Dungeons of Hinterberg

There’s a lot to enjoy in Dungeons of Hinterberg. The premise is original and the combat ticks all the expected ARPG elements. Like in real life, I’m not fond of forced social interaction, and sometimes the game is a bit more gated than it appears. The puzzles are satisfying, and while movement and spell-casting can be janky, there’s quite a bit of content to explore. Fans of family-friendly ARPGs and the blend of magic and everyday life should definitely plan a staycation in Hinterberg.

The heroine of this fantasy video game is not a legendary warrior forged in the fire of a thousand battles, but a young adult facing an existential crisis, dressed casually and wielding a sword made in China. The setting is not a mythical land, but an ordinary vacation spot. Dungeons of Hinterberg blends magic and everyday life in a mix that offers some good ideas, though not fully realized. Behind this facade lies an action/adventure game that aims to entertain with varied gameplay—and it succeeds, as long as you don’t expect too much.

Dungeons of Hinterberg captivates with its stunning Austrian-inspired landscapes and charming visuals, but the gameplay can feel repetitive over time. The blend of exploration and puzzle-solving is enjoyable, yet it may lack the depth needed to keep players fully engaged throughout. While the game’s beauty is undeniable, its repetitive nature might not appeal to everyone, making it a mixed experience overall.

A pleasant adventure with a refreshing diversity, ideal for a summer's day in. Enjoy it sparingly because, well, you've got to think about getting out for a walk too.

Dungeons of Hinterberg does a lot of things right. It features a story that shows the protagonist growing within themselves, albeit slowly, and embraces its casual atmosphere with wide-open arms. Players that enjoy that slower side of gaming will find some interesting moments while exploring and playing through the story. The rest will have to find something buried in the game's combat to keep their interest, though that may prove too difficult. Still, those players looking for something easy that never moves too fast and ambles on at a comfortable pace will enjoy Dungeons of Hinterberg for the qualities it fully embraces.

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a puzzle and combat-based action game with an intentionally compassed and relaxed tone. The level of challenge offered never crosses a certain line, and this is reflected in modest level design and a lack of depth in the mechanics. Fun and enjoyable in these summer months, but far from memorable.

Every night in Hinterberg ends with a Stardew Valley-esque recap of your day that encapsulates the game’s innovative blend of dungeon crawling and social simulation. You’re reminded of the undead Miner’s Widow you conquered, alongside the HP you gained from meditation. Staring down the barrel of another day of dungeoneering can be offputting, especially with the prospect of an over-familiar puzzle or frustrating fight on the horizon. Still, Dungeons of Hinterberg’s personable cast and stunning environments provided the necessary pockets of reprieve that kept me wanting to wake up and face the day every next morning.