Darkest Dungeon - The Cove Preview @ Dorkadia

Dorkadia checked out the latest addition to Darkest Dungeon, The Cove at PAX.

Red Hook’s demo at PAX features the new Cove dungeon, the fourth and penultimate content release before the game is out of early access. The Cove fully embraces their Lovecraftian inspiration: your heroes will sludge through squamous caverns while fighting positively Inssmouthian monsters.

The Cove simply seems better tuned than the other dungeons. The synergies between monsters in just a novice level mission were clear and potent, and new enemies types (like bloated zombies that explode after two turns, or guardian fishpeople that protect their allies with 80% damage reduction) give the area a mechanical signature. The content shows a higher level of polish in an already polished offering, they’re clearly refining their craft over time.

I was able to face the Siren, the Cove’s first boss. Her signature attack was a startling charm attack. Her hideous briny visage melts away for a second, revealing an illusory maiden that sings to your party. If it’s successful, one of your party members will join the enemy team for three turns using their entire arsenal of attacks. It was a wonderfully bullshit surprise! I did manage to strike the Siren down with a few clutch crits, but not before losing half of my party. Rest in peace, doomed demo Vestal and Arbalest.

Thanks Eye.