Game: Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 – The Dead Kings Secret
Genre: Action, Adventure, Puzzle
System: iOS (also available on Steam (Windows), Nintendo Switch & Android)
Developer|Publisher: Prof. Dr. Christoph Minnameier
Age Rating: US E10+ | UK 7+
Price: US $3.99 | UK2.99 | EU € 3.99
Release Date: December 29th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Prof. Dr. Christoph Minnameier.
Dungeons of Dreadrock 2: A Generous Second Helping
The original Dungeons of Dreadrock was a fantastic grid-based adventure that mixed dungeon crawling with clever puzzle-solving. It required players to pay close attention to the environment, often demanding creative thinking to overcome the challenges presented. While it initially appeared to tread familiar ground, it managed to carve out a unique identity with its thoughtful design and engaging gameplay. Naturally, a sequel was anticipated, and it has arrived in the form of Dungeons of Dreadrock 2: The Dead King’s Secret. Rather than reinventing the wheel, this follow-up refines and expands on the original’s solid foundation, providing another engaging puzzle experience set in a richly detailed fantasy world.
A Story That Expands the World
This time around, the story runs parallel to the events of the first game. Instead of reprising your role from the original, you play as a sorceress, a priestess of the Order of the Flame, on a quest to recover the Crown of Wisdom. The narrative remains light, with world-building and connections to the first game delivered through short, effective cutscenes. Fans of the original will appreciate the nods to its characters and story beats, while newcomers can still enjoy the journey without prior knowledge. There are even subtle hints that suggest a third game may be on the horizon, promising to complete the trilogy.
Clever Grid-Based Puzzles
The game spans 100 floors, each presenting a unique challenge that combines dungeon crawling with intricate puzzle-solving. The goal is simple: find the exit. However, the path is rarely straightforward. Right from the start, each floor feels meticulously designed, offering a variety of obstacles to overcome.
You’ll face challenging enemies that require a strategy to defeat, often by luring them into traps or exploiting their patterns. Some levels demand precise timing, such as flicking switches or activating pressure pads to unlock the way forward. Items are scattered throughout the dungeons and must be used strategically to progress. Even the boss battles are designed as puzzles, requiring careful observation and problem-solving to prevail.
What stands out most is the game’s ability to keep its puzzles fresh. Despite the many levels, it rarely repeats itself, constantly introducing new mechanics and challenges. The design encourages exploration and experimentation, often requiring you to talk to NPCs, read notes, or revisit earlier floors to uncover the solution. These moments of realization make the game incredibly rewarding, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment after solving a particularly tricky puzzle.
Help When You Need It
Puzzles can be challenging, but the developer has thoughtfully included a hint system. If you’re stuck, you can activate step-by-step hints to nudge you in the right direction gently. For those truly unable to solve a level, there’s even an option to skip it entirely. This accessibility ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game without frustration.
One minor critique is the lack of additional checkpoints within some of the longer puzzles. Having to restart an entire floor after making significant progress can feel a bit tedious. Still, the game’s overall design minimizes this frustration by keeping levels concise and engaging.
Touch Controls and Accessibility
The game uses simple swipe-based touch controls for movement and combat, paired with an intuitive item-use system. While the controls are straightforward and effective for most players, touchscreens can sometimes struggle with precision during fast-paced moments. Personally, I’ve found touch controls less reliable as I’ve gotten older, which made some of the game’s more frantic sequences challenging for me. A virtual D-pad option might have been a welcome addition for players who share this issue.
Fortunately, Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 is also available on other platforms with alternative control schemes, offering flexibility for players who may prefer a controller or keyboard setup.
Atmospheric Dungeons
The game features detailed sprite work and smooth animations that bring the dungeons to life. While the environments can feel a bit repetitive, it’s fitting for a game centred around exploring dungeons. The atmosphere is enhanced by a suitably ominous soundtrack that evokes a sense of mystery and danger. Something I certainly appreciated is that the text is nice and big, and it is easy to read, even on a small phone screen.
One element worth noting is the inclusion of some blood in the game’s visuals. Enemies collapse into pools of blood upon defeat, and your character’s footprints can stain the stone floors. While these details add to the atmosphere, parents considering this game for younger players may want to be aware of them.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering a fresh collection of inventive puzzles that challenge and reward players. While it doesn’t drastically change the formula, the game’s thoughtful design and expanded world make it a worthy continuation of the series.
If you enjoyed the first game, this sequel is an easy recommendation. For those new to the series, starting with the original may be a good idea, but if you’re a fan of puzzle games that demand creative thinking, Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 is a strong choice. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game and am excited to see what the future holds for the series.
Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot 
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