As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must admit that I was skeptical about Crimson Desert, mainly due to my unfamiliarity with Korean-style game development. However, after my brief encounter at gamescom, I can confidently say that this game has defied my expectations in the most delightful way possible.
I hadn’t anticipated enjoying Crimson Desert due to my lack of affinity for Korean-style game development. It’s not that I hold any prejudice against it; rather, the cultural differences between us make it challenging for me to fully embrace the game world they’ve crafted. Nevertheless, I decided to give Crimson Desert a try since it was developed by the same team behind Black Desert Online, an MMO known for its stunning graphics. I was taken aback to discover that Crimson Desert is a single-player game set in a gritty European fantasy landscape. Moreover, the gameplay is exceptional.
At gamescom, Pearl Abyss, the creators of “Crimson Desert,” showcased one of the largest and most impressive displays, which resembled a grand structure rather than a typical booth. As I approached this temple-like setting, I felt as though I was about to be a sacrificial offering. Upon entering, a PR representative inquired about my schedule and whether I wished to watch a tutorial before beginning the game, hinting towards a crowd gathered around a TV in the center of the room. However, I expressed my confidence that I could handle the game on my own. But then, I started wondering… Am I up for this challenge?
Look how beautifully I’m bleeding out
In the opening scene, you’ll assume control over Kliff, a mercenary who has longstanding conflicts with an opposing faction. The specifics behind these enmities remain undisclosed for now. However, the narrative unfolds through impactful cut-scenes that brim with tension and emotion, showcasing intense hostility, rage, villainy, but also a sense of obligation, service, remorse, and guilt. Thus, it appears that “Crimson Desert” intends to share an extremely graphic, somber, and brutal tale (be warned, the cut-scenes are not for the faint-hearted). There will be no light-hearted Korean humor or cheerful warriors here. Instead, expect swordplay, bloodshed, throat-slitting, and trampling on the dreams of the innocent – all themes familiar from our historical annals.
In the fantasy realm known as “Pywel,” the designers have crafted a unique world. It’s not hard to spot influences from mythologies like Celtic and Viking lore. As for the graphics, they’re impressive, much like the creators of Black Desert Online would have it – while it may not reach the heights of games like Horizon or Black Myth Wukong, Crimson Desert holds its own without a doubt. Some boss battles, even on open meadows, leave an unforgettable impact. The particle effects, such as fire, magical attacks, wind-swept grass, and dust, generate a sense of awe. The developers power this world with their custom engine, BlackSpace Engine.
However, I could’ve watched that damn tutorial.
After settling on a cushioned seat, I peered at the game manual affixed to the pole, and found myself quickly overwhelmed within five minutes. The vibrant landscape of Crimson Desert, however, isn’t your typical action game with a smattering of abilities; it offers a complex combat system that demands mastery. Essentially, you can’t just jump in and play this game without understanding the combinations. Parrying alone involves pressing two buttons for deflecting attacks, three if we count the riposte, and a fourth when dodging is necessary. In other words, it’s not just about reacting to what’s happening on screen; you have to anticipate and coordinate multiple actions.
In this game, unlike many others I’ve played before, there’s no lock-on feature for the camera. This means I have to stay extra alert since I can’t rely on circling my opponents and waiting for an opening like I usually do. These foes don’t just stand there, they move strategically – coming from all directions, left, right, even behind me. They’re not here for a friendly chat; they want to eliminate me, dismember me, slay me! The block doesn’t protect against side or rear attacks as it did in older Assassin’s Creed games, and dodging won’t save me either because they’ll just catch up and finish me off. That’s why, after mere minutes into the game, I realized why someone suggested I watch the tutorial first.
However, there seems to be a method behind the chaos – I revisited the instructions multiple times, even a fourth time, before diving into learning the combos. The difference was noticeable immediately. It’s fascinating that Kliff not only employs standard attacks but also magical ones like flying on a “paraglider.” Moreover, he exhibits wrestling-style moves, which adds an extraordinary layer to the combat. This diversity and demand might be the game’s greatest strength, yet it could also be its weakness.
Initially, let me clarify that the game’s complexity might be off-putting for some gamers who find it too intricate. Secondly, I’ve encountered situations where the lack of target locking makes the camera go haywire. In one instance, my opponent knocked me out of the arena because I couldn’t get a proper view of the action. If the developers can address these issues, we’re looking at an incredibly exciting combat system ahead.
Give this game a chance
It’s my opinion that this game is definitely worth giving it some focus. During the one-hour demo specifically designed for gamescom, I had the chance to engage in battles across expansive map-arenas, where I encountered both formidable bosses and regular enemies who posed a significant threat. The general flow would go like this: I’d enter the map, be greeted by an impressive cut-scene featuring Kliff displaying his skills with a sword or words, followed immediately by combat.
It’s a bit perplexing since Crimson Desert is marketed as an open-world game, but the demo didn’t showcase all its promised features like mounting, climbing, balloon rides, cave and dungeon exploration, village visits, equipment collection, and map traversal without loading screens. The game promises crafting, cooking, herb gathering, ore mining, and fishing too, but these were absent in the demo.
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2024-08-27 11:32