Have you ever craved a dungeon crawling adventure that promises countless hours of real-time action? Well, look no further than Demise: The Rise of Ku’tan. This highly anticipated game takes you on a thrilling journey through large and treacherous dungeons, but does it live up to its potential? In this review, we’ll explore the ups and downs of this epic RPG.
Difficult Beginnings
Demise is set in the city of Dejenol, a once thriving city that fell into ruin after its dungeon was destroyed by its own denizens. As a brave adventurer, you are tasked with uncovering the source of slavery that has plagued the city. The game starts off with a series of quests assigned by Lord Gherrick, gradually leading you deeper into the mysterious dungeon.
The city itself is a haven for adventurers, offering various facilities such as a guild hall, morgue, bulletin board, store, bank, confinement, and a seer. These locations serve different purposes, from leveling up your character to resurrecting fallen comrades. The guild hall allows you to join different guilds, each offering unique skills and spells.
A Diverse World Awaits
Demise features an impressive selection of 12 character classes and 9 different races, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You can create a party of up to 4 characters, each capable of gaining levels through combat or unlocking trapped chests. Advancing levels not only increases your characters’ hit points but also enhances their skills and unlocks new spells.
The game also allows you to switch guilds, similar to the dual class feature of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. However, be prepared to face experience penalties when switching between guilds. The customization options and character diversity in Demise are truly impressive, offering endless possibilities for creating unique parties.
The Dungeon Crawl Begins
As you venture into the depths of the dungeon, you’ll encounter plenty of challenges and monsters to overcome. However, the controls in Demise can be quite confusing, requiring some time to get used to. Combat is in real-time, with limited options for pausing to make strategic decisions. This lack of a turn-based system may frustrate some players, as it feels somewhat awkward and rushed.
The interface itself presents some difficulties, making it easy to lose important information or get overwhelmed by the cluttered screen. However, the game makes up for these shortcomings with its extensive character customization and the sheer number of monsters to battle. Cooperative multiplayer is also available, allowing you to team up with friends for an even more exciting dungeon crawling experience.
A Visual and Auditory Experience
Demise boasts 3D graphics with support for Open GL, Direct 3D, and software mode. While the graphics may seem outdated compared to newer games, they still capture the essence of classic dungeon crawlers like Eye of the Beholder. The sound effects and ambient sounds immerse you in the dungeon’s atmosphere, while the music, though triggering occasional pauses, adds depth to the gameplay.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, Demise: The Rise of Ku’tan offers a thrilling dungeon crawling experience filled with exploration and discovery. While it may have its fair share of flaws, such as the confusing controls and interface issues, the game still delivers on its promise of endless hours of real-time action. If you’re a fan of mindless power-leveling or seek a nostalgic dungeon crawl reminiscent of classics like Eye of the Beholder, then Demise is definitely worth a try.
So, grab your sword, gather your party, and embark on an epic adventure to uncover the secrets of the dungeons in Demise: The Rise of Ku’tan.
