End of Abyss: A Challenging Metroidvania with Disturbing Atmosphere

A near-final build of End of Abyss, set to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 1, has been significantly improved in visuals, gameplay, and combat mechanics.

I had the opportunity to play End of Abyss at last year's Summer Game Fest Play Days event and found it to be a moody and atmospheric twin-stick metroidvania with an isometric perspective. However, the recent near-final build showcased enhancements across the board. Visually, the Unreal Engine 5-powered graphics are sharper and more eerie, with unsettling creature designs reminiscent of Little Nightmares. The gameplay features responsive twin-stick controls, multi-level depths with secrets and shortcuts, and intense combat mechanics that add depth to the experience.

In End of Abyss, players take on the role of Cel as they navigate an enigmatic underground facility to uncover its mysteries. While the 30-minute demo lacked story elements, the engaging gameplay mechanics, including a pistol with unlimited ammo and a scarce but powerful shotgun, kept me immersed. The strategic use of weapons, such as conserving ammo for challenging encounters like the boss fight against a giant centipede-like creature, adds a layer of intensity to the gameplay.

Despite the tough competition in the genre, End of Abyss presents a promising blend of challenging gameplay and a dark, immersive setting that is sure to captivate players willing to dive into its eerie world.