Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike with a Twist

The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz with its striking resemblance to Hades in both art style and core gameplay loop. However, it introduces a unique mechanic that sets it apart from the pack. While a firm release date remains unannounced, a Steam demo offers a sneak peek at this intriguing title, slated for a PC release in early 2025.

The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has seen a wave of new entries, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers reminiscent of Hades and its sequel (currently in early access). Rogue Loops firmly falls into the latter category, offering a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades in a top-down perspective.

Drawing comparisons to Hades is unavoidable, particularly given its Steam trailer and accessible demo. But Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a compelling twist: ability upgrades come with significant downsides.

Rogue Loops' Unique Mechanic: Embracing the Curse

This mechanic echoes the Chaos Gates in Hades, which provide powerful upgrades at the cost of temporary detrimental effects. However, in Rogue Loops, these downsides, or "curses," play a more prominent and varied role, potentially impacting the entire playthrough depending on player choices.

The Narrative: A Family Trapped in Time

The game's narrative centers around a family caught in a deadly time loop. Players must battle through a five-floor dungeon, facing diverse enemies and bosses. True to roguelike fashion, each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, enabling players to craft unique builds utilizing both beneficial buffs and detrimental debuffs.

Release Date and Availability

While a precise release date remains elusive, the Steam store page indicates a Q1 2025 launch. In the meantime, a free demo allows players to explore the first floor. Other roguelikes, including Dead Cells and Hades 2, offer satisfying alternatives until Rogue Loops' full release.

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