Whether or not you’ve already plowed your method via Hades 2 early entry or, like me, are ready for Supergiant’s full 1.0 launch, there are many motion roguelikes to maintain you busy. One which’s caught my eye this week is Cursebane, which mixes that acquainted management type with extra open-ended environments, difficult enemy duels, fantastically animated pixel artwork designs, and a wealth of extra RPG type choice making. Even higher, you possibly can attempt it proper now because of a free Steam demo that’s being actively up to date.
The fundamentals of Cursebane will instantly really feel acquainted for those who’ve performed a number of the finest roguelike video games within the Hades mould. Wielding a katana and magical spells, it affords you all of the necessities – common combo strings, sprint assaults, cost strikes, and a strong ‘surge mode’ that spends meter to spice up your skills for a short time. Every of those will be additional amplified by a variety of variations and elementally infused boons you accumulate over the course of every run. Past these fundamentals, nonetheless, issues rapidly begin to diverge as you step out into the attractive pixel-art forests.
The environments of Cursebane are a lot broader and extra winding than the arenas of Hades, making world exploration really feel slightly like enjoying a traditional Diablo type ARPG, and even video games like Remnant 2. Including to which are the varied occasions and NPCs you’ll encounter alongside your method, every presenting you with decisions to make that may dramatically have an effect on the course of your journey. Generally, these are easy threat/reward choices, however in different instances they will extra dramatically alter your playthrough.
Maybe you’ll encounter a grave of corrupted spirits. Launch them and you’ll strike them down, however depart them at peace and so they’ll bestow a robust talent upon you, whereas doubtlessly additionally revealing the situation of a close-by camp the place extra goodies is likely to be discovered. In one other occasion, you possibly can select whether or not to problem a rival samurai, or settle for the plaque he presents – take it to a close-by exile camp and also you’ll be granted the prospect to show your self in a fight trial.
It’s throughout these moments that Cursebane actually shines. Loads of the overworld enemies are smaller fodder that principally create risk by their sheer numbers, though even blitzing via these packs with flurries of lightning-imbued stabs can nonetheless depart you feeling like Satan Might Cry’s Vergil. Among the stronger creatures, nonetheless, boast a spread of skills that may catch you off-guard for those who’re not cautious.
Much more notable foes resembling these discovered within the exile’s trial have a wide array of abilities at their disposal. I’m an enormous fan of duel-style encounters, resembling Bloodborne’s hunters or the rival agent fights in Zenless Zone Zero, and there’s definitely that sense at play in Cursebane’s extra pivotal battles. Couple that with some incredible animation work, resembling mysterious kunoichi Kaida’s baseball pitcher-inspired bomb throws, and I’m definitely wanting to see what else developer Flyway Video games has in retailer.
The Cursebane demo is out now on Steam. Flyway says it is going to stay out there via the upcoming Steam Subsequent Fest, which concludes on Monday October 21, with further content material persevering with to roll out over the occasion. You may obtain the demo through Steam or wishlist the sport to remain updated with growth.
For much more video games you possibly can leap into proper now, listed here are one of the best free Steam video games to play in 2024. Or get hacking and slashing with one of the best motion video games on PC.
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