Published by The Arcade Crew and Dotemu and developed by DoubleMoose Games, Abyssus takes the familiar formula of the roguelite first-person shooter and sends it deep beneath the ocean in search of a distinctive identity. Set in a mysterious underwater civilization powered by the strange energy source known as brine, the game casts players as Brinehunters exploring a forgotten world filled with corrupted inhabitants, ancient technology, and dangerous secrets. The narrative largely exists as a framework for the action rather than a driving force, with environmental details and scattered notes offering glimpses into the world without ever fully developing its mythology. The setting itself does much of the heavy lifting, creating an appealing brinepunk atmosphere that blends submerged ruins, strange creatures, and a sense of discovery that keeps the descent interesting.
Abyssus understands that the appeal of this genre comes from the moment-to-moment action, and DoubleMoose Games delivers a shooter that feels fast, aggressive, and built around constant movement. Players are encouraged to dash, jump, reposition, and adapt rather than simply hide behind cover, creating a rhythm where survival depends on maintaining momentum. The weapons provide a satisfying foundation, with different firearms offering primary and secondary functions alongside modifications that can significantly change how each run unfolds. The gunplay is consistently one of the strongest aspects of the experience, with weapons feeling distinct and powerful, although some options are noticeably more effective than others and the overall balance occasionally feels uneven.
The roguelite systems add another layer of experimentation by allowing players to shape their approach through blessings, charms, upgrades, and permanent progression. Elemental effects such as fire, lightning, frost, and spirit abilities can combine with weapons and gadgets to create powerful builds that make later runs feel dramatically different from earlier attempts. Unlocking new equipment and improving the character between expeditions provides a satisfying sense of growth, especially during the opening hours when every new upgrade feels meaningful. However, the variety does not always extend as far as the systems initially suggest, and the lack of deeper branching options means Abyssus eventually struggles to match the endless creativity found in the strongest games within the genre.
The cooperative experience is where Abyssus feels most comfortable. Supporting up to four players, the game turns its chaotic encounters into a more tactical challenge where coordinated builds, shared abilities, and teamwork become increasingly important. Boss battles and larger encounters benefit greatly from having multiple players managing different threats at once, although the increased chaos can occasionally make arenas feel cluttered and objectives less enjoyable. Solo play remains possible, but the difficulty curve becomes harsher without teammates to revive players or divide enemy attention, making cooperation feel like the intended way to experience the full potential of the game.
Visually, Abyssus makes a strong first impression with its colorful underwater environments and unusual combination of ancient civilization, mechanical designs, and aquatic horror. The brinepunk aesthetic gives the game a personality that helps it stand apart from other shooters, while the changing environments provide memorable moments throughout the descent. The main issue is that the handcrafted areas begin to lose some of their impact after repeated runs, as familiar arenas and objectives become increasingly noticeable. Enemy design also does not always match the creativity of the world itself, with some creatures feeling less memorable than the environments they inhabit.
The audio design supports the action without becoming a major highlight. Weapon effects generally provide enough impact to reinforce the satisfying shooting, but the soundtrack and overall soundscape rarely leave a lasting impression. Controls on PlayStation 5 benefit from the game’s focus on movement and responsiveness, although fine-tuning settings may help some players achieve a sharper aiming experience. Technical issues are not constant, but occasional bugs, collision problems, and other inconsistencies can sometimes interrupt the flow of a run.
Abyssus is ultimately a solid and enjoyable roguelite shooter that succeeds because its core combat loop is genuinely fun. The combination of fast movement, satisfying weapons, creative builds, and a unique underwater setting gives players plenty of reasons to return for another run, especially when playing with friends. At the same time, repetition in level structure, uneven enemy variety, and limited long-term expansion prevent it from reaching the heights of the genre’s best examples. DoubleMoose Games has created a game with a strong foundation and a memorable identity, but the abyss still has room for deeper discoveries.
Score: 7.1/10