Pearl Abyss, known for the massive success of Black Desert Online, is venturing into new territory with Crimson Desert, an ambitious open-world action-adventure game that blends rich narrative with visceral combat. We recently had the opportunity to preview this highly anticipated title at Gamescom, where we were given a hands-on look at what the game has to offer. With stunning visuals, intense combat, and a world brimming with atmosphere, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a game to watch.
What we know
Crimson Desert is set in the medieval fantasy world of Pywel, where players step into the shoes of Kliff, a mercenary leader burdened by his past. Unlike Pearl Abyss’s previous multiplayer-focused titles, Crimson Desert is a single-player experience, though it retains some DNA from its MMO predecessor, Black Desert Online. Originally envisioned as a prequel, the game evolved into a standalone story, set in the same universe but with a more personal and narrative-driven focus. Powered by an upgraded version of the BlackSpace Engine, the game promises a visually stunning world filled with dynamic weather, realistic physics, and intricate character animations. Crimson Desert is set to launch simultaneously on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, though a specific release date has yet to be announced.
What we saw
Our session with Pearl Abyss at Gamescom began with a brief introduction before diving straight into the action. We started with a tutorial segment that walked us through the game’s controls and basic combat mechanics. From there, we had the freedom to engage in several challenging boss battles, each with its own unique strategies and dangers. This hands-on demo provided a broad look at both the foundational gameplay and the high-intensity encounters that players can expect.
What we thought
From the moment we started playing, it was clear that Crimson Desert is a visual powerhouse. The game’s world is beautifully realized, with sweeping landscapes, detailed character models, and a strong sense of atmosphere that draws you in. The use of dramatic camera angles during both story sequences and combat enhances the cinematic feel, making your encounters feel like a moment ripped from a fantasy film. This is paired with a sound design that further pulls you into Pywel’s dark, gritty world, for a game that you’ll want to play with the lights down and the speakers up.
Combat in Crimson Desert is a visceral experience. Every swing of your sword and every enemy charge is felt, thanks to tight, responsive controls and weighty animations. The boss battles we engaged in were a highlight, showcasing not just the game’s challenging combat but also its impressive enemy designs. Each boss had a distinct visual and combat style, requiring us to adapt our strategies and keep on our toes. The learning curve is steep, especially in such a demo setting, but the satisfaction of overcoming these impressive foes is well worth the effort.
However, the intensity of the combat and the game’s dark tone might not be for everyone. The relentless nature of the boss battles can be daunting, especially in the earlier stages when players are still getting to grips with the controls and mechanics. Additionally, while the narrative promises depth and intrigue, we were only able to scratch the surface during our demo. It remains to be seen how well the story will balance with the game’s open-world exploration and combat-heavy focus. At the same time, this may also be true for these boss battles – they might feel less daunting in a broader setting.
Overall, Crimson Desert left a strong impression. Its combination of stunning visuals, visceral combat, and a richly detailed world sets it apart from other games in the genre. If Pearl Abyss can deliver on the narrative potential hinted at during our preview, this could be a must-play title for fans of action-adventure games when it finally launches.
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