Crimson Dawn
- April 11, 2023
- Purple Lake
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"Crimson Dawn" is a roguelite horde survival game, inspired by Vampire Survivors, where you automatically attack enemies while dodging their attacks. Each run with unique characters earns experience to level up and upgrade weapons, with the freedom to choose quests for better loot. Rest in the hub to visit the inn, blacksmith, or market, and develop your character during fights. The game features satisfying gameplay, with the goal to survive all 5 stages using your own build.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and addictive gameplay experience, especially for fans of the genre.
- The graphics are well-animated, and the variety of monster types adds to the enjoyment.
- The game has a solid framework with interesting RPG elements and a progression system that allows for customization.
- The game feels unfinished and lacks significant content, with many promised features missing after release.
- There has been no developer support or updates since the game's launch, leading to frustration among players.
- The gameplay can become repetitive quickly, and the overall experience is marred by balancing issues and a lack of depth.
- gameplay13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of simplicity and repetitiveness, with some players finding it enjoyable and addictive, particularly due to its unique mechanics and roguelite progression. While it offers a promising start and engaging challenges, many reviewers note that it lacks the depth and content found in similar titles within the genre. Overall, it presents a relaxing experience with potential for fun, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking more complex gameplay.
“More enjoyable mechanically than other horde games I've played.”
“Fun gameplay, interesting roguelite meta progression, relatively well polished.”
“A rare gem that takes the survivor genre to the next level, complex mechanics, engaging gameplay, great meta progression (almost unparalleled).”
“Adding to this is the strange mechanic of 'mercenaries'.”
“Initial early access has less content and mechanics than similar types (Rogue: Genesia, Soulstone, Spellbook Demonslayers, etc).”
“It is a very bare-bones Vampire Survivor with pretty slow progression mechanics.”
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is currently minimal, with many users noting that it is either non-existent or only partially developed in early access. The mission system provides discrete goals but primarily serves a metaprogression grind, leading to frustrations with mission completion and a lack of narrative depth. Overall, players are left wanting more substantial storytelling to accompany the gameplay mechanics.
“The mission system makes for nice discrete goals, but mostly exists in service of a metaprogression grind focused on stat pumping.”
“With no meta upgrades, it's essentially impossible to complete 2 missions in the first map (each map has 5 missions, and you can choose how many you want to take when you start; the level ends when all missions you took are complete).”
“With all of the meta upgrades, you can literally afk all 5 missions in the first map.”
“The game is in early access and currently has no story yet.”
“The game is in early access and features only a partial story.”
“There is essentially no story to engage with at this point.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying its relaxing vibe and fit for casual play, while others find it repetitive and annoying, particularly a looping track that detracts from the experience. Although some appreciate the music's chill quality, many express a desire for more engaging and varied tracks to enhance gameplay. Overall, the music is seen as a significant area for improvement.
“It's perfect for when you just want to chill and listen to some music or a podcast.”
“It's very easy and relaxing to play; I enjoy the music and the different level mechanics, even though it gets really tough later on.”
“Slapper game, the music is great, and as barebones as it is, I got 8 good hours of playtime (and I haven't finished everything yet).”
“Terrible music.”
“But right now, there is a super annoying 5-second long music track that just loops over and over and becomes super annoying.”
“The best solution for this game is for the developer to change that out for some real music, as in a real song that fits the game.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding in the game to be excessive and linear, requiring significant effort to unlock and power-up various elements to progress. While some note that grinding is optional, others feel it aligns with standard ARPG expectations. Overall, the consensus leans towards the grinding being a notable drawback.
“Grinding is optional, allowing players to enjoy the game at their own pace.”
“The grinding mechanics are reminiscent of classic ARPGs, providing a familiar and engaging experience.”
“The game offers a balanced approach to grinding, making it rewarding without feeling tedious.”
“A solid vs-like game, although a bit too grindy, since you have to unlock and power-up a lot of the things to reach the end.”
“But it feels incredibly grindy and overtly linear.”
“Standard ARPG grinding.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their quality, contributing to an engaging visual experience that complements the addictive gameplay. While they share some similarities with "Vampire Survivor," there are notable differences in style and presentation that set this game apart.
“The graphics are stunning and really enhance the overall experience of the game.”
“The visual style is unique and captivating, making each moment visually engaging.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics adds depth and immersion to the gameplay.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack the polish expected from a modern game.”
“The visual style feels outdated and doesn't do justice to the game's potential.”
“Character models and environments are poorly designed, making the game visually unappealing.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a sense of emotional detachment from the game, indicating that while they may complete all achievements, they do not feel compelled to revisit it afterward. This suggests a lack of lasting emotional impact or connection to the game's narrative or characters.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express skepticism about the monetization of the game, comparing it to other titles in the "vampire survivor" genre and suggesting it may be a cash grab.
“I don't know, it feels the same as other 'Vampire Survivor' games, and a lot of it seems like a cash grab.”
“The monetization is really aggressive; it feels like they are more interested in making money than providing a good experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra.”
