Dungeons of Hinterberg – A Unique Austrian Adventure Awaits
If you’re craving a getaway from daily life, Dungeons of Hinterberg offers an escape like no other. This unique Game Pass title follows Luisa, a young woman from Vienna who heads to the scenic village of Hinterberg, nestled in the Austrian Alps, for a mix of adventure, magic, and self-discovery. Combining action-RPG elements with a “life sim” vibe, Dungeons of Hinterberg provides a refreshing take on exploration, combat, and character interaction.
Morning Dungeons and Alpine Charm
Dungeons of Hinterberg has a gameplay structure that’s divided by day and night. Each morning, players choose one of four different regions to explore, each with unique environments and magic abilities. For example, the Doberkogel area lets you summon bombs to clear paths or defeat enemies, while the Kolmstein mountain offers a hoverboard for fast-paced descents. This variety keeps each zone fresh and adds an intriguing layer to the world.
Each area is home to over 20 dungeons, each with unique puzzles and challenges inspired by classic Zelda-style 3D gameplay. Players navigate obstacles, solve puzzles, and fight foes to progress. Though linear in layout, the dungeons are full of secrets, encouraging exploration off the main path for rewards like new gear. Puzzles often involve moving boxes, redirecting light beams, or hitting switches in the right order, with each mechanic smoothly introduced and then layered to increase the complexity.
Battling the Monsters of Austrian Folklore
Of course, dungeons come with their share of danger. In Dungeons of Hinterberg, enemies inspired by Austrian folklore, like Krampus and Blutschink, add a unique cultural twist to combat. Using a combination of Luisa’s magic abilities and trusty sword, battles can be intense. While combat isn’t as polished as the puzzles, boss battles bring additional excitement with unique mechanics that break up the action.
Persona-Style Downtime and Relationship Building
After a day of adventuring, players return to the town of Hinterberg. Here, you can visit shops for new equipment and potions or enjoy local entertainment like a boat rental, cinema, or bar. By interacting with the residents and other adventurers, you can strengthen relationships and gain perks, such as upgrades for Luisa’s sword or tips on unlocking hidden chests. This adds depth to the game, similar to the social elements found in Persona, though with a lighter touch.
This cycle of morning dungeon exploration and evening socializing creates an enjoyable gameplay loop. The excitement of discovering what each new dungeon holds pairs well with relaxing evenings in town, where players can unwind, improve gear, and engage with the characters. Each day feels fresh and engaging, making it hard to put the game down.
A Cozy Visuals and Relaxed Alpine Atmosphere
Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a calming escape into nature, complete with beautiful, hand-drawn visuals and a soothing soundtrack. The game’s setting and art style make it feel like a mini-vacation in the Alps. Hinterberg’s relaxed environment, combined with its unique regional flair, gives it a genuinely local feel. The use of Austrian cultural references—such as traditional dress, local dialects, and schnitzel on the menu—adds depth and charm.
While the overall story focuses on the mystery of the magic in Hinterberg and Luisa’s self-reflection, the narrative never becomes too intense, keeping the tone light and introspective. This balance makes Dungeons of Hinterberg feel both meaningful and enjoyable.
Room for Improvement in Dungeons of Hinterberg
Despite its many strengths, Dungeons of Hinterberg has a few areas for improvement. The lack of voice acting takes away from the experience, as the Austrian dialect could have added more authenticity to the dialogue. Similarly, while Luisa’s weapons have unique designs, her armor changes are purely statistical, not altering her appearance. The platforming mechanics also lack a dedicated jump button, which can make certain sections frustrating.
Additionally, while the combat is fun, it’s not particularly challenging, meaning some upgrades and consumables go unused. A bit more balance here could have improved the gameplay experience even further. However, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things and could be refined in future updates or sequels.
Get the game here.
