[PREVIEW] Cloudheim – Open Beta

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Cloudheim… more like treasure collector simulator? Jokes aside, Noodle Cat Games just launched the open beta for Cloudheim on Steam, running until Monday. So, I jumped in for about an hour and a half to see what kind of mischief I could get into and what the game actually offers.

Needless to say, it’s still pretty rough around the edges. I don’t think this game is really meant for single-player; it feels like it would be way more fun with a group. This is a cooperative action RPG that mixes crafting with some chaotic physics-based combat. And honestly, the combat gets even better the more you play.

The Grind & The Good Stuff

The tutorial and intro are a bit of a snoozefest. I couldn’t wait to get out of it, and let’s just say it really bogs down with just collecting chests. It was a little disappointing how long it took to get past that, but once you’re out, you can finally play the game the way it’s meant to be.

The main loop here is raiding dungeons, building up your base, and improving your skills. As I mentioned, combat can get pretty wild with various enemies and bosses. Plus, it’s great that you get a variety of classes to choose from, so finding your perfect playstyle shouldn’t be a problem. Yeah, the camera can get a bit wonky and all over the place, but it’s still easy enough to hit and dodge enemies, so no major issues there.

My biggest problem is the overly simplified level-up system and a lack of clear info about your inventory – like, how strong is this gear I just picked up?

Where It Falls Short

While the combat is fun, the exploration is a bit of a letdown. The maps feel way too huge, and it usually just boils down to clearing out areas with not much interesting happening. Mini-bosses were pretty enjoyable, and this is why I think the game is probably meant for multiplayer.

Besides quests, the game does a poor job explaining your actual tasks; it hardly shows any clear marks on the map, and you’re kind of just left on your own to figure things out.

But, it definitely has potential. I can totally see a lot of fun events and things happening the more you play this game. It’s got this unique, almost Zelda-like atmosphere, and there’s a huge amount of islands to explore. You’ll probably end up really liking the art style and graphics too – they’re super distinctive.

Now, I am a little skeptical. Just to be clear, this isn’t an MMO. Think of it more like Enshrouded mixed with a cartoonish vibe. But it has its own unique style that it can definitely keep pushing. It just needs to refine some things to truly shine.