Deep Rune
- June 17, 2021
- JC Bailey
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Get on itch.io StoreA side-scrolling adventure game that seamlessly blends RPG mechanics and puzzle solving, all set in a mysterious world rooted in Norse mythology. Inspired by games like Tower of the Sorcerer and DROD RPG.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Deep Rune offers engaging resource management mechanics that require strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- The game features memorable level design with multiple paths and secrets, encouraging exploration and replayability through different character classes.
- It provides a forgiving gameplay loop with the ability to save anywhere and retry rooms, allowing players to learn from their mistakes without severe penalties.
- The game may feel somewhat empty at times due to the lack of enemy respawns after accepting death, which can disrupt the gameplay loop.
- Character movement can feel slow, and some players may desire quality-of-life improvements for navigation and routing.
- Replayability may be limited since the map is static, and while different character classes add variety, a bit more randomization could enhance the experience.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Deep Rune is praised for its engaging exploration and thoughtful RPG mechanics, offering a balance between challenge and accessibility. Players appreciate the permanence of actions, which encourages strategic decision-making, while the inclusion of diverse character classes and environmental mechanics adds depth. Overall, the game is seen as an improvement over its predecessor, featuring a more forgiving design and a user-friendly interface that enhances the gaming experience.
“Really nails great exploration and thoughtful RPG decision making with fun mechanics!”
“Core gameplay element from this that stuck with me is that every action feels permanent; for example, every health potion you use is one less in existence in the game. However, it's not quite as brutal in practice as that may sound. It finds the perfect sweet spot where you need to carefully consider every turn or move, but you still have some room to make fast or suboptimal plays.”
“Deep Rune is actually a pretty unique magic tower in that it has much more elaborate and interesting environment mechanics to work with (fall damage, pathing behind monsters for critical damage, exploring off-map caves, etc.), requiring a bit more brain power to try and min/max your way to the end.”
“The only criticism I can muster is that since enemies do not respawn when 'accepting death', this makes the game feel a bit empty while you find your way back into the gameplay loop.”
“Core gameplay element from this that stuck with me is that every action feels permanent; for example, every health potion you use is one less in existence in the game. However, it's not quite as brutal in practice as that may sound. It finds the perfect sweet spot where you do need to carefully consider every turn or move, but you still have some room to make fast or suboptimal plays.”
“Some light puzzle mechanics are involved here as well - you'll need to optimize your moves, attacks, items, spells, and money to get the best result from limited resources.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability due to its multiple characters and scoring system, encouraging players to explore different strategies and routes. However, its static map and relatively short length limit replay potential, making it more suited for players seeking to achieve high scores or complete specific challenges after the initial playthrough. Overall, while replayability is present, it may not be as extensive as in the developer's previous title, "mythbearer."
“The game is rather short but has good replayability due to the different characters and secrets, alongside a scoring system (which is based on your insight level and is shown upon completion).”
“Not quite as difficult or as large in scale as Mythbearer (the developer's previous game of the same genre), but that increased leeway and multiple characters allow for a lot more replayability than Mythbearer.”
“It's very short but there's great replay value with the character classes and being able to utilize your knowledge of the dungeon layout to get certain items as early as possible.”
“I will say that replayability is probably quite limited here, given that the map is static, so after your first playthrough you'll have a good idea what route to take on each successive attempt.”
“Not super replayable; at most, you may try to do a no-death and no save-scumming run after you play the first time, but the ride is pretty enjoyable!”
“It is a somewhat short game at a couple of hours (depending on how much you try for a high score), but multiple characters give some replayability.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in "Deep Rune" is praised for enhancing the game's grim atmosphere, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience alongside improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
“The addition of mechanics like fall damage, critical hits, and different playable character classes (each with different bonus traits), as well as improved graphics and music, make Deep Rune a whole lot of fun.”
“Another positive aspect is the sound effects and music, which create a grim atmosphere.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the improved graphics in "Deep Rune," highlighting how they enhance the overall gameplay experience alongside new mechanics and character classes. The visual upgrades contribute significantly to the game's enjoyment.
“The improved graphics and music make Deep Rune a whole lot of fun.”
“The visuals are stunning, bringing the game world to life in a way that is truly immersive.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics enhances the overall experience, making every environment feel unique and vibrant.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's sound effects and music effectively contribute to a grim atmosphere, enhancing the overall immersive experience for players.
“The sound effects and music create a haunting atmosphere that pulls you into the game.”
“The overall ambiance is incredibly immersive, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”
“The atmospheric design is stunning, with every detail contributing to a sense of foreboding and tension.”
“The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
“Despite the potential, the overall ambiance is flat and fails to evoke any real emotion.”
“The game lacks a cohesive atmosphere, leaving it feeling disjointed and unengaging.”
