Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Crimson Desert, an Action-RPG with a strong Heroic-Fantasy backdrop, first caught the attention of gaming enthusiasts upon its announcement in 2020. Fast forward four years, and this ambitious South Korean project from Pearl Abyss is now showcasing its first playable gameplay sequences at Gamescom 2024. But does this game live up to its hype and the legendary titles it draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Dragon’s Dogma, and Assassin’s Creed? It’s time to find out, sword in hand.
A War-Torn Heroic-Fantasy Universe
Initially, Crimson Desert was conceived as a prequel to Black Desert Online. However, the developers later decided to create an entirely standalone adventure, separate from Pearl Abyss’ popular MMORPG. This ongoing Action-RPG development doesn’t share the same universe with its illustrious predecessor. Only a few scattered references will resonate with Black Desert players, leaving newcomers to explore a world that the developers describe as “alternative.”
The story unfolds on the continent of Pywel, a land ravaged by internal wars between various factions. Amidst this dark setting, a mercenary named Kliff struggles to survive alongside his troops while wrestling with a troubled past that threatens to be revealed. Currently, not much more is known about the storyline. With The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a model, exploration is expected to be at the core of the experience. Unfortunately, during the demo, we didn’t get the chance to roam freely through Crimson Desert’s environments. However, the landscapes glimpsed during this initial encounter promise vibrant and immersive panoramas, enhanced by visually stunning graphics.
Intense and Demanding Combat
The demo available to the press and public at Gamescom 2024 focuses heavily on combat, particularly against bosses. After a quick tutorial against minor enemies, Crimson Desert introduces four formidable foes: the Caraparoche Queen Crab, the Stag King, the Reed Devil, and the White Horn. Our protagonist battles these challenging adversaries within partially destructible environments. Each enemy boasts unique styles and behaviors, distinguished by inspired character designs and the dangers they present. Mastering their attack patterns to anticipate and counter them is crucial for engaging in technical and dynamic duels.
Crimson Desert is no walk in the park. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, although it doesn’t fully embrace the grueling nature of souls-like games. While it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment on the combat system after just 60 minutes of gameplay, one thing is certain: Pearl Abyss has successfully digested its inspirations to deliver a refreshing and demanding combat experience. The battles are fast-paced, dynamic, and reward bold, calculated risks.
Our hero showcases his martial prowess in thrilling and well-executed sequences that provide an adrenaline rush. It takes time and effort to master the controls fully, but once you do, the pure pleasure of combat shines through, whether you’re facing swift warriors or towering titans. Finally, the barrage of visual effects on the screen amplifies the epic nature of the sequences, although they sometimes obscure the action a minor drawback in an otherwise promising game.
Our Impressions
Crimson Desert has the potential to be the highly anticipated Action-RPG of the year, with its intense (and technical) combat and its Dark Fantasy universe begging to be explored. The gameplay feels excellent, and the visuals are simply breathtaking. Pearl Abyss now faces the challenge of creating a rich, open world full of opportunities and telling a compelling story from start to finish.
If they can deliver on these fronts, Crimson Desert could be a game-changer in the Action-RPG genre, standing tall alongside the legendary titles that inspired it. As we await more details, one thing is clear: Crimson Desert is a title to watch closely, promising an epic adventure that could leave a lasting impact on the gaming world.
