Dungeons 4

About

In "Dungeons 4," players take on the role of the Absolute Evil, who has returned with the help of the Dark Elf Thalya. Together, they build and manage their own dungeon, recruit creatures for their army, and venture above ground to conquer the land. The game is a unique blend of real-time strategy and dungeon management, offering a humorous and engaging experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,152 reviews

story88 positive mentions

optimization13 negative mentions

The humor and writing are entertaining, filled with pop culture references and witty banter.
Gameplay is engaging with a mix of dungeon management and RTS elements, allowing for strategic decision-making.
The graphics and art style have improved, creating a visually appealing experience.

The game can feel repetitive and lacks significant innovation compared to its predecessor, Dungeons 3.
Some players have reported performance issues and bugs, particularly with unit pathfinding and AI behavior.
The reliance on evilness as a resource can lead to frustrating gameplay, especially in later missions.

story
401 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
70%
8%
The story in "Dungeons 4" is characterized by its light-hearted, humorous tone, filled with pop culture references and self-aware jokes, which some players find entertaining while others deem it cheesy and repetitive. While the narrative continues the saga of Thalya and introduces new elements, many reviews highlight a lack of depth and originality, with missions often feeling similar and reliant on time constraints that detract from the enjoyment. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, providing a mix of fun and frustration, particularly in its pacing and mission design.
- “From the moment I dove in, I was captivated by the rich storytelling and stunning visuals.”
- “The story is charming, and I love how often it breaks the fourth wall.”
- “The humor and story are a tad bit better, but that's not saying a whole lot.”
- “The main issue with that is, the story missions will be forcing you because of 'plot' (nonexistent, the game knows it and tries to make fun of itself, but it just doesn't work for me, it's so bad, cheesy and cringe that it makes you want to skip every single cut-scene) to constantly come to the 'overworld' because of time-based events.”
- “The story is boring and uninspired.”
- “The campaign is basically the same mission over and over again, only difference is that you get a new unit to try out.”
gameplay
231 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
64%
5%
The gameplay in Dungeons 4 has been generally well-received, with many players appreciating the blend of humor and engaging mechanics that build upon the foundations of previous installments. While some reviewers noted that the core gameplay remains similar to Dungeons 3, there are significant improvements in mechanics, mission design, and overall polish, making it a fun and addictive experience. However, a few players expressed concerns about the simplicity of certain mechanics and the pacing of resource management, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it could benefit from deeper strategic elements.
- “Engaging gameplay: the game offers a perfect mix of dungeon management and real-time strategy, ensuring that you are constantly engaged and challenged.”
- “Dungeons 4 picks up where the third installment left off, expanding upon all aspects of gameplay while still keeping the core system that makes the game so addictive.”
- “The gameplay is straightforward and easy to learn, but takes practice to master.”
- “The plot, the script, the gameplay, all of it feels like no one had their heart in it.”
- “Gameplay-wise, nothing particularly new or groundbreaking, more of the same greatness as in the last one.”
- “Gold mining/income is way too slow and is a huge speed bump to most aspects of gameplay; could benefit from increased rates, otherwise it's a horrible time-gating mechanic to rely on to slow down people rushing through the campaign.”
humor
218 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Dungeons 4" is a defining feature, characterized by clever writing, fourth-wall breaks, and a mix of pop culture references that elicit a range of reactions from players. While many find the humor consistently entertaining and well-integrated into the gameplay, some feel it can be hit-or-miss, with certain jokes landing better than others. Overall, the game maintains a light-hearted atmosphere that appeals to fans of the series, though its style may not resonate with everyone.
- “I haven’t played the previous games (shame on me), but oh my goodness, just the intro had me laughing to tears.”
- “Top-notch voice acting and hilarious dialogue: the game is filled with endearing sarcasm and witty lines that keep you entertained throughout.”
- “The humor is clever and consistent, providing a light-hearted atmosphere that perfectly complements the strategic gameplay.”
- “The 'Meet the Spartans' style jokes, where referring to something everyone knows is supposed to be funny, are blessedly, incredibly rare.”
- “And Thalia herself says downright stupid (not funny stupid), just ridiculously stupid stuff over and over, and it can get annoying when you have to replay levels.”
- “That's the d4 I was waiting for... not the other, clunky and unfunny one.”
graphics
113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
63%
6%
The graphics in Dungeons 4 have received mixed reviews, with many players noting improvements over previous installments, particularly in detail and visual appeal. However, some critics feel the art style has become overly simplistic or reminiscent of mobile games, leading to a divide in preference among fans of the series. Overall, while the visuals are generally praised for their charm and vibrant aesthetics, performance issues and a lack of significant graphical upgrades have been highlighted as drawbacks.
- “From the moment I dove in, I was captivated by the rich storytelling and stunning visuals.”
- “The graphics are commendable, showcasing detailed environments and captivating visuals that effortlessly immerse players in the game's world.”
- “The art style is vibrant and detailed, capturing the essence of a dark fantasy world while maintaining a playful and cartoonish aesthetic.”
- “Unfortunately, graphics and wiz bangs didn't really change, but it's very fun.”
- “Visually, it looks identical to me, with little to no graphics or art style changes.”
- “The art style is off-putting compared to previous titles... this feels like a mobile game.”
optimization
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
47%
36%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing smooth performance and minimal bugs, particularly on PC, while others report significant lag and poor optimization, especially on lower-end systems and consoles. Many users noted that the game struggles with high unit counts, leading to stuttering and performance issues, indicating that further optimization is needed. Overall, while the graphics are praised, the game's performance is inconsistent, with calls for improvements in optimization to enhance the gaming experience.
- “Stunning visuals: the graphics are impressive and don’t sacrifice performance, making the game visually appealing without any lag.”
- “In my entire playthrough, I ran into only 2 minor bugs, and it runs very smoothly with minimal performance issues.”
- “The performance on the PC version is commendable, with no crashes or stuttering observed, showcasing a game that runs smoothly even during busy and resource-intensive moments.”
- “It was laggy and poorly optimized.”
- “Only problem is optimization.”
- “Very poorly optimized; it gets very laggy on Ryzen 7 3700X and 3060 Ti.”
music
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
36%
12%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising the heavy metal soundtrack and its variety, which enhances the atmosphere and complements the gameplay. The new grungy sound with edgy guitar riffs marks a significant upgrade from previous installments, creating an immersive experience that resonates well with players. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing positively to the game's presentation and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it complements the game's atmosphere flawlessly.”
- “The dark and whimsical world of Dungeons 4 immediately drew us in, with stunning environments, creative creature designs, and an atmospheric soundtrack that set the stage for an immersive gaming experience.”
- “The soundtrack is well done this time, but there are just so many flaws and no real improvements that I can't recommend it.”
- “Music-wise, they went for something new here, this grungy music with edgy guitar riffs.”
- “Coming from someone who normally mutes in-game music, the soundtrack goes hard.”
grinding
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, often describing it as a repetitive and boring experience. Many reviews highlight the excessive time required to build up resources or armies, leading to a sense of unwinnable scenarios and a lack of engaging gameplay. Overall, the grinding mechanics detract from the enjoyment, making missions feel like a chore rather than a rewarding challenge.
- “It's grindy, full of bugs and sometimes boring.”
- “But when you need hundreds for each upgrade, this is a terribly tedious process.”
- “It is tedious and frustrating and just not fun.”
stability
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
77%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and unresponsive units, particularly on larger maps. While some players experienced significant issues, others noted that they encountered few major game-breaking bugs, suggesting that stability may vary depending on individual play experiences and system performance. Overall, while the game has potential, it suffers from a lack of polish and optimization, especially on lower-end PCs.
- “I haven't tried co-op, so I can't comment on the stability problems some people report, but the game runs great for me.”
- “Really good, like 3 but streamlined all the stuff I hated, made spells much better with a convenient unobtrusive sidebar to use, workshops faster to set up and traps to get going because of it, little snots faster to bring up to numbers, etc. Looks a lot better too and bug-free so far, loving it.”
- “In general, this game performed really well for me with very few snags. If this game was bug-free and optimized so well that I could run it problem-free on a low-end PC, I would have given it a score of 10 out of 10.”
- “The game is buggy, and the bugs that exist wear on you; for example, you have to re-click things 2-3 times to get them to 'stick'; the game crashes frequently, sometimes units become unresponsive, etc. (though some of this may be on larger maps where there is more building going on).”
- “Really buggy and crashes constantly.”
- “There's been no graphical improvements; the story is basically a sequel; mechanic and gameplay 'improvements' are clunky, counter-intuitive, buggy, laggy, and honestly not polished.”
replayability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
22%
22%
Overall, the game is noted for its high replayability, with many players highlighting the fun story, humor, and varied level submissions that enhance the experience. However, some users express concerns about limited replay options due to a lack of workshop support for additional scenarios, suggesting that while one playthrough is enjoyable, the long-term replay value may be questionable.
- “This game has a very high replay value.”
- “Great game with tons of replay value.”
- “Fun story, good humor, lots of replay value.”
- “Really cuts down on replayability.”
- “Replayability is questionable from what I've seen so far, as I don't see workshop support for additional scenarios; however, one playthrough is worth anyone's time that enjoys this kind of genre.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
43%
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a clever and consistent humor that creates a lighthearted tone, enhancing the strategic gameplay. The abundance of witty dialogue and quirky character interactions contributes to this enjoyable ambiance, while the dark yet whimsical environments and a fitting soundtrack immerse players in the game's unique world. Overall, the combination of comedic elements and atmospheric design fosters an engaging and memorable experience.
- “The dark and whimsical world of Dungeons 4 immediately drew us in, with stunning environments, creative creature designs, and an atmospheric soundtrack that set the stage for an immersive gaming experience.”
- “The abundance of dialogue, both from the narrator and in-game characters, contributes to the comedic atmosphere.”
- “I found myself chuckling at the clever dialogue and quirky interactions, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that perfectly complements the darker themes of the game.”
- “The game lacks a cohesive atmosphere, making it feel disjointed and unengaging.”
- “The environments are bland and fail to evoke any sense of immersion or mood.”
- “Despite the potential for a rich atmosphere, the game feels empty and uninspired.”
character development
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development in the game is noted for its appealing designs and attention to detail, which enhance the visual experience. However, reviewers caution that those seeking a complex plot or deep character growth may be disappointed, as the focus leans more towards aesthetic charm and comedic elements rather than intricate storytelling.
- “The attention to detail in character designs, landscapes, and spell effects contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic charm of the game.”
- “The attention to detail in character design, environments, and visual gags enhances the overall comedic impact.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a nostalgic and wholesome experience, though some players feel that the repetitive jokes about poor mission design detract from the overall emotional engagement, leading to a sense of disconnection.
- “Great classic wholesome nostalgic fun.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate that while players enjoy the dungeon series, there is a prevalent sentiment that the monetization strategy feels exploitative and resembles a cash grab.
- “I've always absolutely loved the dungeon series, and I do like this one, but if I'm being honest, it feels a bit cash grabby.”
- “It feels a bit of a cash grab.”