Underkeep Is a Faithful Adaptation of the Classic Dungeon Crawler Format

Underkeep is the most classic of old-school dungeon crawler-type games I have seen released in a while, taking the classic grid-based, turn-based dungeon crawler format that we have all known for decades now and refurbishing it, bringing it into the modern era, and having you explore a world that is fully hand-crafted, alongside some gorgeous hand-drawn graphics.

Underkeep is described on its Steam page as a "loving tribute to the roleplaying classics of the '90s", and you don't even really need to be told that to see the passion the developer has for this game and the dungeon crawler genre in general. This looks like a classic straight out of a time machine from the '80s-'90s, but it also looks like it was released today, striking a balance that is hard to achieve.

Take on 4 adventurers that fit your team, and level them up to help you quest around the world of Underkeep. Pick a team that synergises well, as this can massively deepen your combat while being key to thriving in combat (and not becoming a warning skull for the next adventurer).

Underkeep follows this '80s inspiration down to a T, containing typical dungeon-crawling action you are used to, with grid-based movement and turn-based bouts aplenty, while modernising the controls and having some great quality-of-life improvements – such as an auto-map that tracks important points, and smoother controls that don't mar the overall experience or break immersion at all.

These controls and improvements let you explore a world full of secret bosses, items, and secrets in general (keep an eye out for hidden alcoves and false walls).

The art for Underkeep instantly caught my eye and is the first thing that drew me in; everything from the hand-drawn world to the simple things like clean UI and colour palette all blend together to make a game that, even from only trailers and screenshots, is visually stunning, which is again something I believe to be a challenge to achieve from a game of this format.

Fans of dungeon crawlers and retro games alike, I think, will enjoy this faithful homage to games of the past – so go show it some love on Steam by trying the free demo.