Cash or Pass Review - [1200h+ Expert Edition] | Darkest Dungeon 2

Cash or Pass Review - [1200h+ Expert Edition] | Darkest Dungeon 2

Introduction Welcome to the Cash or Pass review for Darkest Dungeon 2. This is a special one because I played Darkest Dungeon 1 for about 2,000 hours after it left Early Access in 2016, and I’ve spent approximately 1,200 hours on Darkest Dungeon 2. From day zero, I got review access and eventually became a staple in the community and a volunteer game tester. I've spoken to the dev team both casually and professionally, and they truly appreciate candid feedback, a trait surprisingly rare these days.

Voice Acting and Narration Wayne June returns as the narrator but with a twist. Instead of your rich uncle ancestor, he is now an academic professor, and the player is a colleague researching the secrets of the Iron Crown. Wayne June's performance is great, though some players feel the ancestor character from the first game was more intriguing due to the writing style and character evolution.

Art Style and Animation The art style has matured significantly. Darkest Dungeon 2 now features fully rendered and animated 3D models instead of 2D bobbleheads. The shading is hand-painted, and the lighting effects are stellar, making the game a visual treat.

Music Stuart Chatwood returns for the music. While the first game focused on percussion instruments, the second game opts for string sections, reminiscent of Elder Scrolls Oblivion. The music fits well and is enjoyable.

User Interface The UI is functional but has room for improvement. The various symbols called tokens, buffs, and debuffs can be cumbersome to manage, especially with gamepads. New players often find the in-game tutorials lacking.

Game Mechanics A major change in combat is the introduction of the token system, reminiscent of the Shieldbreaker's Aegis mechanic in Darkest Dungeon 1. The base accuracy system has been removed, making combat more predictable. The Affinity system, allowing heroes to form relationships, went through significant rework to make it less aggressive and more streamlined.

Heroes and Progression The game introduces two new Heroes and brings back a hefty chunk of the Darkest Dungeon 1 roster. New players start with the base team and can unlock more heroes through permanent progression. Hero shrines allow players to unlock new abilities and learn backstories, adding depth to the characters.

Game Structure The game has five acts called confessions, each with scaling difficulty and different final bosses. Regions vary in theme and enemies, adding strategic variety. Roads replace hallways from the first game, serving a similar function but without the tedious backtracking.

Enemy Variety and Boss Design Enemies are organized into factions with unique strategies, and each region has its own set of enemies and lair bosses. However, the balance between enemies and heroes, particularly regarding speed and ordainment, could use refinement.

Altar of Hope and Gacha System The Altar of Hope system replaces the old progression system, allowing players to unlock upgrades using candles. The "Working Fields," or gacha machine, lets players pull random gear for the next run.

Pricing and Value The base game is priced at $ 40, which may seem steep for an indie title. However, it receives periodic free content updates, which somewhat offsets the sticker shock. The only DLC available, The Binding Blade, offers substantial value by providing two new heroes and additional quests for $ 10.

Upcoming Content Future updates include a new region and a new game mode called Kingdoms, set for release at the end of 2024. These updates promise to add more depth and replayability.

Final Verdict Despite some issues, Darkest Dungeon 2 offers a rich, engaging experience. The Cash or Pass verdict is a Cash. The game is more accessible than its predecessor and provides a unique challenge for both new and veteran players. My critiques come from a place of love for the game, and I still recommend it highly.

Keywords

• Darkest Dungeon 2
• Review
• Game Mechanics
• Voice Acting
• Art Style
• Music
• UI
• Heroes
• Altar of Hope
• Pricing

FAQ

1. What are the major changes from Darkest Dungeon 1 to Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • The major changes include the introduction of the token system, the removal of the base accuracy system, the addition of the Affinity system, and fully rendered 3D models replacing 2D graphics.

2. Who is the new narrator in Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • Wayne June returns as the narrator, this time portraying an academic professor instead of the ancestor character from the first game.

3. How does the progression system work in Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • Progression is managed through the Altar of Hope, where players use candles earned during runs to unlock various upgrades and heroes.

4. What is the token system in Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • The token system replaces many of the buffs and debuffs from the first game, streamlining mechanics into easily recognizable symbols.

5. Is Darkest Dungeon 2 worth the $ 40 price tag?

   • While the base game may seem expensive for an indie title, periodic free updates and substantial DLC offerings make it a valuable purchase.

6. What future content is planned for Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • Future updates include a new region and a new game mode called Kingdoms, set for release at the end of 2024.

7. Are the tutorials in Darkest Dungeon 2 helpful for new players?

   • The in-game tutorials are functional but not comprehensive, often leaving new players searching for additional guides and information.

8. How does the combat system differ in Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • The combat system now uses tokens for various effects, replaces base accuracy with dodge and blind tokens, and introduces an Affinity system for hero relationships.

9. What are the confessions in Darkest Dungeon 2?

   • Confessions are acts in the game, each with its own storyline, difficulty scaling, and unique final bosses.