Kakuchopurei reviewed the Action RPG Dolmen:

Dolmen Is A Dull Sci-Fi Soulslike That Needs Massive Work

Soulslike games are probably one of the most popular genres right now, but From Software titles (like this year’s Elden Ring) are clearly still AAA kings. It’s not easy to balance a soulslike game, or make it challenging yet fair to play for those willing to get good. Of course, along comes indie developers’ attempts at replicating the soulslike magic, such as Massive Work Studio’s Dolmen.
Dark Souls In Space?

What sets Dolmen apart from most other soulslike games is its sci-fi setting. Most soulslikes tend to skewer towards fantasy swords and magic sort of stuff, but Dolmen is closer to other soulslikes games like The Surge or Hellpoint. The one and only highlight of the game is its sci-fi setting, which reminds me of Dead Space or Aliens with an atmosphere of dread. Unfortunately, the level design can be simplistic and leaves a lot to be desired.

This translates to exploration that’s not that rewarding either. There’s also no map or mini-map, so good luck trying to remember which metal corridor is the way to progress. In addition, while I know that the story isn’t usually the strong suit of many soulslike games, Dolmen features bland and non-existent story that doesn’t really motivate you to push forward. Cutscenes don’t really do anything besides introducing bosses and new enemies, while most of the lore exposition is accomplished via terminals you have to access, which rewards you with a text you have to read (that’s not particularly interesting). Yay, how fun.

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It’s going to take massive work (pun intended) for them to improve in the future. Looking at Steam reviews (which, at the time of writing, sits at a Mixed rating), many players have complained how Dolmen feels like an Early Access game, and they’re not wrong, I can attest to that. You’re better off playing other, better, soulslikes out there rather than trying out Dolmen, unless you’re really hankering for a sci-fi soulslike.

Score:50/100

The Sci-Fi Action RPG Dolmen will be released today:

Dolmen - Revion Prime Guide and Bestiary

Hey Commander, get ready for your mission on Revion Prime with this handy guide to the environments and creatures you will face. Be safe out there! 

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Screenrant has reviewed the action RPG Dolmen, which will be released tomorrow:

Dolmen Review: Intense Combat, Unsettling Atmosphere

Dolmen offers a thrilling action RPG experience with horrific Lovecraftian creatures and bosses that present increasingly difficult challenges.

Developed by Massive Work Studio, and published by Massive Work Studio, Koch Media, and Prime Matter, Dolmen is a Soulslike action RPG set in a futuristic world where humanity has advanced to the point of colonizing planets. On Revion Prime, an accident causes the Zoan Corporation to hire a worthy combatant that can collect valuable resources for them and clear the infestation of monsters that plague the planet. As the story progresses, more challenging enemies and bosses threaten to erase the timeline and send the Corporation away from Revion Prime.

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One of the most thrilling parts of Dolmen is the horror element that grows exponentially as the monsters become more difficult and much better at hiding. At first, most enemies can be seen from a distance, but they quickly begin to hide around corners, on the ceiling, or within the environment. A few jumpscares will lead to cautiously approaching every turn and inspecting all of the walls. Horror mixed with features like an intricate upgrade system, daunting combat encounters, and the ability to take on difficult bosses alongside some friends makes Dolmen an exciting title that delivers constant action and intense challenges.

Score: 4/5

Action RPG checked out the upcoming action RPG Dolmen:

New Action RPG Dolmen Dropping Soon!! Sci-Fi & Cosmic Horror!! Time For Elden Ring Break!?

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Dolmen has been previewed by Well Played who found the combat and science fiction themes to mesh well together.

Dolmen’s combat combines a few different attributes beyond the usual hack and slash or gun combat. When you first load up, you’ll be given the option of choosing from a few different loadouts that can either focus on up close or long-distance combat, a more defensive strategy or a good all-round average of the two options. I practised with a few different types but found the option of having a pistol or battle rifle handy along with an axe in hand to be a worthwhile option, getting in a few shots on an incoming enemy before finishing them off with a heavy attack to the face. Or at least, I think it was a face.

There are giant spider-like creatures that litter the early areas of Revion Prime, creeping around corners or jumping out from high places after lying in wait. There are also part-human, zombie-like fire monsters that spew fire and lash out with devastating attacks. I got glimpses of other monsters here and there, each one sending a shiver down my spine as they snarl and screech in the distance, and a few boss battles that tested my timing and pushed my inventory management to the limit. I didn’t exactly get jump scared, but everything about Dolmen is black and vicious. What little colour there is comes from your attacks and the odd light that flashes ominously in the distance, this isn’t a pretty place to be and that’s entirely by design.

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Thanks Farflame!

Dolmen will be released 20th May 2022 for XBOX, PS4&5 and Steam.

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Dolmen casts players onto a hostile alien world known as Revion Prime.

Your job? Bring back samples of a crystal with particularly unique properties; the so-called "Dolmen".

These crystals are capable of allowing interaction between realities, revolutionising space exploration and changing the known world forever.

A new gameplay trailer for Dolmen.

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In Dolmen you will grow stronger with each battle! Check out the first official gameplay trailer and experience a rich combat system with various weapons and moves at your disposal.

Dolmen is a terrifying new action RPG that combines futuristic Sci-Fi and Cosmic Horror elements. Dolmen casts players onto a hostile alien world known as Revion Prime. Your job? Bring back samples of a crystal with particularly unique properties; the so-called "Dolmen". These crystals are capable of allowing interaction between realities, revolutionizing space exploration and changing the known world forever.

Surviving is the last thing this world wants you to do. Will you see your timeline erased or will you overcome the challenge that awaits you?

Dolmen is coming to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X in 2022.

Thanks Farflame!

Dolmen comes to us from Brazil and is combat focused action RPG, aiming for those who also like the Soulsborne games. I penned some things down based on a hands-on session at Gamescom.

Dolmen starts with you being in cryogenic sleep on a space ship, but you are waking up and hear this voice in your head. When you are finally awake you find yourself isolated and alone in a desolated place. There is no sign of the rest of the crew, so your best choice is to go out and try to find them and find out what has happened. Without giving any spoilers, I can tell you that your character wakes up well below the surface of a planet that has been destroyed by aliens. The caves you are in were once occupied by members of an evolved society, but none of them are to be found anywhere, as the entire planet has been purged by aliens, with only monsters left. For now your main goal is to survive the numerous evils in your path that wouldn't mind killing you.Dolmen

The latest update from Dolmen shows off some new art.

The world of Revion Prime is a terrifying place, The Team have worked extremely hard creating the world and environment that you have been seeing. Pulling inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft our art team went to work on concepts for the world.

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Thanks Farflame!