Stirring Abyss

Stirring Abyss takes the Lovecraft universe to make a tactical turn-based game that it's a surprise itself. Enemies design are notable and the boss fights are very challenging, but it has problems when it tries to offer enemy variations and creative side quests.

The Stirring Abyss is creepy, inventive, and short enough that it doesn’t wear out its welcome. The secrets of the depths are intriguing, and the setpiece battles and boss fights were satisfying. The developers have even included a roguelike endless battle mode for anyone who wants to keep grinding away once they’ve finished the game — if it was a bit less boardgamey and a little more immersive, I’d be able to endorse it wholeheartedly.

A by the numbers turn-based tactics game, Stirring Abyss neither fills you with joy nor makes you resent it. Still, you could do much worse than spend a few evenings on the deep sea floor, especially if you’ve already had your fill of other, more impressive offerings in this genre.