Crimson Desert reviews average at 78 on Metacritic, as clunky controls threaten GOTY contention

While it doesn’t always determine sales, critics can still influence buying decisions. The Crimson Desert review embargo finally expired, unleashing dozens of evaluations on Metacritic. After 82 submissions, the open-world game has a Metascore of 78. Most sites praise its ambitious graphics and physics, but note annoyances that could frustrate many players.

A sometimes rocky Crimson Desert

The first Crimson Desert reviews focus on the PC version and don’t describe many performance shortcomings. Yet, even with stable framerates, some aspects of the Pearl Abyss project are proving divisive. If gamers had read leaked impressions, they might not be surprised by some consistent complaints.

Even posting a 7/10 score on Metacritic, Insider Gaming represents the consensus best by calling the title a “game of extremes.” The writer praises Pywel as an incredibly detailed, massive world worthy of exploration. Yet, the game suffers from an “overabundance of unfocused systems, a weak narrative, and combat that struggles to maintain consistency.”

Judging by other impressions, players could have mixed reactions to Crimson Desert combat. Varied Enemies require skill and patience to defeat. At the same time, some bosses early on may prove too difficult for an unprepared Kliff. Meanwhile, as he progresses, other opponents don’t present quite the same challenge.

A problem that hampers the game, both in and out of battles, is clunky controls. Even after remapping, the complex layout can take many hours to become comfortable with.

Fears about a weak story may be justified

Before the Crimson Desert release date, another concern was with the quality of the narrative. There is a story to tell, but scattered over such large maps, it can be difficult to piece together. Several Crimson Desert reviews also describe bland characters that don’t add much to the script.

Sadly, managing inventory can lead to rage-quitting. Without storage boxes, there will soon be more space for the endless items collected in Pywel. It’s possible that Pearl Abyss can iron out some quality-of-life issues with patches.

Even if it doesn't contend with GTA 6 for GOTY, many Metacritic entries hail Crimson Desert as a technical achievement. Open world games may have a new standard to meet for level of detail. Some players who aren’t dissuaded by its shortcomings will become hopelessly immersed. As GamingTrend describes, it’s a “once-in-a-generation action RPG that redefines the genre.”