'Crimson Desert', the most anticipated open-world video game that divides players and critics

The ambitious Crimson Desert is an open-world video game that has become one of the most anticipated of the year, but also a source of discussion. During the preview campaign, Pearl Abyss's new title showed an endless list of mechanics and possibilities. This catapulted it to social media and made it one of the most talked-about games of the moment. With a giant proposal and impressive graphics, but also with an infinity of unrealistic promises, the debate was served.

What cannot be denied is that the second game from the South Korean studio has been a commercial success. During the first day it sold two million units and, one week after its release, it already exceeds three million, according to data from the company itself. Now, with the title already available and in the hands of players around the world, we can say that the game fulfills part of its promises, but it also has notable weaknesses that make it not a video game for everyone. Let's analyze what "Crimson Desert" proposes exactly, and let's break down its lights and shadows.

A change of course mid-development

Pearl Abyss's new project was originally conceived as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, like Black Desert Online (2014), the studio's debut. Midway through development, however, it changed focus. With certain adjustments to the process, the proposal has ended up becoming a single-player action-adventure game within one of the largest open worlds ever seen. Nevertheless, its original focus creates certain frictions in the final design, along with personnel changes and reorganization during a difficult development that has dragged on for almost eight years.

Regarding its universe, Crimson Desert has a medieval and fantastic setting, which at times surprises with the inclusion of other elements such as robots or jetpacks. Inconsistencies that resonate in other aspects of the game. The title also sets aside the typical role-playing elements and eliminates the possibility of creating a personalized avatar, while introducing a protagonist with his own name, Kliff.

The game fits within the genre known as sandbox, a type of open world in which the player is free to do and undo with total freedom, without a defined direction. As a reference, the Koreans' inspiration has been iconic titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Red Dead Redemption 2.

An immense ‘sandbox’ that shines in exploration and combat

The continent of Pywell is enormous, the feeling that it is unnavigable is latent during exploration and motivates players looking for a world full of secrets to get lost in for hundreds of hours. The good use of the graphic engine developed by the same studio should also be highlighted, which emphasizes the beauty of the landscapes and makes the territory feel like a living and changing world. One of the other outstanding points of the game is its combat system, which has a wide range of possible skills and movements, conveys a pleasant and forceful sensation, and offers a great visual spectacle.

Regarding the mechanics, the game features a wide variety of actions, to such an extent that every day players discover something they didn't know could be done within the game. Catapulting yourself with a tree, burning objects by reflecting light with your sword, riding a dragon... The game even includes camp management dynamics, relationships and affinity with characters and pets, and even playable co-protagonists. Despite everything, some remain anecdotal or disconnected facts, as is also the case with copies of specific elements from other games. These are additions that from the new direction were considered essential, even though they may not have made much sense within the project, but no one dared to deny them.

Cumbersome controls and an unconnected story

The development went through critical moments in which the restructuring involved a management very reluctant to criticism and proposals, as confirmed by some current or former employees of the studio. In this impasse, the game's plot also changed completely and, with little room for maneuver, it has become the rather weak story that "Crimson Desert" narrates. In fact, the desert that gives the title its name is never mentioned, and it did exist in the discarded plot. This also leaves a poorly developed protagonist with whom it is difficult to connect emotionally.

Another weak point of the game is its control system. The mapping (assignment) of buttons is very complex and not ergonomic, which in the world of video games means it is difficult for players to adopt. For example, the fact that the button for jumping and interacting is the same, or that some commonly used actions require a combination of three different buttons, distorts the fluidity of the game. Other players also point to poor use of the third-person camera or certain animations that are not very impressive.

It should also be noted that, although the visual performance is very good in general, it only stands out on computers with good components. The graphics are smoother, especially on consoles or when the hardware cannot handle good lighting. Even so, in general, it does not reach the point where the game is unplayable. As a final detail, some users have detected the use of generative AI in some elements of the game, but the studio has alleged that these are forgotten resources in development that should have been replaced.

A future with room for improvement

Pearl Abyss has been attentive to social media and has been quick to respond. They know that, despite the tortuous development, a somewhat disconnected design in certain elements, and a loose narrative, they have a good sandbox. The team, after celebrating the units sold in its first few days, has accepted some of the problems the community has most criticized and has confirmed that it will try to correct them as much as possible. In fact, it has already released a patch with substantial improvements when the game had not yet been on the market for a week.

Perhaps it is an obvious case where negative opinions about a game should not be demonized, no matter how enthusiastic we may be. These can make its creators react and ensure that it ultimately becomes a better game for everyone – let's consider cases like Cyberpunk 2077–. For now, Crimson Desert is a good option for sandbox lovers, but it has evident enough rough edges to consider whether it is worth playing now or waiting for it to be polished. Pearl Abyss's new game has arrived amid a rather divided opinion, but if it continues to sail towards a good port, it could become one of the most spectacular open worlds to explore in the coming years.