Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition, brought to us by Kalypso Media and Realmforge Studios, offers an entertaining experience where you craft a series of dungeons with the goal of taking down meddlesome dwarves. I explored every nook and cranny of the game for this review!
In Dungeons 4, you assume the persona of Dark Elf Thalya, tasked with fulfilling the whims of the Absolute Evil. This involves creating a hospitable dungeon environment to satisfy your creatures, only to then unleash them onto the Overworld for some well-planned chaos.
Of course, it’s not just mischief and merriment. Your dungeon requires defense mechanisms! As you venture into corrupting forests, expect resistance from those dwarves who might not appreciate your perfectly acceptable plans. Traps and creatures are essential for fending off not only dwarves but also elves and humans as they attempt raids to pilfer your precious resources. Your strategic might will be tested across 20 fully-voiced missions and various skirmish maps to assert control… as the devoted minion of the boss.
To sweeten the deal, think of Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition as the Deluxe version. Not only do you get the base game, but you also enjoy some exclusive perks like the “Princess” attire for Thalya, a new look for the Little Snots, and a fresh throne room skin. Additionally, it includes the ‘Storming of Dollaran’ map, and skins for Thalya and the Evil Hand. And don’t forget the official soundtrack and digital artbook! You’ll need an online connection to redeem these last items within 60 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Jumping into gameplay, you’re entrusted with completing the 20 missions using your available resources. Move around with the left stick, selecting units with A for issuing movement or attack commands. They’ll engage any enemies within their range automatically. A quick press of the – button might unleash a mission-specific action, like Thalya’s formidable fury.
When issuing commands, you can individually select units by hovering over them and pressing A, or quickly marshal your entire army by pressing up on the D-Pad. To move your chosen leaders, press Y where you want them to go, or press Y over a group of adversaries they’ll handily overcome.
As you vanquish foes, your legion grows, and you watch your influence spread, transforming landscapes from vibrant pastels to fiery, decayed arenas of the Absolute Evil’s design. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as witnessing the relentless expansion of dark power.
Moreover, you can aim to meet goals to unlock achievements for each mission. Take the inaugural mission, The Last Stand. Here, you’re challenged to complete the mission in any difficulty setting (adjustable by pressing Y before beginning), ensure Thalya remains undefeated, and eliminate 10 heroes while wielding Thalya’s Fury.
Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition brings plenty of fun as you craft dungeon after dungeon to deal with bothersome dwarves. Playing as Dark Elf Thalya, you must do whatever it takes to serve the Absolute Evil. However, graphics might take a slight hit, especially noticeable in Portable or Tabletop Mode or on the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Beyond the standard package, expect bonus content—like Thalya’s exclusive “Princess” outfit, a novel skin for the Little Snots, and a distinctive throne room upgrade. There’s even a ‘Storming of Dollaran’ map, various skins, and digital perks!
Available for $49.99, Dungeons 4 expands further with DLC named The Good, The Bad, and the Evil, priced at $14.99. This addition brings 5 new missions, a unique setting, and a band of four distinct dwarf foes, along with new traps and lethal units ready for combat thrills.
For transparency, this review is grounded in a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Kalypso Media.
