Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike Dungeon Crawler
The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating significant buzz with its striking resemblance to Hades in both art style and core gameplay loop. However, Rogue Loops introduces a distinctive twist on the established roguelike formula. While a precise release date remains unannounced, a free Steam demo allows players to experience the game's unique mechanics ahead of its anticipated early 2025 PC release.
The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has inspired numerous developers to create their own iterations, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers reminiscent of Hades and its currently-in-development sequel. Rogue Loops falls squarely into the latter category, offering a top-down perspective and a repeating dungeon filled with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades.
Drawing Comparisons to Hades, but with a Twist
While comparisons to Hades are inevitable given its Steam trailer and demo, Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a novel mechanic: ability upgrades are paired with distinct downsides. These downsides, similar in concept to Hades' Chaos Gates (which provide powerful upgrades at the cost of temporary debuffs), appear more impactful in Rogue Loops, potentially affecting the entire playthrough depending on player choices.
Gameplay and Story
The game's narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five distinct dungeon floors, each presenting unique enemies and bosses. True to roguelike tradition, each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, enabling players to craft diverse builds by strategically utilizing both buffs and debuffs.
Release and Availability
Although a definitive release date remains undisclosed, the Steam store page indicates a launch within the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, a free demo offering access to the game's initial floor is available on Steam. For players eager for more roguelike action, titles like Dead Cells and Hades 2 provide excellent alternatives until Rogue Loops' full release.
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