Real Time Roguelikes
Roguelikes don’t always have to be turn based. In fact, some of the best in recent years - I’m looking at you Hades - revel in that moment to moment high octane up time reflecting the slow breath of downtime. Many following in this path came out this year, that hit an incredibly high quality bar or/and have their own interesting twist on the known formula. These are some of the best, many of which I can almost guarantee you won’t have heard of until now.
Sentimental K
Smooth, well animated action is the name of the game here, just about in it’s entirety. While the theming of bosses around various emotions is a cool touch, the focus is very much on that sweet, sweet combat. Forget about meta progression, this high-camera 3D action game is all about the skill.
暖雪 Warm Snow
Has demo
Given it’s nearly 20,000 reviews, it’s amazing this hasn’t been more thoroughly covered in the press, but nevertheless this “Hades in China” hack and slash has excellent build variety, an intriguing plot and wonderful style.
Devil Spire
Has demo
"It's King's Field but procedurally generated, and with Hexen-style graphics!” If that’s not a killer elevate pitch, I don’t know what is. First person combat, retro moody graphics, crunchy stats, mystery around every corner… what’s not to love.
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Has demo
The first Unexplored is a massively underrated absolute gem of a game - possibly the best real-time roguelike I’ve ever played. The second installment expands on everything in some pretty wild ways - essentially making an entire RPG campaign a roguelike in itself. When you die, you begin again but the world remains, with your previous choices and actions having rippling consequences throughout your future playthroughs. Massively ambitious, and cool as hell. Just look at those beautiful graphics!
Astral Ascent
Early access
This side scrolling roguelike has absolutely top notch animation and a killer premise. Take on the 12 zodiacs in this epic adventure. This is one of those ones to keep an eye on - I have a hunch the 1.0 release is going to knock it out of the park.
Gwenblade
Early access
A really active update cycle has kept me continuously checking in on this one. A core loop that feels solid, this action roguelike takes place in the mind - as in, your character uses a VR style helmet to mind dive into patient’s minds to help treat their mental ailments - which sure is a sci-fi premise I’m keen to see fully fleshed out and grappled with.
Archtower
Has demo, early access
A testament to how versatile the GameMaker engine actually is, this 3D tower explorer is already well fleshed out with content getting added frequently. Build up your clan, head out on new expeditions, take your little pixel dude to new heights never seen before.