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After seven long years in development, Crimson Desert is finally here. Black Desert Online developer Pearl Abyss has launched its new open-world behemoth to largely encouraging reviews. While impressions were initially "mixed" on Steam, they've climbed up to "mostly positive" at the time of writing. Meanwhile, the game has a "generally favorable" Metascore.
Not so bad, but Palworld publishing lead John "Bucky" Buckley has emerged as an outlier on the spectrum of Crimson Desert reviews, giving the game a glowing (and very unofficial) Twitter rating after spending seven hours with the game.
"Clocked 7hrs in Crimson Desert today, mostly goofing around not doing the story," he says. "This game is made for me."
Already, it makes sense that Buckley's impressions are more positive than the average, with one of the most common complaints about Crimson Desert being its story, which he admits to not really engaging with. However, the game's controls are being universally criticized as difficult to become accustomed to, and Buckley acknowledges that the game isn't for everyone.
"Totally understand all the criticisms, and I agree that the game is not for everyone but… This is my dream game," he adds.
"Loving it. Will update thoughts after the weekend."
Clocked 7hrs in Crimson Desert today, mostly goofing around not doing the story. This game is made for me.Totally understand all the criticisms, and I agree that the game is not for everyone but…This is my dream game. Loving it. Will update thoughts after the weekend. pic.twitter.com/p84fvHBhejMarch 20, 2026
Here at GamesRadar+, we awarded Crimson Desert a commendable 4/5 stars, praising its highly explorable, beautiful open world while sharing concerns about its lackluster story and "sloppy" mechanics.
"Crimson Desert is messy, but as you untangle its mechanics and compensate for its flaws, elements of genius and wonder make the experience worthwhile," reads our verdict. "Take time to leave the beaten path and find out which of its many facets appeals to you, and you'll discover a game that's far better as a sandbox than as a story."
100 hours of Crimson Desert made me realize how perfect Breath of the Wild is
