Deathbound

by Mikhail Aug 16, 2024 | 1 Votes | 31 Played | 0 Reviews

10 rate

Genres:

Action , RPG

Graphics:

Labels:

Souls-like , Post Apocalyptic

Platforms:

Publishers:

Tate Multimedia Deathbound introduces a unique spirit-based combat system and an intriguing story set in a dystopian apocalypse. Players will get to switch between multiple characters or Essennces in the same body, delivering a unique take on the crowded Souls-like genre. Play Now Similar Games

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Summary Plotline Gameplay Graphics/Sound Conclusion

Summary

There have been a lot of Souls-like games in the last few years, making it a crowded genre. Although FromSoftware is still the undisputed leader of the genre (the reason for the genre’s existence), countless developers worldwide have not been conservative in creating their own experiences. Some go for ambitious gameplay with innovative mechanics, while others focus on the lore with post-apocalyptic and dystopian themes.

One of these games is Deathbound, a Souls-like experience crafted by Brazilian developer Trialforge Studios and published by Tate Multimedia. It prides itself on being a party-based Souls-like single-player experience, a mix of what seems like Dark Souls and Genshin Impact with the game’s unique character-switching mechanic. It is a fresh take on a genre where only FromSoftware’s game stands out the most, thanks to its mechanic of being able to control multiple characters at once.

Although it does have a lot of potential, it has a few substantial issues that may hinder it from being one of the standout indie titles of 2024. Regardless, Deathbound is quite an experience, but the question is, will it be something you would want to dive into? Well, let’s check out what it has to offer first.

Plotline

Deathbound puts you in the shoes of Therone, a ranking member of the Church of Death (an organization that worships the Goddess of Death), living in a world ravaged by chaos and a mysterious apocalypse. The game starts with a well-voice-acted cutscene with beautifully drawn images of an order of knights by the aforementioned church preparing to storm an enemy stronghold.

As you progress further into the game, the story unravels, revealing Therone's backgrounds and the spirits of the characters he absorbs and can transform into. Furthermore, they each have distinct tales, ideologies, and capabilities, further shaping the narrative and giving you a different perspective of what’s going on. This allows you to piece together what’s going on in the crumbling world.

Gameplay

There’s an oversaturation of Souls-like games today, and their gameplay mechanics feel somewhat similar, making them rather stale. Fortunately for Deathbound, its spirit-based combat system, where you transform into different kinds of fighters, brings a fresh breath of air while setting it apart from the rest of its peers. As you progress, you will access various Essences (or spirits of fallen warriors), representing varying characters with their playstyles.

The character-switching mechanic feels as fluid as, let’s say, Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero, thanks to its overall fluidity. In addition, this also means you can switch between characters seamlessly. Although you will spend most of the top playing as the sword and shield-wielding Therone, you can quickly become a brutish fighter, a stealthy rogue, or a mage with powerful offensive spells. The game’s nature enables you to approach combat tactically while ensuring you can adapt quickly, depending on the situation.

Deathbound’s combat is, of course, its most notable element. Combined with its spirit-based combat system, you can execute highlight-worthy parries, dodges, and attacks, further enriched by its sync system. You build up sync through combat, and once you gain enough, you can perform morph strikes. Unlike other Souls-like games that encourage tactical and patient gameplay, Deathbound prefers it if you go for a more aggressive approach. However, defensive moves like dodging and blocking are still crucial, especially against bosses.

Exploration in Deathbound is relatively affluent, although enemy encounters are simultaneously limited to just a few opponents. Transforming into other Essences can trigger unique dialogue from NPCs, unlock hidden areas, and treat you to lore that enhances the immersion. They don’t just provide new ways to fight but also deliver other ways to explore.

I tried the game on an ROG Ally Z1 and my mid-tier gaming laptop. It ran perfectly on both platforms, although the experience is significantly better if you play on a controller. Although there is a certain degree of jank and a learning curve regarding buttons and input, the game runs smoothly overall.

Graphics/Sound

We wouldn’t exactly call Deathbound’s visuals to be in the same league as most triple-A Souls-like experiences, but it holds up relatively well and looks great on screen. Its art direction is excellent, presenting an atmospheric blend of decaying modern urban landscapes in contrast with the main characters’ medieval-like outfits and fighting styles. Speaking of the characters, their designs are pretty detailed and fleshed out. In addition, their outfits and animations fully reflect their backgrounds and unique personalities. Though you would not call it the best, it does the job well and immerses players successfully.

The same can be said about the game’s music and sound design, heightening the tension in the game’s rather eerie and morbid environments.

Conclusion

Deathbound provides something new to the oversaturated selection of Souls-like games thanks to its seamless character-switching combat. This lets it introduce new ways to fight and interact with the environment, giving you diverse ways to fight. Without it, it would be like its peers. Although it does have specific problems, like the overall jankiness and dated visuals, it holds up relatively well and is undoubtedly something all Souls-like fans should dive into.

New Game Added: Deathbound

by Mikhail Aug 16, 2024

Deathbound introduces a unique spirit-based combat system and an intriguing story set in a dystopian apocalypse. Players will get to switch between multiple characters or Essennces in the same body, delivering a unique take on the crowded Souls-like genre.