Unto Deepest Depths (Switch) Review – Brutal Roguelike Tactics Done Right

Unto Deepest Depths, developed by McCollum Games in collaboration with Flynn's Arcade as the publisher, delivers a compelling dark fantasy experience on the Nintendo Switch. This punishing roguelite blends procedural exploration with meticulous turn-based strategy RPG combat, where every unit in your party is forced to move and strike each turn with no passive defending allowed. The result is a high-tension battlefield that rewards foresight and punishes hesitation, as positioning can mean the difference between victory and a party wipe.

The Gameplay ...

The combat tutorial, which introduces you to the gameplay as top option at the main menu, shines by easing players into the game's core mechanic, starting with basic grid-based movement where each character repositions before unleashing an attack tailored to their class abilities. Ranged units snipe from afar but risk friendly fire, melee fighters close gaps aggressively, and spellcasters or support offer area of effect attacks, all demonstrated through guided battles that highlight how abilities interact dynamically, like area-of-effect blasts that demand careful maneuvering to avoid self-inflicted losses.

At the heart of the experience lies the "Venture Forth" mode, the primary roguelike campaign. It kicks off with straightforward setup. You get to name your leader, pick a starting role or job that influences early abilities, and select an initial party of class-based characters, each with distinct strengths like knights, peasants, archers, and mages. From there, you dive into branching paths across five eerie biomes, encountering random events that offer tough choices, recruit allies, snag upgrades, or risk curses alongside skirmishes against elite foes and bosses that test your build's synergy.

The Presentation ...

Presentation nails a retro dark fantasy vibe with crisp pixel graphics that evoke classic tactical RPGs, enhanced by atmospheric post-processing for shadowy depths and glowing effects during clashes. The soundtrack delivers crunchy, synth-driven tracks that amp up the dread and urgency, perfectly syncing with the grid-based action.

The Verdict ...

Overall, Unto Deepest Depths earns a strong verdict for its tight content loop, including quick runs packed with depth, and sky-high replay value from unlocks like new difficulty tiers, potent upgrades, specialized promotions, and alternate starting parties that encourage endless experimentation. It's best suited for fans of tactical RPGs like Fire Emblem or Slay the Spire who crave roguelite permadeath and chess-like positioning on the go.