Dolmen has only given audiences a brief glimpse into what its gameplay will offer, but it already looks similar to the Dead Space franchise. Described as a sci-fi horror action RPG, Dolmen will force players through a mining facility to retrieve reality-bending crystals. Every step is shadowed by vicious, spider-like aliens and a menacing character wielding a glowing sword. Similarly, Dead Space also sends players into facilities overrun with hostile lifeforms, though its limited RPG elements stick to more straightforward weapon and gear progression systems.
With a trailer for Dolmen at Gamescom 2021, Massive Work Studios revealed more about the game's story, delving into details about its world and themes. Dolmen will send players to a mining facility located on the alien planet Revion Prime. A mishap with the dolmen crystals appears to have ravaged the facility, though an ominous sword-wielding figure suggests this event was not accidental. The player character's exact rank and occupation are unknown, but considering the firearm wielded in the trailer, the character will likely have more protection than Dead Space's Isaac Clarke.
Dead Space's primary enemies were Necromorphs, who were long-limbed, fleshy, and spindly creatures that hunted in the shadows. Players would guide Isaac Clarke through puzzles and dangers to escape and contain the Necromorph outbreak. The designs of Dolmen's alien foes bear some resemblance to the Necromorphs. Smaller, insect-like creatures look like they'd be a great choice for pursuing players in open environments, while the red-eyed, shadowy ghouls look like they'd be particularly menacing at the wrong end of a dark hallway. Dolmen's designs are perhaps more varied than Dead Space, as its various trailers have shown off several areas of Revion Prime that look quite different from one another. Hazardous environmental obstacles, carnivorous plants, and enemies look like they'll all work toward Dolmen's sci-fi horror atmosphere.
Dead Space & Dolmen Share Some Atmospheric DNA
Early gameplay shown in Dolmen's Gamescom trailer reveals some audiovisual similarities between the games, particularly in some of Dolmen's integrated mix of organic and industrial environmental artistry and its suit-first character designs. There are also snippets of similar moody horror atmosphere that show some shared DNA, with several low camera angles showcasing large machines and environments that wouldn't seem at all out of place in the first Dead Space in particular.
Though Dolmen and Dead Space appear to hold some interesting visual and thematic similarities, the former will likely use some different tactics to achieve its horror and gameplay goals. Revion Prime looks to offer many threats for players to navigate, and more will likely be revealed before the game is released next year.
Dolmen is releasing on PS4, PS5, and PC sometime in 2022.