Dungeon Stalkers Review of Anime Extraction Gameplay and Mechanics
Dungeon Stalkers an anime extraction crawler which deserves all its time consuming gameplay. The Steam release of Dungeon Stalkers marks its launch as a new PvPvE dungeon crawling game which includes extraction mechanics. The game presents Dark and Darker as an anime third person game which contains considerable amounts of jiggle physics.
The extraction genre veterans experience a familiar game loop which requires them to explore dungeons with random layouts which contain endless corridors and mimics while battling both AI opponents and real players to escape through the portal before the zone shuts down. The game requires players to complete multiple tests for an evaluation of the positive aspects and negative aspects and high cost elements.
The game provides multiple play options which suit players who experience different degrees of gear fear unlike its rival games. The player battles against AI monsters in this PvE mode. Players in the lobby can be seen by others but player versus player fighting remains disabled. This mode operates as a PvP Light combat system which enables players to battle against each other. The death of a player results in loss of all their inventory items while their equipped gear remains intact. The Solo Quick Match mode is unavailable at present because this mode only permits group play. The game permits solo and trio play in its ranked mode. The game includes a high stakes mode which results in total loss of all items after player death.
The Curse functions as a core gameplay element which enables players to experience unpredictable gameplay during their runs. The game includes random events which include the possibility of players losing all their armor. The player needs to have repair kits to fix their equipment because they cannot repair anything without them. The game requires players to manage their resources which include bandages and armor kits and mana in an extremely precise manner.
The game provides nine different Stalkers who each possess their own combat style and weapon selection and perk system. The game elements force players to stay in position during combat because the oppressive atmosphere of the game shows where players should hide.
The Roster Includes
- Hilda: The Knight.
- Ud: The Archer (current meta leans heavily toward ranged damage).
- Nave: The Mage (beware of mana management early on).
- Baron: Upfront Fighter/Barbarian style.
- Rio: The Rogue.
- Cloud: The Priest.
- Locked Characters: Renee, Shobu, and Leon are paid classes.
The characters can be obtained through Adventure Tokens but players need to invest between 20 and 40 hours to unlock each character which encourages them to make real money purchases.
The Hideout system allows players to control their inventory while they build their base through Construction activities. Construction upgrading requires players to complete extensive grinding activities. The process begins with fast leveling between level 0 and 1 but it later requires players to invest hundreds of hours to reach the maximum level.
Players can create weapons (including legendaries with special effects) at the Workshop while the Rune System serves as their primary skill tree. The problem exists because the skill tree requires players to use Adventure Tokens for character unlocking which creates a dilemma between maintaining character diversity and gaining powerful abilities.
Note on Social Play: Be careful who you team up with. Ninja looting becomes possible because players can take loot from your kills without any way to stop them due to the absence of friendly fire.
The game operates under a free to play model but many players consider its monetization system to be extremely unfair. The store displays multiple levels of spending choices which customers need to navigate through.
- Cosmetics: Skin bundles are very expensive (approx. $35 $40).
- Prime Matching: A status DLC that allows for Prime only matchmaking (which may result in dead lobbies) and gives currency.
- Storage: The game requires players to pay to increase their storage capacity.
- Growth Packs: The game enters Pay to Win territory when Growth Packs provide players with weapons and scrolls and consumables.
- Subscription: The monthly subscription service costs approximately $10 and it provides users with expanded market slots and increased storage and lower transaction costs.
- Boosters: Players can purchase Weekly Boosters to receive paid buffs which help them earn gold at a higher rate than free players.
- Battle Pass: The Battle Pass provides two options which include a basic paid version and a premium paid version.
The game creates a visual conflict because it combines cute anime characters with a dark oppressive environment. The combat system delivers a satisfactory experience although certain players have experienced input lag and click delay issues which cause characters to respond slowly to player commands.
The core gameplay loop which exists in the game remains entertaining despite its present problems. The game maintains players interest for more than 10 hours without losing its appeal as a game. The core gameplay of Dark and Darker demonstrates superior quality but many players have chosen to explore other options which Dungeon Stalkers provides despite its existing bugs and aggressive monetization practices.
Pros
- The game is completely free to play, offering full access without an upfront cost.
- The core gameplay delivers over 10 hours of enjoyable entertainment.
- PvE modes allow players to practice and improve their skills.
- Each character has unique abilities that create distinct playstyles.
- The crafting system enables players to create Legendary items.
- It serves as a solid alternative for players taking a break from Dark and Darker.
Cons
- The game features aggressive monetization, allowing players to purchase power and in-game advantages.
- Base construction and character unlocks require excessive grinding, slowing overall progression.
- Additional storage space is locked behind a strict paywall, forcing players to spend money for convenience.
- Technical issues such as input lag and delayed clicks negatively impact gameplay responsiveness.
- The current PvP balance favors ranged combat, creating an uneven competitive environment.
- The matchmaking system separates players into different groups, preventing them from playing together.
- While the core gameplay and anime-inspired extraction concept offer some enjoyable moments (around 6/10 entertainment value), the experience is heavily undermined by aggressive monetization and demanding grind requirements.
Players who want to try a free dungeon crawler with their friends may download the game if they can control their spending. Players who want to experience perfect fairness between competitors should search for other games because this title lacks pay to win mechanics.
Pc Version Tested.
Disclosure: We received a free review copy of this product from Devs
