Super Dungeon Bros is a multiplayer-focused roguelike video game developed by React Games and published by Wired Productions. It was released worldwide in November 2016.

Super Dungeon Bros
Cover art for all regions/versions
Developer(s)React Games
Publisher(s)Wired Productions
EngineUnity 5
Platform(s)Windows
macOS
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
ReleaseWindows, PS4, Xbox One
November 1, 2016
macOS
December 20, 2016
Genre(s)Roguelike
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

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The game takes place in the fictional realm of Rökheim which comprises the worlds Cryptheim, Chillheim, and Bogheim, each of which is modeled after a different theme (underground, snow and jungle, respectively). Each location features a randomly generated layout that varies with every playthrough.

Super Dungeon Bros is a fast-paced, top-down action roguelike dungeon crawler. Players select one of four characters and traverse a labyrinth, slaying enemies and collecting coins and spheres of the respective player color while completing an overall objective. Puzzles and light platforming are also encountered throughout the dungeon. Coins are used to purchase extra lives and other power-ups with a merchant that can be found in the dungeons. While coins and upgrades are reset once the player dies or complete 5 dungeons in a level, gems are maintained and can be used to buy cosmetic helmets and new weapons,[1] each one varying in the amount of damage dealt and style of play (for instance, there are ranged and melee weapons). A "threat meter" tracks playtime in a dungeon, with a more powerful boss spawning the longer it takes a player to complete an area.[2]

Each gameplay sessions the players start with a set number of lives, and once diminished the game is over. While in multiplayer, the lives pool is shared. Up to four people may take part at once, either locally or in online co-op. In multiplayer, the lives pool is shared. Alongside online leaderboards are daily and weekly dungeons, which are unique locations only playable during a certain time slot. Cross-platform online play is available between PlayStation 4 and Windows/Mac users as well as Xbox and Windows 10 players.[3]

Release

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After numerous delays, the game was released worldwide on November 1, 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and personal computers.[3] THQ Nordic simultaneously published physical copies in North American and PAL territories.[3][4] At launch, the game was available for free during the month of November 2016 on Xbox One as part of the Games with Gold service.[5]

The title has received numerous updates since launch. The "broettes" (female equivalents to the four main male characters) were available as a free download for a two-week period after launch before becoming a paid add-on.[6] Update 1.02 was launched for PlayStation 4 and personal computers in December 2016 which included various fixes for glitches, improved load times, the ability to customize the number of players in a game (previously four were required to play) and private match making lobbies.[7][8] Additionally, compatibility for OS X was added, with Steam players receiving a free download for the Mac version. This patch launched on Xbox One in early 2017.[7]

Reception

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Super Dungeon Bros received mixed-to-negative reviews upon release. the game holds scores of 45.1% (PC), 50% (PS4) and 50.71% (Xbox One) on GameRankings, while also holding averages of 42 (PS4) and 53 (Xbox One) on Metacritic.[9][10][11][12][13] Generally the cooperative play was praised but the game was heavily faulted for various technical shortcomings.

References

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  1. ^ Tailby, Stephen (November 14, 2016). "Super Dungeon Bros Review (PS4)". pushsquare. Nlife Media. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  2. ^ Sutton, JC (November 11, 2016). "Super Dungeon Bros review: A disappointing, unbalanced Diablo clone". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Dunning, Jason (September 26, 2016). "Co-Op Brawler Super Dungeon Bros Launches on November 1 for PS4, Xbox One & PC". PlayStation Lifestlye. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  4. ^ "Super Dungeon Bros Confirmed Worldwide Retail Release". Wired Productions. July 23, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  5. ^ "Xbox Live Games With Gold For November 2016". Major Nelson. October 24, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  6. ^ "Broettes Announced". Wired Productions. October 27, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Bros Update Rolling out on PS4 and Steam". Wired Productions. December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  8. ^ Super Dungeon Bros boosted by pre-Christmas update and brand new format
  9. ^ a b "Super Dungeon Bros for PC". GameRankings. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Super Dungeon Bros for PS4". GameRankings. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Super Dungeon Bros for Xbox One". GameRankings. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Super Dungeon Bros Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  13. ^ a b "Super Dungeon Bros Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
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