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Endless Dungeon

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

2023

GenresAction, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 17, 2023

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperAmplitude Studios

Overview

Endless Dungeon is a Rogue-lite Tactical Action game, set in the award-winning Endless universe. Recruit a team of shipwrecked heroes, plunge into a long-abandoned space station, and protect your crystal against never-ending waves of monsters… or die trying, get reloaded, and try again.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Endless Dungeon are quite varied. Some critics, such as IGN Italia, MeuPlayStation, and Press Start Australia, praise the narrative and writing of the game. They appreciate the depth and additional information provided through collectibles and lore drops, which add to the overall immersion and world-building. Additionally, God is a Geek mentions the charming cast of heroes and genuine humor, which enhances the storytelling experience. The exceptional narrative writing for the characters, setting, and lore of the universe is also highlighted by Press Start Australia. On the other hand, there are critics who express more negative opinions about the story. Game Rant and TRG both mention that the story is generic and lacks impact, with TRG specifically mentioning the dull characters. Screen Rant acknowledges the deep sci-fi narrative but also notes that it is primarily told through lore drops and emergent storytelling, which may not be as engaging for some players. GAMES.CH also falls into this category, stating that the game's story is set in a mysterious space station but does not provide much detail on its quality or impact. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While some critics appreciate the narrative depth, writing, and humor, others find the story to be generic or lacking in impact. However, it is worth noting that several critics, such as IGN and The Games Machine, mention the intriguing setup, mystery, and attractive art style of the game, which can still make the story intriguing for players. Additionally, the focus on the personal goals and stories of the playable heroes, as mentioned by Hardcore Gamer, adds an interesting layer to the overall narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Endless Dungeon. Some praise its narrative depth, writing, and humor, while others find it generic and lacking impact. Despite differing views, the game's intriguing setup, mystery, and attractive art style, along with personal hero stories, add layers to the overall experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Endless Dungeon are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its combination of different genres and mechanics, such as twin-stick shooting, tower defense, roguelike, and RPG elements. They appreciate the intense and satisfying gameplay, which involves managing resources, exploring procedurally generated rooms, and defending a crystal robot. The inclusion of strategic elements, such as planning routes, placing turrets, and making decisions about opening doors, adds depth and variety to the gameplay. Critics like IGN Italia, MeuPlayStation, and Impulsegamer specifically mention the enjoyable shooting mechanics and the unique and diverse characters, which make each run a delight. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Endless Dungeon. Some critics, like GGRecon and TRG, mention that the gameplay lacks variety and replayability. They feel that the combat encounters can be unsatisfying and that the game loop is unfulfilling. Additionally, MeuPlayStation points out that the randomness of the game can sometimes lead to ineffective resources, blind spots, and overwhelming enemy spawns. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay is generally enjoyable, there are aspects that could be improved to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Endless Dungeon offers a compelling and well-paced gameplay experience. The combination of different genres and mechanics, along with the strategic elements, is praised for adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Critics appreciate the intense and satisfying gameplay, as well as the inclusion of unique systems such as resource acquisition and dynamic wave changes. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of variety and replayability, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like GameStar, GamingBolt, and TheGamer highlighting the strategic thinking and planning required, as well as the enjoyable and engaging nature of the gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise Endless Dungeon for its intense gameplay featuring a mix of genres like twin-stick shooting and tower defense. They enjoy managing resources, exploring rooms, and defending a crystal robot. While some critics mention a lack of variety and replayability, overall, the game is seen as compelling with strategic elements adding depth. Reviewers highlight enjoyable shooting mechanics and diverse characters, making each run a delight.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Endless Dungeon, with many highlighting its unique art style and impressive aesthetics. IGN Italia commended the stunning art direction and described the visuals as impressive, even at 30 fps. They particularly appreciated the combination of western and cyberpunk aesthetics. MeuPlayStation also praised the game's well-executed 2D visuals and variety of base defense strategies. However, they did mention that the interface could be cluttered and hinder gameplay due to small text size. CGMagazine noted that the graphics remained smooth even with hordes of monsters on the screen, and the game handled hordes, gunfire, and animating turrets well. GamesRadar+ praised the bright, chunky, and funky vibe of the game, along with its comic strip costumes and laidback tone. They also highlighted the well-designed characters and environments. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Endless Dungeon was positive, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. GGRecon mentioned that the game could become visually repetitive, which might impact the overall experience. Multiplayer.it pointed out that the high number of enemies could create confusion and make the screen less readable. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of the critics still found the graphics and visual design of Endless Dungeon to be visually appealing and well-crafted. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Endless Dungeon received high praise from the critics. The majority of them commended the unique art style, impressive aesthetics, and well-executed visuals. Critics such as Game Rant, GamingBolt, and Impulsegamer specifically mentioned the attractive art style, great lighting, environmental details, and visually appealing pixel-art. The overall consensus among the critics is that Endless Dungeon offers a visually stunning experience with its gorgeous graphics, diverse visual ideas, and engaging setting. Despite a few minor criticisms, the positive sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Endless Dungeon is evident throughout the reviews.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praised Endless Dungeon for its stunning graphics and unique art style, highlighting impressive aesthetics, smooth animations, and well-designed characters and environments. While some critics noted minor issues like visual repetition and cluttered interfaces, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game delivering a visually appealing and well-crafted experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Endless Dungeon are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game's soundtrack, describing it as captivating, phenomenal, appealing, solid, superb, terrific, excellent, great, incredible, and sublime. The music is often highlighted for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, tension, action, and overall experience of the game. IGN Italia commends the technical aspects of the game, including the sound design, while also mentioning the captivating soundtrack by musician Lera Lynn. MeuPlayStation specifically mentions the inviting and safe environments in the Salão and the tense music in the floor sectors, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of the soundtrack in different gameplay scenarios. Hardcore Gamer and PC Gamer both mention the score's combination of Western guitars and synth-based sci-fi themes, further emphasizing the unique and immersive qualities of the music. TheGamer highlights how the sound design adds to the tension and stress of the gameplay, further enhancing the overall experience. In terms of negatives, there are no specific criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Endless Dungeon. This suggests that the game's sound design and music were generally well-received and did not have any significant flaws or drawbacks that stood out to the reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Endless Dungeon are highly commendable. The majority of the critics express their positive opinions, using words such as phenomenal, superb, terrific, and excellent to describe the soundtrack. The music is praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, tension, and overall experience of the game. The positive reception of the sound design and music suggests that they were successful in immersing players into the game's world and enhancing the gameplay. The lack of specific criticisms further supports the notion that the sound design and music were well-executed and contributed positively to the overall quality of Endless Dungeon.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Endless Dungeon, praising its captivating soundtrack described as phenomenal, superb, and excellent. The music enhances the game's atmosphere and gameplay experience, with critics highlighting the technical aspects and versatility of the soundtrack. No specific negatives are mentioned, indicating widespread acclaim for the well-executed sound design and music that immerses players in the game world. Overall, critics unanimously praise the music's unique blend of Western guitars and sci-fi themes, enhancing the tension and overall experience of Endless Dungeon.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on the PlayStation 5, MeuPlayStation notes that Endless Dungeon's performance is limited to 30 FPS and experiences noticeable drops during intense moments. However, they highlight that the cooperative experience is stable and lag-free. This suggests that while there are some limitations in terms of frame rate, the overall gameplay experience remains enjoyable and smooth for PS5 players. Moving on to the PC platform, several critics provide mixed opinions regarding the technical performance of Endless Dungeon. CGMagazine mentions issues with online capabilities, including progress being erased and audio issues in the in-game chat. However, they also note that the controls are easier with a controller. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that some glitches can affect gameplay, while GamingBolt states that the performance is solid with no bugs. Jeuxvideo.com observes minor bugs during testing but deems them insignificant. Press Start Australia acknowledges encountering a few bugs but assures that the developers are aware and will fix them for launch. SECTOR.sk mentions technical issues such as accidentally building towers and characters getting stuck. The Games Machine adds that occasional crashes occur during co-op play. These varying opinions highlight that while some critics experienced technical issues, others did not encounter significant problems. Overall, the consensus among the critics for Endless Dungeon's technical performance is somewhat mixed. While some critics, such as God is a Geek and Player 2, report seamless gameplay without any issues, others mention glitches, bugs, and occasional crashes. The positive aspects include stable and lag-free cooperative experience on the PS5, solid performance on PC without bugs according to GamingBolt, and the game being well-optimized on PC as stated by The Games Machine. However, the negative aspects encompass issues such as erased progress, audio problems, occasional crashes, and various glitches affecting gameplay. It is important to note that the overall sentiment leans towards a satisfactory experience, with some minor technical hiccups that may be addressed by the developers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Endless Dungeon's technical performance on PlayStation 5 offers stable cooperative play at 30 FPS despite some drops, while PC critics have mixed opinions. Some note glitches and bugs like erased progress, audio issues, and occasional crashes, while others find solid performance and well-optimized gameplay. Overall, critics report a generally satisfactory experience with minor technical hiccups that could be fixed by developers.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Endless Dungeon are varied. Several critics, such as IGN Italia, Game Rant, Impulsegamer, and Multiplayer.it, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. They mention features such as procedurally generated levels, diverse character abilities, cooperative gameplay, and the opportunity to rethink strategies after dying. These elements contribute to a sense of endless gameplay possibilities and provide reasons for players to start new runs and explore different playstyles. Additionally, the presence of permanent upgrades, collectibles, and alternative starting points, as mentioned by PC Gamer and Press Start Australia, further enhance the replay value of the game. However, there are also critics who express concerns about the replayability of Endless Dungeon. GGRecon and Screen Rant, for example, mention that the game lacks variety and radical perks, which may dampen players' motivation to replay after making a mistake. GamingBolt points out that runs can feel repetitive due to the lack of major distinguishing mechanics in each biome and unexciting loot even at higher rarities. SECTOR.sk raises the issue of quickly unlocking all permanent upgrades, which diminishes motivation in later runs. Player 2 also notes that the rogue-like elements can feel grindy and slow in terms of character progression, potentially impacting the replay value for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Endless Dungeon offers replay value, but it has its strengths and weaknesses. The game's procedural generation, cooperative multiplayer, and diverse character abilities are praised by critics like MeuPlayStation, Checkpoint Gaming, and MGG. The rewarding progression system, challenges, and narrative progression, as highlighted by Game Rant and TheSixthAxis, also contribute to the game's replayability. However, concerns are raised by critics such as GGRecon, Screen Rant, and TheGamer regarding the lack of variety, radical perks, and unsatisfying late-game progression. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that Endless Dungeon provides enough replay value to keep players engaged, especially with its procedural generation, cooperative gameplay, and progression systems.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Endless Dungeon. Some praise its procedurally generated levels, diverse abilities, and cooperative gameplay for endless possibilities. Others criticize the lack of variety, radical perks, and slow progression, which may impact motivation. Overall, the game offers replay value with strengths like rewarding progression and challenges, but weaknesses in variety and late-game progression.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

Based on the opinions of the critics, there are several positive aspects of Endless Dungeon that are consistently highlighted. The game is praised for its engaging and challenging gameplay, successfully expanding on the Dungeon of the Endless series. Critics such as IGN Italia and Hardcore Gamer describe it as a terrific game that combines action, tower defense, exploration, and story, offering a great overall experience. The visuals and art direction are also highly praised, with critics like God is a Geek and Jeuxvideo.com commending the beautiful visuals and impressive art direction. The gameplay mechanics, including addictive gunplay and a mix of genres, are also mentioned positively by critics like MeuPlayStation and GamingBolt. However, there are also several negative aspects of Endless Dungeon that critics point out. Some critics, such as MeuPlayStation and GGRecon, mention issues with unbalanced gameplay in single-player mode and a lack of purpose in gameplay. The game is also criticized for its slow and frustrating progression, as well as performance instabilities. Other critics, like GamingBolt and TRG, mention a lack of variety and excitement in terms of weapon variety and loot. Additionally, some critics, such as Screen Rant and TheSixthAxis, mention specific drawbacks like the lack of local co-op and a structure that feels delicate. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Endless Dungeon is a game with both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspects include engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and a mix of genres that create a unique and enjoyable experience. However, the negative aspects, such as unbalanced gameplay, slow progression, and lack of variety, detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game is generally considered worth trying out, especially for fans of the Dungeon of the Endless series. Critics like IGN Italia and INVEN describe it as a well-crafted game that satisfies both tower defense and top-down shooting enthusiasts. However, critics like Game Rant and TRG express some dissatisfaction, suggesting that the game falls short in certain areas.

TL;DR

Endless Dungeon praised for engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, but criticized for unbalanced gameplay and lack of variety. Mixed reviews highlight a unique experience with drawbacks like slow progression and performance issues. Worth a try for fans of the series, but may not satisfy all players.

CRITIK

Reviews

58 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Oct 17, 2023