Dungeon of Hinterberg is a cozy combat-style game that lets players enjoy the scenic Alps of Austria. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Review Overview
What is Dungeons of Hinterberg?
Dungeon of Hinterberg seamlessly blends traditional 3D RPG action with intricate puzzle-solving. Players are encouraged to not only engage in combat but also think strategically and utilize a variety of tools at their disposal. These tools include a snowboard for traversing railings and surfaces, jelly blocks for freezing enemies, and the powerful winds of Hinterberg itself. The game's unique verticality enhances the action, allowing players to run, jump, climb, and grind on the environment to gain an advantage over enemies or solve traversal puzzles. Additionally, players can choose to socialize at the end of each day, spending nights with the locals in various locations around Hinterberg. This interaction helps players learn new tricks and shortcuts to conquer the dungeons.
Dungeons of Hinterberg features:
⚫︎ Scenic Hiking
⚫︎ Dungeon Crawler
⚫︎ Puzzle Solving
⚫︎ Building Relationships
⚫︎ Skill and Gear Upgrades
⚫︎ Fast Travel
⚫︎ Real-Time Combat
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Dungeons of Hinterberg's gameplay and story.
| Platform | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Xbox |
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Dungeons of Hinterberg Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Charming Comic Book Aesthetic Unique Dungeons Multiple Difficulty Levels Relationship Meters with NPCs |
Heavy Attacks and Dodge Action No Quick Button for Maps Uncolorful Monsters Story Feels All Over the Place |
Dungeons of Hinterberg Overall Score - 84/100
Dungeons of Hinterberg is a charming and engaging game that blends traditional 3D RPG action with puzzle-solving elements. The vibrant comic book aesthetic and the unique dungeon designs make exploration a joy, while the varied battle mechanics keep combat interesting. The story, though somewhat scattered, provides an intriguing backdrop for Luisa’s adventures. With multiple difficulty levels, players can tailor their experience to their preferences. Despite some minor issues with gameplay mechanics and enemy design, Dungeon of Hinterberg offers a solid and enjoyable experience that is well worth the price.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Story - 8/10
The story of Dungeons of Hinterberg begins with Luisa, a lawyer seeking an escape from city life, who recalls a childhood encounter with a witch and decides to visit the town of Hinterberg. This premise is intriguing and sets the stage for an engaging narrative. However, once Luisa arrives in Hinterberg, the story loses some of its initial momentum. The plot becomes somewhat scattered, making it unclear whether the focus should be on Luisa’s personal journey or the unfolding mysteries of the town. Despite this, the story remains compelling, and with more cohesive storytelling, it could be truly exceptional.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Gameplay - 8/10
Dungeons of Hinterberg excels in its dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving aspects, providing a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience. The relationship-building mechanics add depth to the game, allowing players to interact with NPCs and gain various benefits. The day is divided into time periods, giving players the freedom to choose their activities, whether it’s dungeon crawling or relaxing by a lake. However, some mechanics could use refinement, such as smoother dodge actions, faster attacks, and more fluid climbing animations. Additionally, quicker access to the map would enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Visuals - 9/10
Dungeons of Hinterberg is a visual delight, boasting vibrant and stunning graphics that bring the game world to life. The comic book aesthetic is unique and well-executed, making every scene a pleasure to behold. Character designs are distinctive and full of personality. However, the enemy design could benefit from more color variety, as the current monochromatic look makes them less memorable compared to the rest of the game’s vibrant visuals.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Audio - 8/10
The audio in Dungeons of Hinterberg complements the game environment well, creating an immersive experience. The sound effects and background music are fitting, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, the audio is not particularly exceptional or memorable. With a bit more polish, the sound design could elevate the game to a higher level.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Value for Money - 8/10
At a price point of $29.99, Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a great deal of content for fans of dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving games. The engaging gameplay, coupled with the vibrant visuals and interesting story, makes it a worthwhile investment. The relatable protagonist and the variety of activities available add to the game’s value. While there are areas that could be improved, the overall experience justifies the price.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Review: Stunning Slaycation
Dungeon of Hinterberg transports you to a charming little town nestled in the heart of Hinterberg, Austria. The game masterfully combines a cozy RPG experience with a sprawling adventure, perfect for players who want to lay back and enjoy their time. From hiking scenic mountains to exploring mysterious dungeons and managing your social life, there's always something delightful to do.
We start off with Luisa, a burnt-out lawyer desperate to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. I can relate; city life can be overrated (speaking as someone who lives in a business district). The moment you arrive in Hinterberg, you're greeted by the warm sights of a welcoming town, where tourists flock to become monster slayers and explore the many dungeons dotting the landscape.
The secrets behind the magical force permeating Hinterberg kept me intrigued throughout my playthrough. The story, while sometimes confusing, captivates you with its mysterious allure. I constantly found myself wondering, What is happening here?
This sense of curiosity propelled me forward, even when the narrative became a bit muddled.
Interactions with NPCs are another highlight of the game. The dialogue options and their varying reactions based on your choices add a layer of depth to the social aspect. Pushing for information from a reluctant character can lead to visible frustration, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries. Building relationships at night mirrors real-life social dynamics, making it enjoyable to spend time with characters you care about after a long day of dungeon crawling. It’s these small moments of connection that make the game feel genuinely immersive.
The daily life in Hinterberg has a perfect pace. Although your actions are somewhat limited, it’s just the right speed to savor the game’s loop. Whether I was deciding to embark on a dungeon crawl or simply relax by a lake, I appreciated the freedom to choose how I spent my days. This balance of action and leisure made my time in the game both engaging and relaxing.
Real-time combat in Dungeon of Hinterberg is another element I thoroughly enjoyed, though it could use a bit more refinement. The dodging could be smoother, and the attacks felt a tad heavy at times. Nonetheless, I appreciated the choice of real-time combat over turn-based systems, as it heightened my immersion and kept me on my toes during battles.
Exploring the various dungeons is a constant source of excitement. Each dungeon is unique, offering new challenges and surprises. The diversity in design kept me eager to discover what the next dungeon had in store, making each venture a fresh and thrilling experience.
In conclusion, Dungeon of Hinterberg is a delightful blend of cozy RPG elements and adventurous dungeon crawling. It provides a captivating escape to a charming Austrian town, filled with intriguing stories, engaging combat, and meaningful social interactions. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing pastime or an engrossing adventure, Dungeon of Hinterberg offers a satisfying experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Pros of Dungeons of Hinterberg
| Things Dungeons of Hinterberg Got Right |
|---|
|
Charming Comic Book Aesthetic Unique Dungeons Multiple Difficulty Levels Relationship Meters with NPCs |
Charming Comic Book Aesthetic
The visuals in Dungeon of Hinterberg are vibrant and stunning, reminiscent of a lively comic book brought to life. The art style is not only unique but also highly detailed, with bright colors and bold lines that make every scene pop. This aesthetic choice enhances the overall experience, making exploration and interaction within the game world feel like a visual treat. The animations are smooth, and the characters are designed with distinct personalities that shine through their visual representations.
Unique Dungeons
No two dungeons are the same in Dungeon of Hinterberg, offering a fresh and engaging experience each time you venture into one. This variety keeps the gameplay exciting, as players never know what to expect. The journey to each dungeon is also filled with scenic hikes and interesting landscapes, adding to the sense of adventure. The diversity in dungeon design challenges players to adapt their strategies, ensuring that the game remains engaging and fun throughout.
Multiple Difficulty Levels
Dungeon of Hinterberg caters to a wide range of players by offering multiple difficulty levels. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who are more interested in the plot than the challenge. Players can select a lower difficulty setting to enjoy the story without the frustration of overly tough battles. Conversely, those looking for a challenge can opt for higher difficulty levels, ensuring that the game provides a satisfying experience for everyone.
Relationship Meters with NPCs
Building relationships with NPCs in Dungeon of Hinterberg offers tangible rewards that enhance the gameplay experience. As players interact with and build rapport with various characters, they unlock benefits such as increased health points (HP), in-game currency, and special features like a camera. These rewards incentivize players to engage with the game’s world and its inhabitants, adding an extra layer of depth to the game.
Cons of Dungeons of Hinterberg
| Things That Dungeons of Hinterberg Can Improve |
|---|
|
Heavy Attacks and Dodge Action No Quick Button for Maps Uncolorful Monsters Story Feels All Over the Place |
Heavy Attacks and Dodge Action
While the varied attacks in Dungeon of Hinterberg are a highlight, Luisa's hits sometimes feel overly heavy, and her dodge actions lack the fluidity seen in other games. This can make combat feel like it has no rhythm, which is especially noticeable during intense battles. The heaviness of the attacks can slow down the pace of combat, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Improving the smoothness of these actions would greatly enhance the gameplay experience.
No Quick Button for Maps
Navigating the world of Dungeon of Hinterberg can be a bit cumbersome due to the lack of a quick button for maps. Currently, players must open the menu and switch over to the map page, which can interrupt the flow of the game. This small quality-of-life improvement would make exploration much more seamless and user-friendly. Having quicker access to the map would help players navigate the world more efficiently, enhancing the overall experience.
Uncolorful Monsters
In contrast to the game's vibrant and beautifully designed NPCs, the monsters in Dungeon of Hinterberg feel visually monotonous. While boss monsters do stand out, the general enemies lack the color and distinctiveness that would make them more memorable. This could be an intentional design choice to highlight the contrast between heroes and foes, but it ultimately makes the monsters feel out of place. Adding more color variety to the enemies would create a more visually stimulating experience.
Story Feels All Over the Place
While the story in Dungeon of Hinterberg is interesting, its execution feels somewhat disjointed. The narrative is intriguing, but the storytelling lacks coherence and polish. There are moments when it’s confusing what exactly is the main storyline, making it difficult to follow and fully engage with. A more focused and refined narrative would greatly improve the overall impact of the game, helping players to become more invested in the characters and their journey.
Is Dungeons of Hinterberg Worth It?
Absolutely, Especially For Cozy Game Lovers Who Crave a Challenge.
Dungeon of Hinterberg masterfully combines the charm of a cozy RPG with the thrill of a challenging adventure. From the moment you arrive in the quaint town of Hinterberg, the game captivates with its vibrant visuals and engaging storyline. Luisa's journey, though sometimes scattered, keeps you hooked as you uncover the mysteries of this enchanting place. The varied gameplay, with its mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and relationship-building, offers a rich and immersive experience.
Dungeon of Hinterberg is not just a game for fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs; it’s a beautifully crafted adventure that balances cozy charm with engaging challenges. It’s a game that invites you to stay, explore, and immerse yourself in its delightful world. Whether you're in it for the story, the puzzles, or the social interactions, Dungeon of Hinterberg offers a memorable and worthwhile journey.
| Platform | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Xbox |
||
| Wishlist Only | $29.99 | ||
Dungeons of Hinterberg FAQ
Are there multiple endings for Dungeons of Hinterberg?
Based on who you befriend, the ending does have a little bit of a difference, according to the developers.
Can you hang around in game for a longer period of time?
According to the devs, players can stay in game in extended periods, making it perfect for cozy gamers.
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Dungeons of Hinterberg Product Information
 |
|
| Title | DUNGEONS OF HINTERBERG |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 18, 2024 |
| Developer | Microbird Games |
| Publisher | Curve Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam) Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, RPG, Indie |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | E 10+ (Everyone 10+) |
| Official Website | Dungeons of Hinterberg Website |
