Upcoming Roguelike Has Big Hades Vibes

Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike Dungeon Crawler

The upcoming indie game, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz with its clear inspiration from the critically acclaimed Hades. This roguelike dungeon crawler features a replayable dungeon, randomly generated loot, and upgradeable abilities—but with a twist. Each ability upgrade comes with a distinct downside, adding a layer of strategic depth not often seen in the genre.

While a firm release date remains unannounced, Rogue Loops is slated for a PC release in early 2025. However, players can experience the game now with a free demo available on Steam.

The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity is undeniable, with developers continuously innovating on the formula. Games like Returnal showcase action-packed third-person perspectives, while others, like Hades and its sequel (currently in early access), stick to the classic dungeon-crawling style.

Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from Hades' gameplay loop and art style, presenting a top-down perspective within a repeating dungeon environment. Players will collect randomly generated loot and upgrade abilities. However, the game distinguishes itself through its unique mechanic: ability upgrades are paired with significant drawbacks that can significantly impact gameplay throughout the entire run.

This mechanic bears a resemblance to Hades' Chaos Gates, but in Rogue Loops, these "curses" are more pronounced and varied, potentially altering the entire playthrough.

The narrative centers on a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five floors of dungeons, battling unique enemies and bosses. As with most roguelikes, each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, allowing players to craft custom builds using both beneficial and detrimental effects.

Although a precise release date is pending, the Steam page indicates a Q1 2025 launch. In the meantime, the free demo offers access to the first floor. For those eager for more roguelike action, Dead Cells and Hades 2 are excellent alternatives to tide them over.

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