Flyway Games' Ascend to Zero launches on Xbox Game Pass with a 30-second time limit and a time-stopping mechanic that rewrites the Vampire Survivors formula. The roguelike's exponential leveling and four distinct currency types create a fascinating systems overload that keeps pulling players back.
Kaz, the new roguelike from Kalinarm, offers highly engaging gameplay with its fast-paced reflex challenges and deep perk system, all for $7 on Steam. However, its intense gameplay may come at the cost of wrist strain. With its simple yet addictive design, Kaz captures the spirit of classic Flash games.
Crimson Moon offers a delightfully breezy co-op hack n' slash experience, blending the best of Diablo and Dark Souls with swift combat and a Gothic, heavy metal aesthetic. While its loot system and roguelike elements show promise but need refinement, the game's enjoyable gameplay makes it a great candidate for casual co-op sessions. With potential for improvement, Crimson Moon could become a standout title for fans of action RPGs.
Indie horror roguelike RPG Starving Shadows is set to haunt PC gamers exclusively on Steam in 2026. This chilling title promises a unique blend of horror elements and roguelike gameplay mechanics. With its release scheduled for 2026, fans of the genre can eagerly anticipate a thrilling experience.
Chivalware, a roguelike inspired by Mega Man Battle Network, combines Match-3 combat with roguelike elements, showing promise in its Steam demo. Developer Regal Pigeon's previous title, Neophyte, faced review-bombing after support cessation. Can Chivalware overcome its current lack of Match-3 complexity to succeed?
As the UK navigates another period of political chaos, the roguelike deckbuilder Prime Monster offers a satirical escape through its political simulation gameplay. With turn-based card battles and a Slay the Spire-style structure, players must navigate the challenges of leading a fictional UK analogue, the Fractured Kingdom. From passing bills to managing voter disillusionment, Prime Monster eerily mirrors real-world political frustrations, providing a cathartic outlet for players.
Slay the Spire 2 suffered a severe review bomb on Steam, yet surprisingly, its sales remained largely unaffected. According to a Steam expert, "in any other case you would say this game is dead" based on the review bomb's severity. However, the game's sales tell a different story, highlighting the complex relationship between user reviews and purchasing decisions.
Hidden Depths, a roguelike game from a solo developer, has achieved unprecedented success on Steam, generating roughly $1.8 million in sales in just three weeks. The developer's share of $220,000 underscores the title's unexpected surge in popularity. This breakthrough highlights the platform's potential for indie games to thrive with the right reception.
BioShock's director, Jonathan Chey, expresses skepticism about the game's Plasmid System, stating he rarely uses more than one favorite plasmid throughout the 15-20 hour gameplay. This reflection influences his new project, Godzone 6, which incorporates roguelike and deckbuilder elements to encourage diverse gameplay. By randomizing abilities and offering constrained choices, Godzone 6 aims to solve the issue of players sticking to familiar powers.
Bennett Foddy, creator of QWOP and Baby Steps, shares his PC gaming habits, from obsessing over "friendslop" games to refusing to uninstall Baldur's Gate 3 despite never finishing it. His gaming journey spans decades, from childhood encounters with the ZX Spectrum to current explorations of roguelikes like Brogue. Foddy's insights offer a glimpse into the mind of a gaming legend.
