Darkest Dungeon II Reviews
Darkest Dungeon II is a game that deserves to be evaluated independently from the first game, a game that paves its own path by moving in a different direction. With that in mind, it definitely deserves to be played.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon 2 wanted to move away from the formula of the first part as much as possible and send us on a new adventure, but something went wrong. The project simply lost the gloomy atmosphere of its predecessor and never figured out how to replace its mechanics.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon 2 is truly a 'streamlined, unnecessary genres dropping and infinitely expanding' evolution of its predecessor. This beautiful work of harmoniously coexisting design and mechanics reminds me of an enormous roguelike jug filled to the brim with horrifyingly hardcore gameplay, many difficult choices, huge 50+ hours long campaign and a whole bunch of Lovecraftian horror! Oh and there are cute pets riding on your stagecoach too.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon II is not the game I wanted. It's its own thing that is a darn fun game with a lot of interesting mechanics and beautiful artwork. One can't pre-judge DDII based on a player's opinion of the original. It shares a tone, a combat system, and a general aesthetic, but the flow and style of gameplay is so different that it is entirely its own thing. It will take hardened Darkest Dungeon players a bit to adjust to the change. If you're willing to go with the flow, it's an engaging and exciting title, if not quite the masterpiece of the original.
Darkest Dungeon II is a groundbreaking, brave bet that could have gone wrong, but they have managed to reinvent it without touching the essential: its combats and its desperate difficulty.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
After its debut on PC, Darkest Dungeon 2 arrives on consoles marking the return of one of the most interesting roguelike games on the independent scene. Red Hook Studios does not simply improve on the excellent foundation of the first chapter, but rather takes its best features to revolutionize others by putting us at the reins of a caravan engaged in a real journey of hope between darkness and damnation. The end result, though high-level, nevertheless has to contend with high difficulty, a significant degree of randomness and an almost endless sea of tactical possibilities among items, altered statuses and more. A summation of elements that make it, paradoxically, less accessible than its predecessor and perhaps even less enjoyable. For all those who are not afraid of a rough, complex and challenging experience, you will find bread for your teeth here.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Undoubtedly another very high quality title from Red Hook Studios but it probably should have been named differently.
"Cursed with addiction."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon II is not an easy game, and making progress requires a significant time investment. This means you'll often find yourself falling short in the beginning and having to start over. Once you start investing in the Candles of Hope, it becomes easier to advance, but at first, it’s hard to determine which upgrades should be prioritized. The characters' backstories are interesting, but their skills are the main reasons to get to know them and assemble a balanced team. The turn-based battles are challenging and sometimes very thrilling as you narrowly avoid disaster. It is a shame that these battles can be lengthy since you can't speed up the enemies' actions. My first experience with Darkest Dungeon II was very positive and has made me curious about the first installment. At first glance, Darkest Dungeon II might seem like a simple roulette game where luck plays a major role, but once you understand how everything works and the characters are a bit stronger, it becomes more like a game of poker where skill, not just luck, is crucial.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
The landing of Darkest Dungeon II is judged a success, certainly - though for most people the issue is not whether the port was good or not, but how the title itself changed in character from the first one.
Review in Greek | Read full review
With very visible changes compared to the first title, Darkest Dungeon II continues to be a game for those who find some pleasure in... repetition. With a challenging randomness system, we must always keep in mind that we never know how the expedition will go, that the strategy we prepared may be working one moment and, suddenly, our team may be dead and we have to start another expedition all over again. With this in mind: "Have courage. Do not give in. Go forward through the encroaching darkness and face your fears. Redemption, finally, can be found."
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon II is a game with a large manual, literally and figuratively. The game is not a pick-up-and-play title like part 1 and involves a significant entry barrier. Yes, you can get quite far if you just do something, but if you really want to beat everything in the game and the final bosses, then you will really have to delve into the matter. In terms of ambiance, the game feels incredibly atmospheric and in that respect there is little wrong with this turn-based RPG. However, in terms of controls and navigation, it is sometimes a struggle on the console to be able to assign and apply everything properly and clearly. This extensive RPG is mainly intended for avid RPGers. If you are the kind of person who wants to put in many, many hours, then you can't believe your luck with this title.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon 2 forgoes the traditional route of making a sequel by adding more of the same and instead turns the entire formula on its head. It addresses some criticism of the first title with its changes, while creating frustration in new places with the overhaul. It’s far from a perfect game, but the dripping, gothic atmosphere and presentation still make it more than worth the while to at least try and bring a glimmer of hope into the endless darkness.
Review in German | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon II is a roguelike RPG not for the faint of heart. Traverse a dark but beautiful world as you carry humanities last hope. What can be an overwhelming experience is also a rewarding one. The difficulty will turn away some people but those that persist will find minutes turn to hours. Be ready for anything as the world is constantly changing, no two playthroughs will be the same. Get your party ready, get in the stagecoach, and try to save the world.
Darkest Dungeon II is just as fun on PlayStation 5 as it was on PC. If you waited for the console release, then you’re in for a highly polished roguelike that encourages experimentation and learning from your own failures.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a beautiful, great-sounding, difficult, and addictive roguelike. If you’re into the genre then it’s an easy recommendation on whatever platform you prefer. It works great with a controller and can last 100+ hours if you want to see everything.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a title that has successfully managed not to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. The change to rogue-lite won't please all fans, though, as it takes away from the game's complexity. On the other hand, it will definitely please players who are more interested in experimentation.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Darkest Dungeon II continues the legacy of the original game as a brutally dark and difficult roguelite turn-based RPG. Much like the characters in the game, riding out in a hopeless effort to stave off the apocalypse, the player will find themself pushing forward despite certain defeat, with only a weak promise that next time it will be a little easier. It’s impressive that such a relentlessly challenging game can still have the player coming back for more.
Ultimately, Darkest Dungeon 2 will leave you battered and bruised yet desperate for another dance with despair. It encapsulates the spirit of its predecessor while forging its path. It may not be a game for everyone, but it offers a twisted pleasure that’s hard to resist for those who embrace the darkness. Despite its flaws and initial stumbling blocks, the game delivers a haunting and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. In the grim ballet of Darkest Dungeon 2, despair and joy are two sides of the same coin, and that alone makes it worth a spin.
There’s a lot to keep track of within Darkest Dungeon 2, so much so that it does indeed feel like a tabletop experience wherein the one in control is doing a tremendous job in keeping those playing along enthralled in the world they conceived. That world is pitch black and absolutely dreadful, and it gives no promise of delivering any form of satisfaction, but there’s still a sense of accomplishment somehow, of faith and hope, something that only the human mind can produce while facing the worst of circumstances.