Dungeons of Hinterberg review

This review may seem like I’m late to the party, but if I’m honest, I completely missed last year’s release. Dungeons of Hinterberg is available on Game Pass and has been out for around 17 months. In that time, users have complemented the art style, the interesting combination of genres, and the blend of magic and social messages. Accordingly, this piqued my interest, and I couldn’t wait to give it a go.

Developed by Microbird Games, this action-adventure RPG blends dungeon crawling with socialisation. In fact, it was the latter part that really caught my eye. This element forms a key mechanic for storytelling and character improvement. Therefore, it never felt like a waste of time, and I enjoyed forming relationships with the strangest of individuals.

Alongside this, the dungeon crawling blends platforming, puzzles, and combat to great effect. The fighting could have been slightly better, but the use of magic and melee attacks was interesting, and the balance was just right.

Dungeons of Hinterberg highlights mental health in its fantasy setting.

Mental health is at the forefront of many people’s minds, and rightly so. Consequently, when a developer incorporates it into their plot, I applaud them for the effort. Dungeons of Hinterberg is set in a fantasy world that has 4 unique biomes and the mountain town. You play the role of Luisa, a law student who is suffering burnout. Instead of running themselves into the ground, they take a “slay-cation” to relax and discover new skills.

The story is a little outlandish, but the themes of MH and selling out were important and impressively told. These ideas aren’t rammed down your throat; instead, they form the backbone of many conversations with the locals. This subtle approach helps you to focus on the fantasy edge while appreciating the undertones.

Magic, monsters, and prizes.

Working through each of the 25 dungeons wasn’t easy. However, each area has a special power to help you overcome obstacles and traverse difficult terrain. This was where Dungeons of Hinterberg delivers a nice twist to the genre. The puzzle-solving ebbed and flowed with each unique biome. Additionally, this was combined nicely with melee combat to create an interesting twist on fighting mechanics.

As you explore each area, you’ll discover chests, resources, and other key items. Each of the objects is essential the further you get in the game. Moreover, as your relationships flourish, your character will unlock special abilities, health boosts, and other game-changing elements. The monsters were a little rinse and repeat. Furthermore, many of their attack patterns were predictable. This didn’t bother me, but gamers who like a fighting challenge may be left wanting. Alongside this, I didn’t struggle with the bosses, and some minor trial and error goes a long way.

I love the look of Dungeons of Hinterberg.

The cel-shaded comic book art may not be to your liking. However, I love the vibrancy and the incredibly clean lines. Dungeons of Hinterberg has a unique style that appealed to my geeky side. The combination of a vibrant town and dank dungeons was perfect. Additionally, each unique biome added a fresh layer to prevent things from getting boring. The audio was upbeat, sad, sombre, and aggressive. Exploring each dungeon was a joy, and the sense of danger and urgency was apparent. This approach was fantastic as the gameplay felt electric.

The control system was easy to pick up. I made a few minor errors at first, but practice made perfect. Once I understood the fundamentals and mastered the dodging mechanic, the combat, platforming, and item management were a joy. The hardest part of this was the puzzle elements. Combining your magic and a logical mindset took a little bit of effort. Yet, it was this challenge that enhanced longevity and replay value.

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a great Game Pass title.

If you are a Game Pass subscriber, you should give this a go. I know it is over a year old, but the action is fun, and the story is interesting and touching. Furthermore, I like the combination of genres and the stunning visuals. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!