Queen's Domain received positive feedback from its roughly five-hour preview build. The game’s movement and level exploration truly open up after defeating the first boss and obtaining the holy sword Endu. Multiple air dashes and three-dimensional routes also reminded reviewers of Metroid Prime.
The game’s opening carries the atmosphere of FromSoftware’s early first-person dark fantasy RPGs, but there is a clear contrast in the experience before and after obtaining Endu. Endu can be upgraded with special gems, with each upgrade granting an additional air dash. At the time of the preview, the reviewer could already dash three times consecutively and observed that some areas might require four or five dashes to reach.
The levels feature a vertical structure with hidden routes, allowing players to reach certain areas through near-non-linear exploration. These design elements are the main reason it draws comparisons to Metroid Prime. Reviewers noted that the first half-hour might feel slow for some players, but this contrast enhances the sense of progression once abilities are unlocked.
The weapon system also plays a role in exploration. Weapons level up and change forms as they are used. Character leveling does not require allocating stat points; instead, players can combine playstyles from up to three quick-access weapons. The gauntlet’s special attack not only hits enemies but also launches the character into the air, serving as a double jump to reach hidden areas.
This impression represents preliminary conclusions ahead of a full review. Queen's Domain was released on October 30, with a Steam launch price of $17, down from the regular price of $20.