Overview
Early impressions of Egoboo reveal a charming dungeon crawler that successfully captures the spirit of classic Zelda adventures while introducing some fresh cooperative elements. This action-RPG in development shows significant promise with its accessible multiplayer design and distinctive visual style, though technical hiccups and limited content currently hold it back from greatness. The game's foundation demonstrates clear passion from its creators, making it a title worth watching as development progresses.
Classic Dungeon Crawling with Cooperative Charm
Egoboo transports players into vibrant 3D dungeons where combat reigns supreme. The core loop revolves around methodically clearing rooms of creatures using an arsenal of weapons, spells, and inventory items. What elevates the experience is the clever character system featuring three distinct classes: the versatile Adventurer, the spell-slinging Wizard, and the supportive Healer. Each brings unique tools and playstyles to the journey, encouraging experimentation.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the local multiplayer implementation. Up to three players can dive into dungeons together using just a single keyboard - a rarity in modern gaming that creates wonderfully chaotic couch-coop sessions. This accessibility makes it easy for friends to jump in spontaneously, though dedicated controllers reportedly enhance the experience for longer playthroughs.
Egoboo is a well-made game with many interesting features. I can't wait until this finishes development.
Speedy
Visually, Egoboo embraces a stylized approach that prioritizes charm over technical prowess. The graphics won't win awards for realism, but they establish a cohesive aesthetic that complements the game's lighthearted dungeon-crawling spirit. This artistic direction pairs effectively with surprisingly detailed sound design, where weapon clashes and magical effects carry satisfying weight, making combat encounters feel impactful.
Development Growing Pains
As an in-development title, Egoboo shows its unfinished state through several noticeable rough edges. Technical stability emerges as the primary concern, with reports of bugs disrupting play sessions. The mouse wheel interaction appears particularly problematic, sometimes freezing controls entirely and forcing players to restart their game - a frustrating interruption during tense dungeon runs.
Content depth also remains a work in progress. While the existing levels provide two to four hours of entertainment depending on playstyle, completionists will quickly exhaust the current offerings. The inclusion of level-creation tools offers potential longevity, but these utilities present a steep learning curve that may deter casual creators from engaging with them deeply.
Verdict
Promising co-op dungeon crawler needs polish and content