A Surprising Shift from MMO to Single-Player
If Crimson Desert’s name sounds familiar to the MMO-savvy among you, it’s because it is. This single-player action adventure is crafted by Pearl Abyss, the same developers behind Black Desert Online. Given my past experience of Black Desert lingering on my mind as an MMO I just couldn’t commit time to, I approached Crimson Desert with a hint of skepticism. However, my time at Gamescom today provided a refreshing new perspective.
An Ambitious Open-World Experience
Crimson Desert aims to be an expansive open-world game centered on its Viking protagonist, Kliff. Engaged in brutal clan wars, Kliff swings axes, utters colorful epithets, and displays dynamic combat prowess. The gameplay mechanics took me by surprise; it felt like a wild blend of Breath of the Wild and Dragon’s Dogma 2, delivering both exhilaration and challenge.
Rambunctious Combat and Immersive Gameplay
The work-in-progress tutorial presented intense combat scenarios, pitting me against groups of hefty warriors. The game revels in its aggressive combat style, as evidenced by the numerous times I was hurled off cliffs, beaten with weapons, and launched skyward by monstrous creatures. Despite the chaos, the combat system’s complexity and refinement stood out.
Caught in the Thrill
In just under an hour, Crimson Desert’s ability to throw players into thrilling and often humorous situations became apparent. Whether being chokeslammed by Vikings or struggling with a glide mechanic while grappling onto a rock crab, each moment was an unpredictable yet engaging ride.
As Crimson Desert continues to evolve, it promises not only a visually stunning and technically excellent experience but also one that captivates through its unabashedly wild and authentic approach to action-adventure gameplay. I left Gamescom eagerly anticipating its future releases.