Game: Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon
Genre: Action, Adventure
System: Steam (Windows) (also on IOS & Android)
Developer | Publisher: Cornfox & Brothers Ltd | FDG Entertainment
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $9.99 | UK £7.49 | EU € 9,99
Release Date: June 27th, 2025
A review code was provided, with many thanks to FDG Entertainment.
Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon – A Great Spin-Off Adventure
The Oceanhorn series has made a name for itself with two solid mainline titles, both clearly drawing inspiration from a certain iconic Nintendo franchise. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed those games, I was curious to see where the developers would take the series next. Instead of another sweeping action-adventure, Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon shifts gears entirely. This time, we’re diving into a dungeon-crawling spin-off that emphasises fast-paced action, local co-op, and good old-fashioned pick-up-and-play fun. It may be smaller in scale, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, accessibility, and replayability.
If Only I Could Turn Back Time
Set 200 years after the events of Oceanhorn 2, the game follows four brave adventurers exploring the mysterious Chronos Dungeon in search of the Paradigm Hourglass, an artifact said to turn back time and restore the broken world. While it’s a continuation of the series’ lore, you don’t need any knowledge of the previous games to jump in. The story is told through brief narrated segments rather than lengthy cutscenes, which keeps the pace brisk and focused on the action. The tone is more arcadey than dramatic, and that’s a big part of the game’s appeal.
Four Heroes, One Quest
Gameplay revolves around clearing procedurally generated dungeon floors filled with enemies, traps, puzzles, and boss fights. Each of the four heroes has their own distinct weapon and playstyle. The sword-wielding Knight plays similarly to the protagonists of the main games, offering balanced melee combat. Then there’s the agile Huntress with her bow and arrow, a Grandmaster who swings an axe impressive for what appears to be an old chap, and a Mage who surprisingly flings a hefty book at enemies. If you’re playing solo, you can swap between characters on the fly using the shoulder buttons. In local co-op, up to four players can each take on a role, which makes it a fantastic option for families or game nights with friends.
What makes this setup shine is how easy it is to get a feel for each character. Swapping between them in single-player not only helps you find your favourite but also encourages a more strategic approach to enemy encounters. Every character can also level up and gain perks through a simple skill tree, offering just enough progression to stay engaging without overcomplicating things.
Easy to Pick Up and Play
Controls are tight and intuitive. Each hero has a basic attack, a charge move, and a dodge. You can also pick up magical items during your journey, each with limited uses but powerful effects. These are activated with a single button press, ensuring the game remains accessible for younger or less experienced players. Before starting a run, you can select your difficulty level, which is a thoughtful feature for newcomers or those looking for a more casual session.
The Dungeon of Surprises
While the core dungeon-crawling loop may seem familiar, Chronos Dungeon adds just enough variety to keep things feeling fresh. Each floor introduces randomised elements, such as environmental modifiers and enemy threat levels. One of the game’s more interesting touches is the zodiac alignment system. At the start of each run, you align with a star sign, and if the dungeon’s randomised setting matches it, you get bonus perks for that level.
Even without the randomisation, the moment-to-moment gameplay remains satisfying thanks to solid combat, collectable coins, magic items, and engaging boss fights. Vendors appear from time to time, offering you gear and power-ups in exchange for your hard-earned coins. You’ll also find lore pages scattered throughout the dungeon, giving dedicated fans more insight into the series’ worldbuilding.
A Pixel-Perfect Presentation
Visually, the game takes a step away from the 3D look of previous entries and embraces a lush, pixel-art aesthetic. It’s a bold shift, but one that works. The characters are detailed and well-animated, and each dungeon floor feels alive with colour and visual variety. From mossy ruins to shimmering stone corridors, there’s a pleasing mix of classic dungeon designs and more natural, overgrown environments.
The music also deserves praise. It blends retro-style melodies with epic fantasy vibes, fitting the dungeon-crawling action perfectly. Each track adds to the game’s fast-paced yet light-hearted tone, making it easy to lose track of time as you delve deeper into Chronos Dungeon.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon is a delightful detour from the mainline series. Whether you’re playing alone or teaming up with family and friends, the game offers hours of fun wrapped in a nostalgic, approachable package. Its streamlined gameplay, couch co-op, and charming pixel visuals make it perfect for both casual players and veterans of the genre. If you’re looking for a game to jump into without needing a big time investment, or one that brings everyone together on the couch, this one is well worth your time.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
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