Mini Review: Dungeons of Hinterberg (PS5) – Chill Fights and Vibes in Virtual Vacation

If vacations are intended to provide relaxation and escape from daily routines, why do they sometimes feel stressful instead? The game “Dungeons of Hinterberg” addresses these conflicting feelings as its character, Luisa, steps away from her legal career to unwind in the Austrian Alps. However, she finds herself in perilous dungeons filled with puzzles and combat, which adds an extra layer of excitement. This mix of fighting, problem-solving, and social interaction similar to Persona makes for a fun diversion from larger PS5 game releases – essentially, a virtual getaway.

In a nod to the well-liked Atlus series, Microbird Games has designed a game structure with daytime activities focusing on dungeon exploration and crawling, while social interactions and bonding happen during the evenings. The game is set across a holiday resort, with 25 dungeons scattered throughout different areas, each imbued with unique magical abilities. These powers are employed to tackle the puzzles within the dungeons, and though they may not be particularly difficult, the mental challenges they present prove engaging and rewarding.

You have the power to generate bombs, soar through the sky in a whirlwind, build climbable cubes of goo, and much more on your quest to reach the end. Each ability can also be used in battles. You’ll encounter tiny demons and monsters, defeating them with simple sword strikes that you can enhance with unique special attacks for added complexity. The gameplay mechanics might not offer significant challenges if you limit yourself to dungeons matching your current level, but the experience remains engaging as it introduces something fresh each day to strive for.

As night falls in Hinterberg, I seize the opportunity to mingle with fellow travelers. Each one carries their unique narrative and purpose for being here. The more time we spend together, the deeper our connections grow, advancing my relationship status and granting me new benefits. Beyond the battles and chatter lies a larger tale entwined within the town and its dungeons, adding an extra layer of intrigue as the suspense builds between skirmishes.

Enhancing the enjoyment is a captivating, vivid art design that produces mesmerizing landscapes and settings, ranging from snowy peaks to hostile marshes. The bold colors of its characters and the environments they occupy significantly contribute to the overall appeal, making each new location you explore during the campaign a joyous experience. However, despite this visual splendor, the game struggles at times to maintain a smooth frame rate, even on a PS5 Pro – with occasional action-related slowdowns and brief screen freezes that occasionally disrupt the flow. These minor hiccups can be irritating distractions from an otherwise delightful adventure.

The Virtual Getaway of Hinterberg offers an immersive escape, and it genuinely mimics a holiday at moments. Its relaxed blend of combats, dialogues, and problem-solving keeps you engaged without being overly difficult or enigmatic. Initially drawn to its dungeons, visitors often find themselves captivated by the people instead.

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2025-03-10 20:06