Rogue Loops: A Hades-Inspired Roguelike Dungeon Crawler
The upcoming indie roguelike, Rogue Loops, is generating excitement with its striking resemblance to Hades in both art style and core gameplay. However, Rogue Loops introduces a unique twist on the established roguelike formula. While a precise release date remains unannounced, a free Steam demo allows players to experience the game's early stages. A full PC release is anticipated in early 2025 (Q1).
The roguelike genre's recent surge in popularity has inspired numerous iterations, ranging from action-packed titles like Returnal to classic dungeon crawlers reminiscent of Hades and its currently-in-development sequel. Rogue Loops clearly draws inspiration from the latter, presenting a repeatedly explored dungeon with randomized loot and ability upgrades in a top-down perspective.
Beyond its visual similarities to Hades, Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a compelling mechanic: ability upgrades come with distinct drawbacks. These downsides, similar in concept to Hades' Chaos Gates (though potentially more impactful and lasting throughout the entire run), significantly alter gameplay strategy.
The narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players navigate five distinct dungeon floors, battling unique enemies and bosses. Each playthrough unlocks procedurally generated upgrades, fostering diverse character builds through a strategic combination of buffs and debuffs.
While a definitive release date is pending, the Steam page indicates a Q1 2025 launch. Until then, players can explore the first floor via the free demo. Other roguelikes, such as Dead Cells and Hades 2, offer engaging alternatives in the interim.
