Roguelite video games are becoming more and more popular as the genre evolves and delivers hit after hit from an ever-expanding library. For those unfamiliar with the genre, there are two essential elements that best characterise these types of games: randomisation and permadeath. Both of these elements were initially popularised in the legendary 1980 classic video game, Rogue, but they have since been taken on by a number of developers aiming to break into the videogame industry.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is an intriguing fusion of some of the most well-liked indie genres right now. Every game begins in the same fashion. The player starts in a prison cell that offers one of two paths. Players can either enter a challenge mode or start their next run through the main door. Players also have the option of equipping their character with a shield or bow before gaining the ability to collect random weapons at the start of each new game. While Dead Cells isn’t the most graphically demanding game available, it certainly benefits from higher settings and frames that better hardware can provide. If you’re looking to upgrade your rig, be sure to check out lenovo.com for some of the most competitively priced hardware available for a range of budgets.
Gunfire Reborn
Gunfire Reborn is a 3D, first person shooter (FPS) roguelite game developed by Duoyi Games which enjoyed a full Windows release in November 2021, but which recently saw the release of a new DLC pack that is sure to lure fans back in. The game features a selection of cute but deadly animal characters, each with a uniquely tailored arsenal of abilities and talents for you to level up throughout the game. The core gameplay loop involves your killer creature traversing through increasingly difficult levels, collecting weapons, gold, and spirit for various upgrades. The goal of each run is to make it back to the main title screen with as much spirit as you were able to collect, in order to level up and progress through the extensive tech tree.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute
BPM: Bullets Per Minute is an FPS roguelite rhythm game developed and published by Awe Interactive. What makes it stand out from other FPS titles is that every shot in the game is timed to the music’s beat. Players must follow a synth-laden metal soundtrack to do everything from firing weapons to reloading, adding deeper elements to the Doom-esque combat. Shoot out of rhythm, and your weapon will jam. Try to reload off-rhythm, and nothing will happen. These elements mean that players must learn to follow particular rhythms as part of the core game-play loop to be successful. BPM is a fantastic experience after you’ve discovered how the basics of rhythmic movement and firing work.
The roguelite genre has unique qualities that aren’t found in many others. They combine the unpredictable challenges of new randomised tools and worlds with a deeper refinement of classic video games, giving players a great blend of old and new that is as addictive as it is novel. And even though the genre is still somewhat fresh, there are many brilliant titles for you to try out today.
