Beat up planets in Asterogues, a cosmic bullet hell shoot-em-up hybrid! Pick your character from a band of outcasts banished to the Asteroid Belt, dodge and shoot your way through a brutal onslaught of bullets, and take revenge against the Solar System!
The core gameplay revolves around a unique mechanic where players can manipulate and redirect enemy bullets to use against them. For example, one character can graze enemy bullets to charge up a powerful shotgun-like attack, while another can erase bullets and store them for a devastating burst. This creates dynamic and engaging gameplay as players strategically utilize the enemies' own projectiles.
The game features a diverse cast of playable characters, each with their own distinct abilities and playstyles. Players can experiment with different character combinations and item synergies to discover unique and powerful strategies. For instance, one character can absorb enemies if they reach a certain health threshold, acting as a shield and allowing the player to use the enemies' bullet patterns for a few shots.
Asterogues is a roguelike game, meaning that each run is procedurally generated and players must start over from the beginning upon death. However, the game features an unlock-based progression system, where players gradually gain access to new characters, items, and other content as they progress. This encourages players to repeatedly engage with the game's systems as they seek to unlock and master its various mechanics.
While the bullet manipulation mechanics add a unique twist, the game still retains the challenging bullet hell gameplay that fans of the genre expect. Enemies and bosses unleash intricate bullet patterns that players must navigate with precise timing and movement. Reviews consistently praise the satisfying feel of the gameplay, with many highlighting the joy of using enemy bullets against them. The game's item system also allows for the creation of powerful synergies, where certain combinations can drastically transform a character's playstyle and capabilities.