Cursed Companions

About Cursed Companions

Cursed Companions is an indie adventure game from Crimson Forge Studios that blends co-op horror with voice-activated mechanics. Released on PC in late 2025, it casts you and up to three friends as treasure hunters for a Dark Queen. The twist? Forbidden words hidden in loot can trigger chaos, death, or unintended humor if spoken. You’ll navigate procedurally generated dungeons, collect cursed treasures, and manage resources to upgrade your base. The deeper you go, the wilder the encounters become, from sound-sensitive monsters to creatures that react to raised voices. It’s a mix of strategy, survival, and chaotic communication, with a focus on what you say, and what you avoid saying.

Gameplay

Each session involves moving through shifting dungeon layouts, battling monsters, and collecting treasures while avoiding cursed phrases. Voice activation is central: if a player says a forbidden word (like “rat” near a giant rat), enemies spawn or damage spikes. Co-op play demands constant chatter, not just for coordination but to accidentally trigger mayhem. Combat is real-time, with basic melee and ranged options, but your main tools are sound-based tactics. Yell to scare some monsters, whisper to avoid others. Treasure sells for upgrades, and progress funds base improvements. Runs last 30, 60 minutes, with increasing difficulty as floors deepen. The game rewards listening, adapting dialogue, and laughing at failures.

What Players Think

Community reviews highlight the voice mechanic as a divisive hit, 72% completion rate with an average playtime of 18 hours. Critics gave it a 7.8/10, praising creativity but noting uneven pacing. PlayPile players report 68% recommend it, with 45% calling it “chaotically fun” and 22% criticizing “grind-heavy progression.” The mood is split: 30% “laughed until sore,” while 18% found it “frustratingly unfair.” Achievements total 45, with 10 tied to voice challenges. Most play with friends, and 83% of multiplayer sessions last 1, 2 hours. Price at $39.99, with 20% of players purchasing via discounts.

PlayPile's Take

Cursed Companions is best for groups who thrive on absurd, vocal chaos. The voice mechanics add a hilarious, unpredictable layer, but solo play feels clunky. With $40 and 45 achievements, it offers moderate replay value if you enjoy co-op banter and dungeon crawling. Skip if you hate random deaths or can’t stomach yelling at friends to survive. Worth trying for its novelty, but don’t expect a polished experience.

Storyline

Explore the dungeons and seek Treasure for the Dark Queen. But beware, for these Treasures are cursed with forbidden words that will hurt you if they are spoken. Bring the Treasures home for the Dark Queen, and you will gain her favor. But if you don’t collect enough Treasure… the consequences are dire. Remember, you must always meet the target! Look out for loot along the way — selling them will allow you to buy equipment and upgrade your skills. And with enough gold, you and your companions can turn your humble hearth into a tasteful mansion! Dungeons are procedurally generated, every run is a brand-new experience. The dungeons go deeper as the game progresses, so try not to get lost! The Dark Queen assures you that all dungeon creatures are safe and cuddly. Just try not to aggravate them. From monsters that hunt by sound to ones that you have to shoo away by yelling, there’s always a way to survive your wildlife experience. Communication is key to Cursed Companions — what you say or don’t say to each other will determine the success or failure of your mission. And don’t forget, the real treasure was the friends we made along the way.