PPG Game Of The Year 2024 - 11 - The Best Real Time Roguelikes
It's been a big year for the action roguelike. But while the mother of all isometric roguelikes dropped it's sequel out of nowhere in early access this year, there's still a massive breadth of options available that mean that wasn’t the only fantastic experience that could be had. Whether you're searching for something extremely close or extremely different to that very experience, there's plenty to be excited about.
Spellbound Survivors
Survivors-Like With Abilities
Hues very close to Vampire Survivors in many ways including it's art style, but adds in a few of it's own flourishes, namely screen wiping abilities and anime music.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
Rage Against The System But Do It Cute
Turnip boy has a gun now. And C4. Also it's run based.
Spell Disk
Spell Crafting Synergies
Build out unique loadouts and create sweet spell combos in a top down roguelike experience taking on hordes of monsters from the depths.
Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother
Smaller Scope Hades
Chinese mythology mixed with isometric hack and slash gameplay. Challenge is tuned down a bit which is kind of nice honestly, with some good meta progression built in.
Shadow of the Depth (EA)
Top Down Dungeon Diving
Viewed fully birds-eye, here you have your typical variety of characters with differing abilities and play styles, a procgen dungeon to delve into and your roguelike structure having you coming back for just one more run.
Footgun: Underground
2D Soccer Platforming
Definitely a unique premise where you take on enemies by kicking soccer balls at them. Of course there are a vast array of "high tech upgrades" you can make to your balls to customize your runs.
Path of Achra
Broken Build Sandbox
Have quick playthrough sessions in this classic retro looking top down game, where the options for character builds are vast, and the game wants you to lean into creating the most broken builds you can think of.
Hades II (EA)
Ancient Horny Greeks
The juggernaut is back and and smooth as ever. While I am personally waiting until 1.0, much like its predecessor there's plenty of content keeping you entertained even in EA for the gods of the action roguelike.
Gatekeeper (EA)
Isometric Bullet Hell Co-op
Shoot through hordes of enemies to steal back The Heart of the Universe. Can be played solo or with buddies.
Never Mourn (EA)
Grief Stricken Necromancer
Switch between hacking and slashing as a necromancer and controlling an army of the dead, as you battle your way through the depths of hell to resurrect a lost child.
Margoq's Lair
Interesting Spell Combos
Mix spells to create powerful combat abilities as you delve into procgen dungeons Noita style but from a top down perspective.
Galaia
Bite Sized For Beginners
Pitches itself as a great starting point for those curious about the genre, but also provides a good challenge for vets. Inexpensive, fluid, an accelerated meta progression.
Ashes of the Union
Vehicular Shooter Vs Giant Crabs
Post-apoc alt history Soviet Union where you must build out your rig with all manner of weapons to face land based eldritch horrors from an isometric perspective.
Nova Drift
Asteroids on Steroids
Feels like what would happen if you took Asteroids to its natural conclusion in 2024. Beautiful graphical flair, astounding upgrade paths, addictive one more run gameplay.
Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate
3D Over The Top Action
Pulling hard on Risk of Rain 2, but has it's own identity with the dual protagonists and co-op options. Goes a bit further with it's randomization.
Elsie
Fast Paced Sidescroller
A "technicolour, hyperkinetic, rogue-like action-platformer" with a lot of cool toys to play with across different runs. Megaman-esque with some modern sensibilities and design.
StormEdge
Pixel Pounding Entertainment
Some stunning pixel animation makes this adventurous roguelike stand out amongst the crowd. Diverse combat options make for an engaging roguelike. Also has co-op.
Void's Vigil (EA)
Survivors Meets Space
From the creators of Boneraiser Minions (arguably the best of the survivors sub genre) comes a follow up with the same great chunky pixel art but set in space.
Ravenswatch
Dark Fairytale Hades
Hitting 1.0, this fairy-tale with a twist based roguelike is a shade of Hades, with gorgeous animation across the board and smooth, sharp gameplay. Also has co-op, which is kinda cool.
Realms of Ink (EA)
Chinese Hades
This roguelike is the closest to Hades you'll find that isn't Hades 2. That's not a bad thing at all - Hades is fantastic, and this game puts those shoes on with the full intention of living up to the inspiration.
Dwarven Realms
Screen Filling Destruction
If Vampire Survivors and Diablo had a baby. Ability bars, action combat, hordes of mobs and upgrades on upgrades.
Windblown (EA)
Isometric Vibrant Slick
One right up there with Hades in its incredibly fluid and joyous combat and just one more run mentality. Fast paced, gorgeous, satisfying game from the creators of Dead Cells.
Rogue Command (RA)
RTS But Roguelike
Aims to do for RTS's what Against The Storm did for city builders, and largely succeeds. Build up bases, produce units and go on the offensive, unlock more advanced buildings and build synergies in a run, then try a different approach next time.
And The Best Action Roguelike Of 2024 Is…
Lynked: Banner of the Spark (EA)
Grappling Hook Base Building
Really compelling blend of isometric roguelike runs where you have a grappling hook that can be used in multiple ways, crossed with a lovely base building element back at base. Colourful and cartoony. Even in early access, it’s well polished and a whole lot of fun. Cream of the crop this one.