Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike Dungeon Crawler
The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz with its striking resemblance to Hades, both aesthetically and in its core gameplay loop. However, Rogue Loops introduces a unique twist on the established roguelike formula. While a precise release date remains unannounced, a free Steam demo offers a sneak peek at the action. The game is slated for a PC release in early 2025.
The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has inspired numerous developers to create their own interpretations, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers reminiscent of Hades and its currently-in-early-access sequel. Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from this latter style, presenting a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades viewed from a top-down perspective.
The game's Steam trailer and demo have fueled comparisons to Hades, but Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a compelling mechanic: ability upgrades come with distinct downsides, significantly impacting gameplay. This mechanic echoes Hades' Chaos Gates, which offer powerful upgrades at the cost of detrimental effects. However, in Rogue Loops, these "curses" appear more impactful and varied, potentially lasting an entire playthrough depending on player choices.
The narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players must navigate five-floor dungeons, each teeming with unique enemies and bosses. True to roguelike tradition, each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, enabling players to craft diverse builds utilizing both beneficial and detrimental boons.
While an official release date is pending, the Steam page indicates a Q1 2025 launch. In the meantime, a free demo allows players to explore the first floor. Fans eager for more roguelike action can explore titles like Dead Cells and Hades 2 until Rogue Loops' full release.
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