Danger. Darkness. Dwarves. Those are the three words indie developer Ghost Ship Games uses to describe their title Deep Rock Galactic, but I think it’s much more. Only available in the form of a “Game Preview,” Deep Rock Galactic is my first entry in a new series called Zero Ping’s Watchlist; where I will be showcasing games that I believe will have a major impact on both the industry and community shortly.

What it’s All About

Playing as a Dwarf, Deep Rock Galactic tasks players with exploring several intriguing, yet dangerous caverns, while completing a variety of objectives along the way. Presented through a first-person perspective, players are tasked with the traversal of unknown caverns, mining of valuable minerals, and the defeat of countless enemies; all of which are crucial to one’s survival and overall success. Mission objectives differ, ranging from the collection of a specific mineral to the defeat of large, boss styled enemies, allowing for fresh and unique content regularly. In addition to the variety presented with different mission objectives, Deep Rock Galactic takes players to several regions; each possessing both distinct environmental features as well as enemies unique to those specific regions. Further, using creative mission modifiers known as Mutations, Ghost Ship Games continually provides players with exciting and seemingly original content, while staying true to their core game mechanics.

Ghost Ship Games achieves massive success with the atmosphere created with Deep Rock Galactic; at times resembling a survival game with its immense darkness and uncharted terrain, but once illuminated, appreciated for its vibrant, yet simple art style. The desolate atmosphere established by this title is not only lit up by flares but further by the nature of the Dwarves themselves; characterized by their goofy appearances and hilarious voice lines. Using tremendously exhilarating music and bright swarms of enemies, this seemingly tranquil experience is quickly and effectively shifted to one of danger and excitement; often resulting in the fight for one’s life against a horde of distinct enemies.

Simple, yet Deep Mechanics

Gameplay mechanics of Deep Rock Galactic are simple, yet effective. Players are given a pickaxe to mine, dig and attack enemies; generally performing the same animation, yet proving to be effective in each of these unique situations. Additionally, players are given a variety of weapons used to defeat the countless enemies that one will inevitably encounter on a voyage. Although combat does not seem to be the sole or even primary focus of this title, the gunplay feels good. Enemies are not spongy, but instead have clear weak points; allowing for substantial damage when accurate; placing importance on both weapons that specialize in accuracy, as well as those with larger explosive damage used for the crowd control of swarms consisting of smaller pests.

Adding further depth to the combat system in Deep Rock Galactic, players are given the option of four unique Dwarf classes to choose from, each possessing their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Using various utility items (turrets, grappling gun, etc.) and distinct weapon sets unique to each class, Ghost Ship Games places a lot of emphasis on class choice depending on what type of mission one wishes to complete. This also serves as a reason for players to group up with others for their more difficult voyages, allowing for great creativity and cooperation with the combined use of various class-specific items and actions.

Play How You Want to Play

Ghost Ship Games provides players with countless options on how you wish to play Deep Rock Galactic, beginning with how many people you’d like to play with; allowing both solo play as well as a co-op option. I know this is not “groundbreaking” on its own, but it is important to look at how it was implemented. As I stated earlier, there are clear advantages that come with playing with a party (multiple class-specific items), but, more uniquely, there are also advantages for playing alone. Those who chose to embark on a voyage alone are given the option to take along Bosco, a drone designed to assist you on your mission. Like one’s class items, Bosco can be upgraded and proves to be extremely effective on expeditions. This is important because many titles prioritize either single-player or multiplayer experiences, while Deep Rock Galactic allows for equal success and excitement with both.

In addition to the variety presented with different objectives and mutations, players are given the option to choose from a range of difficulties before beginning each voyage. This allows for an incredible variety in the experience that players choose to have when playing Deep Rock Galactic; whether it be with low difficulty missions that one can sit back and relax to or high intensity, raid-like experiences shared with friends. Regardless of one’s approach to how this title is played, players not only experience a sense of enjoyment but also tangible progression, making even the easiest mission valuable in a way.

Gameplay customization is taken a step further with the equipment options present to each Dwarf class. Every single piece of equipment provided to players can be upgraded and improved. Ranging from the accuracy of an assault rifle to the effect of one’s grenade, players can choose from a variety of class upgrades, each improving one’s gameplay uniquely. This variety in upgrades used allows for choice and fluid alternation of equipment improvements; enabling players to easily adjust their items based on specific missions or objectives. Further, players are given several perks to choose from; unlocked and based upon Milestones completed throughout game progression. All in all, the large variety of player customization allows for different approaches in how one wants to play based on what is required in the different mission types.

Why Deep Rock Galactic Should be on Your Watchlist

Deep Rock Galactic is still a work in progress, constantly updating and adding to its quality and depth since its initial Game Preview release in 2018. Although there are issues like instances of game crashing and frame rate drop on both console and PC, what Ghost Ship Games sets out to achieve, and succeeds in, is its unparalleled level of customization and versatility in how you wish to play their game. Uniquely, Deep Rock Galactic possesses this massive variety in gameplay, yet maintains a clear objective; allowing for progression and value to be found in even the most laid-back experiences.

Similarly, one’s experience of an expedition is often dynamic. Deep Rock Galactic captures both the tranquility of mining in Minecraft coupled with the rapid transition to a Left 4 Dead styled horde experience found in the swarms of various pests and enemies; together producing an undoubtedly unique and memorable experience.

The combination of an extremely customizable experience paired with an environment filled with unknown dangers proves to be a recipe for success with Deep Rock Galactic. With this title constantly making improvements, I think it’s important for the community to give this game a try due to the great potential I recognize. Although it is still a “Game Preview,” it is extremely important to hop on the “DRG train” early because, with continual feedback from the community, I believe Ghost Ship Games is capable of producing the “Swiss Army Knife” of gaming experiences with Deep Rock Galactic with its eventual full release.