Deathground: Jurassic Parkour with a Side of Chaos
Dinosaurs, dread, and a dash of disorganization
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to the world of Deathground, where dinosaurs roam free, and players are left to navigate a survival horror landscape that feels like a mix between Jurassic Park and a particularly chaotic episode of Survivor. This early access title promises thrills and chills, but does it deliver a dino-sized adventure or just a prehistoric pile-up? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Dino-Mite Experience with a Few Extinct Mechanics
Deathground’s gameplay is a mixed bag of prehistoric proportions. On one hand, the game offers a unique experience with each session, thanks to its dynamic dinosaur AI and the thrill of being hunted. The core gameplay loop, however, involves tasks that are as repetitive as a velociraptor’s diet—picking up fuses, turning valves, and dodging raptors. Objectives often feel as clear as a T-Rex’s vision, leaving players to rely on external tools like Discord for coordination due to the lack of in-game voice chat.
The animations, particularly of our scaly friends, are a bit stiff, reminiscent of a stop-motion film rather than the fluidity one might expect from a game running on Unreal Engine 5. The AI, while effective in direct pursuits, sometimes struggles with pathing, leading to moments where dinosaurs seem more confused than cunning. Meanwhile, the maps, though visually appealing, are cluttered and difficult to navigate, with some areas darker than a cave full of bats.
Despite these prehistoric pitfalls, the game shines in multiplayer mode, where the tension and excitement are amplified. Playing with friends turns every corner into a potential jump scare, and the sound design keeps players on edge, even if the audio direction occasionally leaves you wondering if that raptor is above, below, or just in your imagination.
Graphics: A Blast from the Past
Deathground’s graphics are a bit of a time capsule, with some players humorously comparing them to the mid-90s. Despite the power of Unreal Engine 5, the visuals feel more like a retro throwback than a modern masterpiece. The dinosaur models, however, are a highlight, with the Utahraptor and Compy designs receiving particular praise for their terrifying realism.
Performance is another area where Deathground stumbles, with reports of choppiness and lag even on high-end systems. The absence of a field of view setting is a sore point for ultrawide gamers, and the lack of AMD FSR support leaves some players feeling like they’re stuck in the Stone Age. On the bright side, the rain effects add a nice touch to the horror atmosphere, even if the character models could use a bit of a facelift.
Story: A Skeleton of a Narrative
The story in Deathground is as thin as a dinosaur’s patience, with players left to piece together a narrative that feels more like a tech-demo than a fully fleshed-out experience. The initial tutorial offers a glimpse of potential, throwing players into the action with a level of engagement that the main game struggles to maintain.
While there are story items to collect, they do little to add depth or replay value. The lack of a progression system means players are left without a sense of growth or investment in the characters, who feel as interchangeable as a set of Lego bricks. The game is compared unfavorably to “Alien Isolation,” lacking the same level of tension and narrative engagement.
Final Verdict
Deathground is a game with a promising concept and a solid foundation for a thrilling survival horror experience. However, it requires significant updates to its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and story to fully capitalize on its potential. For fans of dinosaurs and horror, there’s fun to be had, especially in multiplayer mode. But for those seeking a polished and immersive experience, Deathground might feel more like a fossil than a fresh adventure.
Score: 5.0/10