Crimson Desert Hands-on Impressions: Gripping Combat Surrounded by Beauty

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2025 promises to be both thrilling and challenging in the realm of gaming. Notably, Grand Theft Auto VI is approaching, Battlefield is making a comeback to its original roots, and we can’t forget about the anticipated release of Nintendo’s next-gen console, Switch 2! Regardless of your preferred genre or series, 2025 stands out as a year that embodies ambition. This sentiment echoes in Pearl Abyss, the creative minds behind their own ambitious project, Crimson Desert.

In spite of fierce competition in the gaming industry, Pearl Abyss continues undeterred as they gear up for the release of Crimson Desert, a future open-world action-adventure set against the breathtaking and harsh landscape of the continent Pywel.

The narrative revolves around Kliff Macduff, our central character who’s a talented warrior, finding himself amidst a struggle for power among influential factions. In an attempt to understand his past, Kliff leads players on a journey brimming with exploration, discovery, and exhilarating combat encounters. This voyage allows us to observe the turmoil that engulfs him and his team of mercenaries. As war grips the continent, players will encounter various trials in search of the truth behind the impending doom threatening Pywel and their efforts to reestablish the tranquility it once knew.

Just recently, I was fortunate enough to give Crimson Desert a spin at CCP Games’ London studio. Initially, I must admit, I approached it with a touch of apprehension. You see, there are plenty of open-world action-adventures out there already, like Assassin’s Creed and Ghost of Tsushima, both boasting new installments or soon to do so. Adding another contender to the mix this year, I found myself cautiously intrigued about how Crimson Desert would manage to carve its niche amidst the burgeoning sea of competition. Yet, it didn’t take long for my doubts to be alleviated and my excitement levels soaring.

As a gamer diving into this new adventure, I was first treated to a quick video walkthrough that highlighted the exciting elements I’d encounter throughout my gaming journey. This demo specifically showcased the game’s battle and combat mechanics, offering four challenging boss fights of varying difficulty for me to select. The combat controls were intricate, so a handy guide was provided on the table to help navigate the complex moves available in battle. It seemed daunting at first due to the numerous combinations, but as I got the hang of it, it became much more manageable.

Among the initial aspects that struck me upon diving into Crimson Desert was its awe-inspiring graphics. I’ve had my share of visually stunning video games throughout the years, but the BlackSpace Engine elevates realism to unprecedented heights, leaving me thoroughly impressed by the level of detail. During my gaming session, it was presented in 4K at 60fps, and not only did it look great, but the gameplay also felt robust.

In Crimson Desert’s expansive universe, diverse terrains such as forests, deserts, and snowy mountain ranges stretch out, visible even before and after battles with bosses. I found an interesting feature – adjusting the camera angle using the DualSense touchpad, offering perspectives from first-person view. However, this feature won’t be accessible during combat; instead, you can utilize it while exploring the environment, finding it especially helpful when a detailed view is needed.

Beyond the visuals, what truly caught my attention was the vast array of differences between the boss battles. From my initial skirmish to the final one, each boss displayed unique talents and strategies that required distinct tactics from me. Much like other action-adventure RPGs, these boss fights included a health bar at the top of the screen, adding an element of tension. I thought each battle had ended, but it was just beginning. Instead, a short cutscene would play before I was thrust back into combat, with the boss’ health restored and their aggression level increased.

In this game, the various attack combinations were useful for defeating opponents, but I discovered that the stamina gauge was equally crucial, and I’ll explain why shortly. Each time I evaded, sprinted, or leaped, my stamina drained quickly, often forcing me to absorb powerful blows instead. This made it essential to time my dodges precisely, as any mistake would swiftly deplete my health bar.

Regarding the tools at my disposal, I found myself armed with a stolen sword from my initial boss battle, accompanied by a shield, and a bow and arrows. Frankly, I had a thrilling time using that bow, literally speaking. In most encounters with bosses, I was encouraged to employ the explosive arrows for substantial damage on my target. Taking this advice to heart, I swiftly equipped these explosive arrows via the convenient weapon wheel, and upon each successful strike, I’d follow up with a sword attack sequence before retracting to replenish health and stamina. Yet, some of my adversaries were incredibly agile, thus timing was crucial once more.

During a tough boss battle, I encountered the gem-studded Queen Stoneback Crab, the hardest foe in the demo. To advance, I had to scale its shell and attack vulnerable areas. This formidable opponent disguised itself as a massive rock and frequently knocked me off balance while I traversed its hazardous arena. Armed with extraordinary abilities and capable of flight using Crow’s Wing, I was able to maneuver back down whenever the mythical crab launched me into the air. This encounter emphasizes the importance of adapting my strategy for each fight due to the creature’s unique powers.

Regrettably, I didn’t have much freedom to wander and experiment during the gameplay session, nor did I get to test many non-combat related aspects. However, it was evident that when the complete game launches, the world will be expansive. Each boss battle location offered a distinct setting with varying weather and colors, providing a tiny glimpse of what lies ahead across the land.

In just a brief playtime, Crimson Desert appears unique among similar games due to its distinct qualities. While elements like those found in The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and Dark Souls are present, the game offers a fresh take that sets it apart from my previous gaming experiences. Strikingly, it combines realism with fantasy effectively, promising a diverse gaming experience for players.

As a fan, I must admit, I approached this demo with a touch of skepticism, fearing Crimson Desert might simply be another routine open-world action-adventure. But stepping into this world, I was immediately struck by its uniqueness. Each battle felt fresh, and every setting seemed to have its own distinct character. Even during this brief playthrough, I could sense that this world is brimming with personality and originality. It’s a refreshing experience that has me excited about the prospect of exploring a full, unrestricted version of this world. The demo left me in awe, hinting at layers of depth that I hadn’t anticipated.

As I’m typing this, Crimson Desert is planned for a release this year; however, the exact date has yet to be finalized. Once it’s officially out, players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S can look forward to diving into this exciting game.

We appreciate the invitation extended by Pearl Abyss and CCP Games, allowing us to experience Crimson Desert’s combat system firsthand through a demonstration.

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2025-04-12 01:12