Kill your enemies, possess their bodies, and take their abilities as your own in this turn-based procedurally generated death labyrinth.
At the core of the gameplay, players can possess and take control of defeated enemy monsters. This allows them to steal the abilities and stats of their foes, enabling a diverse array of potential playstyles. By cycling through and mastering different monster forms, players can mix and match abilities to craft powerful hybrid builds suited to their preferred tactics. Reviewers frequently cite this possession mechanic as the standout feature, praising how it adds an engaging strategic element as players must carefully consider which enemy forms to acquire and how to leverage their respective strengths. The ability to possess enemies serves as both a means of progression (obtaining new abilities) and a key survival tactic (using an enemy's own powers against them).
The game caters to a wide range of player skill levels through its flexible difficulty options. In addition to the standard "Hardcore" permadeath mode, the experience offers an optional "1UP" mode with limited lives as well as an "Infinite Lives" "Narrative" mode. This allows novice players to explore the game's systems at their own pace, while still providing a tougher challenge for experienced roguelike fans. Reviewers appreciate the accessibility of these difficulty settings, as it enables them to tailor the experience to their personal preferences and experiment with different playstyles.
Beneath its straightforward roguelike structure, the game offers surprising depth in terms of character progression and customization. As players possess new enemy forms, they can invest points to level up the associated stats and abilities. This creates a satisfying sense of growth, as players gradually assemble a versatile toolkit of powers to tackle increasingly challenging dungeons. Reviewers highlight the nuance involved in selecting which stats and skills to invest in, as the optimal build can vary depending on the player's preferred playstyle and the specific threats they face. The randomized loot system further encourages experimentation, as players must adapt their strategies to make the most of the gear and abilities they acquire in each run. Additionally, the "Death Card" system allows players to carry over items and progress from previous runs, providing a sense of persistent growth across multiple playthroughs.
The game's turn-based combat system is lauded for its tactically-satisfying depth. Each enemy and player action consumes a single turn, incentivizing careful positioning and resource management. The possession mechanic adds an extra layer of complexity, as players must weigh the tradeoffs of sacrificing their current form to acquire new abilities. Reviewers note that combat encounters often require significant planning and adaptability, as the unpredictable nature of enemy abilities and item effects forces players to constantly reevaluate their strategies. The procedural level generation also ensures that no two battles play out the same way, further enhancing the sense of challenge and replayability. Overall, the turn-based combat system strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, providing an engaging roguelike experience that rewards both tactical planning and quick thinking.