Dungeons of Hinterberg (PS5) | Review | A Magical Alpine Getaway

Dungeons of Hinterberg, developed by Microbird Games and published by Curve Games, finally arrives on the PS5 on March 13, 2025, after charming players on Xbox and PC in 2024. This indie gem offers a refreshing blend of action RPG dungeon-crawling, clever puzzles, and Persona-inspired social simulation, all wrapped in a vibrant, cel-shaded art style that makes the Austrian Alps pop off the screen. It's a virtual vacation that promises relaxation with a dash of adventure, but does it deliver a trip worth taking on Sony's console?

You play as Luisa, a burnt-out lawyer trading her briefcase for a sword to tackle the magical dungeons of Hinterberg, a fictional Alpine town turned tourist hotspot. The premise is delightfully quirky. Instead of ski slopes, Hinterberg boasts 25 unique dungeons filled with monsters, puzzles, and a touch of magic. By day, you'll explore four distinct biomes, snowy peaks, lush forests, murky swamps, and more all while using a mix of sword play and region-specific magical abilities like conjuring jelly blocks or riding a hoverboard. By night, you're back in town, unwinding with locals and fellow adventurers over schnitzel and stories.

The game's art direction is a stand out spectacle, with it's colorful, and cartoonish visuals enhanced by judicious cel-shading and halftone effects. Whether you're slicing through enemies against a backdrop of jagged mountains or chatting by a serene lake, 'Dungeons of Hinterberg' feels like a living storybook. It's the kind of aesthetic that invites you to linger, soaking in the scenery even when the action slows.

The core gameplay loops splits your time between dungeon-delving and socializing, striking a balance that's equal parts engaging and laid-back. The dungeons themselves are bite-sized yet varied, each offering a distinct puzzle or combat challenge that rarely overstays it's welcome. You might be hopping across platforms formed by falling stalactites one moment and encasing foes in jelly the next. While the puzzles aren't brain-bendingly complex, they're satisfying and intuitive, making clever use of Luisa's magical toolkit. Combat, meanwhile, starts simple including light and heavy attacks with a dodge, but grows more dynamic as you unlock abilities like combo meters and spin attacks. It's not revolutionary, but it's snappy and fun, with a few standout boss fights to spice things up.

Back in town, the social simulation shines. Spending evenings with Hinterberg's eclectic cast, Ranging from the disillusioned DJ to a self-doubting ice cream vendor. Each of which unlocks perks like stat boosts or new gear, weaving narrative depth into practical rewards. These interactions aren't just fluff. They flesh out a story about burnout, tourism's double-edged sword, and finding purpose. It's a lighter take on Persona's relationship mechanics, casual enough to avoid overwhelming but meaningful enough to keep you invested. 

That said, 'Dungeons of Hinterberg' isn't a flawless getaway. On the PS5, even with the promise of Pro-level performance, the game struggles with occasional framerate drop and brief screen freezes, particularly during the busier combat moments. These hiccups don't ruin the experience, but they're noticeable enough to pull you out of the alpine reverie. The combat, while enjoyable, can feel a tad repetitive over the 20-25 hour runtime, and the lack of visual customization including things like unchanging armor appearances feels like a missed opportunity in a game so focused on style.

The pacing also stumbles in it's final act, where a more linear story takes over, limiting your freedom to befriend everyone in town. It's a shame, as the characters are a highlight, and being forced down a a specific path undercuts the relaxed, choose-your-own-adventure vibe that defines the early game.

The Verdict ...

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a delightful indie escape that blends Zelda-esque dungeon design with a chill, socially rich twist. It's vibrant world and quirky premise make it a standout experience on the PS5, especially with the inclusion of all prior content plus a new bonus episode for this release. It's not without it's rough edges, technical hiccups, and a slightly gated endgame which hold it back from perfection, but it's hard not to fall for it's charm. for players seeking a low-pressure adventure with heart, this slaycation is a ticket worth punching.