With Warriors: Abyss, Koei Tecmo takes its long-running Warriors formula into roguelite territory, blending large-scale hack-and-slash combat with a progression system that encourages strategic experimentation. While the result delivers an engaging and addictive loop, the overall package feels more like an entertaining lower-budget experiment than a fully realized evolution of the franchise.
The game’s premise sees iconic characters from Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors battling their way through the depths of hell under the rule of Enma. While this setup provides a reason to throw endless waves of enemies at the player, the story remains little more than a backdrop. Enma’s interjections can feel intrusive early on, with a tutorial that overstays its welcome, but once the mechanics click, the focus shifts to the action rather than the narrative. The storytelling lacks the depth to make these legendary warriors feel like more than avatars, and those looking for a strong narrative hook may be left wanting as a result.
Where Warriors: Abyss shines is in its combat. The signature fast-paced, combo-driven hack-and-slash gameplay remains intact, with players executing devastating attacks while dodging enemy patterns. The addition of roguelite mechanics adds a welcome layer of strategy, as players recruit other heroes mid-run to influence their abilities and attack styles. This party-building aspect deepens the experience, with synergy between warriors leading to massive battlefield destruction. However, as the game progresses, the screen can become so cluttered with effects and enemies that strategic play gives way to chaotic button-mashing.
Progression is another strong point, with each run contributing to long-term upgrades that make future attempts more powerful. The Hall of Bonded Souls provides a sense of permanence, ensuring that even failed runs feel rewarding. An automatic optimization feature allows players to streamline their build choices, making it easy to jump straight back into the action, though at the cost of some player agency. The roster of over 100 characters offers variety, but given how assets are reused from previous Warriors titles, the novelty of seeing familiar faces may wear off quickly.
Visually, Warriors: Abyss struggles to make a strong impression. While the environments are functional and help keep battles readable, they lack detail and fail to provide the kind of striking imagery that could set the game apart. The four levels of hell offer some diversity, but their design remains fairly uninspired. The game’s reliance on heavy visual effects can lead to performance dips, with frame rate hiccups occurring during particularly hectic moments or when entering new stages. Though these issues aren’t game-breaking, they detract from what should be a smooth, fast-paced experience.
Ultimately, Warriors: Abyss successfully merges the addictive qualities of roguelites with large-scale Warriors-style combat, offering a compelling loop that will appeal to fans of both genres. However, its underwhelming presentation, minor performance issues, and lack of narrative depth prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspirations. But while it may not match the polish of recent Warriors entries, its satisfying progression and engaging combat make it an enjoyable, if somewhat unremarkable, addition to the franchise.
Score: 7.1/10
Press Play Media 