Crimson Desert: A Vast Open World with Uneven Execution

Crimson Desert, developed by Pearl Abyss, aims for the ambitious scope of open-world epics like Red Dead Redemption and The Witcher. Set on the expansive continent of Pywel, the game throws players into a brutal conflict and a quest for answers surrounding a fallen clan and otherworldly powers. Whereas boasting a stunning world, challenging puzzles, and an epic soundtrack, Crimson Desert is hampered by unresponsive controls, an average main storyline, and technical issues.

A Story of Tragedy and Discovery

Players assume the role of Kliff, a member of the Greymane clan, thrust into a desperate fight for survival after a devastating attack. The narrative unfolds on three levels: regional conflicts, the struggle for control of Pailune (the Greymane region), and an overarching saga of saving the world. However, the main storyline feels fragmented, serving primarily as a means to transition between regions and side activities. The game features English accents from the British Isles in its voice acting.

A World Ripe for Exploration

Pywel is a massive and detailed world, taking hours to traverse from one finish to the other. It’s filled with hidden ruins, bandit camps, and intriguing locations revealed through exploration or by following clues from a “reflection of the blade.” The game encourages players to deviate from the main path, where its true strengths lie.

Engaging Puzzles and Dynamic Combat

Crimson Desert features a variety of puzzles, ranging from simple statue rotations to complex symbol searches and constellation-based riddles. Combat involves liberating camps by reducing enemy influence, often requiring the destruction of key buildings and dealing with reinforcements. The game offers a deep system of equipment upgrades and customization through cores, allowing players to experiment with different builds.

Building a Fresh Home

A significant aspect of the game involves rebuilding the Greymane clan’s home. Players locate and recruit scattered comrades, expanding the camp with new facilities like a cookhouse and blacksmith. This camp management system is surprisingly deep, offering ongoing tasks and rewards, and contributing to a sense of progression beyond the main storyline. Players can engage in activities like farming, ranching, and fishing.

Frustrating Controls and Technical Issues

Despite its strengths, Crimson Desert suffers from significant control issues. The game doesn’t respond well to rapid button presses, and movement feels heavy and imprecise. Parkour challenges are particularly frustrating, and even simple actions like collecting items can be cumbersome. The game is prone to bugs that can prevent progression, including quest failures and disappearing items.

Unbalanced Difficulty and Limited Character Utility

The game’s difficulty is uneven, with some boss fights feeling unfairly challenging while others are easily overcome. While three playable characters are available (Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka), their utility is limited, as many quests and activities require players to control Kliff specifically. Inventory management is also a significant issue, with limited space and a lack of convenient storage options.

A Promising Foundation with Room for Improvement

Crimson Desert presents a compelling open-world experience with a wealth of content and a stunning environment. However, technical issues and control problems detract from the overall experience. While the developers have already released patches addressing some concerns, further refinement is needed to fully realize the game’s potential. Despite its flaws, Crimson Desert offers a unique and engaging adventure for players willing to overlook its shortcomings.

Verdict: 7/10