In a landscape where a formidable Marvel villain is named Knull (a name choice that is, admittedly, intentional) and where the Honda Jazz was nearly christened Honda Fi**a (a near miss thanks to the Swedish Honda office’s intervention), it’s not entirely surprising that a game might acquire an intriguing name; in this case, Dolmen (for those unfamiliar with the term, its definition can be found here).
Dolmen plunges players into a Sci-Fi horror setting, tasking them with battling grotesque creatures to prevent a timeline erasure and save the world. Players utilize a variety of ranged and melee weapons, including swords and axes, and upgrade their character to enhance their chances of survival against the dark forces at play.
Dolmen has been described as a blend of Dark Souls and Dead Space, a comparison I find apt. Few games have presented as significant a challenge as Dark Souls, and Dolmen closely follows in its footsteps. This is a genuinely demanding game, populated with relentless enemies that attack from multiple angles. Initial weapons feel underpowered and slow, while enemies exhibit considerable strength and resilience, potentially leading to early frustration. Prepare for frequent deaths.
The initial difficulty can hinder immersion, making the experience feel more like a chore than an engaging challenge. However, with persistence and practice, Dolmen becomes more rewarding. As your character grows stronger and you acquire better weapons, the game’s potential unfolds, similar to the experience in Elden Ring.
The environments are well-crafted and visually appealing. However, the animations and creature designs appear somewhat dated and simplistic. Textures exhibit relatively low resolution and lack fluid movement. Furthermore, the absence of avatar customization in cutscenes is noticeable, a feature increasingly common in modern games. While even visually impressive titles like Guardians of the Galaxy occasionally overlook this detail, its omission in Dolmen is still noteworthy. On a positive note, the sound design is excellent, effectively utilizing surround sound to create a suspenseful atmosphere, particularly when enemies are nearby. The audio contributes significantly to the game’s overall sense of dread and is well-executed.
Another limitation is the inability to jump. The absence of this mechanic is puzzling and creates situations where traversal and combat could have been significantly streamlined with a simple jump.
In conclusion, Dolmen is not a game for the faint of heart. It is designed to push players to their limits, demanding patience and perseverance. While the initial hours can be punishing, the game offers a rewarding experience for those who embrace the challenge. However, be prepared for a difficult and demanding journey.
Massive Work Studio provided a review code for this game. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial process.
