As someone who invested countless hours into Black Desert Online back in 2016, my gaming habits have inevitably shifted with the arrival of parenthood. The days of grinding endlessly in MMOs are behind me, yet my admiration for Pearl Abyss’ dynamic combat remains intact. Enter Crimson Desert, a title that promises to cater to my time constraints while igniting my passion for action RPGs. This year, it stands as my most anticipated release, and it’s available for just .99 / £4.99 through the new Fanatical VIP Mystery Bundle, which also includes two additional games.
Initially, Crimson Desert didn’t capture my attention when it was first announced. However, my interest piqued after reading Jamie Hore’s preview during Summer Game Fest last year. The prospect of bombastic gameplay set in an RPG world, combined with fighting game-style combos, was enough to draw me in. While it remains to be seen if it will secure a spot on our best RPGs list, my anticipation is palpable.
Setting and Storyline
Set on the continent of Pywel, players assume the role of Kliff, a member of the Greymanes faction. His journey unfolds as he navigates rival groups, mythical creatures, and a world steeped in magic. Following a brutal attack from the Black Bears, Kliff finds himself among the few survivors of his clan, embarking on a quest to locate any remaining members and restore his faction. The ultimate goal? To confront Myurdin, the formidable leader of the Black Bears.
While the storyline may seem straightforward for a medieval-themed narrative, it’s the chaotic gameplay and innovative mechanics that truly captivate. The game appears to blend elements reminiscent of Final Fantasy 16, The Witcher, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and even hints of the modern The Legend of Zelda series, creating a veritable ‘greatest hits’ album of iconic RPG mechanics. The combat promises to be fast-paced and visually striking, echoing the flair of Black Desert Online, while the combo system encourages players to experiment with Kliff’s unique fighting style.
Although Crimson Desert has yet to be released, those eager to experience it at a fraction of the cost can take advantage of the Fanatical VIP Mystery Bundle. Priced at .99 / £4.99, this bundle offers three Steam keys, each rated from ‘Very Positive’ to ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’. There’s also a chance to score some triple-A titles, including Crimson Desert, Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, or Reanimal. While a copy of Crimson Desert isn’t guaranteed, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile gamble. Just imagine the bragging rights!
Even if luck doesn’t land you a copy of Crimson Desert, you’ll still walk away with three highly-rated games for an unbeatable price. In my view, that’s a risk worth taking, not to mention the potential for additional Steam trading cards. So, why not give it a shot?
