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CRITIK

Darkest Dungeon II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Darkest Dungeon II
Item: Darkest Dungeon II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Side View Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableMay 8, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperRed Hook Studios

Overview

The eagerly awaited follow-up to Red Hook's smash hit gothic horror RPG! DDII will test your mettle and drive you to the brink of madness. Armor yourself with purpose and provision your party for the journey ahead. It will be arduous.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Darkest Dungeon II has garnered praise from several critics for its dark and engaging narrative. Critics like CGMagazine appreciate the reinvention of the plot, with the adventuring party carrying the last light of Hope to restore order in a world driven mad by darkness. The game's focus on character relationships and psychological balance during intense battles, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com, adds depth to the storytelling. The fragmented and intriguing storytelling style, mentioned by Movies Games and Tech, allows players to piece together the world's background through unique character backstories revealed in battles. On the flip side, some critics, like GRYOnline.pl, feel that Darkest Dungeon II lacks a compelling central storyline compared to its predecessor. This sentiment is echoed by PC Gamer, who mentions a conflicted game design that requires significant progression to fully explore the narrative. Player 2 expresses frustration with the drip-feeding of the narrative, causing them to lose sight of the bigger picture. Additionally, INVEN criticizes the game for lacking depth in hero-player relationships despite introducing a likability system impacting combat outcomes. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Darkest Dungeon II excels in creating a dark and immersive narrative experience with engaging character backstories and a Lovecraftian-inspired cosmic horror theme. The game's focus on individualized heroes, unique backstories, and the exploration of mental health, as noted by Siliconera and PC Invasion, adds layers of complexity to the storytelling. While some critics point out shortcomings in the central storyline and pacing issues, the majority appreciate the game's thematic depth and the way it weaves together character relationships and the overarching narrative. Darkest Dungeon II seems to have successfully captured the essence of its predecessor while introducing new elements to keep the story fresh and intriguing for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are praising Darkest Dungeon II for its dark and engaging narrative focused on restoring hope in a world consumed by darkness. While some feel the game lacks a compelling central storyline and has pacing issues, overall, it offers an immersive experience with deep character backstories and a Lovecraftian cosmic horror theme, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Darkest Dungeon II, highlighting its positive aspects. Many reviewers appreciated the introduction of new combat mechanics that required players to be more tactical and offensive, as mentioned by But Why Tho??. CGMagazine noted the game's evolution from its predecessor, describing it as a 'road trip from Hell' with fast-paced gameplay and more roguelike elements. Game Informer found the combat system incredibly satisfying, likening battles to puzzles that provide a sense of accomplishment when successfully navigated. GameGrin commended the engaging gameplay, particularly focusing on stress management and affinity gauge, which led to thought-provoking moments of risk management. On the negative side, some critics pointed out certain aspects that could be improved in Darkest Dungeon II's gameplay. Dexerto mentioned that boss fights could be tedious, while Gfinity highlighted that retreading familiar paths might feel slightly repetitive. KeenGamer suggested that the tutorial could be enhanced by reducing information dumping to improve the learning curve for players. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Darkest Dungeon II remained overwhelmingly positive among the critics. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that Darkest Dungeon II offers a highly engaging and challenging gameplay experience. The game's strategic combat mechanics, stress management systems, and character relationships were widely praised for adding depth and complexity to the gameplay. Critics appreciated the blend of turn-based combat, decision-making, and resource management, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and GamingBolt. The majority of reviewers found the gameplay of Darkest Dungeon II to be a significant improvement over its predecessor, with its unique mechanics and intense strategic gameplay contributing to a rewarding and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Darkest Dungeon II's gameplay for its new combat mechanics, intense battles, and strategic depth. Despite minor flaws like tedious boss fights and repetitive paths, the game's engaging stress management and affinity gauge mechanics provide thought-provoking moments. Overall, reviewers agree that Darkest Dungeon II offers a challenging and immersive experience, with improved gameplay mechanics that surpass its predecessor.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Darkest Dungeon II, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like CGMagazine, Game Informer, and GameGrin appreciated the game's stunning and gothic art style, with detailed environments that enhance the overall atmosphere. The transition from 2D to 3D graphics was well-received by critics such as GamingBolt and Hardcore Gamer, who noted the upgrade in visuals while maintaining the game's iconic style. The unique character designs, enemy animations, and Lovecraftian-inspired elements were commended by reviewers like Everyeye.it and Gameblog.fr, emphasizing the game's dark fairy tale-like atmosphere and captivating artistic direction. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Darkest Dungeon II. INVEN criticized the interface and Korean font for lacking sophistication and readability, suggesting room for improvement in these areas. Additionally, Games.cz mentioned thematic repetition in enemy encounters, indicating a potential issue with variety in visual design despite the diverse environments and unique bosses present in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Darkest Dungeon II. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's upgrade in visuals, maintaining its distinct art style while enhancing animations and overall presentation. Critics like PC Gamer and SECTOR.sk praised the exceptional visuals, immersive experiences, and dark, gothic atmosphere that the game delivers. The seamless transition from 2D to 3D graphics, coupled with the detailed animations and distinct character designs, contributed to making Darkest Dungeon II a visually striking and engaging experience for players, as highlighted by critics such as Vandal and Twinfinite.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Darkest Dungeon II's graphics and visual design, praising its stunning gothic art style, detailed environments, and unique character designs. The transition to 3D graphics is well-received, maintaining the game's iconic style. Some critics note issues with the interface and thematic repetition in enemy encounters but overall, the majority of reviewers highly appreciate the upgrade in visuals and immersive, dark atmosphere of the game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Darkest Dungeon II, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like CGMagazine and KeenGamer appreciated the intense and atmospheric music that perfectly complemented the dark and immersive gameplay experience. The use of Victorian-inspired instruments like somber violins and booming drums, along with the deep, ominous voice of narrator Wayne June, added depth and gravitas to the overall audio experience. Additionally, the sound effects, as noted by Gamepressure and Shacknews, were commended for being spot-on and immersive, further enhancing the game's chilling atmosphere. The voice acting by Wayne June was a standout feature, with critics like Movies Games and Tech and Worth Playing acknowledging his contribution to setting the eerie and macabre tone of the game. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the sound design and music of Darkest Dungeon II was positive, there were a few minor criticisms raised by some critics. Vandal mentioned a lack of variety in the soundtrack compared to the first game, suggesting that more diversity could have enhanced the overall experience. However, this critique was not echoed by many other reviewers, indicating that it might be a subjective opinion. Despite this, the majority of critics found the sound design and music to be well-crafted and immersive, effectively enhancing the game's dark fantasy atmosphere. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Darkest Dungeon II. The game's sensory sounds, chilling ambiance, and exceptional voice acting were widely praised for immersing players in the hauntingly atmospheric world of the game. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and SECTOR.sk highlighted how the combination of music, sound effects, and voice acting created a captivating and engaging audio-visual presentation that enhanced the overall experience. With only minor criticisms regarding variety in the soundtrack, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music of Darkest Dungeon II were integral in creating a dark, immersive, and memorable gameplay experience that resonated positively with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Darkest Dungeon II's sound design and music received widespread acclaim for its intense atmosphere and immersive experience. Critics praised the Victorian-inspired instruments, haunting voice acting by Wayne June, and spot-on sound effects that enhanced the game's chilling ambiance. While some critics noted a lack of musical variety compared to the first game, the majority agreed that the audio elements effectively set the eerie tone of the game. Overall, critics lauded the game's audio for creating a dark and unforgettable gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Darkest Dungeon II has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Wayne June's performance as the narrator has been widely praised for its ability to immerse players in the game's dark and atmospheric world. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Movies Games and Tech specifically highlight how June's gravelly voice adds a sense of human warmth and depth to the desolate hellscape, enhancing the overall experience. CGMagazine and GameGrin commend the narrator for bringing life and gravitas to every moment, contributing to the well-portrayed themes of the story. Additionally, Gamepressure mentions Wayne June's award-nominated performance, emphasizing the high quality of the voice acting in the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are a few critics who offer more nuanced perspectives on the voice acting in Darkest Dungeon II. IGN notes that while the narrator's gritty voice delivers melodramatic lines that are enjoyable, they can sometimes come across as overwrought. RPG Fan's review lacks specific details about the voice acting beyond mentioning the presence of a gravelly narrator, leaving some room for ambiguity regarding the overall impact of the voice performances. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally well-received, there may be moments where the delivery could be perceived as overly dramatic or lacking in depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Darkest Dungeon II is a standout feature that significantly enhances the game's immersive experience. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Twinfinite praise the exceptional and inimitable nature of Wayne June's voicework, highlighting its ability to set the macabre tone perfectly and add a special flair to the game. The majority of reviewers appreciate how the voice acting, particularly by Wayne June, contributes to the eerie and atmospheric mood of the game, with its world-weary and bombastic horror elements resonating with players. The positive reception of the voice acting in Darkest Dungeon II underscores its importance in creating a rich and engaging narrative experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Darkest Dungeon II, particularly Wayne June's performance as the narrator, has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics for immersing players in the game's dark world with warmth and depth. While some critics mention moments of potential overdramatization, the consensus is that the voice acting enhances the immersive experience with its exceptional quality, setting the macabre tone perfectly. Overall, critics agree that the voice acting in the game is a standout feature that adds an eerie and atmospheric mood, contributing significantly to the game's narrative experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, Darkest Dungeon II received high praise from multiple critics. GRYOnline.pl highlighted the game's stability and responsiveness, noting improvements in character relationships and balance, showcasing the evolution from early access with technical enhancements and gameplay mechanic changes. IGN Italia also commended the game for excelling in technical aspects, particularly praising its visually stunning art style and excellent audio design. SECTOR.sk emphasized the immersive battles and revamped monsters, providing players with real control over the outcome of their journey. The Games Machine pointed out that the game's graphics were not demanding on PC hardware, ensuring a smooth experience for a wide range of players. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were a few minor issues mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on PC. Meristation noted some translation issues, which slightly affected the overall experience for some players. However, this critique did not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the game. No major technical flaws or performance issues were highlighted by any of the reviewers, indicating a generally smooth and polished experience across the board. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Darkest Dungeon II delivers exceptional technical performance on PC. The game's stability, responsiveness, visually stunning art style, excellent audio design, and immersive battles were highly praised by reviewers such as GRYOnline.pl, IGN Italia, and SECTOR.sk. While minor translation issues were mentioned by Meristation, they did not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the game. The general sentiment is that Darkest Dungeon II's technical performance on PC is top-notch, living up to the expectations set by its predecessor and providing an engaging and enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Darkest Dungeon II earns high praise for its exceptional technical performance on PC, with critics lauding its stability, immersive battles, visually stunning art style, and excellent audio design. Minor translation issues were noted but did not overshadow the overall positive reception. Overall, the game delivers a smooth and polished experience, impressing reviewers and providing players with an engaging and enjoyable journey.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics regarding the replay value of Darkest Dungeon II highlight numerous positive aspects. Critics such as CGMagazine, Everyeye.it, and GameSkinny praise the game for its unique runs, procedurally generated segments, and various difficulty settings that contribute to its replayability. The inclusion of unlockable characters, trinkets, and upgrades, as noted by CGMagazine and Game Informer, adds depth and incentivizes players to keep exploring different strategies and team compositions. Additionally, the diverse gameplay mechanics, such as the Candle of Hope system mentioned by PLAY! Zine and the roguelite elements highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Siliconera, offer players the opportunity to experiment with different approaches and experience fresh challenges with each playthrough. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the overall replay value of Darkest Dungeon II. Dexerto mentions the lack of persistence between acts, which can diminish the consequences of decisions and potentially reduce the sense of progression for players. Similarly, Gfinity notes that the discovery of the best team composition early on may limit creativity and replayability for some individuals. PC Gamer brings attention to conflicting design elements that require a significant time commitment for persistent progression, potentially deterring players looking for a more accessible experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Darkest Dungeon II offers substantial replay value despite some minor flaws. The game's depth, strategic complexity, and diverse content, as highlighted by critics like RPG Fan, Softpedia, and TheSixthAxis, contribute to a highly engaging and challenging gameplay experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. While some critics point out specific issues like lack of persistence or repetitive elements, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's variety, unlockables, and roguelite mechanics that keep players coming back for more. With its addictive gameplay loop, diverse encounters, and personalization options, Darkest Dungeon II emerges as a title that successfully balances challenge and reward, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a replayable and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Darkest Dungeon II's replay value, praising its unique runs, procedural generation, and various difficulty settings. Unlockable characters, trinkets, and upgrades add depth and incentivize exploration of different strategies. While some mention drawbacks like lack of persistence between acts, the consensus is that the game offers substantial replayability with engaging gameplay, challenging content, and diverse mechanics. Despite minor flaws, Darkest Dungeon II strikes a balance between challenge and reward, making it a top choice for players seeking an immersive and replayable gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Darkest Dungeon II for its ability to maintain the essence of the original game while introducing new elements that elevate the experience. Critics like CGMagazine and GRYOnline.pl appreciated how the sequel built upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering a unique and refined gaming experience. Gameblog.fr also noted the game's captivating visuals, haunting atmosphere, and deep gameplay, which contributed to a compelling experience for fans of the series. The game was commended for its challenging gameplay, immersive storytelling, strategic combat, and character depth by critics like Jeuxvideo.com and KeenGamer, highlighting the compelling and unique gaming experience it provides. On the downside, some critics mentioned issues with the game's high difficulty level and reliance on randomness. Critics like Gamereactor UK and IGN pointed out that while the game was visually striking and introduced interesting new ideas, it suffered from being too reliant on randomness, which could be a drawback for some players. PC Invasion also mentioned the game's high difficulty as a potential downside, although they praised its nuanced take on mental health and Lovecraftian horror stylings. Additionally, Shacknews expressed qualms about certain aspects of the game, such as the absence of a Crusader class and dying feeling less impactful, which detracted from the overall experience for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority considering Darkest Dungeon II to be a very good sequel that successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Player 2 appreciated the game's ability to reinvent itself in a new style, appealing to both diehard fans and new players. While there were some criticisms regarding the game's difficulty and reliance on randomness, the overall sentiment is that Darkest Dungeon II offers a compelling and immersive experience that is well Worth Playing for fans of the genre. The game's innovative gameplay changes, captivating visuals, challenging gameplay, and deep mechanics were highlighted as key strengths that contribute to its overall positive reception among critics.

TL;DR

Darkest Dungeon II impresses critics with its fresh take on the original game, maintaining its essence while introducing new elements. Praise for its captivating visuals, haunting atmosphere, and strategic combat. Criticisms include high difficulty and reliance on randomness. Overall, considered a very good sequel with innovative gameplay changes and a compelling experience for fans of the series.

CRITIK

Reviews

106 reviews found

The Games Machine

May 8, 2023