WARRIORS: Abyss

WARRIORS: Abyss is a roguelite spin-off of the Warriors series that combines musou-style combat with bullet-hell elements in an isometric view. Players control characters from Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and guest titles like Ninja Gaiden and Atelier, battling hordes of enemies and bosses across repetitive stages. The gameplay loop centers on unlocking characters, building synergies through emblems and formations, and progressing through increasingly difficult runs. The game is praised for its addictive combat, vast character roster, and strategic depth in builds.

However, the game suffers from visual clutter due to overwhelming effects and small character models, which can hinder gameplay clarity. The lack of enemy and stage variety leads to repetitiveness, and the story is minimal and uninspiring. Some players find the grind for unlocking favorite characters tedious. Despite these issues, the game offers satisfying hack-and-slash fun with good replay value, especially for fans of musou and roguelite genres.

Highlights

Players highly praise the addictive and fast-paced musou-style combat combined with roguelite mechanics, offering a fresh twist on the franchise. The large and diverse roster of characters, including guests from other Koei Tecmo games, provides variety and strategic depth. Unlocking and experimenting with character builds and synergies is engaging, and the game runs smoothly, even on Steam Deck. The game’s replayability is boosted by different difficulty levels and modes like the Depths of Torment, which challenge players with their optimized builds.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the repetitive nature of stages and enemy types, with players encountering the same four regions and bosses repeatedly, causing monotony. Visual clutter from excessive particle effects and small UI elements makes it difficult to track combat during chaotic moments. The story is viewed as minimal and unengaging. The grind to unlock favorite characters can be frustrating, and some feel the DLC is overpriced and unnecessary. Additionally, the lack of multiplayer and limited variety in level design reduce long-term appeal for some players.