Underkeep is my favorite old-school dungeon crawler since Legend of Grimrock, and yes that includes Queen's Domain

Underkeep has emerged as the go-to old-school dungeon crawler for many gamers, garnering praise even as Queen's Domain takes center stage in conversations. Having recently explored Underkeep, I can confidently attest that it surpasses expectations and offers an unparalleled experience for fans of classic RPGs.

Rooted in the 90s, Underkeep captures the spirit of iconic games like The Bard's Tale, Dungeon Master, Wizardry, and Eye of the Beholder. Despite some visual and audio similarities to Eye of the Beholder, particularly The Legend of Darkmoon, the game proves to be far from a low-effort knockoff. After just four hours of play, I still haven't fully explored its vast world, with the titular village of Underkeep still hidden from view.

What sets Underkeep apart is its faithful recreation of classic RPG mechanics, while streamlining the more cumbersome elements. Its shared inventory system is intuitive, with categories for easy management and swapping of equipment between party members. Detailed automapping and freehand notes allow for seamless exploration, and the turn-based combat eliminates frustrating strategies, encouraging thoughtful and strategic decision-making.

The game also boasts a diverse cast of characters, with unique races such as elk, stoneborn, ravens, and slugmen, offering a refreshing twist on the genre.

The encounter artwork in Underkeep is also noteworthy, featuring hand-drawn illustrations that add a touch of charm and nostalgia. While some may question the use of generative AI in the game's creation, the developers have assured that all artwork was produced by hand, with no AI involvement. Despite this minor concern, Underkeep is an absolute delight, offering an engaging and immersive experience that will undoubtedly become my favorite grid-based RPG since Legend of Grimrock 2.