Review: Abyssus – A Brinepunk Roguelite FPS with an Intriguing Premise

First Impressions – What Exactly Is Abyssus?

Abyssus is a brinepunk roguelite FPS set within the mysterious underwater ruins of an ancient civilization. I have to admit that the term “brinepunk” was completely new to me, but it's a genuinely interesting concept. It essentially blends steampunk-inspired technology with a submerged world, creating a unique setting. Like most games, though, Abyssus comes with both strengths and weaknesses.

What stood out to me is that your enjoyment of the game really depends on your expectations and what you're looking for from this kind of experience.

Gameplay

The core gameplay loop revolves around descending into the depths aboard a massive diving bell before entering arena-style combat encounters where the goal is simple: survive.

For players who enjoy straightforward, action-focused FPS games, Abyssus is likely to be very satisfying. Personally, I tend to prefer games with a stronger narrative and more gameplay variety, so it wasn't the most engaging experience for me. That said, the game definitely has its strengths.

One of the highlights is the weapon upgrade system. You'll wield oversized firearms, explosives, and a surprisingly useful melee attack that the game itself describes as a “panic button”—and that's exactly what it feels like. Whenever enemies got too close, I instinctively switched to melee. It's incredibly satisfying to use and often gives you just enough breathing room to reload or heal.

The controls are pleasantly simple, which works perfectly alongside the game's aggressive enemy design. Enemies are fast, relentless, and constantly pressure you, making every encounter feel energetic and keeping the action flowing.

Co-op and Progression

I didn't spend enough time with the co-op mode to fully evaluate it, but it immediately felt like the game was designed with multiplayer in mind. Playing with friends seems to make the repetitive gameplay loop much easier to overlook.

As much as I wanted to focus on the positives, I couldn't ignore how long it took before I started unlocking new weapons. Until then, the grind felt quite significant.

I honestly think the game could have been a bit more generous with progression. Collecting the required Soul Fragments for upgrades took considerably longer than I expected or would have liked.

It's also worth mentioning that despite its repetitive structure, Abyssus can be surprisingly challenging. I died quite a lot during my first few runs, so the game definitely isn't lacking in difficulty. Both experienced FPS players and newcomers looking for a challenge should find something to enjoy here.

Atmosphere and Audio

Visually, Abyssus makes a strong first impression. Exploring the underwater halls and forgotten ruins of an ancient civilization creates a mysterious atmosphere that immediately caught my attention.

However, while the environments initially look impressive, repeatedly seeing the same room layouts and enemy designs can become tiring, especially if you're not already a fan of arena-based roguelites.

One aspect I genuinely loved was the game's hub area. It feels like a small base worth exploring, featuring upgrade stations, a shooting range where you can practice your aim on an Atlantean robot, and even a radio station used to invite friends into co-op sessions.

As for the soundtrack and sound design, nothing particularly stood out to me. It doesn't leave a lasting impression, but it gets the job done. Players who enjoy this style of game probably won't mind, as the audio supports the gameplay well enough without ever becoming a major highlight.

What I Liked

• An interesting underwater setting combined with a unique brinepunk aesthetic.
• A satisfying weapon upgrade system.
• Co-op mode feels chaotic and repetitive, but that's exactly what makes it fun.
• Fast, aggressive enemies that create intense combat encounters.

What I Didn't Like

• Repetitive level layouts and enemy variety.
• A weak story that doesn't fully take advantage of the game's fascinating setting.
• Heavy grinding required to make meaningful progression.

Final Verdict

Despite my completely honest opinion that Abyssus can become repetitive, I still have to admit that I genuinely enjoyed playing it. Maybe it was because I adjusted my expectations, or maybe I simply enjoy relaxing with games that don't constantly demand deep strategic thinking.

Either way, fans of fast-paced arena FPS games will likely have a great time here. Abyssus has plenty of potential that hasn't been fully realized yet, but it's definitely there.

You can read our other reviews here.