Reviewed on:
PC
Publisher:
Red Hook Studios
Platform:
PC
Developer:
Red Hook Studios
Darkest Dungeon II is cruel. It takes two to three hours to reach the chapter’s final boss if you make a simple mistake or bad luck. If your party dies, you must start over. There are only a few unlocked upgrades that stay with you. This can (and will) be frustrating and nerve-wracking when you have to continually make tough choices while considering various systems at the same time. Despite this, Darkest Dungeon II is the most rewarding and cathartic experience since 2016.
It’s a turn-based game where you build four distinct heroes and survive exciting battles based on position, synergy, and some luck, just like its predecessor. There are various damage points you can deal with your attacks, as well as buffs and debuffs that may cause you to miss your shot or earn a critical hit, among other outcomes.
As you get to know the cast, you dive into the thrilling experience of figuring out who plays well with whom, in what position, and against which creatures. The combat system is challenging to master but incredibly satisfying. Throughout the game, I experimented with the best combinations for my playstyle, trying out new things every time. Battles feel like puzzles, and you feel great when you have your party intact. However, they can also frustrate you when you deal less damage than you need and are counterattacked unexpectedly.