Unlock the Fun: 5 Rogue-like Games That Will Keep You Coming Back for More
Rogue-like games have been captivating gamers for years with their challenging gameplay and endless replayability. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just diving into the genre, these games offer something for everyone.
From permadeath mechanics to procedurally generated levels, rogue-like games test your skills and keep you coming back for more. This list compiles some of the best rogue-like games that you absolutely need to try. Each of these titles brings something unique to the table, ensuring you won’t get bored easily.
Let’s dive into the labyrinth of rogue-like games that are worth every minute of your time.
Highlights
- diverse rogue-like games that offer unique gameplay experiences
- Games that balance challenge and fun
- Titles that have stood the test of time and new entries worth exploring
Hades: A Mythical trip Through the Underworld
Hades has taken the gaming world by storm with its incredible storytelling and fast-paced combat. Developed by Supergiant Games, this rogue-like dungeon crawler puts you in the shoes of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the Underworld. The game’s narrative depth and character development are unmatched in the genre.
Every run in Hades feels fresh due to its procedurally generated levels and the variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. The game also features a unique mechanic where you grow stronger with each failure, making it less punishing and more rewarding.
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and enjoy a good challenge, Hades is a must-play. The game’s art style and music are also top-notch, adding to the overall immersive experience.
- Released: 2020
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
- Metacritic Score: 93/100
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Game
Dead Cells: A mix of Combat and Exploration
Dead Cells, developed by Motion Twin, is another standout in the rogue-like genre. This game combines rogue-like mechanics with Metroidvania elements, creating a smooth blend of combat, exploration, and platforming. You play as a reanimated corpse trying to escape a dungeon while battling enemies and collecting powerful upgrades.
The game’s fluid combat system is one of its strongest points, allowing for a variety of playstyles. Whether you prefer melee weapons, ranged attacks, or magic, Dead Cells has something for you. The levels are procedurally generated, ensuring that no two runs are the same.
Dead Cells also features a unique “cells” system, where you can invest in permanent upgrades between runs, making each attempt feel like a step forward even when you fail.
- Released: 2018
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Metacritic Score: 89/100
- Awards: The Game Awards Best Action Game
Slay the Spire: The Card Game with Endless Possibilities
If you’re a fan of card games and rogue-likes, Slay the Spire is the perfect blend of both. Developed by MegaCrit, this game challenges you to climb a spire filled with dangerous enemies and powerful relics. What sets it apart is its deck-building mechanic, where you collect cards to create a unique deck each run.
The game offers three different characters, each with their own set of cards and abilities, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. As you ascend the spire, you’ll have to make tough choices about which cards to add to your deck and which relics to equip.
Slay the Spire is highly replayable due to its randomization and the variety of strategies you can employ. It’s a game that rewards careful planning and adaptability, making it a must-try for fans of both genres.
- Released: 2019
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Metacritic Score: 89/100
- Awards: IGN’s Best Strategy Game
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: A Dark, Twisted Adventure
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, developed by Nicalis and Edmund McMillen, is a rogue-like that delves into dark and disturbing themes. You play as Isaac, a young boy who must escape the horrors lurking in his basement. The game’s randomly generated dungeons and grotesque enemies make each run a unique experience.
What sets this game apart is its vast array of items and power-ups, which can drastically change your playstyle. The combinations of these items can lead to some truly unpredictable and chaotic gameplay moments. The game’s story is also filled with biblical and psychological themes, adding a layer of depth rarely seen in the genre.
Despite its dark themes, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is incredibly addictive and offers endless replayability. It’s a game that challenges you to think on your feet and adapt to whatever the dungeon throws at you.
- Released: 2014
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Metacritic Score: 86/100
- Awards: IndieCade 2011 Best Game Design
Enter the Gungeon: A Bullet Hell with Character
Enter the Gungeon, developed by Dodge Roll, is a rogue-like that combines dungeon crawling with bullet hell mechanics. You play as one of several “Gungeoneers,” each with their own unique abilities, as you find your way through the Gungeon to find a gun that can kill the past.
The game’s standout feature is its wide variety of guns and items, each with unique effects and abilities. From standard pistols to bizarre weapons like the “Bullet Gun” that shoots bullets shaped like guns, the creativity in Enter the Gungeon is boundless.
Enter the Gungeon also features a co-op mode, allowing you to team up with a friend to tackle the game’s challenging bosses and levels. Its pixel art style and humor add a lighthearted touch to the intense gameplay.
- Released: 2016
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Metacritic Score: 82/100
- Awards: Nominated for Excellence in Design at IGF Awards
Rogue-like games offer a unique blend of challenge and replayability that few other genres can match. From the mythological depths of Hades to the bullet-filled chaos of Enter the Gungeon, these games provide endless hours of entertainment and challenge.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned veteran, each of these titles brings something special to the table. So grab your controller, keyboard, or deck of cards and dive into the unpredictable worlds of these amazing rogue-like games. Happy gaming!
References
- Supergiant Games – Hades
- Motion Twin – Dead Cells
- MegaCrit – Slay the Spire
- Nicalis – The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Rant: There’s just no way around it. Roguelikes (roguelites) always …
- Personal Opinion, I regret buying a steam deck and think it sucks …
- ah yes, my favorite rogue-like : r/HollowKnight
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