Dungeons of Hinterberg: A Hidden Gem in the Shadows of Big Game Releases

In the midst of highly anticipated games like Starfield, Fable, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and Forza Motorsport, it’s easy for smaller indie titles to get overshadowed. However, Dungeons of Hinterberg managed to catch the attention of gamers during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest 2023. As one of the more promising indies highlighted, it stood out among the giants.

Having witnessed a behind-closed-doors demo during the same week, I was intrigued by the gameplay loop and the stunning visuals. So, when given the opportunity to play this unique hybrid action/RPG, I didn’t hesitate.

An Adventure in the Austrian Alps

In Dungeons of Hinterberg, players take on the role of Luisa, who embarks on a journey to the new tourist hotspot in the Austrian Alps. The allure of Hinterberg lies in its magical dungeons, teeming with mystical and dangerous creatures. Luisa’s goal is to explore all 25 dungeons spread across the region’s four biomes. Along the way, she forms relationships with the inhabitants of the mountain town.

The Mountain Biome’s Overworld

My hands-on experience begins in the mountain biome’s overworld. This introductory segment allows players to familiarize themselves with the exploration and combat mechanics. The combat follows a familiar pattern, with Luisa having both light and heavy attacks, as well as the ability to dodge. However, what sets it apart are the spells that add depth to the combat. In addition to biome-specific spells used for puzzle-solving, combat-specific spells mapped to the face buttons offer a variety of powerful attacks. Spells like raining meteors, creating an area-of-effect slam attack, and spinning like a top with swords drawn to create a blade tornado provide engaging gameplay options.

After dispatching a few groups of enemies, I stumble upon the entrance to one of the equally intriguing dungeons. While I thoroughly enjoy the combat, the puzzles steal the spotlight in Dungeons of Hinterberg. In this particular dungeon, the primary puzzles revolve around minecarts. Some involve simple track rearrangements, while others require intricate changes in a specific order to reach the desired destination. The inclusion of leaning mechanics for certain cart rides adds an extra layer of immersion and challenge.

A Fusion of Action and Puzzle-Solving

The dungeon I played successfully blends action and puzzle-solving elements. The final task in this early dungeon involved facing off against a warlock capable of summoning projectile attacks and a few minions. Although the battles didn’t pose significant challenges, it’s worth noting that the developers may have tweaked the difficulty for the purpose of my demo, considering it was a jump into the game for a new player.

The Township of Hinterberg

My demo concludes in the quaint town of Hinterberg. After wrapping up your daily dungeon exploration, you have the opportunity to roam around town and interact with its diverse inhabitants. Taking inspiration from the Persona series, Dungeons of Hinterberg incorporates social simulation mechanics. You can choose to spend time with different characters, thereby increasing your relationship with them. These interactions also grant additional stats, such as Amusement, Relaxation, Renown, and Familiarity. Maintaining a well-rounded character will be crucial for completing certain quests that require specific levels of these stats.

During my time in Hinterberg, I chose to spend my evening with Albert, who delves into the study of mythology. His insight into the creatures within the dungeons wearing masks resembling local mythological creatures hints at a deep connection between the region and the dungeons beyond mere geographical proximity.

A Glimpse into an Intriguing Adventure

There is still much left unexplored in Dungeons of Hinterberg, but this brief gameplay experience left me craving more. If the combat continues to evolve in meaningful ways and the puzzle-solving remains as clever as the minecart-based dungeon showcased in my demo, players are in for a delightful treat. Dungeons of Hinterberg is set to release on Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2024.