End of Abyss Review
Ever since I first booted up Little Nightmares, I’ve had an unexplainable addiction to 2.5D top-down, atmospheric, exploration-based adventures where little to none of the story is explained to you. There’s just something about being thrust into a dark and foreboding world where everything is foreign to the player, and the protagonist is in way over their heads, rather than a cocky hero. So, when I heard that Section 9 Interactive, founded by some of the developers of the Little Nightmares series, was creating a new IP mixing the eerie atmosphere of that series with twin-stick shooter mechanics and a Metroidvania-style world, I eagerly jumped at the chance to cover it.
Despite its connection to Little Nightmares, comparing End of Abyss to that series isn’t entirely fair. End of Abyss is a much more fleshed-out experience, featuring a sprawling underground facility packed with weapons to find and upgrade, ammo and items to craft, suit mods to discover, and formidable bosses to defeat. While it retains the familiar 2.5D view and an enigmatic narrative, the gameplay diverges significantly.
Gameplay Mechanics
In this quasi-Metroidvania adventure, players take on the role of Cel, a young combat technician, exploring a derelict underground facility in search of answers about its ruin and the horrific transformations of its staff into monstrous beings. Cel’s scanner is a crucial tool, identifying obstacles, door keys, and enemies’ weaknesses. Scanning effectively and frequently is key to progressing; everything you scan is cataloged on your map, making exploration much more manageable.
However, you will likely get lost amidst the labyrinthine corridors. The underground facility is often dark, and despite a detailed map system, navigating it can be confusing. Areas contain elemental hazards that can only be traversed with specific suit mods, which often require significant investment in exploration to discover.
Combat System
Cel is an adept fighter but can quickly become overwhelmed. Initially armed with a pulse gun and a knife, players unlock an arsenal including assault rifles, grenades, and flamethrowers as they progress. Each weapon can be upgraded for increased damage and alternate firing modes. Crafting ammo for these weapons is crucial, as they usually require more resources than initial encounters might suggest. The combat simplicity of dodging and shooting evolves as players experiment with their expanding toolkit.
As you defeat foes, they drop fragments used as currency for upgrades and crafting. Although enemies respawn when you save, fragments are plentiful, ensuring you can always upgrade your equipment as needed.
Exploration and Secrets
The facility features safe rooms containing restoration pods and workbenches for health restoration and modifications. Players will gather more health boosters, enabling additional heals as they delve deeper. Exploration rewards patience—those willing to navigate hidden areas will find essential upgrades and suit modifications, adding depth to gameplay.
To 100% complete End of Abyss, backtracking is essential after acquiring Cel’s full arsenal. While lacking a New Game+ mode, returning with knowledge of the environment enhances replay value.
Overall Impressions
Initially entering End of Abyss expecting another Little Nightmares, I left impressed with Section 9 Interactive’s challenging, atmospheric gameplay. The intricate world design frequently surprises with secrets and unique boss encounters, contributing to a sense of mystery and exploration.
Review Summary
Rating: Excellent
End of Abyss is a challenging yet rewarding adventure, with stunning graphics and grotesque visuals in a meticulously crafted world. Each area is packed with secrets, formidable enemies, and tough bosses. The intriguing narrative stands out within a crowded marketplace, making this experience one worth diving into.
Pros:
- Rewarding exploration
- Challenging, yet not frustrating
- Unique boss encounters
- Intricate world design
Cons:
- Navigation can be disorienting at times
- Easy to miss crucial objects in the dark
This review is based on an early PS5 copy provided by the publisher. End of Abyss is set for release on October 1, 2026.
