Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike Dungeon Crawler

The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz with its striking resemblance to Hades, both aesthetically and in its core gameplay loop. However, Rogue Loops introduces a distinctive twist on the established roguelike formula. While a precise release date remains unannounced, a free demo is currently available on Steam, offering players a sneak peek. The game is slated for a PC release in early 2025.

The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has led to a wave of innovative titles, ranging from action-packed experiences like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers such as Hades and its early access sequel. Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from the latter, featuring a cyclical dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades presented in a top-down perspective.

Unique "Curse" Mechanic

While comparisons to Hades are inevitable, given the Steam trailer and demo, Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a unique mechanic: ability upgrades are paired with distinct downsides. These downsides, akin to Hades' Chaos Gates (but potentially more impactful and persistent), significantly alter gameplay and add a layer of strategic depth. These "curses" can affect the entire run, influencing player choices and adding replayability.

Story and Gameplay

The game's narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five floors of dungeons, battling unique enemies and bosses. Each run unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, allowing for diverse character builds leveraging both buffs and debuffs.

Availability

Although a concrete release date is yet to be confirmed, Rogue Loops is expected to launch on Steam in Q1 2025. In the meantime, a free demo offering access to the first floor is available. For those eager for more roguelike action, Dead Cells and Hades 2 provide excellent alternatives until Rogue Loops' full release.

[Image: Screenshot of Rogue Loops gameplay] (Image URL remains unchanged)