Announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, Dungeons of Hinterberg has just made its debut on our machines. If you are still hesitant about buying it or simply downloading it via Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, that's good, since the international press has given its verdict. On Metacritic, its PC score currently stands at 82/100, while on Xbox, it is 79/100. Below you will find some opinions and what to remember about the game!
The first tests of Dungeons of Hinterberg
GGRecon – 5/5
Dungeons of Hinterberg is simply stunning, distilling its three core gameplay pillars of dungeon-drilling, fast-paced combat, and relationship-building into a wickedly fun loop that I almost never wanted to put down for the entire duration of the game.
Much of the game is focused on what it means to take a break from everyday life, and by exploring its characters and connecting with its therapeutic routine, I almost feel like it offered me a similar mental refreshment after finishing it.
A breath of fresh air and a real contender for one of the best games of 2024, Dungeons of Hinterberg is an obvious choice whether you're a Game Pass subscriber or not.
Checkpoint Gaming – 9/10
Dungeons of Hinterberg skillfully combines puzzles, combat, and relationship building into a well-organized package that's engaging despite its low-stress nature. Each dungeon is distinct and satisfying in terms of style and mechanics, and the combat is just crunchy enough to be enjoyable throughout the adventure.
The gorgeous aesthetic makes Hinterberg and its surroundings a charming place to spend time, and the quirky characters you’ll meet along the way are all worth getting to know. With some truly memorable moments, Dungeons of Hinterberg is sure to satisfy dungeon-crawler fans with a penchant for problem-solving, and is a standout in a year full of them.
Windows Central – 4/5
Overall, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a game that attempts to push the boundaries of the genre, with an assortment of gameplay elements that weave together into a generally fluid magical adventure. It's generally enjoyable, and there are secrets to discover around every corner, while the size of the game means it doesn't drag on.
Luisa's exhaustion and struggle to find a place to escape resonated with me at this point in my life, though her ability to form friendships so quickly is another magical power. I really enjoyed what the team at Microbird Games created, and I look forward to their future work, whether it takes place in this setting or elsewhere.
There are definitely some aspects of the experience that could be improved, and you'll often find yourself having to change your plans for the day in slightly irritating ways out of necessity, not because that's what you wanted to do. It's worth criticising, but it does mean that this is the most accurate holiday simulator I've ever seen.
Multiplayer.it – 7/10
Dungeons of Hinterberg is the ideal title for this summer. Its generally slow pace, its structure marked by distinct phases, the holiday and carefree atmosphere that one feels during a good part of the adventure, make the creature of Microbird Games an ideal pastime to enjoy in short sessions.
The combat system, as well as the puzzles, offer a moderate level of challenge, enough to maintain interest, but never able to seriously engage the most experienced user. It doesn't take much to feel empathy for Luisa, to become attached to the characters she will meet and to be inspired by some of the panoramas that this fantastic reinterpretation of the Alps can offer.
However, you have to take the game for what it is. Apart from a few imperfections and imprecisions in terms of level design, it is not a particularly original or brilliant production. Approaching it with certain pretensions, feeding certain expectations, is heading towards bitter disappointment. But if you are looking for a pleasant pastime, a break from everyday life to be savored in small doses, Dungeons of Hinterberg may be for you.
COGconnected – 72/100
Dungeons of Hinterberg has a colorful and appealing stylized line-art aesthetic, somewhat reminiscent of the Dragon Quest series. It’s also a love letter to the Austrian Alps, with a real sense of belonging to that part of the world. The character animations are expressive, but all of the dialogue is text-only. I get it. Voice acting is expensive. Many of the characters are endearing, but the dialogue suffers when it has to awkwardly explain what is clearly a game mechanic. Besides the lack of dialogue, there aren’t many monster sounds either.
There’s a lot to like about Dungeons of Hinterberg. The basic idea is original, and the combat meets all the criteria of an ARPG. As in real life, I don’t like forced social interactions, and the game is sometimes a little more closed than it seems. The puzzles are satisfying, and while movement and spellcasting can be clunky at times, there’s plenty to explore. Fans of family-friendly ARPGs and the mix of magic and everyday life should definitely plan a trip to Hinterberg.
Dungeons of Hinterberg has received generally positive reviews, praising its seamless blend of puzzles, combat, and relationships, as well as its gorgeous aesthetic inspired by the Austrian Alps. The title has been described as captivating, relaxing, and refreshing, with memorable characters and a pleasant atmosphere.
However, there are also some negative points. The text dialogues can be clunky, and some social interactions feel forced. The game is considered enjoyable for short sessions, but it sometimes lacks originality and has some imperfections in terms of level design.
If you want to make up your own mind, that's great, because Dungeons of Hinterberg is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC. It's also directly integrated into Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.