Unraveling the underwater chaos of Abyssus

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Aug 15, 2025, 12:18

Abyssus, a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter with roguelite elements, launched on August 12, 2025, developed by DoubleMoose Games and published by The Arcade Crew. Available on PC via Steam, it immerses players in a ''brinepunk'' universe—a subaquatic spin on steampunk, evoking Bioshock's underwater dystopia and Atlantis mythology with Aztec-inspired architecture. Players embody Brinehunters, mercenaries descending into the ruins of a sunken civilization to harvest brine, a rare resource guarded by mutated creatures and mechanical foes. The game supports solo or up to four-player co-op, delivering fast-paced, tactical combat across 64 hand-crafted, procedurally sequenced levels. Each 20-30 minute run offers randomized objectives, like defending areas or destroying crystals, alongside 36 enemy types and four bosses. Extensive customization—eight weapons, 45 mods, and stackable ''Blessings'' and ''Charms''—ensures diverse playstyles, with permanent upgrades like Soul Fragments enhancing replayability.

Fast-paced FPS meets subaquatic roguelite

Since its release, Abyssus has garnered positive reception, earning a Metacritic score of 78/100. Critics praise its visceral gunplay, responsive movement (double-jumps, dashes), and satisfying progression loop, ideal for both casual and hardcore players. The moody visuals—claustrophobic ruins with rusty machinery and dynamic lighting—complement the intense action, though some reviewers note early enemy waves feel repetitive and the narrative lacks depth, relying on environmental storytelling. On X, players celebrate the chaotic co-op fun and weapon variety, from Tesla Guns to combat bows, highlighting the game's addictive ''one more run'' appeal. Its accessibility, with scalable difficulty via Brine Canisters, caters to diverse skill levels, while hundreds of objectives keep completionists engaged.

Abyssus draws inspiration from classic arena shooters like Quake II, evident in its frenetic combat and agile movement, and roguelites like Hades, reflected in its randomized runs and build-crafting depth. The brinepunk aesthetic, blending aquatic decay with mechanical grit, echoes Bioshock's atmospheric world-building. This fusion creates a polished, replayable experience that balances challenge and accessibility, making Abyssus a standout for FPS and roguelite fans seeking cooperative chaos in a haunting underwater realm. Make sure you use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Abyssus.

Diving deep: The chaotic charm of Abyssus

Fast-paced FPS meets subaquatic roguelite

AlexP

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