Roguelike games have become all the rage in modern times. Plenty of indie titles introduce players to the satisfaction that comes from making progress in a title that beats them down over and over again before they come to grips with how the game works. Many games use the roguelite approach to make this gameplay loop more palpable. However, the differences aren’t anything to fixate on for players who just want to enjoy good video games.
Roguelike games tend to combine effortlessly with the strategy genre. These hybrid titles require players to use some brainpower to get past the obstacles that stand in their way. There’s nothing more satisfying than overcoming challenges that felt insurmountable in previous runs. They’ll eventually start to feel like nothing as players become more familiar with how these titles work. These titles combine roguelike gameplay with the element of strategy for a fantastic experience.
Even after all the innovations that the roguelike genre has enjoyed over time, there’s something aboutthe refreshing gameplay loop ofFTL: Faster than Lightthat has aged like a fine wine. Players are on the run from a rebel fleet as they carry valuable cargo. However, failure stops them in their tracks in some form or another, as they try to figure out the optimal strategies to get from point A to point B.
The risk management in this game is one-of-a-kind, and one of the biggest reasons why players are such huge fans of this title. Accomplishing a goal that players have failed at time and time again hits different. That feeling of satisfaction makes it clear whyFTLhas etched its name in the annals of gaming history as one of the best strategy roguelikes.
It’s a testament tothe incredible work done onDarkest Dungeonthat many people find this to be a worthy game over its sequel. The second game in the series did move things in a bigger and bolder direction, but it lost the core of what made the first game so special. The initialDarkest Dungeonis a brutal dungeon-crawling RPG treats party members like pawns. Players must experiment with those pawns to figure out the best strategies. They must figure out the best way to clear an area without, losing everything they consider valuable in the process.
Darkest Dungeoncompels players to use the best strategies, and min-max their party while simultaneously trying not to bite off more than they can chew in each dungeon. Over time, players will get stronger and attain the means to defeat enemies that were giving them a hard time early on. That progression is crucial to the roguelike experience.
To simply placeInscryptionunder the moniker of a roguelike strategy game would be doing a huge injustice to the ambition this title displays. Once again, developer Daniel Mullins shows why players love what he does in the realm of video games.Inscryptionis his finest work by far.
Players will be fooled into thinking they’re just playing a deckbuilding roguelike, where strategy is paramount to success. However, it’s not until they are a few runs deep that the core of the game rears its head.Inscryptioncombines escape room gameplay,elements of the horror genre, and live-action segments in a unique title that will wow fans every step of the way. Each and every game with Leshy is a battle for the ages, and Kaycee’s Mod lets players engage with this part of the game as they strive to perfect their strategies against this challenging boss.
SinceSlay the Spireis one of the most popular deckbuilding roguelikes of all time, it’s easy to see why fans are excited for the upcoming sequel to knock their socks off. The game burst onto the scene as one of the most captivating titles in the genre. Players control a hero with unique abilities that manifest themselves in the form of cards that can either make or break a run.
Reaching the top of the Spire is no mean feat, and players will face loss after loss before finally achieving this lofty goal.Slay the Spiredoesn’t shy away from punishing playersfor making costly errors. As such, it’s important for players to employ the correct strategies if they don’t want to falter moments before they reach the finishing line.
The developers who made the brilliantFTL: Faster than Lightgraced players with another strategy roguelike.Into the Breachmoved things in a new direction, while retaining a lot of things that made their previous game such a runaway success.Into the Breachlets players control a team of three mechsagainst the Vek, an alien species that leaves destruction in its wake.
Depending on the kind of mechs players control in each run, their playstyle changes in a myriad of interesting ways. It’s one of the best parts ofInto the Breach’s dynamic gameplay. It constantly forces players to adapt to new tactics on the fly while outrunning the Vek every step of the way.
