Dustgrave
Dustgrave: A Sandbox RPG
Release Date: December 5, 2024 Early Access
RPG, fantasy, turn-based, sandbox, isometric view, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
A sandbox RPG set in a fantasy world which is capable of reacting to our actions. Dustgrave analyzes our deeds and decisions, resulting in different reactions from NPCs and factions, as well as the entire land. We also have freedom of who we want to play as in the game.
Dustgrave is a sandbox RPG that gives us a lot of freedom in terms of what character we want to play and what adventures we will experience. The game was developed by the independent Italian studio Innervoid Interactive. The team's portfolio includes projects such as ICY or Chef, but the work in question is their most ambitious project to date.
Plot
Dustgrave takes us to a fantasy universe, or more precisely – to the Dahlan empire, which is on the brink of collapse as a result of bloody wars and a mysterious plague. Various mercenaries are trying to take advantage of this situation, coming here from all over the world.
During the game we take on the role of a troublemaker, and how their career will unfold depends on our actions and the choices we make.
Gameplay
Character creation
In Dustgrave we watch the action from a bird's eye view. We start the game by creating a character, which means picking the gender and giving our hero the appearance we desire. We have nothing left to do but to throw ourselves into the whirl of adventures.
Open world and various possibilities
The game puts a vast, open world at our disposal. As we explore it, we get to know its inhabitants and the factions that shake it, for whom we perform quests. The actions we undertake determine the path our character will follow. Nothing stands in the way of becoming famous for good deeds as a flesh-and-blood hero (or heroine), but we may as well become mercenaries caring only for our own needs, archaeologists, clergy, or common criminals.
Choices and their consequences
Our actions influence how we are perceived by the townspeople (who have their own moral codes) and the various factions. The interests of individual characters and factions often conflict with each other, and what pleases some may not necessarily appeal to others. For example, making a big heist can earn us the respect of half the world, but being caught in the act can bring us the contempt of ordinary people.
Moreover, the choices we make have an impact on the condition and appearance of the entire land. As a result of our decisions, some groups may grow in strength and conquer new territories, while others may weaken, giving way to larger and stronger ones.
Combat system, stealth and character development
The game has implemented a turn-based combat system. On the battlefield, we must skillfully use the character's abilities and items, merging attacks into powerful combinations. Instead of going into combat, things can also be done quietly, sneaking behind our opponents' backs and eliminating them by surprise. As we progress, we develop the character, primarily by unlocking new skills.
Graphics
The graphics in Dustgrave are kept in a cartoon style.
Videos and Screens
[1:34] Dustgrave Game Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Dynamic Sandbox Experience: Players appreciate the freedom to explore and make choices that significantly impact the game world and narrative, leading to unique gameplay experiences.
- Turn-Based Combat: The combat system is generally well-received, with many finding it enjoyable and strategic. The variety of classes and skills allows for different playstyles.
- Character Customization: Users enjoy the character creation options, including lore, skills, and origins that influence NPC interactions.
- Active Developer: The developer is noted for being responsive and actively updating the game, which gives players hope for future improvements.
- Engaging Graphics and Art Style: The game's visuals, including its cell-shaded look, are praised for their quality and appeal.
The main cons of the game
- User Interface Issues: Many players find the UI unintuitive and difficult to navigate, with a lack of clear explanations for game mechanics.
- Bugs and Crashes: Several reviews mention frequent crashes and bugs that disrupt gameplay, which is frustrating for players.
- Lack of Guidance: The game does not provide sufficient information on character classes or mechanics, leading to confusion during character creation and gameplay.
- Repetitive Content: Some users noted a lack of variety in missions and events, leading to a feeling of monotony.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved Tutorials and Explanations: Users express a desire for better tutorials and clearer explanations of game mechanics, particularly for the Morale system and character roles.
- Enhanced UI Features: Suggestions include highlighting lootable items, better equipment comparison tools, and a compass or minimap for easier navigation.
- Expanded Content: Players are looking for more diverse mission types and additional factions or storylines to enrich the gameplay experience.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Features such as auto-looting, streamlined inventory management, and better dialogue interaction with NPCs are requested.
- Localization Issues: Some players noted problems with translations, particularly for non-English languages, which could hinder accessibility for international players.
Summary
- Overall, while "Dustgrave: A Sandbox RPG" shows significant promise and has many enjoyable features, it is still in early access and requires further development to address its current shortcomings.
Summary generated on:
Dustgrave Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Innervoid Interactive
Publisher: Digital Tribe
Age restrictions: 16+
Dustgrave System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz / AMD Ryzen 7 2700U 2.2 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870, 10 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 2500U 2 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 960 / Radeon RX 560X, 10 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit