Quick! Make way for Microbird Games debut title, Dungeons of Hinterberg! This charming and engaging action-adventure game has been making waves in the gaming community. It draws inspiration from beloved franchises like Persona and The Legend of Zeida. Though the question is, can this indie gem have what it takes to be on par with the titans of the genre? Dive into this Dungeons of Hinterberg game review to see if it is indeed a compelling alternative to Zelda.
A Magical Austrian Adventure
Maybe you’re not anticipating starting an adventure in a picturesque Austrian village, but Dungeons of Hinterberg is! It puts players in the shoes of Luisa, a disillusioned lawyer seeking to escape her mundane life. The alluring premise of the game combines the enchanting and fantastical mountain resort town with magical dungeons around the four district regions.
It has a striking visual style with its blending of cel-shading techniques matched with a pop art aesthetic reminiscent of Breath of the Wild. This makes the game world appear vibrant and inviting to explore! It also has noticeable attention to detail as it brings the Austrian Alps to life, allowing players to enjoy the stunning vistas and serene moments to reflect between delving into dungeons.
Gameplay Loop and Structure
Dungeons of Hinterberg adopts a structure similar to the Persona series, dividing each in-game day into segments. It allocates the mornings for planning, the afternoons for dungeon exploration, and the evenings for relaxation and socialization. The game rhythm allows players to balance combat and puzzle-solving with interactions and story progression.
You’ll surely not be bored in the game, with its 25 dungeons available to be explored. Each dungeon offers a unique twist or gimmick, varying from puzzles to auto-scrolling sequences. This variety keeps the experience fresh throughout the 20+ hour runtime, with players never quite knowing what to expect when entering a new portal.
Combat and Progression
While drawing inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, Dungeons of Hinterberg puts its own spin on combat. For combat, it is more similar to Dark Souls as it borrows some elements. It features stamina management, dodge rolls, and a mix of light and heavy attacks. There are also magical abilities that change depending on the current region for a strategic addition to encounters that can be utilized for combat.
Some reviewers see the fights as a bit repetitive and lack the depth that is seen in combat-focused titles. Overall, the game’s challenge level is described as relatively easy and has players seeking a more demanding experience.
Social Links and Character Development
One of Dungeons of Hinterberg’s strengths lies in its cast of colorful characters. The game’s fun feature, the social link system, allows players to build relationships with locals and tourists. Aside from interactions, it provides charming side stories and tangible rewards like combat bonuses and new abilities.
Another thing to praise for this game is its writing! It puts wit and heart into characters to reveal surprising depth in them. It’s a perfect counterbalance to the dungeon-crawling and creates a well-rounded gaming experience for players.
Is It a Worthy Zelda Alternative?
Dungeons of Hinterberg shines through with its own identity, from the unique setting and character-focused elements to a blend of gameplay elements. The cozy atmosphere and easier difficulty level make it a more relaxed play than The Legend of Zelda. Dungeons of Hinterberg is a delightful alternative for players seeking Zelda-like adventure but with a European twist. However, if you wish for the grand scale and intricate puzzle design of the flagship series, you’ll find the game lacking.
Ultimately, the game makes an impressive debut by combining elements from beloved franchises to create something fresh for players of this genre. Although it won’t be able to dethrone Zelda from its throne, Dungeons of Hinterberg earns a place as a worthwhile addition to your gaming library.
