PSP

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground

Although you will start off slow and perhaps a bit confused, Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground quickly grows on you to the point of becoming addictive to play. The hybrid construction/RPG nature will make sure you don't burn out quickly on any single element. I recommend role-playing and/or construction fans to consider adding Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground to their libraries. Its unique features and gameplay make for some great entertainment.

It seems a little strange that I became so addicted to a hack n' slash title where the hacking and slashing itself wasn't really very enjoyable, but hey, I try not to overthink things when I'm having a good time with a game. The simple fact is, if the idea of building a dungeon tailor-made to lure in specific mobs, then rushing in and killing those mobs sounds appealing to you, then Dungeon Maker is most likely right up your alley. It's flawed, but I love it anyway.

Despite plain graphics, rather generic design, and even a bit of a hit detection annoyance, it's still really fun to build your own loot hole. Also encouraged is the pastime of fighting with your friends over whose is bigger after trading dungeons via ad hoc. If the summer heat is getting to you, it might be a good idea to head underground.

But screw you, demographics. And double screw you, genres. There's hardly anything in the way of story, and the actual hacking-n-slashing is a little simple, but if you need something new to shake up your monster chopping, a little architecture just might do it. And if Harvest Moon puts you to sleep, a little monster chopping should liven things up. It's a weird fusion, but it's worth playing if either of those elements holds any appeal for you.

For the first game in what hopes to be a long running series, there is space for improvement. There are a few features, just off the top of my head, I’d like to see implemented in future sequels. Multiplayer, deeper quests other than killing [insert monster name here] and bringing back trinkets to the museum curator are some things that would benefit this series greatly. If you are looking for a fresh and original title this summer, Dungeon Maker: Hunting Grounds fits that bill. Even if flawed, there are some fascinating ideas that are definitely worth a look. The greatest risk Dungeon Maker runs is being too niche but hopefully there are some adventurous gamers out there.

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground is a mixed bag. Rather than randomize everything, it allows players to create their own world, which is both its biggest draw and biggest flaw. For those who are looking for something new and unique on their PSP, or those who just want to get their creative juices flowing, Dungeon Maker might be something to look at. However, anyone seeking a dungeon crawl should look elsewhere, as Dungeon Maker simply feels too repetitive.

My hat's off to the folks at XSEED for coming up with a pretty nifty idea. But there is the kind of frustration felt in this game that will really turn off some players. If you can beat this 30-or-so-hours game, then you have the kind of determination and chutzpah that very few do.

Even with its flaws, Dungeon Maker: Hunting Grounds rises above its individual parts to offer a fresh take on old standbys. You've probably built dungeons before, if not cities or houses, and you've probably already slayed thousands of monsters in other games. But here, they're combined in a nice package where neither element feels out of place. It's also a good value, adding up to a good 30 or more hours of gameplay, though the tedious nature of the combat may cause you to move on 10 or 15 hours into the game. Still, it's worth a look, thanks to its original blend of two disparate styles of play.

But you will return - the dungeon building is fun and will bring you back, which is a credit to the quality of the gameplay. I hope that if the developers decide to make a sequel, they can focus on the combat - now that would make for an incredibly addictive experience! Until then however, Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground is a solid game with a number of innovative features that is fresh and fun, even if it ultimately falls a little short of the mark. This is the sort of game that PSP owners should buy to support the efforts of developers trying new things and making something other than just another generic hack 'n' slash or Final Fantasy clone, and even if you take breaks in between your playing sessions, you'll still keep on coming back for more.

Overall, this is a good game. I think most people will be bored by it, but RPG lovers will get a kick out of it. If you are someone who enjoys classic fantasy or the often tedious task of creating dungeons, you will probably enjoy this game as I did. This is not for everyone, however. If you've read the entire review of the game though, then you may be a candidate for its purchase. Give the game a chance and stick with it. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a unique title that will only get better if a sequel is released.

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground is a great title for anyone in search of a new gameplay experience, especially for the PSP. To some like myself, the dungeon-making/questing pattern can grow weary after some time, and certainly so due to unlocking upgrades taking longer as the game progresses. Long enough to put hours logged up into the high twenties. To others, they'll be in heaven, as the game isn't complicated in any way, but actually very accessible. Anyone can pick it up and immediately understand what's going on, which is the game's greatest strength for an idea that could have been terribly overdone. To anyone who's ever thought they could put together a masterful dungeon, or those who want a simple action-RPG where they're in control of the level, Dungeon Maker mixes both together quite well. With a dungeon-sharing option included, there's just enough value in this game to call it a solid purchase.

And therein lies my dilemma. Despite knowing that the game was often a waste of time, I couldn't help wasting it far more than I should have. Does that make it a good bad game, or just a good game that was poorly executed? Even after pouring a full day's worth of play time into it, did I really have anything to show for it? So here I am, stuck trying to figure out what to give the game, score-wise. In the end, whatever it is that kept me coming back had to be accounted for, but unless you're a die-hard dungeon crawler fan, I would warn you to stay away. Me, I think I just need to see if I put down enough marble in all my hallways on that floor...

The large amount of replayability thanks to the flexibility of building your own dungeon works extremely well for Dungeon Maker. Similarly, the premise is a definite switch in the dungeon arena, which has easily been dominated by more malevolently themed titles like the classic Dungeon Keeper franchise. However, the fact that players can never rely upon monsters you're trying to attract, the features they design or money within the game that you need to enhance yourself or your dungeon is a huge exercise in frustration. As a result, this game will only appeal to a tiny audience of dungeon designers.