NFOHump.com :: View topic - Menace from the deep

Page 1 of 1

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Mon, 18th Nov 2024 20:07 Post subject: Menace from the deep

Quote:

Menace from the Deep is an enthralling Roguelike Deckbuilding card game that unfolds in a dark world, drawing inspiration from Howard Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.Set against the backdrop of 1920s USA, the narrative revolves around a clandestine occult society.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2644610/Menace_from_the_Deep/

I really like this game, a great mix between Slay the Spire & Darkest Dungeon.
It follows the concept of StS (3 acts with different paths, with their rewards/challenges and unpredictabilities).

You have to balance and manage your sanity, as well as fuel (every "move/progression" uses it ). If any of those hit 0, as well as your HP obviously, you're left to restart a run, although you keep any ressources (wood, bricks or steel, each obtainable on the tree possible areas), that are used to build and improve rooms in your base (which provide bonuses for your run).

You have three archetypes to have a run with, assorted with 6 (!) potential starting decks, that will heavily influence your playstyle.

Cards are gained or bought, and all have 4/6 upgrades available, with branching paths/
You obviously have relics that bring their own perks and maluses sometimes, as well as gear that also provide their own merits and drawbacks.

The writing is servicable, and while the story isn't all that much, the general Lovecradtian ambiance is there and the art-style, challenge as well as the mechanics are all there.
But then again, it's more all about the gameplay than a story. StS has virtually none, for example.

I encountered 2 bugs where a fight would get stuck. I just left to menu, continued, and it was all fine.

Really fun game, and for less than 17€, if you like the genre, it's more than a bargain.

8.5/10, considering the pricetag and the really solid state it's in.
Warm recommendation on my part.

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

Nodrim

Posts: 9575
Location: Romania

Posted: Mon, 18th Nov 2024 21:52 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

This looks cool and even as a big fan of lovecraftian games, it flew under my radar.

Profile
PM

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Mon, 18th Nov 2024 23:08 Post subject:

Nodrim wrote:

This looks cool and even as a big fan of lovecraftian games, it flew under my radar.

Give it a try! If you like the genre and the setting, you'll like this for sure.

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

Nodrim

Posts: 9575
Location: Romania

Posted: Mon, 18th Nov 2024 23:27 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

I already bought it, beat the first boss and lost because of fuel.

Profile
PM

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Tue, 19th Nov 2024 09:07 Post subject:

Nodrim wrote:

I already bought it, beat the first boss and lost because of fuel. Laughing

Classic

Liking it so far?

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

Nodrim

Posts: 9575
Location: Romania

Posted: Tue, 19th Nov 2024 10:46 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

Good production value for an indie. Great art style (though, I'm not digging Dagon's design). Lovecraft. Easy to get into. The exploration has this feeling of boardgame reminiscent of Arkham Horror, which I really like. I'm not sure about the story, some dialogues feel rushed or exaggerated. I haven't seen a lot about the persistent progression. It seems a bit lackluster, but I might be wrong. Deck building seems a bit on the simple side. But I haven't had enough time to experiment and I hope I'm wrong. Cards synergy and complexity make or break CCGs. Overall I liked what I've seen so far and I'm more than willing to shelf Phantom Liberty to play more of this. I hope the complexity increases in every aspect as I progress through the game.

Profile
PM

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Tue, 19th Nov 2024 19:06 Post subject:

Nodrim wrote:

I hope the complexity increases in every aspect as I progress through the game.

Well, you get more combos available as new cards, trinkets, etc... are available, but that's it.

While not shallow, it's kinda limited in it's general scope, and what you said above is either true or about to be.
The story isn't important, really, it's more of a support for the gameplay as I said.

END-GAME SPOILERS:

Spoiler:

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Tue, 19th Nov 2024 19:14 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

And as a final thought: Great for value, loved it, but I don't see myself replaying it as much as I did StS. ALTHOUGH that's unfair because the latter has been patched for years, had DLCs and such. I'll gladly dive in again if more content is added for sure. But IMHO, as it is, it's a great game that had me hooked and enthralled for what it is, but that holds no immediate wish from me to replay it again from the get-go. I maintain my 8.5/10 and warm recommendation still, because it's totally worth it. "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

Nodrim

Posts: 9575
Location: Romania

Posted: Tue, 19th Nov 2024 22:34 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

I made it to act 3 but things are getting out of control. The monsters are numerous and extremely spongey now. It feels like the kind of rogue-like that's geared towards grinding for progression and I'm not the biggest fan of this gameplay design.

Profile
PM

HubU
VIP Member

Posts: 11349

Posted: Wed, 20th Nov 2024 00:48 Post subject:

Nodrim wrote:

I made it to act 3 but things are getting out of control. The monsters are numerous and extremely spongey now.

It feels like the kind of rogue-like that's geared towards grinding for progression and I'm not the biggest fan of this gameplay design.

Yeah, it could have been vastly improved with better structural choices.
I took that into account in my opinion, and I can't wait for potential DLCs/v2 that would enrich it and make it into what it could be, especially in terms of replayability and general challenge.

Because while I anticipated the busted plays with the Occultist, I basically stuck with the Professor/Rat Deck and rode it to success.
While there's not a clear meta (or at least one you can successfully predict and have), the unlocks kinda make it easy to have a kinda busted deck easily.

But then again, for that price, I enjoyed what was a fantastic little ride Smile

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

Nodrim

Posts: 9575
Location: Romania

Posted: Wed, 20th Nov 2024 08:06 Post subject:	Quick Quote Quote

The cultist with the starting bloodlust deck seems generally stronger than the other two. But I think a fully summoner professor could work pretty well. I finished act 3 twice now, no Cthulhu yet.

Profile
PM

Page 1 of 1

All times are GMT + 1 Hour