DuneCrawl is a paid action strategy co-op game developed by Alientrap. The game invites you to an adventure in a vibrant, energetic desert world designed for one to four players. It also puts you in the driver's seat of a massive, crustacean-like titular Dune Crawler, equipped with cannons and treasure maps.

DuneCrawl shines with its hand-drawn map environments, seamlessly transitioning from expansive dunes to lush oases. Interacting with quest-giving NPCs adds depth to the narrative, as you uncover the mysteries surrounding the Dune Crawlers while engaging in quests that require strategy and cooperation. Lastly, rewards await those who will explore the most.

Uncover the mysteries of Dune Crawlers 

DuneCrawl’s combat is dynamic and engaging. Enemies, ranging from desert bandits to monstrous sandworms, present different challenges, forcing players to adapt their tactics. The vehicle’s customizable weaponry and special abilities help with coordinating attacks and managing resources, which are essential for survival, particularly on the more challenging quests. The controls make it easy to familiarize yourself, and it can run on lower-spec hardware with little to no problems at all.

Aside from protecting their vehicles, players must also defend towns from bandits and uncover hidden secrets and other valuable caches. The art style is charming and reminiscent of hand-drawn pseudo-3D games from the early 90’s. The soundtrack is okay, but the handful of music available can be repeated during gameplay, and some people may find it annoying due to the lack of tracks. Nonetheless, it doesn’t break the overall gameplay experience.

While the game excels in many areas, it's not without its flaws. The most significant issue is the uneven pacing. Certain quests can feel drawn out, with long stretches of travel sprinkled with brief bursts of action. Another one is the lack of clarity in quest objectives. While the NPCs provide context, sometimes the specific steps required to complete a quest are vague, which can take time to figure out. 

Dynamic open-world exploration

DuneCrawl delivers an unforgettable open-world experience. Players can hop on their Dune Crawler to navigate the desert and discover hidden dungeons filled with piles of treasure. There are also dozens of islands that players can visit, each with its own unique quests for them to complete in exchange for rewards. The world’s terrain design is dynamic and immersive. It’s not only a barren desert, but there are also interesting locations everywhere waiting to be explored.

The desert isn’t all peaceful and made for sightseeing purposes, as you are going to encounter a lot of enemies in the open world. It’s the perfect place to test out the power of your Dune Crawler. This giant crab-like vehicle can deal a tremendous amount of damage against swarms of enemies, gigantic bosses, and other crawlers. You’re also more protected and less vulnerable while riding it.

Fulfilling progression system

DuneCrawl features a deep upgrade and item progression system that rewards exploration. Masks, tunics, and talismans are located around the world, and collecting them grants you powerful abilities. Weapons like the Buzzooka and Acid Harpoon can also be unlocked to increase firepower. There’s a variety of weapons that you can find that make on-foot combat exciting. You can even utilize the deadly local wildlife by using beehives, bomb flowers, and spider eggs.

Aside from personal upgrades, the Dune Crawler can also be decked out with useful vehicular upgrades. Players can equip spike armoured legs, reinforced plating, or guided torpedoes, transforming it into a much more formidable machine, capable of blowing through fortresses and gunning down groups of enemies with ease. This dual progression system makes the game’s upgrade mechanics a fun aspect to dive into due to the countless options available.

Collaborate and strategize  

In conclusion, DuneCrawl successfully blends stunning visuals with engaging cooperative gameplay, creating an adventurous experience that emphasizes teamwork and exploration. The world design is flawless, and every location that you visit has its own story, as well as secrets to uncover. Despite major flaws such as pacing and clarity issues, its rich environments and dynamic combat make it a delightful choice for friends seeking a unique action adventure in a desert setting.