In a world where monsters reign and mankind struggles for survival, 'Dauntless' invites players to put on their best armor and strap on their most ridiculous weapons in pursuit of glory, loot, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry (because who else will you slay those Behemoths with?). Grab your friends, schedule those late-night raids, and systematically dismantle creatures that are just trying to enjoy their day. Welcome to 'Dauntless'.
'Dauntless' serves up cooperative monster-hunting action with a side of loot collecting. After the world gets its derrière handed to it by colossal, lumbering Behemoths, players take on the role of Slayers—a title that sounds awesome and means you jump into the fray with a sword with more flair than function. You can tackle missions solo or team up with up to three friends. If wanting to hunt solo sends shivers down your spine, fear not—public matchmaking is here. And let's be honest: nobody wants to announce they’re hunting alone, right? The game’s combat system thrives on combos and dodges; timing is everything, so prepare to do more dodging than a politician at a press conference. Boss fights can last upwards of twenty minutes, making the average Starbucks trip feel like a stroll in the park.
Visually, 'Dauntless' embraces a stylized art form reminiscent of Disney’s 'Tangled', opting for vibrant colors and cartoony character designs rather than hyper-realism. The worlds you explore are beautifully crafted, brimming with lush environments and hyper-destructive Behemoths. Sure, the Switch version might not be able to flex as hard as its PS4 or Xbox One cousins, but it still manages to shine in the action department, albeit with the occasional frame drop during intense clashes.
Ultimately, 'Dauntless' may not give you the full depth that some hardcore RPGs offer, but it nails the monster-hunting formula with style and panache. It’s a game you can dive into and experience that addictive loop of slaying for more loot. It’s not without its hiccups, though—some players may find the grind a little too familiar. And let's not talk about the plethora of microtransactions that pop up like ads on a clickbait website. However, as a free-to-play action RPG on the Switch, 'Dauntless' offers enough excitement and camaraderie to earn a solid place in your party lineup. Just don’t forget to bring your friends, or else it’s going to be a very lonely hunt.