DoP features the same sort of interface that this genre of RPGs displays. It can be played entirely with the mouse, though there are keyboard shortcuts for many functions, such as bringing up the quest interface, launching special attacks, etc., and these can all be modified. There is a fine line between a game's user interface being functional, and being obtrusive. DoP maintains the basics -- minimap in the upper right corner, player health and mana (or "momentum") bars in the upper left, row of quickly-accessed skills and items on the bottom -- but also presents a Power Rankings indicator in the lower right corner that can't be hidden. However, this indicator refers to one of the more interesting features of gameplay, so it's probably important enough to keep in constant view; more on this later.

Movement is entirely by left-click, and items that can be used highlight when moused over. A right-click selects the item without using it, and the left-click uses the item, whatever its purpose. This general-purpose function serves gameplay well. Despite its similarity to other such games, DoP still serves up a tutorial that explains how to navigate the world and offers hints and help at opportune times.

At launch, one chooses between four roles: Warrior, Rogue, Mage, or Priest. Descriptions for each are very well-written in a narrative style that helps immersion. There are two advanced options: Hardcore, where death is permanent, and the Loner Challenge, which refers to the Covenant feature of gameplay. Because this relates to the Power Rankings UI item mentioned earlier, we'll talk about it now.

As a Barbarian in the village of Jorvik, you must compete with rival factions, called Covenants, to rule, both by direct combat and by recruiting NPCs to join your Covenant. So the Rankings refer to the balance of power in Jorvik, which is always in flux. During gameplay, you are constantly getting offers and threats from the other Covenants, and dealing with these is an important part of play. If you turn down item offers from other factions, your reputation suffers, making it more likely that the offended faction will attack you. They typically do this by getting to your Lifestone, a large gem that heals you whenever you touch it. You receive a notification whenever your Lifestone is under attack, regardless of wherever you are or whatever you might be doing at the time. As your Lifestone is the heart of your Covenant, it behooves you to return home as quickly as possible to eliminate the threat.

It must be said that it is possible to play for quite a while without involving the factional gameplay element. In fact, the demo itself allows for a great deal of playtime without limitations. Buying the game outright opens up more land to explore, more storyline to enjoy, and the ability to progress beyond level 7. And of course, the warm fuzzies one gets by supporting indie game development.

Combat in DoP is deceptively simple. Left-clicking on an enemy begins your attack, and you trade blows until either of you is dead. Special abilities come into play through use of the "momentum" meter, which is just mana renamed. Momentum is built up through travel, and spent by employing a special attack. These special attacks are viewable in their hierarchy trees, though stronger attacks are only accessible by unlocking earlier ones. There is a large range of special attacks to choose from, and a limited number of slots on your bottom bar, so it's wise to research and invest points intelligently.

DoP AI tends towards tenacity, with enemies coming after you immediately upon your entering the same portion of the screen as they inhabit. It's not uncommon to fight one opponent, only to be suddenly swarmed by a group of foes charging in from the periphery of the screen. Thus, careful navigation of the area is key, to avoid getting mobbed by the relentless waves of monsters.

If there is one gripe I have with the game, it's with its graphics. The palette, while colorful, has little variance of shade, meaning that every object competes with every other object for visual dominance. It's sometimes difficult to tell one thing from another, and with no parallax scrolling to mention, sometimes this makes for a confusing play session. It's clear that these objects and characters were rendered in 3D, but the fixed perspective negates that effect. Having said that, however, the variance in enemies and level of competence in the artwork manage to offset the look somewhat.

In all, Depths of Peril is well-worth a look. For those who love this type of hack-and-slash RPG action, the gameplay is addictive enough that you may want to purchase it after a couple of hours. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into development of this title, as mere perusal of the tomes and tomes of backstory will attest. It's the gameplay that will keep you, however, and at least until Diablo 3 arrives, you'll enjoy your time in Jorvik.