The Best AAA Roguelike Games - Investment Policy

Summary

Not many AAA roguelikes exist, but major studios are starting to pay attention.
The Last of Us 2’s roguelike mode, No Return, lacks enough content to justify additional purchases.
Major studios are starting to develop AAA roguelike games.

As someone who has spent countless hours delving into the intricate worlds of roguelikes, I can wholeheartedly say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of extraordinary. Each game showcases unique mechanics and storytelling that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible in this genre.

As a passionate movie-goer immersed in the ever-evolving world of video games, I can’t help but notice the growing allure of the roguelike genre. Titles like Hades and Rogue Legacy, which have gained significant recognition among indie studios, are spearheading this trend. Intriguingly, an increasing number of these independent developers are choosing to focus on roguelike development, recognizing its current industry clout. However, it’s quite surprising that, amidst the genre’s widespread appeal among gamers worldwide, we see relatively few AAA roguelike games.

The shift in trend towards the roguelike genre is becoming increasingly evident, with its enduring appeal now impossible for major game studios to overlook. At present, though, the selection of high-end (AAA) roguelikes is rather limited. Consequently, this list will not only feature standalone AAA roguelike games but also roguelike modes within non-roguelike AAA titles. With these two categories combined, gamers should find a wealth of options to choose from until the next major AAA roguelike graces their preferred console.

In the context at hand, AAA stands for games produced or distributed by big gaming companies that have substantial financial resources and numerous developers working on them.

8. No Return – The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered

The Last Of Us 2’s Roguelike Mode Leaves Something To Be Desired

In the special edition of The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered, there’s a new game mode called No Return. This mode is set within the game’s universe, offering players the chance to control as many as 20 characters, such as Joel, Ellie, Abby, Tommy, Lev, Manny, and others. The game follows typical roguelike mechanics, meaning that death results in a restart with reset weapons and items.

Although the game stands well on its own merits, with top-notch combat making it enjoyable, there isn’t enough content to encourage repeated playthroughs. The characters and skins to unlock, challenges to complete, and six bosses to defeat are all present, but given that players must either buy the remastered version at full price or pay an additional $10 to upgrade their initial purchase for access to No Return, the overall package doesn’t seem worthwhile enough to strongly endorse.

7. Deathloop

An Immersive Sim Trapped In A Time Loop

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for “Deathloop,” a captivating roguelike masterfully crafted by the brilliant minds behind the “Dishonored” series. This game exudes an irresistible style, from its enchanting music to its engaging storyline, and its thought-provoking narrative is nothing short of mesmerizing.

In the early phases of Deathloop, the gaming experience is an absolute delight due to its superb gun mechanics and intriguing abilities that elevate both movement and combat to a pleasure. However, as players advance, they eventually settle on their preferred setup for weapons and skills, which lessens the impact of the roguelike aspects. Despite remaining enjoyable in later stages—and achieving a loop that eradicates all eight targets is incredibly rewarding—the true roguelike gameplay weakens swiftly and doesn’t return unless players experiment with Deathloop’s asynchronous multiplayer.

6. Gwent: Rogue Mage

Turns Gwent Into A Roguelike RPG

Rogue Mage”. Despite not having as much recognition as other games in its category, “Gwent: Rogue Mage”, developed by CD Projekt Red, presents a robust multiplayer deckbuilding experience that rivals the likes of “Hearthstone”. Furthermore, it boasts two expansions, “Thronebreaker” and “Rogue Mage”, giving it single-player capabilities that “Hearthstone” lacks.

Rogue Mage is essentially a straightforward deck-building game with roguelike elements. At the start of each adventure, players select from several starting decks, and as they progress, they uncover fresh cards randomly to enhance and customize their deck further. Along the journey, they encounter other Gwent players and eventually confront powerful adversaries. However, in subsequent playthroughs, the game may become somewhat monotonous due to the limited variety of enemy decks it presents. Nevertheless, this is undeniably a roguelike card-building game, crafted by one of the most renowned developers in the gaming world.

5. Freelancer Mode – Hitman World Of Assassination

Possibly The Purest Example Of The Hitman Gameplay Formula

In every iteration of the Hitman series, although the presentation may vary, the fundamental approach remains consistent. Players assume control over Agent 47 and are tasked with taking out a specific target at a designated location. Utilizing any tools or resources available to them, they carry out this mission. The latest Hitman trilogy has honed this formula into an art form, and the Freelancer Mode within the Hitman World of Assassination is often cited as a peak demonstration of it functioning flawlessly.

Essentially, Freelancer Mode functions as a roguelike game similar to the ‘Hitman’ series, but the true charm lies in the fact that it removes the usual autonomy enjoyed by Agent 47 during his campaign missions. In this mode, players are required to take on several responsibilities themselves, such as selecting targets, accumulating equipment, and determining which tools are essential for each mission. Any gear left behind in a mission cannot be retrieved, thus forcing players to be thorough in their planning, surveillance, and execution, mirroring Agent 47’s precision. Achieving a successful hit becomes even more rewarding due to this meticulous approach.

4. God Of War Ragnarök: Valhalla

A Free Roguelike Add-On That Is A Must-Play For Series Fans

One reason why God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla outshines some games with a deeper roguelike experience is its competitive pricing (Valhalla is complimentary for those who already own God of War Ragnarök) and the remarkable storyline, which stands on its own as exceptional yet significantly impacts Kratos’ character development in the contemporary God of War duology. The future direction of this series will undoubtedly be shaped by the events unfolding in Valhalla.

Valhalla isn’t merely a reimagining of Ragnarok’s gameplay with a roguelike aesthetic; it offers fresh elements such as a new weapon, novel adversaries (unfamiliar within the existing series), and distinct boss battles. Despite its brevity, it promises to be an exceptionally impactful roguelike experience, particularly for those who have followed Kratos’ journey since his PS2 era.

3. Risk Of Rain 2

A Sleeper Hit And One Of The Best Co-Op Roguelikes On The Market

Under the radar, Gearbox covertly released a game titled “Risk of Rain 2“. While it may not be widely discussed, those who have played it can’t help but appreciate it. There’s an undeniable charm to this game, and its gripping third-person shooting mechanics, the pulse-pounding climaxes at each level, and the ability to play either solo or with up to three friends online, make it a standout choice for many gamers.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: “Risk of Rain 2” exhibits a shrewd design that keeps players on their toes. It metes out currency and requires strategic spending, ensuring one never grows too comfortable during a playthrough. However, it allows for an unlimited number of item copies, which can lead to the same effect being intensified multiple times. This occasionally results in absurdly powerful builds, adding to the charm and essence of the roguelike genre, where battling with underpowered builds is equally significant.

2. Prey: Mooncrash

A Surprise Roguelike DLC That Does Almost Everything Right

Once more, Arkane Studios appears on this list, standing out as the sole AAA developer to have contributed to two roguelike games; however, it’s important to note that this one is an expansion pack. However, that doesn’t fully capture the essence of Prey: Mooncrash. Just like Arkane’s previous work on Dishonored, this game, Prey, is an immersive sim that encourages players to move deliberately rather than rush through. The game’s enemies, the Typhon alien race, have the ability to disguise themselves as ordinary items such as lamps and coffee mugs, making it essential for players to tread cautiously and pay close attention to their surroundings.

In essence, Mooncrash’s gameplay isn’t traditionally suited for the rapid tempo of a roguelike genre, yet Arkane managed to pull it off successfully. The game is set on a lunar base named Pytheas, where players control one of five characters, exploring its corridors to uncover the mystery behind the base’s sudden darkness. What sets Pytheas apart is that the map layout remains constant, while the locations of enemies, dangers, and loot are dynamic. This creates a harmonious blend between roguelike and immersive sim genres, allowing players to learn the environment for strategic purposes, but keeping them guessing about what lies ahead at every turn.

1. Returnal

Unmatched Innovation In Both Roguelikes And AAA Games As A Whole

There really is no other choice for the top spot on this list. Returnal is one of the most polished and technically-impressive roguelikes ever made. In fact, it’s one of the most technically-impressive AAA games ever made as well. The things Returnal does with the PS5 DualSense controller’s haptic feedback are nothing short of revolutionary, and few games have come close to matching it since. Couple that with its stellar visuals, and this is the premiere example of a AAA roguelike as of today.

The campaign in Returnal is meticulously crafted, offering a harmonious blend of player abilities and progression across multiple playthroughs. The tale it unfolds may resonate differently among players, yet its enigmatic portrayal of Selene’s voyage is undeniably compelling. To top it off, the Tower of Sisyphean Ascent, an endless tower-climbing mode, strips away any notion of victory and challenges players to simply endure for as long as possible. This mode serves as a refreshing change after the intense main campaign.

2024-12-23 11:34