Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike with a Twist
The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz with its striking resemblance to Hades, both visually and in its core gameplay loop. However, Rogue Loops introduces a unique mechanic that sets it apart. While a release date isn't yet confirmed, a free Steam demo allows players to experience the game's early stages ahead of its anticipated early 2025 PC launch.
The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has seen countless iterations, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers such as Hades and its sequel (currently in early access). Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from the latter, employing a repeating dungeon structure with randomized loot and ability upgrades, all viewed from a top-down perspective.
But what distinguishes Rogue Loops is its innovative approach to ability upgrades. These upgrades come with distinct downsides, significantly impacting gameplay. This mechanic echoes Hades' Chaos Gates, which offer powerful buffs alongside detrimental effects. However, in Rogue Loops, these "curses" appear more impactful and varied, potentially affecting the entire playthrough.
The game's narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five distinct dungeon floors, each teeming with unique enemies and bosses. Like most roguelikes, subsequent runs unlock procedurally generated upgrades, enabling players to craft personalized builds using both beneficial and detrimental effects.
While a precise release date remains unannounced, Rogue Loops is slated for a Q1 2025 Steam release. In the meantime, a free demo showcasing the first floor is available. For those eager for more roguelike action, Dead Cells and Hades 2 offer compelling alternatives.
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