Path of the Abyss

Path of the Abyss is a dungeon crawler RPG that offers a solid and engaging experience, particularly for fans of the genre. Players appreciate its distinctive art style and atmospheric music, which contribute significantly to the game's charm. The main story provides around 16-20 hours of gameplay, with a substantial post-game dungeon that adds considerable replay value. The character-building system, involving skill and passive slot management, is rewarding once mastered, though it has a steep initial learning curve. Combat is fast-paced and uses an Active Time Battle system with shared resource pools, which some players find innovative but others find frustrating or confusing. The English localization has improved over time but was initially criticized for poor translation and incomplete UI elements. Despite some UI clunkiness and lack of certain quality-of-life features, the game is considered a good value for its price and recommended especially for those who enjoy strategic team-building and challenging post-game content.

Highlights

Players praise the , which create a memorable atmosphere. The combat system, while divisive, is seen as innovative and rewarding once understood. The character customization and skill slot mechanics add depth and strategic options. The game offers a lengthy main story with an expansive post-game dungeon, appealing to players who enjoy grinding and optimization. Fans of dungeon crawlers like Etrian Odyssey find familiar and enjoyable elements. Overall, the soundtrack, art, and engaging progression stand out as the game's strongest points.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the that initially hindered understanding. The combat system is often described as confusing, fast-paced, and sometimes feeling like autopilot due to limited player control. The UI is considered clunky, with missing features such as item comparison and limited key rebinding. Some players find the learning curve steep and the tutorial insufficient. Additionally, the game lacks certain modern conveniences like high-resolution support and advanced graphics settings. These issues detract from the overall experience for some players.