Sometimes, you will see a game and think that the concept of the game looks pretty intriguing. When you look at a trailer or photos, it might remind you of another game and make you want to try it out. When we first saw Abyssus, it reminded us of Deep Rock Galactic, Metal Hellsinger, and DOOM. So what do DoubleMoose Games and The Arcade Crew have in store for us with their upcoming game Abyssus? When the game reemerged, Brandon described it as a “Bioshock-inspired boomer shooter”. So, is the game closer to Bioshock or DOOM? Let’s find out. 

When we first booted up the Abyssus demo, it started us off with a tutorial. Sadly, we got called away to work on something else and closed the demo. When we came back, the tutorial was gone, and we were thrown into the main area. With limited information to go by, we decided to dive into the depths of the abyss and take on anything that got in our way. 

Abyssus is an FPS Roguelite where you must fight these mechanical contraptions to earn gold, find keys, and unlock power-ups. On each level, you will find an obelisk where you can choose between two power-ups; these power-ups vary based on each run. Once you have chosen your elemental power-up, you get to choose between two different status effects. This makes each run feel different and unique. 

In each run, you can also find locked chests that you can open if you have a key. This is just another element that makes each run unique and can alter the game’s experience. During our time with the game, no level felt exactly the same, with different enemies spawning each run, making it difficult to predict what you might fight next. The game’s music adds some adrenaline to the gameplay but is not on the same level as Metal Hellsinger or DOOM. The combat is similar to other shooters, but it still can be a fun experience.

The level design gives the impression that you are diving into an underwater temple. In theory, you would be diving into a submerged Atlantis Temple, however, the bosses give off more of an Aztec/Mayan aesthetic. 

The demo features online co-op with controller support, so if you are looking for a game to play with friends, then it is worth checking out Abyssus. We plan on playing the demo again as part of a community game night, so if you’d like to join us. Let us know.

Below is the Abyssus Steam description:

Muster your fireteam, blast through the corrupted denizens of an ancient, sunken civilization, and wield godly powers in Abyssus – a fast-paced cooperative FPS and roguelite brinepunk adventure.

Gather your friends and dive into Abyssus’ fast-paced multiplayer shooting action. Fight through gorgeous hand-crafted levels in a roguelite adventure that will put your tactical skills to the ultimate test. Wield powerful brine-powered weapons and refit them with ancient technologies to gain an edge over your foes. Obtain divine blessings to enhance your firepower with elemental and mystic effects.

In a world powered by brine, a rare and powerful substance only found in the deepest fathoms of the sea, your team of daring brinepunk explorers is recruited to claim a massive deposit located beneath the ruins of an ancient civilization. However, your mission becomes a frantic battle for survival when the sunken kingdom’s corrupted inhabitants rise against you

Will you survive to see the surface again, or will the abyss claim your life?

In Abyssus, cooperation means survival. Team up with fellow Brinehunters and carefully choose synergic loadouts, skills, suits, and weapon mods. Work together and fight through a merciless roguelite gauntlet, where no run is the same as the last.

Wield highly customizable, brine-powered armaments and infuse them with the might of ancient Gods. Master 8 weapons and 45 weapon mods, upgrading your skills and suit as you face the underwater kingdom’s mutated guardians.

Run after run, you’ll access more and more upgrades and tactical choices, but firepower alone won’t save you from the denizens of the depths. Mastering Abyssus’s visceral gunplay and fast-paced action will require tactical coordination, positioning skills, and cohesive teamwork.

The world of Abyssus is richly atmospheric and steeped in mystery. What untold secrets lie in the sunken kingdom? What gives brine its inexplicable powers? Can we weaponize an anglerfish? The answers lie deep down below…

Visceral, fast-paced FPS action, with top-notch weapon feel and combat responsiveness

Up to 4-players co-op

Roguelite meta progression with advancements, rewards, and unlocks

64 hand-crafted levels, procedurally sequenced to make every run a new experience

8 different weapons customizable with 45 weapon mods

Extensive pre-run and in-run character customization options

36 different enemies and four bosses that will put your skills to the challenge

… and more content to come after launch!