Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure
" Immersive adventure RPG with brilliant narration and faithful adaptation but high difficulty traps "
Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure Review
Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure is a unique FMV adaptation of the classic Fighting Fantasy gamebook, narrated masterfully by Eddie Marsan, who acts as a personal dungeon master guiding players through a perilous dungeon filled with traps, enemies, and branching choices. The gameplay successfully merges choose-your-own-adventure mechanics with dice-based combat and resource management, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience reminiscent of old-school tabletop RPGs and gamebooks.
Players appreciate the faithful recreation of the source material, the engaging narration, and the inclusion of features like an automap and frequent save points, which ease navigation and reduce frustration. However, the game’s punishing difficulty, reliance on RNG, and instant-death traps can lead to repetitive trial-and-error playthroughs. Despite some minor bugs and UI limitations, the title offers substantial replayability and is particularly recommended for fans of narrative-driven RPGs, FMV games, and classic adventure books.
Overall, it is a charming, well-produced homage that brings the Fighting Fantasy series to life with a modern digital twist.
Highlights
Players consistently praise Eddie Marsan’s exceptional narration, which brings the dungeon master role to life with engaging voice acting and subtle body language.
The faithful adaptation of the original Fighting Fantasy book, including original artwork and well-integrated dice-based combat mechanics, is highly appreciated.
The inclusion of an automap and frequent quicksave points greatly enhances accessibility and navigation through the complex dungeon.
The gameplay’s blend of choice-driven narrative and resource management offers a compelling, nostalgic experience reminiscent of tabletop RPGs and classic choose-your-own-adventure books.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the high difficulty level with frequent instant-death traps and heavy reliance on luck, which can lead to frustrating trial-and-error gameplay.
The repetition of FMV sequences during combat and lack of fast-forward or skip options for dialogue/videos detract from pacing.
Some UI shortcomings include inability to annotate the map, occasional menu overlap bugs, and limited control over dice rolls.
The narrative and plot are regarded as somewhat simplistic and dated, with some players wishing for a more dynamic or original story.
Replay value is limited after multiple playthroughs, as many areas and outcomes become predictable.
Pros
- • Eddie Marsan’s narration is immersive and brilliantly performed throughout the game.
- • Faithful adaptation of the classic Fighting Fantasy book with original artwork included.
- • Automap and frequent save points help players navigate and retry difficult sections easily.
- • Engaging blend of choose-your-own-adventure mechanics with dice-based combat.
- • Short, vignette-style encounters keep gameplay fresh and manageable in short sessions.
- • Strong nostalgic appeal for fans of tabletop RPGs and classic gamebooks.
- • Simple UI that tracks stats, inventory, and buffs automatically without manual bookkeeping.
Cons
- • High difficulty with many instant-death traps leads to frustrating trial-and-error.
- • Repetitive FMV combat sequences lack skip or fast-forward, causing pacing issues.
- • Limited UI features such as no map annotations and overlapping menus during combat.
- • Heavy reliance on RNG dice rolls reduces player control and strategic depth.
- • Narrative is simplistic and relies on dated fantasy tropes, limiting story depth.
- • Limited replay value after multiple completions due to predictable outcomes.
- • No achievements or additional meta-content to incentivize extended play.
Rating Criteria
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure released?
Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure was released on April 30, 2020.
Who developed Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure?
Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure was developed by Branching Narrative Ltd.
Is Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure available on Mac?
Yes, Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure is available on Mac.
Is Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure available on Linux?
No, Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure is not currently available on Linux according to our data.
What is the Metacritic score for Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure?
Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure has a Metacritic score of 76.
Where can I buy Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure?
You can buy Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure on Steam.
Game Details
Deathtrap Dungeon is an interactive video realisation of Ian Livingstone's multi-million selling classic gamebook starring Eddie Marsan (Fast & Furious presents Hobbes & Shaw, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde) as narrator.
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