Dungeons 4, the latest symphony of slapstick and sadism in the long-running dungeon-building series, once again invites players to conduct the orchestra of evil. This time, the Absolute Evil, our ever-sarcastic maestro, returns with grander ambitions, a bigger (and sometimes buggier) stage, and an even more sardonic Dark Elf sidekick, Thalya, to sass him along the way. While the core gameplay retains its familiar, fiendishly fun loop, this production isn’t without its off-key notes and the occasional jarring screech.
Building Your Base of Blunders:
The core gameplay might feel like a greatest hits album to veterans, but Dungeons 4 cranks the volume up to eleven. You’ll conduct your impish choir, orchestrate the construction of your devious dungeon, and unleash your monstrous mosh pit upon the unsuspecting surface world. This time, your diabolical den can sprawl across expansive maps, offering more room for creative cruelty and strategic symphonies of minion mayhem. From the industrious, yet kleptomaniac Imps to the bomb-loving (and often self-immolating) Orcs, each minion plays a unique instrument in your malevolent masterpiece. Upgrading these mischievous maestros and unlocking their devilish ditties adds a satisfying layer of progression, keeping you engaged as you experiment with different combinations to conquer ever-escalating challenges.
Graphics: 8
Sound: 7
Controls: 7
Story: 6
Engaging: 7
Overall: 7
Humor Hits (and Misses) the Right Notes:
One of Dungeons 4’s most potent spells is its humor. The narrative, penned by a comedian with a penchant for puns and pop culture references, throws witty one-liners and fourth-wall-shattering remarks like confetti at a carnival of chaos. The voice acting, particularly for the ever-sarcastic narrator and the delightfully devious Thalya, is spot-on, adding personality and panache to every interaction. Even the loading screens are packed with amusing snippets of lore and evil advice, ensuring a chuckle (or groan, depending on your taste) every step of the way.
However, humor, like a poorly timed cymbal crash, can be subjective. While some will find the constant barrage of jokes hilarious, others might find it grating, drowning out the more strategic aspects of the game. The self-aware humor can also feel a bit forced at times, like a comedian desperately trying to fill the silence with recycled gags.
Expanding the Evil Empire… with a Few Technical Hiccups:
Dungeons 4 introduces new features like the Overworld, an open-world map where you can directly control your hero units and engage in real-time skirmishes. This adds a welcome layer of strategic depth and variety, allowing you to personally conduct the conquest and secure valuable resources. However, the execution can be a bit rough around the edges. The controls feel sluggish, especially on consoles, and the AI, while improved, can still be predictable, making some skirmishes feel more like a chore than a challenging duel.
Another addition is the Dwarves, a new rival faction vying for control of the underground. This adds a layer of competition and complexity to resource management, forcing you to adapt your strategies and consider the Dwarves’ expansion plans. However, the implementation can feel a bit half-baked. The Dwarves don’t pose a significant threat for most of the game, and their presence mainly serves to complicate resource gathering without offering a truly compelling strategic challenge.
A Touch of Impish Imperfection:
While Dungeons 4 excels in its humor and core gameplay, it’s not without its flaws. The campaign, while enjoyable, can feel formulaic at times, with objectives often revolving around conquering specific regions or defeating designated heroes. The humor, while undeniably present, can be hit-or-miss, and the technical hiccups, particularly on consoles, can disrupt the flow of the game.
Verdict: A Raucous Romp, But Not a Flawless Performance:
Despite its imperfections, Dungeons 4 is a devilishly delightful romp that will leave you grinning (or groaning) from ear to ear. The expanded gameplay, the (mostly) hilarious humor, and the charming presentation make it a worthy successor to its predecessors, offering a satisfying and strategic adventure for dungeon-building enthusiasts and newcomers alike. So, if you’re looking to unleash your inner overlord and conquer the world with a mischievous grin, Dungeons 4 is your devilish playground. Just remember, with great evil comes great responsibility… and even greater technical issues and puns.