I must take a moment to reflect on my previous assessment of the indie RPG Dread Delusion, which I covered nearly three years ago. At that time, I expressed enthusiasm about its performance improvements, yet I later found the game’s inconsistent framerates to be quite challenging, particularly as I played exclusively on desktop. However, I am pleased to report that my experience has transformed dramatically.
Performance Breakthrough on Steam Deck
Dread Delusion now runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, achieving a steady 60 frames per second throughout my gameplay, whether at the beginning or after many hours of exploration. This remarkable stability is complemented by impressive battery efficiency, offering over four hours of estimated playtime, with a reliable tick rate to support this claim.
In light of my previous criticisms, I would like to express my gratitude to the developers for their dedication to enhancing the gaming experience. The recent performance showcase by Factor of Games in May 2023, along with discussions on Steam forums regarding Dread Delusion’s performance on the Deck, illustrate the significant strides made in optimizing the game.
After the April 15 patch, my limited playtime has been largely free of frame rate dips, aside from a minor pause when loading new areas or autosaving. It feels as though I could set my watch to the game’s performance on the Steam Deck. Previously, I had not completed my replay from last year, but now I see a clear path to the end credits, liberated from the confines of my desk.
Exciting Developments Ahead
Looking ahead, developer Lovely Hellplace is currently working on a follow-up title, Entropy, which promises to be an exciting JRPG-style experience that builds upon Dread Delusion’s unique art style and presentation. For those contemplating why they should dive into Dread Delusion, it features some of the most intriguing RPG quests I have encountered, including “The Ethics of Eating Flesh.” This quest presents a complex moral dilemma surrounding a human meat substitute that sustains a society of sentient zombies, reminiscent of a thought-provoking sci-fi narrative from the 1970s.
