"Depth" is often used to describe convoluted gameplay only the most hardcore care to learn. That’s not the case with "Dungeon Party." The fundamentals are easy to understand—get the treasure and bring it back to your starting area before the other team—and most of the mechanics can be learned in just a few minutes. Perhaps best of all, the three-quarter top down camera and point-and-click controls feel more snug than a broken-in pair of boots, or a concert tee you bought ten years ago and only wear when you’re alone because the band now sucks (actually they always did but you were too naive to know).

Littered about each level are traps, power-ups, and non-playable characters who will prevent both teams from obtaining their prize. All of these obstacles act as the X factor for every level, providing just enough variables to make every game unique, but never defining the experience or acting as an annoyance, unless you’re terrible, but that’s your fault.

I often criticize developers for not knowing the identity of the title they’re developing, but with “Dungeon Party” developer Cyanide defines it in every aspect. Humor oozes from each available crevice, but never feels forced or inappropriate, and character abilities are throttled to allow coordination between party members without placing overwhelming pressure. By the time the not-too-brief level is over, most will have reached and used their ideal character build, but not for too long. Following each match the deadly “just one more” bug latches onto player clicker-fingers and plants his barbs. For help on getting rid of the little bugger, go seek someone else. I’m still playing, and feeling a little jealous that I’m not the one responsible for this hilarious pick-up-and-play party game.

Review Kyle Stallock
August 5, 2009