Pixel Dungeon blends innovative gameplay mechanics from Historic Dungeon and Dungeons of Eternity to deliver an exciting early access experience.
With its co-op roguelite gameplay debuting on Quest App Lab two weeks ago, surprisingly few – just 17 reviews suggest – have noticed this hidden gem. The online store’s product description mentions this game by a name other than “Dungeon”, specifically listing it as “Pixel Dungeons”. The game’s balance is striking, blending the classic gameplay of Dungeons of Eternity with the nostalgic charm of Historic Dungeon’s voxel aesthetic.
In Pixel Dungeon, embark on thrilling cooperative quests through treacherous dungeon environments, employing a range of combat tactics that include spell-casting, sword-wielding, and strategically hurling objects at formidable foes. During those two hours spent in the sporting arena, the motivational energy is palpably evident. You select a map and a sports mode from the limited options available, then “prepare” yourself before being whisked away through a portal to your chosen destination. You must seize the mantle of authority after ‘God’ has forsaken His throne, abandoning humanity to a state of utter despondency.
Similar to the iconic Dungeons of Eternity, each dungeon is designed to be fully explored and completed, yielding rewarding spoils that fuel subsequent runs, thereby strengthening your character with each successive iteration. Pixel Dungeon’s initial stages require significant refinement to achieve a smooth start. The awkwardness of reaching for a weapon that’s tucked away at the small of one’s back, only to accidentally snatch at an uninvolved pack instead? Grabbing the weapon on the left would likely draw my bow from my back as well.
Despite some ambiguity, a coherent vision is evident nonetheless. Despite potential translation issues in the opening cutscene, the narrative effectively piques interest, providing a compelling reason to embark on an adventure in Pixel Dungeon’s blocky realm; combat proves engaging, albeit slightly too fluid in its execution. While the seeds of a rival to Dungeons of Eternity may already exist, the impending release on Steam will undoubtedly create a prime opportunity for those without Quest access to get in on the action. Let’s simply hope that it will receive as many updates.
In the midst of early excitement, users in the sports community’s Discord server are currently casting their votes for fresh avatars inspired by legendary figures such as Kratos and Batman.
The biggest challenge I currently face is the lack of a clearly defined roadmap. The Pixel Dungeon’s uncertain trajectory is underscored by its modest neighborhood base and convoluted rebranding efforts, which fluctuate depending on the storefront in question. Without persistent funding, the directionless Pixel Dungeon lacks a clear sense of purpose, leaving uncertainty surrounding developer Suplife Games’ long-term vision for the game.
We are aware that Suplife Video games has announced plans to introduce new avatars and additional maps at an unspecified point during the early access period, offering a glimpse into what’s to come. The possibility of adding new weapons or enemies to the game remains uncertain prior to its 1.0 launch. There is no definitive launch window for the entire sports platform, but rather a dual approach will be employed.
Pixel Dungeon is now available in early access on the Quest Store for Meta Quest 2, Pro, and 3. The highly anticipated title will soon be available on Steam as well.
