Review of Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition

Kalypso Media and Realmforge Studios have brought Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition to players, offering a thrilling experience where you construct and enhance dungeons to take down those annoying dwarves. Let’s dive into what makes this installment a delightful addition to your gaming library.

In Dungeons 4, you step into the shoes of Dark Elf Thalya, dedicated to serving the Absolute Evil. Your mission is to build a comfy dungeon that meets the needs of your monstrous minions, only to then unleash them upon the unsuspecting Overworld. But beware, it’s not all smooth sailing. Keeping your dungeon secure is crucial, as you corrupt forests to bring them under your dark influence. Be prepared for relentless attacks by not only dwarves but also humans and elves, all seeking to plunder your dungeon’s treasures. To thwart their efforts, you’ll need to strategically place traps and bolster your forces as you tackle 20 fully-voiced missions and a series of skirmish maps, proving who truly rules—err, who serves the master the best.

Think of this Nintendo Switch Edition as a Deluxe version of Dungeons 4. Along with the core game, you get some delightful extras. Thalya sports an exclusive “Princess” outfit, and there’s a stylish new look for the Little Snots and a unique throne room skin. Plus, you can explore the ‘Storming of Dollaran’ map, use additional skins for Thalya and the Evil Hand, and enjoy the official soundtrack and digital artbook. Just a note, for the soundtrack and artbook, make sure your console is online to grab the download code, which is only valid for 60 minutes.

Once you’re immersed in the game, you’ll work your way through those missions, using your resources wisely. Control the camera using the left stick, and use the A button to select units. Give your minions commands to either move to strategic locations or attack enemies. They’ll automatically engage any foes within their reach. The – button lets you activate mission-specific abilities, such as unleashing Thalya’s fearsome fury.

You can opt to select individual units manually or quickly gather your entire squad by pressing up on the D-Pad. Once you’ve organized your troops, guide them with the Y button, sending them to confront enemy clusters—who likely won’t stand a chance against your might.

As you conquer enemies and grow your army—rescuing some captured allies along the way—you’ll see your influence expand, transforming the world with fiery brimstone and decay, both visually satisfying and emblematic of the Absolute Evil’s power over the land.

Moreover, strive to achieve the objectives in each mission to unlock in-game achievements. Take the first mission, “The Last Stand,” as an example. Your tasks include beating the level on any difficulty (adjustable with Y before starting), ensuring Thalya’s survival, and eliminating 10 heroes while Thalya’s Fury is active.

While Dungeons 4 on the Switch retains its charm, the graphics have been slightly downgraded to fit the console’s capabilities, more noticeable in Portable or Tabletop modes or when playing on a Switch Lite.

Ultimately, Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition offers a premium experience packed with extra content. And don’t forget the expansion, The Good, The Bad, and the Evil. For $14.99, you gain access to 5 new fully-voiced missions set in a fresh locale, where you face off against new dwarf adversaries—the Pistolero, Machine Dwarf, Crack Shot, and Brewmaster—alongside deadly new traps and units to add to your arsenal.

Priced at $49.99, Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition is available now, ready to deliver an entertaining, darkly humorous gaming experience.

Disclaimer: This Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Kalypso Media.