Introduction
A new contender has emerged on the gaming scene, capturing the attention of dungeon crawler enthusiasts on Steam. Dungeonborne, a game that closely mirrors the gameplay and premise of the previously successful Dark and Darker, has risen to prominence a year after its predecessor’s acclaim. Players are invited to choose a fantasy character class, form teams, and delve into treacherous dungeons in search of treasure, battling monsters, and ultimately trying to escape with their loot intact. The game’s mechanics and visual style bear a striking resemblance to Dark and Darker, sparking conversations about the nature of competition and originality within the gaming industry.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The core gameplay of Dungeonborne revolves around players selecting from various fantasy character classes and forming teams to explore and survive in a dynamically shrinking dungeon environment. The game’s mechanics encourage cooperative play, strategic combat, and resource management, as players must navigate through a labyrinth filled with dangers to secure treasures and escape before the enclosing ring forces them into conflict with other teams or the dungeon’s deadly inhabitants.
- Character Class Selection: Players choose from a range of classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
- Team Dynamics: Forming a team with other players is crucial for survival and success in the dungeon.
- Enclosing Ring Mechanic: A ring that slowly closes in, pushing players closer together and increasing the likelihood of encounters.
- Monster Battles: Engage in combat with the dungeon’s native monsters to clear paths and gain loot.
- Treasure Pilfering: Collect valuable items and resources throughout the dungeon to improve your character’s equipment.
- Survival and Extraction: The ultimate goal is to survive the dungeon’s challenges and extract with the gathered treasure.
These elements combine to create a tense and engaging experience that requires both individual skill and team coordination. The game’s emphasis on teamwork is particularly highlighted by the enclosing ring mechanic, which adds a layer of urgency and strategic depth to the dungeon exploration.
Challenges and Player Experience
Players of Dungeonborne face a variety of challenges that test their adaptability and strategic thinking. Early on, connectivity issues posed a significant hurdle, although improvements have been made since the game’s initial demo release. Balancing concerns, particularly regarding the fighter class, have been a common topic within the community. The fighter’s advantage is attributed to the slow movement across all classes, which benefits the heavily armored and hard-hitting character when close-quarters combat ensues.
Personal experiences with the game reflect its punishing nature, especially when venturing alone into the dungeons. The game warns of the high risk of solo play, and indeed, many players, including myself, have found themselves quickly overwhelmed by the powerful monsters that lurk in the shadows. However, teaming up with others opens up new strategies, such as using the fighter as a distraction while flanking enemies for a stealthy takedown.
Despite these challenges, the thrill of navigating Dungeonborne’s treacherous environments and the camaraderie developed through team play contribute to a compelling player experience. The game’s difficulty and the need for tactical collaboration make each successful extraction feel like a hard-earned victory.
Solo Play Option
Contrary to initial reports, Dungeonborne does indeed offer a solo play option, allowing players to brave the dungeons without a team. This mode can be accessed by clicking the window above the “start” button on the lobby screen, where players can choose between solo or team-based play. The solo option presents a different set of challenges and is considered to be significantly easier than the team-based alternative.
| Play Option | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Solo | Easier |
| Team-Based | More Challenging |
This correction is important for players who may have been deterred by the prospect of mandatory team play. The solo mode offers a different approach to the game, allowing players to hone their skills and strategies at their own pace before joining forces with others.
Steam Success and Comparisons
Dungeonborne has made a notable impact on Steam, achieving a peak of more than 17,000 concurrent players. This impressive feat for a debut game from an otherwise unknown developer showcases the title’s potential and the community’s interest in the dungeon crawler genre. When compared to its predecessor, Dark and Darker, Dungeonborne’s success is particularly significant given the legal challenges faced by the latter.
Dark and Darker was embroiled in controversy after allegations of using stolen source code and assets, which led to a lawsuit by Nexon and the game’s removal from Steam. Although the preliminary injunction against Dark and Darker was dismissed, the game has yet to return to the platform, leaving a gap that Dungeonborne is well-positioned to fill.
The absence of Dark and Darker from Steam presents a distinct advantage for Dungeonborne, as being on Steam is generally considered beneficial for a game’s visibility and accessibility. This current imbalance in availability has given Dungeonborne an opportunity to captivate the audience that Dark and Darker once held.
Developer Statements and Legal Considerations
The developer behind Dungeonborne, Mithril Interactive, has made it clear that they have no affiliation with Nexon, the publisher that took legal action against Dark and Darker. This statement was made in light of the deep similarities between the two games, which have sparked discussions and comparisons within the gaming community.
While traditional dungeon crawlers share many familiar elements, and the extraction game formula has become somewhat standardized, the visual and gameplay resemblances between Dungeonborne and Dark and Darker are particularly notable. Mithril Interactive’s preemptive clarification aims to distance itself from the legal dispute that has affected Dark and Darker’s presence on Steam.
As for the potential legal implications, Nexon, having no ties to Dungeonborne, likely has no grounds to object to its release. However, it raises the question of whether Ironmace, the developer of Dark and Darker, might consider legal action against Mithril Interactive if Dark and Darker is declared an original project. The situation remains speculative, but it underscores the complexities of intellectual property and originality in the video game industry.
Conclusion
As Dungeonborne continues to carve out its place on Steam, it stands as a testament to the game’s potential to fill the void left by Dark and Darker. With its engaging gameplay and the opportunity to capture the attention of dungeon crawler fans, Dungeonborne is poised to become a staple for players seeking thrilling adventures and challenging encounters. The game’s demo will remain available until the end of the Steam Next Fest, offering players a chance to experience the excitement of dungeon-extracting with the convenience of Steam’s platform.
