Depths of Peril PC Review
Depths of Peril does nothing new, and at times harks back to games of old with many of the mechanics it uses. If you ever heard the name Diablo before then you should already know what to expect from this Action RPG, as the game showcases that familiar fighting, getting experience and picking up loot gameplay. Thankfully, although Depths of Peril makes generous use of ideas from the past, it uses them well enough to gain respect in its own right.
The storyline has little to no individual traits to distinguish itself from the crowd. It starts with your character, who is a covenant leader (covenant is the game’s name for factions) situated in the settlement of Jorvik. Outside this little town the world is filled with monsters. As you’d expect it’s up to you to go out and kill them, while partaking in other kinds of questing and adventuring. In turn, as you advance, you also get the opportunity to both talk and deal with the game’s other covenants, by either allying, or wiping them off the face of Jorvik. Should you take the time to tackle some of the NPC’s quests then your covenant will gain greater influence throughout the city. Although most of the ideas put forward have all been seen before, they are all done really well. What’s more, the quests are well laid out, introducing new areas at a quick enough pace that ensures you want to keep playing.
Conversely, unlike a few of the other games in the genre, particularly the one mentioned earlier, Depths of Peril seems to have a greater basis in tactical combat than you would initially expect. In fact, upon first impression you’ll be no doubt be left feeling slightly overwhelmed, and possibly a bit annoyed. However, if you stay with it and learn how the game is supposed to be played, it is possible to have a considerable amount of fun. All skills are available for purchase from the very start, with the option to save up and buy the powerful ones, or unlock the less costly basic items first; there are many different ways to approach the game to keep things fresh. Furthermore, dependant on your class, there are many of these skills which can be used in conjunction with each other, which all aid in keeping the game interesting as time passes.
Unfortunately, with no multiplayer options available, which in my humble opinion is an absolute must for this kind of game, the lifespan is sorely let down. However, with many of the game worlds made from randomly generated areas, a collection of recruits available to join you throughout the game, oodles of loot to collect, and a selection of differing weapons there is always something new to see. There are many random events, trading, time-limited quests, Champion, Elite and Legendary creatures, and a collection of always advancing AI controlled convents on show to keep things interesting. One particularly nice part of the game is the option to take part in raids against other convents, thus taking them out of the game altogether. Interestingly, if you do so, then it seems the AI is smart enough to make its own decision whether to join your attack, or if they are being really nasty, make the best of the opportunity and sneak attack you.
Depths of Peril is not something that will pull you away from another game you are currently enjoying at the moment, but when all is said a done it is a fun game. On one hand, it is not the best the genre has offered since its inception, but nevertheless, it is still one of the most impressive games it has seen recently.
The hack and slash action, regardless of its familiarity, is very satisfying.
