Dolmen

Dolmen approaches the Souls-like action RPG formula from a distinctly science-fiction direction, replacing ruined kingdoms and gothic castles with hostile alien ecosystems, futuristic facilities, and cosmic mysteries. Developed by Massive Work Studio and published by Prime Matter, it sends players to Revion Prime, a dangerous planet connected to an unusual discovery involving crystals known as Dolmen. These crystals possess properties associated with interaction between different realities, providing the adventure with a premise that reaches beyond a straightforward expedition. What begins as a mission to recover valuable materials gradually becomes entangled with alien threats, dimensional possibilities, and the disturbing secrets surrounding the planet. Revion Prime is arguably one of the game's most appealing qualities. Its environments blend industrial science fiction with cosmic horror, creating a world filled with abandoned structures, ominous technology, dark passages, alien formations, and grotesque organisms. The atmosphere consistently communicates that this is a place where survival is difficult and humanity has little control over its surroundings. Exploration rewards cautious movement because danger can emerge quickly, while the generally oppressive visual direction gives even quieter sections an uncomfortable sense of anticipation. Combat follows the deliberate philosophy expected from a Souls-like experience, demanding patience rather than relentless button mashing. Dodging, positioning, stamina management, attack timing, and learning enemy behavior are all important. What gives the system additional personality is its combination of melee and ranged weaponry. Players can confront enemies directly with close-range weapons or use firearms to maintain distance and create different tactical opportunities. Switching between these approaches becomes increasingly important when facing creatures with different movement patterns and vulnerabilities. Energy management introduces another strategic consideration. Energy can be used for ranged attacks but also plays an important role in enhancing melee combat through Energy Mode. Activating this mechanic allows weapons to benefit from elemental properties, making knowledge of enemy weaknesses potentially valuable. This creates meaningful decisions during combat because energy cannot simply be treated as an unlimited secondary resource. Choosing whether to spend it on ranged pressure, preserve it for another purpose, or use elemental enhancement adds welcome complexity to encounters. Character progression provides further flexibility through equipment and attribute development. Different weapons and statistics allow players to shape a combat style that suits their preferences, whether that means emphasizing close-range power, survivability, mobility, or ranged capabilities. The progression loop is satisfying when a previously troublesome opponent becomes manageable after improving equipment and gaining a better understanding of the mechanics. As with many games in this genre, advancement comes from both character growth and the player's increasing familiarity with enemy patterns. The creatures encountered across Revion Prime reinforce the game's horror influences. Many possess disturbing biological designs that fit naturally into the hostile environments rather than appearing like generic enemies transplanted into a science-fiction setting. Boss encounters provide the larger tests, requiring observation and restraint while punishing reckless aggression. Recognizing attack patterns, identifying safe opportunities, controlling distance, and conserving resources are often more valuable than simply maximizing damage. The bosses also contribute significantly to the sense that the planet is home to forces that are fundamentally alien and dangerous. Despite these strengths, combat does not consistently achieve the responsiveness or refinement associated with the best Souls-like titles. Certain movements and animations can feel stiff, while some encounters reveal roughness in the overall flow of combat. Deliberate action works best when every dodge, strike, and defensive decision feels exceptionally precise, and Dolmen occasionally falls short of that standard. Difficulty can therefore fluctuate between satisfying challenge and frustration. Players accustomed to highly polished action RPG combat will probably notice these shortcomings more readily than newcomers to the genre. The narrative presents intriguing concepts but does not always develop them as deeply as its premise deserves. The possibility of Dolmen crystals influencing interactions between realities is fascinating, and the mysteries surrounding Revion Prime provide plenty of material for environmental storytelling. However, conventional character-driven storytelling is not the primary attraction. Much of the experience depends on atmosphere, exploration, and gradually absorbing information about the world. Players who enjoy interpreting mysterious settings may appreciate this approach, whereas those seeking extensive dialogue, dramatic character relationships, or frequent cinematic sequences could find the storytelling comparatively restrained. Presentation is strongest when emphasizing isolation and cosmic unease. Industrial installations contrast effectively with organic alien environments, while lighting and creature design reinforce the impression of exploring somewhere fundamentally unsafe. The overall graphical quality may not compete with the most lavish productions in the genre, but the artistic direction gives the game its own recognizable personality. Audio contributes effectively to the tension as well, particularly when exploring dark spaces where the possibility of another hostile encounter remains constantly present. The game also includes online cooperative elements in addition to its single-player experience, giving players an opportunity to approach certain challenges with assistance. Even so, its underlying design remains focused on careful combat, exploration, equipment choices, and overcoming demanding encounters. Controller-based play complements the third-person action mechanics particularly well. For Steam Deck users, an important limitation is that Dolmen carries an Unsupported Steam Deck compatibility classification. Its controller-friendly structure might seem suitable for portable play, but the official designation means Steam Deck owners should not expect a fully supported experience. Any ability to run the game through alternative configurations or compatibility improvements should be considered separately from its official Deck status. Dolmen ultimately succeeds more through its ideas and atmosphere than through flawless execution. Its combination of Souls-like combat, firearms, elemental mechanics, energy management, alien environments, grotesque enemies, and dimensional science fiction gives it a personality of its own. The roughness of some combat mechanics and the underdeveloped potential of its narrative prevent it from reaching the genre's upper tier, yet there is still an engaging adventure here for players willing to tolerate those imperfections. For fans seeking a darker science-fiction alternative to the traditional fantasy Souls-like setting, Revion Prime offers an unusual and occasionally compelling journey. Rating: 7/10