This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!
Today’s Spotlight is It Lurks Below, a 2D dungeon crawling RPG with survival elements by Greybeard Games, an indie studio created by famed Diablo developer David Brevik.
Players build a character from one of eight classes and explore dangerous underground dungeons in a randomly generated world.
The game is fairly reminiscent of Terraria, and features loads of survival elements in addition to the dungeon crawling, though there are more casual difficulty settings that strip out these elements. Loot and items are also randomly generated just like in Diablo 1 and 2. You can check out the launch trailer above.
It Lurks Below is on Windows PC via Steam for $19.99.
Here’s a rundown of the game:
It Lurks Below is a retro-styled, 2D, action-oriented, survival RPG by David Brevik. Create a custom character and choose from several different classes to delve deep into the mysteries of what evil lurks below. Dig down and explore the randomly generated levels, find random items, and combat deadly monsters to get the answers.
Though this game looks similar to other games in the genre, it plays very differently. It is a true RPG, with many stats and character classes. It is very reminiscent of other games made by David Brevik such as Diablo, Diablo II, Hellgate: London and Marvel Heroes. With eight character classes to choose from, randomly generated levels, random stats on items, secret areas, bosses, a survival talent tree and three different play modes, it delivers a very different and unique gaming experience.
Are you ready to find out what Lurks Below?
CREATE YOUR CHARACTER
Bard (melee) – Wield the power of song and screaming to best your foes in battle. With trusty sword and shield and specializing in passive area effect damage and buffs, the bard is a force of nature in the battle field.
⠀⠀
Cleric (melee + ranged) – Come prepared for battle with heavy armor and plenty of healing power. Choose to fight with a mace and shield or a ranged wand. The cleric is the only class who is given this choice. Paired with its high survive-ability, it is the class that will outlive all others.
⠀⠀
Enchanter (ranged) – Stun and lighting are the enchanters tools of choice. What better way to avoid damage than stopping enemies in their tracks. If that wasn’t enough, the enchanter can wield the power of illusion and turn into a wisp and fly away.
⠀⠀
Necromancer (ranged) – Wielding the skulls of the dead as undead minions, marks the necromancer as the games resident pet class. Pair this with powerful poison and cold damage and self buffs, means the necromancer is an undead friendly powerhouse.
⠀⠀
Paladin (melee) – Dashing into combat wielding a powerful two handed sword or hammer makes the paladin one of the most formidable melee characters in the game. Consecrating the ground, area effect purification and damage are just a few of the tools this powerful holy warrior brings to the table.
⠀⠀
Rogue (melee) – Slip past enemies by hiding in the shadows and then when the moment is right, stab them with the rogue’s powerful dual wielding daggers.
⠀⠀
Warrior (melee) – Decide between defensive stance and offensive stance; both make the warrior an incredible beast in battle. While defensive stance focuses on survive-ability and offensive stance focuses on damage, both are incredibly satisfying, especially combined with the warriors whirlwind ability.
⠀⠀
Wizard (ranged) – Harnessing the power of the elements through powerful area affect spells make the wizard an unstoppable elemental force. Their spell set is rounded out with a drake companion and teleport.
⠀⠀⠀
CHOOSE YOUR GAME STYLE
Creative – Enjoy all the game has to offer in more relaxed setting. No need to worry about survival mechanics, though still have the benefit of the survival tree. Many of the recipes and building supplies are already unlocked, which makes it much easier to languish in the joy of building and farming the whole surface. With no invasions to worry about, the only monsters that will be encountered are below in the dungeon.
Descent – Same difficulty as Survival, just without the survival aspect. For anyone interested in just thrashing monsters and getting all the loot. No survival tree, no hunger, and no fatigue.
Survival – This is the original game design mode. Not that this makes the other modes any less valid, but most of the game is designed with Survival Mode in mind. This includes all the bells and whistles of surviving and the survival tree, paired with difficult dungeon challenges and plenty of invasions.
Hardcore – Both Survival and Descent have a hardcore option. This doesn’t change anything about the particular mode other than you get only one death.
Choose what works best for you! There are no wrong choices!
If you’re a developer and want your game showcased on Niche Spotlight, please contact us!
