Pocket Dungeon is something else. It feels like playing a new genre. I believe I saw IGN describe it as a Roguelite Dungeon Crawling Puzzler. And like, yea, that is definitely a way to describe it, but that also sounds like you wrote down a bunch of genres, shoved them in a hat, and grabbed three at random.
I've written …
Pocket Dungeon is something else. It feels like playing a new genre. I believe I saw IGN describe it as a Roguelite Dungeon Crawling Puzzler. And like, yea, that is definitely a way to describe it, but that also sounds like you wrote down a bunch of genres, shoved them in a hat, and grabbed three at random.
I've written out several sentences trying to describe it, and I keep deleting them because they don't adequately describe the game. The puzzle elements are in service to the adventure elements which are in service of the roguelite elements which are in service of the puzzle elements. It feels like everything works to make the game better in a way that is unexpected and immediately addicting.
All of this is packaged in a game that is overflowing with Shovel Knight goodness. The music is once again done by Jake Kaufman with wonderful energy and variety. Some of the tunes are remixes of tracks from the original Shovel Knight while some tracks feel like you're partying in a chiptune Fall Guys. And though the visual style is very different from the original NES look, it is still wonderful pixel work. While the game lacks in some of Shovel Knight's trademark humor (Nothing has made me laugh more than in King of Cards when King Knight convinces a child to lie), it keeps Shovel Knight's signature heart.
My main points of criticism are the game's length (I beat the main game in less than three hours) and honestly the system. Pocket Dungeon feels tailor-made for mobile in the best way possible. Basically everything you do could be accomplished through four-directional swiping. I'm certain eviscerating a chain of Beetos feels all the more rewarding when you flick them away with your finger. On the Switch, it feels like I'm playing a mobile game ported to Switch even though it isn't out on the Google Play store yet!
I really enjoyed Pocket Dungeon. And frankly, I'm still enjoying it. There is a true ending I'm still working on and many playable characters who completely change the game. If you want to play today what I'm betting will be the hot genre of 2025, check out Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon.
