Returning to the Abyss After a 7-Month Break

After a hiatus of 7 months, I decided to revisit the fantasy world of the Abyss, a "free-to-play" ARPG with roguelike elements. Excited to discover what had changed, my journey unfolded with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

Background:

   The Abyss had initially captured my attention with its captivating blend of dark fantasy, biotechnology, and co-op roguelike gameplay. Chapter 8 promised new challenges, treasures, and opportunities for seasoned adventurers. I was ready to dive back into the ever-shifting depths.

Game Presentation:

   The visual and immersive aspects of the game remained consistent with its earlier appeal. The dark and mysterious atmosphere, coupled with the strategic importance of planning, crafting, and teamwork, maintained the game's distinct flavor.

New Things I Saw:

New Paywall Characters:

The introduction of new characters behind paywalls raised concerns about accessibility and fairness.

New Chapters:

Chapter 8 expanded the game world, adding layers to the dungeon crawl experience.

New Weapon and Skill Enhancement System:

A revamped system offered more depth to character progression.

New Time-Sucking Events:

The presence of time-consuming events felt overwhelming, affecting the pace of the game.

Device Performance:

Notably, the game's improved optimization was appreciated, sparing my device from the heat issues experienced in the past.

 

More Paywall Bundles:

An increase in paywall bundles raised concerns about the game's monetization strategy.

Is it worth playing? For me, NO

   Despite the visual appeal and some improvements, the introduction of more paywall elements and time-consuming events detracted from the overall enjoyment. The game's shift towards a heavier monetization model left me questioning its balance and accessibility.

Returning to the Abyss after a 7-month hiatus revealed a mixed experience. While the game retained its atmospheric charm and introduced some commendable updates, the increased reliance on paywalls and demanding events tilted the scales unfavorably. For players seeking a more balanced and accessible ARPG experience, the current state of the Abyss may not align with their expectations.