New Roguelike Game Echoes Hades' Style

Rogue Loops, an upcoming indie roguelike dungeon-crawler, is set to captivate fans with its striking similarities to the acclaimed game Hades, both in its art style and gameplay mechanics. Scheduled for a PC release in early 2025, eager gamers can already experience a slice of the action through a free demo available on Steam.

The roguelike genre has surged in popularity, spawning a variety of games that range from third-person action shooters like Returnal to classic dungeon-crawlers like Hades and its sequel, which is currently in early access. Rogue Loops distinguishes itself within this crowded field by drawing heavy inspiration from Hades, featuring a repeating dungeon structure filled with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades presented from a top-down perspective.

Rogue Loops: A Blend of Hades-Inspired Mechanics and Unique Twists

While Rogue Loops shares many traits with Hades, it introduces a compelling twist through its ability upgrade system. Much like the Chaos Gates in Hades, which offer powerful upgrades at the cost of detrimental effects, Rogue Loops incorporates "curses" that players must navigate. These curses can significantly alter gameplay, potentially lasting the entire run, adding a strategic layer to the game's mechanics.

The narrative of Rogue Loops centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players must battle through a series of dungeons across five distinct floors, facing a variety of enemies and bosses. Each new run allows players to unlock procedurally generated upgrades, enabling them to craft unique builds using a mix of buffs and debuffs from their collected boons.

Although an exact release date for Rogue Loops remains unconfirmed, its Steam store page indicates a launch in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, fans can dive into the free demo, which offers access to the game's first floor. For those looking to explore more in the genre, other roguelikes like Dead Cells and Hades 2 are available to keep players engaged until Rogue Loops fully launches.

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