Summary

• The upcoming indie game Rogue Loops seems to draw heavy inspiration from Hades.
• The roguelike features a repeating dungeon setup with randomly generated loot and upgrades, with ability upgrades paired with distinct downsides that can further alter gameplay.
• While no release date has been announced, Rogue Loops is expected to be released for PC in early 2025.

The upcoming indie roguelike dungeon-crawler, Rogue Loops, appears to be heavily inspired by the acclaimed game Hades, both in its art style and gameplay mechanics. While the game is set to launch on PC in early 2025, eager fans can already dive into a free demo available on Steam.

The roguelike genre has surged in popularity in recent years, with developers creating diverse iterations ranging from third-person action shooters like Returnal to more traditional dungeon-crawlers such as Hades and its sequel, which is currently in early access. Rogue Loops takes significant cues from Hades, featuring a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades presented in a top-down perspective. Its Steam trailer and free demo have drawn comparisons to Hades, yet Rogue Loops introduces a unique twist: ability upgrades come with distinct downsides that can significantly alter gameplay.

Rogue Loops Offers Roguelike Action With Hades-Inspired Mechanics

This mechanic functions similarly to the Chaos Gates in Hades, which provide substantial upgrades but also impose various detrimental effects for several chambers. In Rogue Loops, these "curses" play a more central role, featuring a broader range of effects that may persist for the entire run, depending on player choices.

The game's narrative centers on a family trapped in a deadly time loop, where players must navigate through a series of dungeons across five different floors, facing various enemies and bosses. As with most roguelikes, each run allows players to unlock procedurally generated upgrades, enabling them to craft unique builds using the buffs and debuffs from their unlocked boons.

Although an official release date for Rogue Loops on Steam has not been confirmed, the game's store page indicates a launch in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, fans can experience the game's first floor through the free demo. For those looking to explore other roguelikes, options like Dead Cells and Hades 2 are available to enjoy while awaiting Rogue Loops' full release.

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