Space is filled with the darkest of terrors, but humankind, in its ambitions to explore, seems to be unfazed in pushing the limits of science. Humans could not be more naive about the dangers of science. Every step towards progress puts another step towards darkness. When a special energy resource is trapped on a derelict space station, one must brave the monstrosities of science. Dolmen from Prime Matter and Massive Work Studio puts players in a Souls-like environment. There they will face dark and demented results of science gone horribly wrong. I played a hands-on demo of Dolmen at the Prime Matter booth and I came away eagerly awaiting the May 20th release.
Souls Right At Home
Dolmen is a Souls-like, so those familiar with the genre will feel right at home. A health bar, a stamina bar, and even difficulty. Even simple enemies can do devastating damage if not careful. Players have access to both close range and ranged weapons; From a laser pistol to an energy sword that feels reminiscent of the chainsaw blades from Warhammer 40K.
Energy Mode
The biggest difference setting Dolmen apart from the rest of the Souls genre is a key combat mechanic, necessary for survival; Energy Mode. Energy Mode imbues the entire suit, including the weapons, with elemental power. For the sake of the demo, I was given an ice ability to work with. Activating Energy Mode gave me some protection against the physical attacks of the enemies, but also encased enemies in ice, slowing them down and allowing me to cut into their health. Using the energy mode was immeasurably satisfying against the smaller, more nimble, foes. Nonetheless, those foes were still brutal. It would only take a few hits for them to bring me down with ease. Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that slaying these grotesque beasts was thrilling. There was a catch, however. To use the energy core to restore energy and the Energy Mode. Additionally, the Energy Mode applies to ranged weapons. I didn’t have anything sophisticated for the demo. Only a small, reliable sidearm that can damage and slow enemies down. This allowed me to change my strategy when needed.
Sc-Fi Splendor
One of the aspects that drew me into Dolmen was the art style. Some may draw the comparison to another Souls-like, Hellpoint. Hellpoint took strong inspirations from surreal cosmic horror films, such as Event Horizon, and folded them into its own game. One that is surreal and supernatural. Dolmen, on the other hand, focuses more on the sci-fi dynamics, and the shifting of dynamics in reality. I appreciated the high-tech appearance of the main character and his cutting-edge suit which allows for different elemental powers. Additionally, there were the enemies, which were not simply supernatural manifestations. They were actually the results of the experimentations with science and technology, furthering this bizarre dichotomy, of using science to fight the enemy and flirting with its dangers. The demo introduced me to lit but large corridors and rooms, something that would be fitting for the Nostromo from Alien.
Formidable But Not Impossible
The demo ended with a boss fight; A grotesque and obese monstrosity. Formerly a human scientist, this beast is mutated into an abomination that annihlates any threat. Admittedly, I am not skilled in Souls games, and I did die often with the boss. She charges, slashes, and uses pure brute force to crush and pulverize. Inevitably, I got the upper-handle of movement in combat, and using Energy Mode, I was able to strike back and hard. Energy Mode slowed down the beast and I was able to slash and cut into the enemy. Granted, I wasn’t as quick as I thought I could be, and found myself losing often. I never did slay the beast during my demo, but I appreciated a challenge that was formidable but not impossible.
A Worthy Souls-lite
From the visuals, the combat, and the fascinating yet terrifying world depicted, Dolmen is an interesting addition to the Souls genre. The developers informed me during my demo of the many weapons and customization options for players. There will also be one consistent difficulty for players, with no “easy mode” to speak of. My time with Dolmen was short, but it is certainly a game I am looking forward to. For both the world and the challenge. Dolmen looks to be one hell of a space mission, for those that dare.
Dolmen is releasing Friday, May 20th, 2022 for Steam, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One/Series X.
