NiBo Games, an indie studio founded by veteran developers based in Prague, Czech Republic, is working on Paper Dungeon – Deep Down, a modern revival of the dungeon-crawling classics that defined the ‘80s and ‘90s. Inspired by titles like Dungeon Master, Wizardry, and Eye of the Beholder, the game blends retro grid-based exploration with contemporary visuals and smoother controls to appeal to both long-time CRPG fans and new players.
📜 A World Built from Giant Miniatures and Childhood Memories
At its core, Paper Dungeon – Deep Down tells an emotional story about guilt, trauma, and tragic loss. Players awaken trapped in a mysterious realm between life and death, navigating a labyrinth constructed by an enigmatic figure known only as the Overseer — a towering dungeon-master miniature infused with ‘80s tabletop RPG nostalgia.
One of the game’s most distinctive visual hooks is its “giant miniature” concept. Enemies such as zombies and skeletons appear as animated tabletop figurines, some with grotesque and unsettling designs. This approach seamlessly blends the charm of pen-and-paper RPGs with a modern cinematic presentation, imbuing the entire world with a surreal, eerie quality.
⚔️ Tactical Depth: Retro Design, Modern Execution
Paper Dungeon – Deep Down is positioned as a retro-modern dungeon RPG featuring layered, tactical combat and party-based exploration. Key gameplay elements include:
- 12 playable heroes, each with unique abilities and roles
- Over 40 condition synergies enabling deep tactical planning
- Extensive skills and loot variety encourage flexible builds
- A full class system for progression and customization
- Turn-based combat combined with grid-based movement
Players will venture through a variety of imaginative — and often disturbing — environments: trap-laden basements, alchemists’ labs, nightmarish infirmaries, and spider-infested nurseries. Between dives, players can retreat to the Attic, a haven that serves as a nostalgic hideout — though even there, not everything is as harmless as it seems.
😱 Psychological Horror Woven into Dungeon-Crawler Tradition
While the game delivers traditional first-person dungeon crawling, it also imbues a strong psychological horror tone.
Jump scares appear sparingly but effectively, while the atmosphere leans heavily into dread, loneliness, and the uncanny — offering a raw, old-school experience that avoids hand-holding.
Narrative choices matter, and the game features multiple endings, each revealing different layers of its mystery. Fans of classic CRPG storytelling will appreciate its deliberate pacing and first-person immersion.
🛠️ Four Years in Development — Searching for Partners
NiBo Games has been developing the title for nearly four years and is now exploring publishing partnerships to support QA, marketing, and potential releases beyond PC.
The team launched its official social channels in April 2025 and continues to share development updates through its Steam page, where players can already wishlist the game.
🎤 Final Thoughts
Paper Dungeon – Deep Down is shaping up to be a bold and affectionate tribute to ’80s–’90s dungeon crawlers — but with a sinister psychological twist. Its giant-miniature aesthetic, intense tactical combat, and rich CRPG atmosphere make it particularly appealing for fans of classic dungeon RPGs and tabletop fantasy.
The brooding soundtrack and ominous title screen set the stage for an emotional descent into fear, memory, and myth. For anyone craving a fresh, modern take on old-school dungeon crawling, this is one to keep a close eye on.
Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3679760/Paper_Dungeon__Deep_Down/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nibo-games
Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/NiBoGames
