Paradox Interactive has developed an action role-playing game that caters to gamers of all ages. Dungeonland is an online game that focuses on co-op play. The game offers three different character classes that can be customized with items found in the item shop. The controls are simple to master and the keys are easy to configure. Gameplay is based on constant button mashing, which translates into a lot of fun.
Dungeonland includes two different game modes – Adventure and Dungeon Master. Adventure mode is a campaign-style excursion where you can play with either bots or players. This feature offers both offline and online play.
What really separates Dungeonland from other hack ‘n slash RPGs is Dungeon Master mode. As a dungeon master, it’s your job to spawn creatures, set traps and cast magic to stop players from beating your dungeon. Dungeon Master mode can be played against both players and non-player characters. One of my favorite features is the ability to control the bosses at the end of each dungeon.
The player can choose to be a warrior, mage or rogue when playing Adventure mode. Each class can be customized through the item shop and additional skills can be acquired to improve your character’s skills. The gold coins collected during combat is used as in-game currency.
Combat is quick; it leaves little time for the player to actually think. It’s important to stick together with your teammates to survive. You must work together as a group to conquer each section of the map. This isn’t your standard run-of-the-mill action RPG. Unlike traditional action role-playing games where the goal is to kill everything on-screen, Dungeonland approaches the concept differently. The main objective is to kill ‘spawners’ that generate creatures for the dungeon. If you fail to kill these generators, you and your team will quickly die.
Another interesting change to the genre is the lack of loot during dungeon runs. The only precious loot you’ll find inside the dungeons are coins. These coins are used as currency to purchase new equipment and weapons from the Item Store.
The world map is divided into four different dungeon locations. Three of the four locations belong to Adventure Mode. The last location is where you can play Dungeon Master Mode. Each Dungeon ends with a boss battle that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A good amount of skill and exceptional teamwork is the only way to defeat the bosses. Failure to work together results in your entire team dying.
Dungeonland brings a unique feature to the table called the shared life system. This means your group must share a set number of lives while exploring the dungeons. The adventure can end quickly for everyone in your group if you don’t have a cooperative player in your team. I can’t stress enough that working together is the only way to survive inside the dungeons.
The graphics in Dungeonland are absolutely gorgeous. They also resemble a cartoon where characters have exaggerated heads and long limbs. The isometric camera works beautifully and it’s always positioned in the right angle. You can outfit the look of your character with countless items that can be purchased from the Item Shop. The items you equip (including outfits) change the appearance of your character.
The dungeons are massive; they resemble amusement parks with bright colors and quirky objects. But don’t let their sublime appearance fool you. Dungeonland is loaded with plenty of action, excitement and gore. The dungeons give you an open, airy feel during combat.
Decent items can be purchased only after a couple of rounds. Plus, each patch released by Paradox adds new equipment, items and bug fixes that help enhance the game. Paradox plans on expanding the selection of dungeons in a future update.
Dunegonland is a very special role-playing game. The game is a blast to play even when you’re teaming with NPC players. The AI for the NPC players is sufficient enough to help aid you during combat (this includes healing your character if you happen to collapse during combat).
Gamers everywhere will enjoy Paradox’s latest offering. It offers a unique blend of action, comedy and intrigue not found in most games from the same genre. If you haven’t purchased Dungeonland already, you’re missing out.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC (Available on Steam)
System Requirements
Minimum:
OS: Windows Vista / Windows 7
Processor: Dual Core 2.6GHz
Memory:4 GB RAM
Graphics: DirectX 9.0 compatible card with 512MB (minimum Nvidia GeForce 8000, AMD Radeon HD 2000)
DirectX: 9.0c
Hard Drive :4 GB HD space
Sound: DirectX compatible sound card
Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection
Additional: Up to 3 controllers for play as heroes; Controller support not available for Dungeon Master Mode
Developer: Critical Studios
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
ESRB: N/A
Price: $9.99
Dungeonland’s Official Website
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Vibrant graphics that really set the mood for this fantasy wonderland. | |
| Sound | |
| Amusing, and sometimes quirky, music fills the ‘amusement parks’. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Fast-paced gameplay makes for an exhilarating time. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Dungeonland offers a unique gaming experience unlike anything else. | |
