We visited Bandai Namco’s showroom during E3 and had an opportunity to check out the new dungeon delver, Necropolis from developer Harebrained Schemes. We stepped up to the playing station and gave the upcoming procedurally generated game a roll.

Necropolis Features

• Death is permanent. Game Over? Jump right back in with a new adventurer and try again!

• Death is different every time. A new procedurally-generated dungeon with every death.

• Death is better with friends. Drop-in / drop-out co-op multiplayer for up to 4 players!

• Death is monstrous. Gemeaters, Changelings, Hoardmen, and more – they exist to kill you.

• Death is not without perks. Each new dungeon is littered with powerful weapons, armor, and upgrades to wield against your foes. (And there’s crafting, too!)

• Death is unavoidable. But don’t worry, this NEXT playthrough is totally the one. We’ve got a good feeling about it.

Necropolis Gameplay Demo

Necropolis is a procedurally generated action game, in which players dive into randomized dungeons, destroying enemies and earning new weapons, armor and upgrades. If features drop-in, drop-out online multiplayer for up to 4 players. The perma death element to the game gives it a similarity to rogue-likes. You get one life and one chance to defeat the waves of enemies the dungeon tosses at you. Players do not level up, instead they improve their effectiveness as they progress through dungeons via loot and upgrades to abilities. Players can craft curatives and items to assist them in their deadly journey.

The demo began in a launched dungeon and we were immediately familiar with the game’s control scheme and combat which feature clear similarities to the Souls series of games. You can equip weapons and shields, evade attacks and make use of hot-keyed items. We stepped forward to explore the new map and were met by some skeleton baddies. Combat plays out as expected, with lock on of targets and strategic real time choices of when to block and when to attack. Stamina consumption is vital, and special charge attacks can help equalize the playing field and turn the tide against the waves of enemies you will encounter.

The visuals are in stark contrast to the Souls series however, and feature an animated and lighthearted feel that matches the dungeoneering theme. As we progressed through the map and descended it’s various levels we encountered several traps, puzzles and more difficult enemies. Obtaining new gear was straightforward, enemies dropped items and we were able to pick them up and equip right away with on encumbrance issues. We harvested resources and gems as we went, and were able to bring up a crafting menu where we were able to create various helpful items such as curatives. In a fun twist, we encountered items with mysterious attributes, such as a potentially rancid meat.

Upon dying, the dungeons are relaunched anew, adding an unpredictable element. Death will come, as the game’s hurdles become progressively more challenging as you delve deeper, with enemies becoming stronger and more numerous. We came dangerously close to being the first to complete the demo, as we were down to 3 baddies remaining when a well placed firebomb wiped the entire room!

Overall, Necropolis was a fun dungeon excursion and one that we could easily envision enjoying side by side with friends in late night loot sessions. It’s very easy to pick up and play, and features elements that will be instantly familiar to Souls veterans and fans of rogue-likes. Be on the lookout when it releases next month for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

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