Monomyth

Monomyth caught my attention for one simple reason: it's a game that attempts to bring back the classic first-person dungeon crawler intro to the fray. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers those dark-themed games where the challenges inside a linear 3D dungeon seemed endless. Still, I remember the rewarding feeling of completing them through concentrated effort. At least, I hope that's what the game is trying to bring back!

Monomyth is a profoundly atmospheric dungeon-crawler that wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Drawing from a diverse range of classic games, it delivers an immersive experience that borrows elements from the genre pioneers. However, despite its many influences, Monomyth finds its own identity through a mix of gameplay styles that constantly shifts tone and approach, creating a unique and somewhat disorienting adventure.

A Twist in the Myth

One of the most intriguing aspects of Monomyth is its unpredictable variety in tone and gameplay. Players sometimes find themselves in claustrophobic, eerie catacombs reminiscent of early RPG series, battling undead enemies amidst glowing blue crystals. In other moments, the game emulates gothic environments with ruined churches, ancient battlefields, and fortress-like environments. These shifts in location are visually distinct and shift the gameplay from combat-heavy encounters to puzzle-solving and sneaking sequences.

For example, in certain sections that evoke horror, Monomyth demands players to navigate high-level enemies by sneaking around them while solving intricate puzzles and discovering secret passages. This contrast from one style to another keeps players on their toes, ensuring that no gameplay loop feels stale before changing gears entirely. The game creates an almost hypnotic cycle as you explore deeper into its web of tunnels, meeting bizarre NPCs such as a talking rat who surrenders his treasures in exchange for his life.

The tone, too, can shift from dark and mysterious to absurd and surreal, especially with its strange cast of characters. In this regard, Monomyth succeeds, where the player often feels utterly lost in a hostile, mysterious, and slightly absurd world. The game’s ability to keep the player feeling both enthralled and confused at the same time is one of its standout strengths.

However, Monomyth is not without its flaws. The game’s current build has several technical issues that somewhat mar the overall experience. Most notably, the lack of controller support is a glaring omission in a game that feels like it would benefit from such functionality. Moreover, frequent frame-hitching problems and graphical glitches detract from the otherwise rich and immersive atmosphere that the game successfully builds. While relatively minor, these technical hiccups can break immersion, especially in a game that relies heavily on atmosphere and exploration.

Dungeon Crawler Learning to Walk

In terms of enemy and weapon variety, Monomyth also struggles a bit. While functional, The enemy design lacks the creative spark of the best dungeon crawlers. Draugr-like zombie soldiers, slimes, and rats make up the bulk of enemies, and while these fit the genre’s conventions, they make the game’s world feel somewhat generic.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A unique blend of atmospheric dungeon-crawling, puzzle-solving, and combat across a variety of tones and environments
• Engaging NPC interactions and surreal world-building that keeps players intrigued
• Constant shifts in gameplay that prevent the experience from feeling repetitive

Cons:

• Technical issues, including graphical glitches and lack of controller support, affect immersion
• Limited enemy and weapon variety make parts of the game feel generic
• Some tonal shifts can feel jarring, breaking the consistency of the overall experience