dreadhunter title with main character next to it

Dreadhunter Early Access: First Impressions

Dreadhunter is a new indie game by Trickster Arts Studio currently in Early Access. As a huge fan of high-intensity, dark-fantasy shooters, Dreadhunter quickly captured my attention. The game blends influences from iconic titles like Doom and Diablo, creating a unique fusion of fast-paced combat and RPG elements. Here’s why I think it’s one of the most exciting indie titles on the horizon.

A Glimpse into Dreadhunter’s World

Dreadhunter introduces players to a cyber-futuristic, hellish landscape spanning various planets, moons, and space stations. With every step, you’re immersed in a richly atmospheric world that feels like a mix of sci-fi and horror, combining both demon-infested labs and alien-ridden space stations. The environment oozes tension, and you’ll be navigating pathways filled with eerie details that add to the game’s intense visual aesthetic.

A Mix of Doom and Diablo

The gameplay in Dreadhunter has a noticeable influence from Doom, capturing the thrill of combat with a free-roaming exploration style. The Diablo-inspired touches come in with an isometric perspective and skill trees. Players can select various upgrades to their melee, shooting, and other combat skills, allowing for a personalized combat style. This design balance offers fans of both franchises something to enjoy, blending moment-to-moment action with deeper RPG mechanics.

Dreadhunter abilities lightning bouncing

Non-Stop Action

One of the most captivating aspects of Dreadhunter is its pacing. The game ramps up the intensity with each encounter. Rooms often transition into combat stages where powerful music cranks up, amping up the atmosphere. These kinetic combat moments are well-paced, giving players a chance to collect themselves before diving back into the action. This dynamic flow is something Dreadhunter does exceptionally well, contrasting with games that bombard players with endless waves. Here, each combat sequence is purposefully crafted, keeping you engaged without overwhelming you.

Dreadhunter character firing into enemies

The gear and skill progression in Dreadhunter brings an additional layer of depth. The weapons system provides a variety of options, from melee to primary and secondary weapons. You can strategically choose your approach to encounters, such as using melee attacks to replenish health and ammo, creating a rhythmic combat style. This mechanic keeps you thinking strategically about how to navigate each battle. As you level up, you gain access to diverse skill trees and equipment slots, allowing players to craft their ideal build—whether you prefer a “run and gun” approach or a more methodical strategy.

Overall Impressions

Despite being in Early Access, Dreadhunter has a solid foundation and impressive polish for an indie title. Trickster Arts Studio has shown a clear commitment to creating a game that combines heart-pounding combat with rich, immersive environments. The game’s current state suggests a lot of potential, and I’m eager to see how it evolves with further updates. With its intriguing mix of Doom-like intensity and Diablo-style RPG elements, Dreadhunter could become a beloved title among fans of action-packed, dark-fantasy shooters.

Final Thoughts

As a fan of indie games, Dreadhunter is a must-try for those who appreciate a balance between gritty, adrenaline-fueled action and strategic RPG elements.

Stay tuned for more updates on Dreadhunter as Trickster Arts continues to refine and expand on this promising new indie gem.

Are you going to be trying the Dreadhunter in early access? Let us know your thoughts!

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Author

  • Kurosh Jozavi

    Kurosh is a contributing writer for Temple of Geek on video games as well as host of The KJP Show on YouTube. He has been talking about video games in podcasts, videos, and articles for over 8 years. He covers all manner of video games and video game culture, and if it’s tactical RPGs, looter/shooters, and especially indie games, he is definitely there. When he’s not gaming, he’s at conventions, like Comic Con, WonderCon, and PAX, hosting panels about video games.

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Kurosh Jozavi

Kurosh Jozavi

Kurosh is a contributing writer for Temple of Geek on video games as well as host of The KJP Show on YouTube. He has been talking about video games in podcasts, videos, and articles for over 8 years. He covers all manner of video games and video game culture, and if it’s tactical RPGs, looter/shooters, and especially indie games, he is definitely there. When he’s not gaming, he’s at conventions, like Comic Con, WonderCon, and PAX, hosting panels about video games.

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