Prior to E3, We had a chance to look at Super Dungeon Bros, a co-op dungeon brawler from React Games, and published by Wired Productions. Due for release on Xbox One, PS4, Windows 10, Steam and Mac, Super Dungeon Bros is an indie game, but one with character.
Often, we’re asked to look at indie games, and they’re either amazing, or simply not up-to-scratch, made by one or two developers trying their hand at all aspects of game design. Where Super Dungeon Bros differs, is the indie ethos, but coupled with the steadying hand of experienced developer and publisher, Wired Productions helping to steer the game to release on a more solid footing.
The game takes place over a number of worlds, including Cryptheim, Chilheim, and another that we weren’t allowed to talk about when we got hands-on. Now, while the game has its issues, as would any game in development, Super Dungeon Bros shows a lot of promise, thanks to great production values, interesting mechanics, and its own sense of style.
As you begin your game, your task is to navigate the medieval fantasy world of Rockheim, through its procedurally generated dungeons. Along the way, you’ll pick up loot, upgrade your weapons, rather than characters, and generally work together to defeats hordes of undead. In short, it’s good fun, and helped by the competition element evidenced in the leaderboards after each dungeon.
Upgrading your weapon rather than character is an interesting choice, because it allows you to choose your weapon each time you play, promoting short but enjoyable sessions, instead of one player continuously upgrading their characters and having a big advance over new players.
That becomes more important online, with Windows 10 & Xbox One cross-play from launch, something we’re interested to see in action, although we weren’t able to see during our demo. Windows 10 & Xbox One cross play is a big deal for Microsoft, and one it should throw its weight behind when games start using the service later this year.
Don’t worry if you’re not a social gamer, because you can play the whole thing as a single player experience, and we’re excited to try that element out in the near future.
The characters you play as are Axl, Freddie, Lars and Ozzie, all based on famous rock stars, and each with their own personality. While a little repetitive in the build we saw, it was an early one, so we can expect a little more variety in terms of voice acting. However, there’s enough there to reassure us that the characters will be interesting in their own right.
Once you’re in the dungeons, things get hectic quite quickly, and you’ll need to work together to overcome boss fights, or even when the screen fills with enemies, but that’s where the ‘bro moves’ come in. We tried out the Bronado, which is where each bro climbs on one another and unleashes a special attack, effectively spinning to mop up the enemies on-screen before they have a chance to attack. It’s fun, and visually impressive. We’re hoping there’s plenty more of these to come in the final version of the game.
Of the small section we played, although the dungeons are procedural, some of them did appear a little similar, or simple, and there were a few bugs present, but as with most indie games, that’s something that should be fixed by release. Our hands-on was good fun, and we’re hoping for more modes, and speed running could be interesting with Super Dungeon Bros, as the game is ideal for this, but we’ll reserve judgement on that for now. There’s a way to go, but Super Dungeon Bros is shaping up well, and with a little extra spit and polish, it could be a one to watch.
