Crypt ‘Keeper’- Dungeon Maker 2 Reviewed

As a preteen, I was fascinated by graph paper. During class, I’d spend countless hours clandestinely designing dungeons, some destined for Dungeons and Dragons exploration, while most were pure folly. I had almost forgotten about this awkward period, if not for 2007’s Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground. The PSP title reinvigorated lost memories, with its labyrinth-constructing game mechanic. The title polarized critics; some appreciated its premise and execution, while others bemoaned the game’s repetitive nature. I enjoyed the title’s distinctive flavor, and found the game inexplicably addictive.

Dungeon Maker 2: The Hidden War
doesn’t stray far from the original game’s formula. Unlike most role playing games, the star of the game is not the protagonist, but the dungeon itself. As players craft every room, corridor, and design aesthetic, the maze itself becomes the star of the game. Unlike most RPGs, where a bond is attempted between the gamer and the main character, here the connection is forged between player and dungeon.

                        We wish we could cast spells to expand our offices. “Abra Cadabra, Olympic-sized pool!”

DM2’s narrative begins as an ancient feud breaks out between gods and demons.  The gods acheive a domineering victory, and a demon queen agrees to a 70,000 year truce. Eons later, the armistice has expired, and a sole demon seeks to inspire a world-changing insurgency. Now, the human population looks toward the player to build a labyrinth clever enough to lure the demon in, where he can be vanquished. The player begins the game in a small town with eight locations; each of these placements sell all the necessary materials and supplies for the player to build a complex dungeon.

Once players stock up on rooms, halls, turns and health potions, they will venture into the maze’s depths. Here, two activities vie for the player’s interest- dungeon squatters require slaughter, while the maze needs to be expanded and retrofitted for monster appeal.  With two interchangeable weapon loadouts, and a customizable magic system, combat is modestly enjoyable. Most of the game’s foes can be defeated by interrupting their attack animation, making fighting a bit simplistic. However, maze customization is an involved affair- monsters avoid throughways like elevators and forks, and prefer the nooks proceeding by winding paths. Different species have different tastes also, while some prefer lush dens, other take refuge in a spartan lair.


                                            Something’s burning in the kitchen, and it doesn’t smell good.

For the slightly obsessive-compulsive, Dungeon Maker 2 can captivate the player for hours. I found myself playing for longer periods that I expected. However, the game is well designed for a portable system, offering the player 15 minute chucks of satisfying underworld exploration. With a spare quarter-hour, I’d try to make a quick loot gathering run, or flesh out a corner of the maze. The title keeps an extensive list of quest details, so players always have a laundry list of objectives handy. One drawback is that money is hard to come by at the beginning of the game; the title can be painfully frugal when starting your career.

Graphically, the game is rather utilitarian and reminiscent of early PS1 efforts. With the exception of the town’s hand drawn characters and some magic attacks, most of the dungeon visuals are a rather bland affair. However any lack of graphical flourish is compensated by the game’s framerate- it is always fluid, without a hint of slowdown. Strangely, your dungeon building is serenaded by cyclical 80’s inspirited alternative rock.


                                                 How popcorn was popped in the pre-microwave oven era.

Gamers who enjoyed the first Dungeon Maker title will find a reasonable amount of improvements in the sequel. Players can now have a pet wildcat, Genju, who can assist in battle, as well as a cheerful assistant to help with household chores. On the downside, the game now incorporates an unnecessary speed switch from dungeon exploration to combat. At least the player’s weapons can be auto-equipped in the presence of adversaries.

Overall, Dungeon Maker 2: The Hidden War isn’t a game for everyone. Some will be turned off by the title’s repetition, while others may scoff at the game’s pedestrian visuals. However, for anyone who feels a tinge of excitement from engineering their own labyrinth, or is interested in a unique dungeon-hack for the PSP, should consider picking this title up. It’s a delightfully niche game that I’ll be sinking many more hours into. 

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

42 comments

  1. Never heard of either game. An original PSP title that not a port may get my money through.

  2. Awesome review. I revel in the nerdliess discussed here.

  3. Ive been looking all over for this game. I loved the first one, and cant find this at any Gamestop within 50 miles.

  4. Graphics looks a bit rough, but the game sounds like great fun.

  5. Interesting game. be the maze!

  6. I thought you said the PSP was dying, tech-gaming?!?!

  7. Looking to order this online. Thanks for the review.

  8. I have to get this game. Funny review, DE!

  9. The PSP need for original games like this.

  10. Sounds like my kind of game!

  11. cool
    looks like fun

  12. Too geeky for my tastes, but a great review.

  13. Awesome game! I need to get it.

  14. Those screenshots don’t really do the game justice.

  15. Sounds like a great concept. I LOLed at your graph paper fetish. My older bro loves that stuff.

  16. Never heard of this game. Sounds super-geeky, I have a few friend that would probably love it.

  17. WAT? no pics from the Tales from the Crypt dude?

  18. Grafx looks less than stellar.

  19. Great captions, guys!

  20. And I thought I was nerdy!

  21. Why can I get this game?

  22. Next on my to buy list. You guys pimp some great games.

  23. I played the first one for a bit. It was super repetitive, but it grew on me after a hour or so.

    I ended by playing for about 6 hours over the next three days, then stopped. I ended up selling it a few weeks later.

    I could see how people would really like it, but I wanted something more. Who knows maybe the sequel’s added stuff will win me over.

  24. I cant find this game anywhere. Is it out or what?

  25. Sounds cool, but not my type of game.

  26. I think Gamestop carries it.

  27. Mmm, Microwave popcorn! Butter Lovers FTW!

  28. Awesome review

  29. God hates fat girls

    What the price on this one?

  30. Looks like this game was made for me. I also loved being a DM as a kid.

  31. Sounds like a quirk Japanese game that Id like.

  32. Will this be coming out in the EU?

  33. This game looks great.

  34. I checked three stores for this game. Looks like the only way to get it is online 🙁

    I hate waiting.

  35. Nice review

  36. Looks cool, I’d probably get it if I had a PSP but I don’t – thus I wish they made A DS version as it would be sweet to have something like this on the go. It reminds me of this PC game with a similar name..

  37. Developing economies should not halt development of mitigation of Green house emissions.?

  38. if you interesting with me, please email me , thank you

  39. You are able to educate thousands of readers out there who you might help with the information you provided here.Keep on writing interesting posts to keep us updated.

  40. Other Internet users should advocate the content of this resource

  41. I liked to read this post of yours I think its very fascinating one..