Upcoming Roguelike Has Big Hades Vibes

Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike with a Twist

The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating excitement with its striking resemblance to Hades in both art style and core gameplay loop. However, Rogue Loops introduces a unique mechanic that sets it apart from the pack. While a firm release date remains elusive (currently slated for early 2025 on PC), a free Steam demo allows players to experience the game firsthand.

The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity is undeniable, with developers continuously innovating on the formula. Games like Returnal and Hades exemplify the genre's diverse range, from action-packed shooters to classic dungeon crawlers. Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from the latter, offering a top-down perspective and a repeating dungeon filled with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades.

But the game's key differentiator lies in its ability upgrade system. Each upgrade comes with a distinct downside, significantly altering gameplay. This mechanic echoes Hades' Chaos Gates, but in Rogue Loops, these "curses" are more impactful and persistent, potentially lasting the entire playthrough.

The narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five floors of increasingly challenging dungeons, battling unique enemies and bosses. Each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, encouraging experimentation with various buffs and debuffs to craft unique character builds.

While a precise release date is yet to be confirmed, Rogue Loops is expected to launch on Steam in Q1 2025. In the meantime, the free demo offers a taste of the first floor, allowing players to explore its mechanics and unique take on the roguelike formula. Other excellent roguelikes, such as Dead Cells and Hades 2, provide ample entertainment until Rogue Loops' official release.

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