Game Review: Explore Tangledeep [Windows, Mac, Linux]
RPGs have always been and will always be at the top of the favorite game genres list and that is understandable considering their long history and huge impact they had in the evolution of gaming. That is why I decided to try a new indie RPG, Tangledeep, as the nostalgia factor still plays an important part in my gaming choices and it has hardly ever failed me. Tangledeep is available on Early Access and its full release will come this winter.
Plot
Tangledeep tells the story of an underground world where people have lived in peace in their villages for hundreds of years and their only route to the surface is “Tangledeep”, a dangerous and mysterious labyrinth that not many dare to enter. With your mind set on discovering the secrets of the surface, you enter the labyrinth to discover what lies above. Will you be able to face the dangers and escape the obstacles or will you be lost inside it forever?
Gameplay
The first thing that you need to decide upon is the mode which you prefer to play at. There are 3 in total; Heroic Mode, in which if you die you start from level 1, and lose all your money and progress. It is the most difficult mode out of the 3 and certainly not the one I would suggest to a new player. Then there is Adventure mode in which if you die you return to town with half your money, you lose only your current XP and it is a mode for the casual player. And lastly, there is the Hardcore mode which as the name suggest is not for the faint of heart as by losing the game ends and everything you’ve accomplished is erased. It goes without saying, that the 2nd mode is the most friendly and safest to start with.
It is also important to note that Tangledeep supports all types of controllers in addition to the keyboard/mouse or mouse only options and I believe this will please many of you who prefer to have more than one option. As in all RPGs of its kind, you can choose among a variety of jobs e.g. Paladin, Hunter, Sword Master and more, that make a total of nine jobs each with their own powers and attributes. You should choose carefully as the game’s experience and atmosphere change a lot depending on what you play as.
Your adventure begins at your village in which you can interact with various characters that will give you tips, advice and other useful services. You also have access to a bank and a store. At the bank you can store up to 9 items and your money and at the store you can find all sorts of items, potions, foods etc..
Inside Tangledeep you will have to face various ma monsters that will attack you alone or in teams so make sure you are always prepared and from a safe distance. Other than that you will also come across campfires that allow you to perform actions such as cooking, and crafting. Also, always look around for magic fountains that will refill your health flask, and treasure chest icons that indicate a side area. Side areas have extra rewards and challenges so it is always worth checking them out.
Pricing & Availability
The Early Access version of Tangledeep is available on Steam (Windows/Mac/Linux) for $15. The final version of the game will be available in Winter of this year for a different price.
Graphics & Sounds
The game has beautiful 16-bit graphics and its general look and feel is a nostalgia trip. I love the variety in colors and the detailed designs of the environments and maps. The soundtrack is very fitting and I loved listening to the BG music while playing.
Conclusion
Tangledeep is a very promising indie roguelike game that has many secrets for you to discover and taking into account that this is an early access version, it is certain that there will be more additions and improvements in the final version and I am really looking forward to it. Let us know your thoughts and impressions in the comments below.
Download Tangledeep for PC on Steam and GOG here.
Tangledeep screenshots (above) and trailer (below)
