A truly non-Euclidean tactical puzzle/roguelike!
The core gameplay loop revolves around clicking adjacent tiles to move and interact with the environment. However, this deceptively simple control scheme masks a deep and compelling experience.
The key innovation is the use of hyperbolic geometry, which fundamentally changes the game world compared to a traditional Euclidean grid. Parallel lines diverge rather than remaining parallel, and the world appears to twist and rotate as you move around. This creates a constant sense of disorientation, challenging you to reorient yourself within the bizarre geometry.
As you collect treasures within each land, the difficulty increases, with more powerful enemies spawning. You must carefully balance your desire for greater rewards against the growing risk of being overwhelmed. This creates an engaging risk-reward dynamic, as you decide when to retreat to safety or press your luck.
Combat often requires you to think several moves ahead, with a focus on positioning and maneuvering rather than brute force. Since both you and enemies typically die in a single hit, you must develop a deep understanding of the game's mechanics to avoid being "checkmated."
The game features over 60 unique lands, each with its own distinct terrain, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. These range from the straightforward Icy World to the mind-bending Land of Eternal Motion, where tiles disappear beneath your feet. Mastering these varied challenges is a core part of the game's appeal.
The combination of hyperbolic geometry, procedural generation, and the interplay between different lands creates a wealth of emergent gameplay possibilities. No two runs are exactly the same, and you are constantly presented with new challenges and opportunities to overcome. This, along with the lack of permanent progression, encourages you to continue exploring and experimenting, further enhancing the game's replayability.