Between Hades 2 updates, I’m always on the lookout for more action-packed roguelikes. I love that Supergiant Games has inspired so many to follow in its stead, because it means I’ve always got other similar experiences to try. TMNT: Splintered Fate, [REDACTED], and Realm of Ink are just some of the games taking from Hades, but another challenger has entered the arena. Rogue Loops is finally available on Steam, and it twists the entire roguelike formula with one novel idea.
At a glance, Rogue Loops proudly wears its Hades influences on its sleeve. It has a top-down camera, fluid and fast-paced character action, and plenty of replayability. Supergiant inspired a roguelike subgenre unto itself, and Rogue Loops sits firmly in it. Multiple skills and relics offer powerful synergies, there are plenty of challenging bosses, and even colorful enemies to fight. But this game has one key difference.
Whenever you pick up a buff, it also comes with a curse. So not only are you trying to string abilities together to create truly overpowered builds, you’re also considering how each curse can stack and negatively impact your run. Curses can do things like spawn explosive barrels in every room, lace the floor with traps, or summon vengeful spirits with an array of negative impacts. It’s a really interesting idea that creates a new sense of the risk/reward dynamic that roguelikes thrive on.
As for the setting, Rogue Loops casts you as a family member stuck in an endless loop (which definitely sounds familiar if you’ve played Hades). There are eldritch-looking beasts, gorgeous landscapes, and even plenty of progression systems to keep you coming back. If you’re looking for a new action-focused roguelike, this might be one for you.
Rogue Loops is available on Steam now, with a 10% discount knocking it down to $13.49 / £11.51 until Friday April 11. Just head here.
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