Summary
The upcomingindieroguelike dungeon-crawlerRogue Loopsappears to be taking heavy inspiration from the likes ofHadesin its art style and gameplay loop, but adds a unique twist to the usual formula the genre is known for. The game is scheduled to release sometime this year, with no official release date as of yet, but fans can get a taste ofRogue Loopsnow with a free demo currently available on Steam.
The roguelike genre has seen massive popularity in recent years, with more and more developers churning out their own renditions as either full games or mechanics built onto bigger titles. Roguelikes can range fromthird-person action shooters likeReturnalto the more traditional dungeon-crawling experiences in games likeHadesand its sequel, which is currently in early access.
The latter of these is exactly where the upcoming gameRogue Loopsappears to be taking heavy inspiration from, featuring a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades in a top-down perspective. While the game is seeinga lot of comparison toHadesthanks to its Steam trailer and free demo, it also features a unique mechanic in which ability upgrades come with distinct downsides that can alter gameplay even further.
Rogue Loops Offers Roguelike Action With Hades-Inspired Mechanics
In a way, this mechanic appears to work similarly tothe Chaos Gates inHades,which offer significant upgrades to the player’s character in return for various detrimental effects that last for several chambers. InRogue Loops,however, these “curses” will seemingly take on a more prominent role and involve more varying effects that may last the entire run, depending on how players engage with them.
As for the plot, the game reportedly revolves around a family stuck inside a deadly time loop, in which the player must fight through a series of dungeons spanning across five different floors with different enemies and bosses to encounter. As per usual with most roguelike games, each new run will allow players to unlock procedurally generated upgrades that will allow them to create unique builds using buffs and debuffs provided by their unlocked boons.
There is currently no verified information as to whenRogue Loopswill hit Steam officially, but the game’s store page reveals that it is set for release in the first quarter of 2025. Fans can download a free demo providing access to the game’s first floor in the meantime, and there are plenty ofother roguelikes such asDead Cellsand evenHades 2to pass the time until it launches in full.
