Paper Dungeon: Deep Down

On its various levels, it is teeming with opponents waiting to be defeated, puzzles to be solved (forcing us to use pressure plates, levers, or teleports), and traps set for us. There are also many references to the 1980s and the 1990s (from VHS tapes, through toys and textbooks to RPG games, ending with analog technology from the era).

Turn-based battles

The main focus here are the battles against opponents. The fights take place in a turn-based mode, where the placement of units on the battlefield is crucial, as well as how we utilize their strengths and weaknesses and individual skills. Our characters can take on specific roles in combat and possess unique abilities that allow them not only to attack enemies and defend against them but also to apply various status effects and combine them with specific skills. Besides setting enemies on fire or freezing them, we can, for example, douse opponents with water (to make them more susceptible to ice or electricity) or oil (to make them easier to ignite).

Recruiting companions and their development, visits to the attic

As we progress, we recruit new team members and develop those already enlisted, enhancing their abilities and stats, unlocking various perks, and gathering increasingly better equipment. During breaks from dungeon expeditions, we visit the attic, which serves as our safe haven.

Story

In Paper Dungeon: Deep Down we find ourselves trapped in the titular dungeon by a gigantic game master known as the Overseer. The place we have ended up in is a distorted reflection of our memories, and as we navigate through it, we gradually uncover a storyline that delves into themes such as guilt, loss, and longing for times gone by. As we progress, we learn more about who we are, what happened to us, and why we are stuck in the dungeon.

Graphics

The graphics of Paper Dungeon: Deep Down are presented in an intriguing style. The enemies take the form of moving figurines on large, round bases, and the Overseer is not only an observer but also interferes with the dungeon, allowing us to occasionally see his gigantic hands (which can, for example, move walls). The dungeon itself takes the form of a massive RPG game table.