Dungeons of Hinterberg follows the story of a burnt-out young adult who decides the best way to cope with her existential crisis is to go on an Erasmus internship in Austria.
However, the game’s version of Austria, Hinterberg, is less about skiing and more about slaying magic monsters.
One day, this sleepy little town called Hinterberg wakes up, opens its rustic doors, and bam—magic floods in, turning it into the latest tourist hotspot. Luisa, your main character, is just another tourist who fell for this trap.
Key Details
Dungeons of Hinterberg isn’t all work and no play
I’ve gotta hand it to Luisa—even when she’s on holiday, she sticks to a rigid routine:
- Mornings: Breakfast. Yep, she spends all morning at it—what can I say, a girl’s gotta eat.
- Noon: Cracking puzzles and slaying monsters in Hinterberg’s dungeons.
- Afternoon: Mingling with tourists and locals.
- Night: Hit the sack, but only after squeezing in some reading or TV to boost those stats.
You might find yourself by Hinterberg’s stunning lakes chatting with an Olympic slayer, or at the local pub listening to a tourist hipster whine about how the vibes are “totally off.”
And if you’re not in the mood to engage with anyone specific, just kick back by the bonfire and soak in the atmosphere with the whole crew.
Being social pays off—not that it’s doing wonders for Luisa’s mental health or anything, though I’m sure she appreciates it. Every time you hang out with someone, your relationship status goes up, and you score a perk that makes dungeon crawling a little easier.
This is what the game truly excels at. With four maps and countless dungeons to conquer, Dungeons of Hinterberg constantly challenges your brain with a wide variety of puzzles.
Despite the sheer number of dungeons and skills it throws at you, it never feels boring or repetitive. You’re just as likely to get stumped in dungeon 1 as in dungeon 20.
Combat is action-based, but it often feels like an afterthought. More than once, I was just itching for a battle to end so I could dive into the next puzzle.
The lack of enemy variety doesn’t help, and Luisa’s slashes and dashes aren’t nearly as satisfying as the rush of finally cracking a puzzle after staring at it for half an hour.
It’s not all slaying—you’re allowed to sightsee
Pastel teals, blues, and pinks paint Hinterberg, making it the most picturesque spot in the game.
A stroll around town is enough to make anyone fall for Hinterberg’s charming narrow streets, blue lakes, and European architecture.
But don’t stop at the town—there’s plenty more to explore. From the grassy fields of Doberkogel to the red plains of Hinterwald, the snowy peaks of Kolmstein, and the murky Brunnelsumpf, each area is visually distinct. Just a glance is enough to see that none of them look alike.
Dungeons of Hinterberg has a distinct look and aesthetic. With their debut game, Microbird Games has definitely carved out a unique visual style for themselves.
And it’s clear the game is fully aware of its own charm. Whether you’re hanging out in Hinterberg or chilling in other scenic spots, Dungeons of Hinterberg encourages you to take a breath and soak in the view.
Dungeon of Hinterberg’s plot imitates life
Few games tackle meaningful issues in their stories, but Dungeons of Hinterberg takes on the topic of tourism head-on. In an era where mass tourism is increasingly controversial, the game portrays both tourists and locals in a way that’s not just direct but crucial.
This isn’t just an underlying theme in Dungeons of Hinterberg — it’s the entire plot. From the moment you arrive in Hinterberg, it’s evident that the locals are far from thrilled about their once-remote town turning into a tourist hotspot.
Just like in real life, the government in Hinterberg eagerly transforms the town into a tourist hotspot while ignoring the frequent earthquakes that shake things up. There’s definitely something shady going on. It’s up to you —through your dungeoning and social skills— to dig up the truth.
The story unfolds in a linear fashion, so you don’t get to shape Hinterberg’s fate—just watch it play out. However, you can choose which friends and enemies you make along the way.
Every afternoon, you can chat with these NPCs and build your relationships with them. Although there’s no romance option, the friendships often feel surprisingly genuine. Plus, once the small talk is over, you snag a passive skill, so it’s a win-win.
Final Score: 9/10
Dungeons of Hinterberg grabs you with its stunning visuals, but you’ll stick around for the cleverly designed dungeons.
While the dungeons truly shine, some other sections might be hit or miss. Still, they come together to ensure you’re more than satisfied by the time the credits roll.
The game’s ability to keep you engaged for hours—uncovering secrets, collectibles, and hidden dungeons—is impressive. Microbird Games has really nailed it. This adventure offers a perfect escape from the daily grind and helps you gain a fresh perspective on the ordinary.
If you are looking for another narrative-focused offering, check out our preview for Life is Strange: Double Exposure. You can also check out our Magical Delicacy and Paper Mario reviews if you want another adventure.
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