Released on 8th August, Deathbound by Trialforge Studio invites players into a unique party-based Soulslike set in a harsh world where Faith and Science clash. Dynamically transform between fallen warriors, each with their own unique skill sets, combat styles, and rich histories. I’ve explored the depths where Life and Death have never been more conflicted. So, does Deathbound deliver a gripping experience, or does it fall into the abyss? Let’s delve into the shadows and find out.
Launch Trailer
Familiar Foundations, Fresh Mechanics
At a glance, you might mistake Deathbound for just another Souls-like clone. The game starts with a nostalgic feel: you find yourself in a strange world filled with more questions than answers. The familiar UI displays your health and stamina bars, along with item slots. To top it off, you’re a knight equipped with a sword and shield.
As you progress through the tutorial, you learn to parry, dodge, and perform all the usual Soulsborne moves. However, as you delve deeper into the game, Deathbound begins to set itself apart from the generic clones of the genre.
One standout feature is the dynamic transformation between fallen warriors. This mechanic is not merely a gimmick; it fundamentally alters the gameplay. Each warrior has a unique skill set and combat style, allowing you to adapt to different combat situations and enemy types. Switching between warriors adds a layer of strategy and depth to the game, making each encounter feel fresh and challenging.
This new layer of strategy is what really sets Deathbound apart from the competition, it does take some getting used to mechanically. You can switch between your characters mid combo, or you can use them all in one go to unleash a power combo against your enemy.
The combat in Deathbound is fluid and responsive, with a weightiness that makes each hit feel impactful. The variety of enemies you face requires you to constantly adjust your tactics. You can’t rely on one style of play; you need to master the abilities of each warrior to succeed. The game’s difficulty is challenging but fair, rewarding careful planning and precise execution over brute force. It’s worth mentioning that it does feel that you can overlevel, to increase your stats to make things easier – You still need to learn their moveset.
As expected in this genre, you’re not always facing enemies one-on-one or battling a terrifying boss, although the bosses here are truly frightening. When you encounter groups of enemies, however, a disappointing aspect becomes apparent: they don’t affect each other. Enemies will wildly swing or shoot projectiles through their comrades to reach you, with these attacks passing through without affecting anyone but you. This cheapens the overall experience and breaks immersion.
Exploration in Deathbound is equally rewarding. The world is richly detailed, with hidden paths and secrets waiting to be discovered. The lore is woven into the environment, encouraging you to pay attention to the details and piece together the story as you go. The clash between Faith and Science is evident in the world design, creating a unique atmosphere that sets the game apart.
As you progress, you’ll encounter NPCs who provide quests and deepen the narrative. These characters are well-developed, with their own backstories and motivations. Interacting with them adds another layer to the game, making the world feel more alive and interconnected.
Dark Fantasy Meets Gothic Elegance
Deathbound presents a world that effectively blends dark fantasy with modern elements, creating a grim and foreboding atmosphere. The game’s visual style leans heavily into themes of decay and desolation, often evoking a sense of dread as you explore its varied environments.
The world design is marked by its attention to detail, though it leans more towards the bleak than the breathtaking. The contrast between the crumbling remnants of modern civilization and the overgrown, fog-laden forests creates a sense of melancholy and ruin. Textures are generally detailed, but the overall aesthetic can sometimes feel drab and repetitive, reflecting the game’s sombre tone.
Character models, including the fallen warriors you can transform into, are distinct and carry a certain degree of detail. Each warrior’s appearance ties into their backstory, though the transformations might not always feel as visually striking as one might hope. The enemies and bosses, while designed to be intimidating, can sometimes veer into the realm of the grotesque without delivering the awe-inspiring impact expected.
The game’s colour palette predominantly features muted, dark tones that fit its grim setting. There are occasional splashes of colour intended to highlight important areas, but these are few and far between. The use of colour, while present, doesn’t always manage to break the overall monotony.
Deathbound relies on environmental storytelling to convey its narrative. Scattered remnants of past conflicts, cryptic symbols, and hidden relics provide clues about the world’s history. This approach can be engaging, but it sometimes feels like the game is relying too heavily on players to piece together its story without offering sufficient guidance.
A Fusion of Familiarity and Innovation
Deathbound may initially appear to be just another Souls-like game, with its familiar UI and classic combat mechanics. However, it quickly sets itself apart with its unique feature: the dynamic transformation between fallen warriors. This mechanic adds a significant layer of depth and strategy, allowing you to adapt to various combat situations and enemy types. While the combat is fluid and impactful, the game does have some immersion-breaking issues, such as enemies not affecting each other in groups.
My playthrough was marred by occasional stuttering and frustrating situations, despite my PC being more than capable of handling the game. These technical hiccups, combined with some unfair scenarios, can detract from the overall experience.
On the plus side, exploration in Deathbound is rewarding. The world is richly detailed, encouraging you to uncover hidden paths and piece together the lore. Although the visual style, which blends dark fantasy with modern elements, can sometimes feel drab and repetitive, the use of colour and environmental storytelling does add to the atmosphere.
Deathbound is definitely worth experiencing, but be prepared for some technical issues along the way. If you’re ready for a challenging adventure and open to a unique take on the genre, you’re in for a blast.