Darkest Dungeon IGN Review: A Worthy Sequel with New Directions

Darkest Dungeon, the critically acclaimed tactical role-playing game, has finally gotten its sequel. Darkest Dungeon 2 has just been released in early access, and it's clear that Red Hook Games has put a lot of thought into what makes a great sequel. While there are some significant changes from the original, the result is a game that not only justifies its existence but also takes the formula to surprisingly new directions.

One of the most notable changes is the switch to animated 3D graphics, which closely match the gritty style of the original's 2D paper doll characters. The visuals are impressive, and it's clear that the developers have put a lot of effort into making this sequel look as good as possible.

But what about the gameplay? Well, there are two massive changes to Darkest Dungeon 2: the campaign is significantly smaller in scope, and character relationships are now at the center of the stress system instead of individual mentality. At first glance, these might seem like significant departures from the original formula, but trust me when I say that they work surprisingly well.

The tension-filled roguelike-ish design, combined with the stress system on top of a Lovecraftian horror setting, is as addictive and thrilling as ever. And the sound? Oh boy, the sound. The amazingly atmospheric narrator and music combined to create an instant classic of a tactical role-playing game that was then refined into an outstanding and distinctive final version a year later.

When Darkest Dungeon was first released in early access back in 2015, it was a minor miracle. The game's unique blend of gameplay mechanics, atmosphere, and sound design made it stand out from the crowd, and it quickly became one of the most beloved games of all time. And now, with Darkest Dungeon 2, Red Hook Games has given fans what they've been waiting for: a worthy sequel that takes the formula to new heights.

Of course, there are some areas where the game could be improved upon. The campaign is significantly smaller in scope than the original, which might leave some players feeling a bit shortchanged. And some of the tweaks to the gameplay mechanics may take some getting used to.

But overall, Darkest Dungeon 2 is a worthy sequel that more than justifies its existence. With its new directions, technical improvements, and addictive gameplay, it's a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Darkest Dungeon 2 today!

Darkest dungeon ign review