are intriguing.
In Deathbound, unlike other games where you might need to manage every item in your inventory, you don’t have to worry about that detail. Instead, each character comes with their own pre-set equipment, and your task is limited to equipping artifacts and a few rings.
“The best thing about Deathbound, however, might just be its core combat.”
You may enhance the gear you possess. To boost a particular bonus, though, you’ll need diverse types of resources, which can be obtained through global exploration or defeating specific adversaries.
Discussing progression systems within the game Deathbound, there are two primary methods to enhance your character’s strength: a conventional approach that lets you invest experience points in acquiring diverse passive abilities, which may increase damage, defenses, or health; and a talent system, designed for customizing the unique skills of party members. Although the traditional leveling method seems somewhat mundane, providing minor benefits like a 3% damage boost or 5 additional health, the talent system is significantly more engaging.
As you progress through the game, you’ll come across multiple spots where certain characters can perform actions. By doing so, these spots reveal short stories that flesh out the character’s history, and in return, you earn talent points. You can then utilize these points to acquire unique benefits for your characters. For instance, a mage specialized in poison could opt to enhance their overcharge abilities for increased damage, or they might instead choose to improve upon using buffs more effectively. This system offers a greater sense of personalization and keeps gameplay engaging, as opposed to simply receiving straightforward stat increases. Plus, delving into the game’s intricate zones becomes even more enjoyable due to these rewards.
“There are two main ways of getting stronger in Deathbound“
One intriguing aspect of the game Deathbound, particularly noteworthy, is its engaging combat system. Initially, it resembles other games in the Souls series, where your right trigger and shoulder buttons are used for attacks, while your left trigger and shoulder buttons handle shield usage. However, things become more intricate once you unlock your second playable character. This is when synchronized attacks come into play. By using the D-pad to switch between characters, you can coordinate these attacks with precise timing to execute follow-up strikes that are significantly stronger than typical combos. These synchronized attacks transform a seemingly slow and strategic hack-and-slash game into an exhilarating action game with intricate combos that are thrilling to execute.
The main issue I’ve found with the game’s primary battle system is that it can be quite challenging to learn. It’s not immediately obvious that you need to switch your thumb from the left joystick to the D-pad during combos, and things become even more complex when you discover that not every team member employs the left triggers and shoulder buttons for defensive moves. For example, the assassin’s defense mechanisms are linked to her one-handed crossbow, which can be confusing because I’ve often found myself attempting to block an attack instead of firing a powerful shot with her small crossbow bolt. This misunderstanding has led to my untimely demise more times than I care to remember.
As a gamer, conquering this steep learning curve can be quite gratifying, but I’ve found the control system takes some getting used to, especially when trying out those exhilarating long combos. That said, if the adversary offers an opening for attack, you’ll find that these combos can be incredibly fun and effective. However, attempting them amidst an enemy’s assault might not yield positive results – it could just as easily lead to my demise, since not every attack will stun the enemy.
“The only real downside to the core combat system is its learning curve.”
In “Deathbound”, the health and stamina system is both intriguing and aggravating due to its unique design. Each character’s health and stamina are closely linked, implying that as damage increases, the available stamina for attacking, dodging, or blocking decreases. This mechanic, while innovative, can make low-health characters a significant liability since they often lack the necessary stamina to withstand intense assaults. The additional challenge arises from the fact that if any one party member dies, it results in the demise of the entire group. This can be particularly problematic when trying to survive a fierce onslaught.
Fundamentally, Deathbound offers some intriguing concepts, standing out as one of the rare Souls-like games that presents a unique and engaging experience. The game’s world may seem somewhat drab, but it is enriched with tantalizing bits of lore. However, it’s the party system that truly sets it apart, offering an enjoyable gaming experience. There are numerous conversations among characters, which can become particularly entertaining due to the inevitable disagreements between personalities. Moreover, the combat system is incredibly satisfying to master.
Combine an advancement structure that generously acknowledges exploration and a device management system offering optimal organization, and you’ll find a game that stands out as one of the most intriguing additions to its category.
This game was reviewed on PC.
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2024-08-09 15:11