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. While an official release date is yet to be announced (currently slated for Q1 2025), a free demo is available on Steam, offering players a sneak peek.

The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has seen numerous developers creating their own interpretations, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers reminiscent of Hades and its early access sequel. Rogue Loops falls into the latter category, presenting a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades from a top-down perspective.

While comparisons to Hades are inevitable, given its Steam trailer and demo, Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a key feature: ability upgrades come with significant downsides.

Rogue Loops' Unique Mechanic: Embracing the Curse

This mechanic bears resemblance to Hades' Chaos Gates, which offer powerful upgrades at the cost of detrimental effects. However, in Rogue Loops, these "curses" play a more prominent role, featuring diverse and potentially run-lasting effects, adding a layer of strategic depth to each playthrough.

The Narrative and Gameplay Loop

The game's narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five-floor dungeons, battling unique enemies and bosses. Each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, fostering diverse build strategies utilizing both buffs and debuffs.

Release and Availability

While a precise release date remains unconfirmed, Rogue Loops is expected to launch on Steam in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, a free demo showcasing the first floor is available for players eager to experience the game's unique blend of familiar and innovative roguelike mechanics. Other popular roguelikes like Dead Cells and Hades 2 offer alternative options while waiting for Rogue Loops' full release.

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