Dungeons 4
" Engaging dungeon management strategy with witty dialogue and varied gameplay, but some bugs persist "
Dungeons 4 Review
Dungeons 4 has been well received by fans of the Dungeon Keeper series, successfully capturing the classic dungeon-building vibe with modern twists. Players appreciate the blend of base building, army raising, and tower defense mechanics, which create an engaging and cozy gameplay loop. The humor, voice acting, and witty dialogue add charm, often eliciting laughter and enhancing the experience. However, the story is considered average and not the main draw for most players.
While the core gameplay is praised, some users find certain DLCs frustrating due to bugs and difficulty spikes, with performance issues arising when managing large armies. The game's shift in mechanics from Dungeons 3 initially divided some fans, but many grew to enjoy the changes. Political commentary in the narrative has also been a point of contention among players. Overall, Dungeons 4 offers a fun, strategic dungeon management experience with some rough edges in additional content and technical polish.
Highlights
Players particularly praise the game's faithful recreation of Dungeon Keeper's spirit, combining base building, army management, and tower defense seamlessly.
The humor and voice acting are standout features, providing witty, often laugh-out-loud moments. Gameplay variety through different creature armies and map gimmicks keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
Graphics and audio quality receive positive notes, contributing to the game's cozy and immersive atmosphere. The game’s campaign and co-op modes offer substantial playtime and enjoyment.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include frustrating bugs and mission design in some DLCs, notably "Tales from the Campfire" and "Not Another Multiverse," which also shifts the gameplay towards a less favored RTS style.
Performance issues occur with large armies, causing slowdowns even on capable hardware. The story is viewed as mediocre, and some players dislike the inclusion of political messages within the dialogue.
Additionally, the change in game mechanics from previous entries initially alienated some fans, and there is a desire for more skirmish maps.
Pros
- • Faithfully captures the Dungeon Keeper vibe with modern gameplay mechanics.
- • Engaging blend of base building, army raising, and tower defense.
- • Witty and humorous dialogue with excellent voice acting.
- • Varied gameplay with multiple creature armies and map gimmicks.
- • Cozy graphics and immersive audio enhance the atmosphere.
- • Campaign and co-op modes provide substantial playtime.
- • Dungeon starts with pre-built elements add strategic depth.
Cons
- • Some DLC missions are bugged and frustrating to complete.
- • Performance issues with large armies cause slowdowns.
- • Storyline is average and not a major focus.
- • Political commentary in dialogue is divisive among players.
- • Shift to RTS style in some DLC is poorly received.
- • Desire for more skirmish maps to increase variety.
- • Initial mechanics changes alienate some longtime fans.
Rating Criteria
The Absolute Evil and its trusted *cough* servant, the Dark Elf Thalya, return in Dungeons 4 after the events of its fabulous predecessor to bring about their triumph over the forces of good once more.