Warriors: Abyss review

• Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC
• Released on 12 February 2025
• Developed by Koei Tecmo

Take the hack-and-slash chaos of Dynasty Warriors and throw it into a roguelike structure, and you’ve got Warriors: Abyss. It’s a wild blend that might not reinvent the genre, but it offers a surprisingly fun ride while it lasts. If mowing down hundreds of enemies in quick bursts sounds satisfying, this is worth your time.

The setup takes a bit of getting used to. Rather than upgrading a single character between runs, you unlock a growing roster of warriors. Each one has passive skills that can boost your strength, defense, or other stats during a run. You’re still only controlling one fighter directly, but up to six others can be added to your support team. These allies can jump into battle to assist with combos or, when a special meter fills, launch a screen-clearing attack.

Combat is the main event here. Early stages are short and simple, often tasking you with defeating 30 enemies in seconds. As you progress, those numbers grow. Before long, you’ll be wiping out hundreds of enemies in a matter of minutes. Special levels add twists like bonus rewards or tougher enemy types, keeping things from feeling too repetitive.

Every few stages, a boss fight brings a welcome shift in pace. These encounters demand quicker reflexes and better timing. You’ll need to dodge powerful attacks, call in your backup wisely, and make the most of your abilities. They can be tough, but they’re a highlight.

Of course, this is a roguelike. Death resets your progress, but it also feeds into progression. Currency earned from runs unlocks new characters and permanent stat boosts, which slowly make future runs easier. The character tree is massive, and though many fighters feel similar, it’s still fun to expand your options.

The core loop is addictive, but it doesn’t have the same lasting pull as genre heavyweights like Hades. With more than 100 characters to choose from, there’s a lot to play around with, though the differences between them can feel minor in practice. After a couple dozen hours, you’ll likely have seen most of what the game has to offer.

Still, for a budget price, Warriors: Abyss delivers a fast-paced and flashy experience. It might not have deep narrative hooks or complex systems, but it nails the basics. If you’re into big combos, relentless enemy waves, and flashy finishers, this is an easy one to recommend.