Super Dungeon Maker Review: Pixel-Perfect or Pixelated Peril?
A digital canvas where your dungeon-crafting dreams either come to life or get lost in a maze of their own making.
last updated Jan 20, 2024
If you can stomach some design hiccups and have a heart for the dedication of indie developers, this dungeon designer might just be your new gaming addiction.
Master Builder or Master Buggler?
When Super Dungeon Maker first landed on my desk, I was ready to channel my inner dungeon master. And boy, does it deliver—well, mostly. Imagine having an endless pit filled with monsters, secret rooms, and traps at your disposal. That's the kind of power the game's rich editor hands you. It's intuitive, and there's an undeniable charm in carving out elaborate labyrinths sure to puzzle intrepid explorers. However, it’s not all shiny loot and hidden passageways. The game does show signs of its indie roots with a spattering of bugs that can turn your creative zeal into a debug nightmare. Planning your dungeon is one thing; wrestling with unwieldy glitches that could corrupt your painstakingly crafted level is another. It's like playing whack-a-spirit with a foam sword—annoying, but not exactly a deal-breaker.
Stroll Through Pixel Paradise or Perilous Pitfalls?
If you're the kind of gamer who thinks visual nostalgia is next to godliness, then prepare to have your retro heartstrings tugged on hard. Super Dungeon Maker sports a pixel-art style that could make even the grumpiest of nostalgic gamers nod in solemn approval. The character sprites are adorable, animations have a distinctive charm, and overall, there’s a cohesive theme that wraps everything together like a neat little bow around an old-school RPG gift. But let's not grab our pitchforks and torches just yet. Despite the cutesy exterior, performance hiccups are like the occasional trap tile in your otherwise perfect dungeon. Screen tearing and frame drops can be a thorn in one's side, something that could definitely use a bit of polish—or in our gaming vernacular, an update or five.
Sonic Symphony or Discordant Dungeon Descent?
Now for a symphony of sounds that form the backdrop to your dungeon diving escapades. And... it's a cozy, chiptune serenade that faithfully accompanies your every slash, puzzle, and pratfall. The sound effects have that crispy ‘satisfying-crunch’ quality whenever you take down a foe or unlock a new area. But does the audio mirror the heavens opening up, you ask? Not exactly. While the audio experience delivers enough to set the ambience and tempo of your gameplay, it's not reinventing the orchestra. I wouldn't throw my headphones off in a sound-induced rage, but I wouldn't toss out my vinyl collection just yet either.
Creature Conundrums and Temptations of Creativity
Being pro indie developers and small teams, you can’t help but root for the little guys—and Super Dungeon Maker makes it easy to cheer them on. The game comes packed with creative temptations, like the ability to craft involved boss fights, pepper your dungeon with monsters, or conjure up that room that only the most patient players will solve. Stumbles such as enemy variety being comparable to a grocery store on apocalypse eve, and the labyrinthine mechanics feeling like you’re solving a Rubik's Cube with your elbows are noticeable grievances. In spite of that, it's the promise of constant updates and unwavering support that has you believing that this little game could indeed slay the giant dragon of potential.
STEAM RATING
Developer
FIRECHICK
Publisher
rokaplay
Release Date
May 03, 2023
Verdict Summary
With its pixel-art charm, Super Dungeon Maker indulges those who fantasize about concocting their very own nefarious Zelda-esque labyrinths. Yes, it's a bit buggy and could do with more baddies to bash and puzzles to ponder. Yet, through the pixels, I see a shining gem of potential. If you can stomach some design hiccups and have a heart for the dedication of indie developers, this dungeon designer might just be your new gaming addiction. Give it a whirl; your inner dungeon architect won't regret it.
