After spending an hour selecting up new fight abilities and working by means of a gauntlet of bosses in Pearl Abyss’ new open-world motion recreation Crimson Desert, I’m totally overwhelmed by its frenetic, brutal fight, but someway captivated by it. It’s like taking part in an exhilarating dance full of timed counters, air-stepping overhead strikes, and even some wrestling-style finishers to shut issues out – merely put, it’s rattling good enjoyable.
Primarily based on my hands-on expertise at The Sport Awards, Crimson Desert is undoubtedly formidable, carrying its Witcher 3, Dragon’s Dogma, and The Legend of Zelda influences on its sleeve. All of those varied threads intertwine to create a recreation that’s setting a excessive bar for itself, particularly when it comes to its fight.
I keep in mind Pearl Abyss highlighting that Crimson Desert’s gameplay is neither soulslike nor RPG in nature; as an alternative, it’s extra like a brawler with some combating recreation influences. It’s actually bought my consideration following my hour of being thrown into the deep finish, however I nonetheless have some lingering questions on how the sport will come collectively as a complete.
Regardless of being revealed a number of years in the past, Crimson Desert’s story and scope are nonetheless considerably unknown. What we do know is that you just play as a mercenary named Kliff and also you embark on an epic quest all through the continent of Pywel, taking over sprawling excursions into totally different areas to battle highly effective warlords whereas investigating the mysteries of the encircling world.
Current trailers have showcased delving into dungeons, using on dragons, and even exploring floating buildings within the sky, however my hands-on time targeted totally on boss fights from the primary story, together with the imposing Staglord and the sorcerer Hexe Marie.
Earlier than the fights, I take a look at out Kliff’s fight talents within the tutorial, which faucet into the standard warrior archetype. Crimson Desert’s fights are a wholesome combine between The Witcher 3 and Dragon’s Dogma, specializing in real-time motion the place you execute offensive and defensive talents whereas managing your stamina. Whereas it’s largely much like what you’d discover in different fantasy video games, what actually sells Crimson Desert is how properly it presents its fights.
The sheer versatility and showiness of Kliff’s assaults assist the fight sing. Together with the standard sword combos, ranged assaults, and defend for blocking and bashing, Kliff has an array of magical and tactical talents you could simply thread into melee assaults. One in all my favourite methods is the aerial traversal, which you’ll be able to activate by urgent the management sticks inward to have Kliff fly up into the air, the place he can then hearth a shot from his bow or carry out a dive assault.
I confronted off first in opposition to Staglord, a strong berserker who makes use of his uncooked energy and highly effective defensive abilities to achieve the higher hand. Given the slower nature of the battle, I assumed this could be a comparatively tame first boss, however I discovered myself being tossed across the area as I struggled to determine the dodge and block timers. Whereas vaguely soul-destroying, I finally rallied and picked up his patterns.
I squared off in opposition to Hexe Marie subsequent, and that’s the place I actually started to note a sample. As one thing of a spectacle battle, the battle duties you with chasing after the boss in an enclosed area, all whereas she summons minions to distract and maintain you at bay. I loved its spectacular presentation within the warmth of the second, however the boss battle felt an excessive amount of like a protracted chase relatively than a full-bodied battle.
Getting thrown into the deep finish with Crimson Desert initially left me with combined emotions, however upon reflection, I like how over-the-top and bombastic its fight can really feel. It’s thrilling to bum-rush enemies after which bust out a swift-charged combo assault, with its beautiful visuals creating memorable, thrilling moments. I simply want it was a bit of simpler to parse when issues get really hectic.
Pearl Abyss goes all-in on Crimson Desert as its subsequent massive factor after years of profitable assist for Black Desert, and my hands-on made it clear that the staff is working to create a real spectacle. As a lot as I loved tearing by means of bosses, I now need to see what else lies on the horizon of its beautiful open world. Crimson Desert has clicked for me, and I’ll be first in line to get tossed across the area subsequent time it’s playable.
The Crimson Desert launch date is anticipated to land in late 2025.
