Kingdoms of Rhea stands out as a souls-like action RPG that draws inspiration from challenging dungeon crawls and boss battles. Developed by an indie studio, this single-player title places you in a grim dungeon where survival hinges on mastering combat and progression through skill unlocks. Released for PC, it combines elements of action, adventure, and RPG mechanics in a third-person perspective, appealing to those who enjoy intense, retry-focused gameplay.
Gameplay
In Kingdoms of Rhea, the core loop revolves around third-person action combat in a souls-like style, where death is part of the learning process. You start locked in a dungeon and must battle your way out by defeating three distinct bosses. Each boss victory grants new skills that allow access to deeper areas, encouraging strategic adaptation to their unique abilities. The game emphasizes die-and-retry mechanics, meaning you'll face repeated challenges to hone your timing and tactics.
Combat feels deliberate and punishing, with a focus on dodging, blocking, and striking at the right moments. The French dubbing adds a layer of narrative immersion, featuring voices for key characters like Bragaan, Gogo, and Dura. While the experience is concise, it tests your perseverance through boss encounters that demand pattern recognition and quick reflexes.
Game Modes
Kingdoms of Rhea is strictly a single-player experience, with no multiplayer options available. The main mode centers on progressing through the dungeon by overcoming boss fights, without additional modes like co-op or competitive play.
This setup keeps the focus on solo exploration and combat, making it ideal for players seeking a contained adventure without online elements.
Development and Current State
The game originated in 2016 as an ambitious project aiming for AA-level production in the souls-like genre. It saw exhibitions at events like Paris Games Week 2019 and Japan Expo before its release later that year. However, development has been paused since then, with hopes of resuming if more resources become available.
As it stands, the released version represents the most complete build, offering a solid foundation but limited in scope compared to larger titles in the genre.
Is It Worth Playing?
For enthusiasts of souls-like action RPGs who appreciate short, focused challenges, Kingdoms of Rhea provides a worthwhile dive into boss-centric gameplay. With only three bosses and a dungeon escape narrative, it's a brief experience that suits quick play sessions. The single user review highlights potential, though the project's paused state means no ongoing updates or expansions.
If you enjoy adapting to unique boss skills and unlocking progression in a single-player setting, this could fit your tastes, especially at its accessible price point. However, those looking for extensive content or active support might find it too limited.
