A Better Take on a SciFi CryptArk like + Destructible Terrain! – Dusky Depths Demo –
5Dusky Depths is an Indie, SciFi, planned Action Roguelite, CryptArk like, where Procedural Generation is planned, but is not present in the current demo.
A CryptArk like?
Yes, at least if the procedurally generated, random space dungeons make their expected appearance.
In Dusky Depths, you fly through a Sci-Fi planet dungeon, battling bots, traps, and upgrading your ship with scored scrap, harvested off your defeated robo foes.
Also like CryptArk, you are pursued by the enemy.
Here, it is the sentries, very powerful enemy AIs with a nasty ship, that are on your tail; beware!
You have some time before they appear, but you do want to keep moving here.
Unlike CryptArk, Dusky Depths dares to let you destroy those annoying welder / flame jets things that are constantly trying to roast you!
As someone who absolutely DESPISES invulnerable traps in games, especially where they make zero sense, this is a very welcome change from CryptArk!
Plus, Dusky Depths has Destructible Terrain, so you can use the “Decomposer” to slowly cut a hole through rock if you want, bypassing patrols and force fields.
Though, too much Excessive Excavation activity” will alert the sentries; so beware!
There is also a Physics system: you can push enemy bots around, as well as certain giant metal objects too, like the giant metal gates, fun and kinetic!
In CryptArk, killing enemies seemingly award nothing; sad.
While in Dusky Depths, most defeated enemies award scrap; it’s good to feel rewarded.
Unlike CryptArk, Dusky Depths is not so annoyingly zoomed in, making it a real pain to actually see and engage enemies, who ALWAYS seem to be attacking / dash in from just off screen.
Dusky Depths also has the good sense to give you a radar; giving you some idea of both where the enemies are, and where to head next.
Why exactly a space ship does NOT have such a vital piece of hardware in CryptArk is truly a mystery…
Additionally, like CryptArk, Dusky Depths is not an easy game, earning the designation of bullet hell, as the amount of missiles, lasers, and space shot coming your way will very likely challenge you, so make use of your dash!
On the map, you find “Warp Shards”; you need 3 to complete the map
Then, you battle your way out to the warp gate, where a furious fight awaits you; as the warp gate has got to power up so you can make your escape!
Meta Progression:
Meta progression currency is credits; unlocked after each run for completing mission objectives and for how much scrap you have in your hold.
There are currently 7 other ships to unlock with the earned currency, so some content can be unlocked later, as is common in the roguelites.
Controller Support is present, but I had some issue with the current lack of functionality of quickly and reliably swapping weapons with the gamepad, which is absolutely terrible in a bullet hell!
Thankfully, good old mouse and keyboard control is present, and good, so that is what I used in the above video.
Note: This is an Early look at Dusky Depths so any bugs or other oddness is not representative of the final product.
Still, Dusky Depths is an interesting Sci-Fi, planned Action Roguelite indie take on CryptArk, and is easily well worth a wishlist and a watch.
Watch?
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2621270/Dusky_Depths/
#DustyDepths #BulletHell #SciFi