Escape to the Alps: Dungeons of Hinterberg is a Breezy Action RPG as Pretty as a Postcard

In a world of complex, sprawling RPGs that demand hundreds of hours, Dungeons of Hinterberg arrives as a refreshing and beautifully crafted escape. This action RPG, from debut studio Microbird Games, is a breezy adventure that is as pretty as a postcard and as chill as a quiet mountain town. Released on PC and Xbox in July 2024, the game has been widely praised for its charming blend of Zelda-like exploration, satisfying combat, and a social simulation system that sets it apart from other games in the genre.

The game’s premise is a clever and relatable one: you play as Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee who decides to take a break from her corporate life by traveling to the idyllic Austrian Alps. But instead of just hiking, she’s here to explore the 25 magical dungeons that have recently appeared. The game’s world is a stunning, open-ended landscape that feels both vast and intimate. You can explore a variety of beautiful environments, from snowy peaks and lush forests to quiet lakeside villages, each with its own unique aesthetic and secrets to uncover. The game’s vibrant, cel-shaded art style is a major part of its appeal, with every inch of the world looking like it was pulled directly from a high-end travel poster.

A Unique Blend of Combat, Puzzles, and Social Simulation

While the game’s core loop is familiar to any fan of action RPGs, its unique blend of mechanics makes it stand out. The dungeons are the heart of the experience, and each one is a carefully crafted puzzle box with a unique theme and a new magical ability to master. Whether you’re using a magic wind skill to solve a maze or freezing enemies in place with a jelly block, the game constantly introduces new and creative ways to interact with the environment. The combat is simple and intuitive, with a satisfying mix of sword-based attacks and powerful magic spells. The game’s enemies, inspired by Austrian folklore, are a creative and charming addition that adds a great deal of character to the experience.

But what truly sets Dungeons of Hinterberg apart is its social simulation element. After a day of exploring and dungeon-crawling, you return to the village of Hinterberg to relax and socialize. You can choose to spend time with the locals and other adventurers, with each relationship offering a variety of stat boosts, new abilities, and compelling story beats. This Persona-like system creates a satisfying rhythm of action-packed days and quiet, introspective nights. The game’s commitment to a low-pressure, relaxing experience is a major part of its charm. You are never forced to grind or rush through content, and you can even choose to spend a day just relaxing in town, a feature that has been praised by many players who appreciate the game’s gentle and thoughtful tone.

An Indie Gem That Knows Its Strengths

Dungeons of Hinterberg is not a game that tries to be everything to everyone. It knows what it wants to be—a beautiful, low-stress, and deeply charming adventure—and it executes on that vision with near-perfect precision. While some have noted that the combat can feel a little repetitive at times, the constant flow of new puzzles, upgrades, and social interactions ensures that the experience never feels stale. The game has received “Very Positive” reviews on Steam and has been praised by critics for its unique approach to the genre. Its stunning visuals and delightful tone make it a perfect game to unwind with after a long day, and its low price point makes it an absolute steal for any gamer looking for a well-made and memorable experience.

For fans of games like The Legend of Zelda who are looking for a more relaxed and aesthetically pleasing adventure, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a must-play. It’s a game that proves that sometimes, the most epic adventures are not found in the grandest of battles but in the quiet moments of exploration and connection. It’s a game that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to book your own imaginary vacation to the Alps.