Mutate yourself to victory as you scavenge an uncharted alien planet in this stylish sci-fi action rogue-like. With the help of your Clone Bay death isn't the ending, just another chance to find your Beacon.
The core gameplay loop revolves around the DNA mutation system, which allows players to dramatically alter their character's abilities and appearance with each new clone. By collecting DNA samples from defeated enemies, players can slot these into their genome and have a chance to mutate, granting powerful new traits. These mutations can fundamentally change how the player moves and fights, such as gaining crab legs for increased strafing speed or transforming into a hulking insectoid monstrosity. The sheer variety of possible mutations, exceeding 100 unique combinations, encourages experimentation and creates a sense of excitement for how each run will play out.
The game offers a vast selection of over 100 futuristic firearms for players to discover and utilize, spanning a wide range of factions. From standard plasma rifles to exotic crystal launchers and acid-spitting abominations, the breadth of weaponry provides ample opportunity to find a playstyle that suits the player. Beyond just weapons, the title also features a diverse array of auxiliary items, passive mods, and consumables that further augment the player's capabilities, such as summoning drones, setting the environment on fire, or calling down an orbital strike. The depth and flexibility of the equipment system allows for highly customized loadouts to complement each run's mutation choices.
The game's levels are described as expansive, multi-layered environments that encourage thorough exploration. Rather than simply running from one end to the other, players are incentivized to scour each area for hidden paths, secret rooms, and environmental puzzles. The "Z-axis" mechanic, which allows for vertical movement between platforms, adds an extra dimension to the level design and player traversal. Discovering these optional areas and completing side objectives can yield valuable loot, lore, and other rewards, making exploration a core part of the gameplay loop.
The combat is praised for being fast-paced and frenetic, with players needing to constantly dodge a barrage of enemy projectiles while strategically utilizing their mutations and equipment. The diverse roster of enemy types, each with their own unique behaviors and attacks, forces players to learn and counter them effectively. While the combat can be challenging, particularly on higher difficulty settings, the satisfaction of overcoming tough encounters and besting powerful boss battles is a key draw for many players.
Underpinning the gameplay is a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, humanity, and the consequences of technological advancement. Through the collection of lore items and memento fragments, players can uncover the backstories of the game's various factions and the protagonist's own history as a clone trapped in an endless cycle of survival. The writing is praised for being engaging and adding a sense of mystery and depth to the overall experience, complementing the gameplay loop.