Down Among the Dead Men Review

Down Among the Dead Men is quite a pleasant change of pace compared to recent gamebook releases. Focusing on storytelling rather than interactive elements, it won’t excite those who want combat galore and options aplenty, but for those who just want an interesting read with a few choices abound, it’ll do the trick.

You play a pirate as they go their merry way on the high seas in an attempt to take down the pirate, King Skarvench. Starting out, there are a few choices to personalize your journey, allowing you the choice of genders as well as your background. Want to be a disguised female who’s the daughter of a governor? That’s just as easy to do here as it is to be a lowly thief desperate for a quick buck. While it won’t revolutionize the options available but rather merely change them a small amount, it’s a nice touch in adding ownership to your adventure.

Divided into seven chapters, Down Among the Dead Men won’t take incredibly long to complete but it is interesting. There’s no combat here and seemingly no way to die, but there are some varied choices to make. There’s the usual gamebook style of allowing you to buy numerous items before those items play a pivotal role in further decision making, meaning there’s some replayability here.

Ultimately, Down Among the Dead Men is a simpler affair than most gamebooks, but that’s also reflected in its price. It’s a distraction while it lasts, and a pleasant one at that. While it won’t be remembered for as long as the likes of 80 Days, it’s a more calming but just as entertaining affair, and one that ensures you see results quicker.