(REDACTED] Review

(REDACTED] Review

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve played more roguelikes than I can count. However, when it comes to [REDACTED], Striking Distance Studios has managed to craft an experience that stands out from the crowd.


2022 saw Striking Distance Studios and Krafton aim to create their own version of Dead Space with The Callisto Protocol, a highly anticipated game. This title was expected to offer players a thrilling new survival horror experience, but it received mixed reviews and failed to resonate with audiences. Despite this setback, Striking Distance Studios continues to invest heavily in this new IP and has another title in the pipeline – a roguelike spin-off, currently unnamed.

Although it might not reach the same heights as some of the latest popular roguelikes, Striking Distance Studios has created a solid game nonetheless. It places you in the role of a guard from The Callisto Protocol’s Black Iron Prison, and true to the roguelike genre, your mission is to battle your way to safety. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous enemies, interact with an entertaining cast of characters, and experiment with numerous powerful abilities. However, despite offering an experience that die-hard fans of the genre wouldn’t want to pass up, this game does have its share of issues.

[REDACTED] Puts a Fun New Spin on Callisto Protocol

For those who have dabbled in roguelike games, the core mechanics of [REDACTED] will be familiar territory. Initially, you assume the role of a prison guard stationed at Black Iron Prison. However, the situation swiftly spirals out of control as it’s unveiled that the penitentiary is in chaos. Inmates are breaking free, monsters are on the rampage, and only one escape pod remains functional. As a result, players must navigate through the prison, battling obstacles along the way, with the goal of reaching the pod before it’s too late.

Players must navigate a series of challenging chambers laden with obstacles. Upon successful completion, they’ll acquire a power-up or currency reward before moving on to the next one. This pattern repeats as they delve deeper into the game, encountering increasingly tough opponents and uncovering new paths. However, players will grow stronger too, equipping them for the difficult battles ahead, hopefully leading them to ultimate victory.

During their adventure, they might encounter some formidable foes who require defeating to advance to the next location. These opponents are typically very tough, compelling players to employ every skill and resource at their disposal in order to emerge victorious. To make things even more challenging, there may be a few unexpected bosses along the way as they traverse through various areas of [REDACTED]. If they should happen to lose, they simply have another try.

Just like Hades, players can force their way through the prison using a variety of weapons and unique abilities. Each tool demands them to adjust their approach. Furthermore, with each attempt, they will unlock more upgrades. As they restart, they not only grow stronger but also advance further until they eventually reach the escape pod, preparing for another round of this challenging journey.

[REDACTED] Injects Some Intriguing New Features Into the Mix

(REDACTED] Review

The fundamental play style of [REDACTED] isn’t radically distinct from previous games, yet it’s this familiarity that makes it so gratifying to play. Titles like Hades have captured the hearts of many gamers, and Striking Distance Studios has managed to emulate this success exceptionally well. Fortunately, they didn’t simply settle for a straightforward replication, instead introducing intriguing new features that promise to add an exciting twist to gameplay.

One of the most interesting new ideas is that players are not the only ones trying to escape this prison. In fact, there are up to three Black Iron Prison residents also fighting their way through these rooms. These characters are far more than simple background fluff, as they can actually impact the player’s runs. Randomly, they will lash out against the player by making the rooms more difficult, like turning off the lights, giving enemies strong shields, or making everything explode. Additionally, players may run into them and be forced to fight them in a timed boss battle. As players learn more about their opponents via their redacted files, these boss battles will get easier, and eventually, players will be able to defeat them with ease.

In the game, it’s not just these locals who have control over the [REDACTED] runs, as the player character also possesses a variety of actions to engage with them. These actions encompass inflicting damage, slowing down opponents, and more, each with a cooldown period. When an action is ready, players get to select their target and press the right sequence of buttons in order to execute it. With each successful run, new exciting attacks become accessible.

Apart from these inhabitants, players can engage in battles against each other. Upon losing, their character perishes and they assume command of a fresh guard. If they re-enter the room where they previously died, they’ll have an opportunity to battle the undead remnants of their former character for unique rewards. These remains will not only employ several of the same abilities and power-ups they were carrying when they died, but also hold a few surprises. Thus, players should prepare themselves well for these encounters, as they are optional but challenging if not properly equipped.

[REDACTED]’s Hook May Not Be As Exciting As It Could Be

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel exhilarated by the thrilling roguelike experience that “[REDACTED]” offers. While genre enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate this game, it’s worth noting that the central narrative might not be as captivating as it could be. Compared to the immersive world of “The Callisto Protocol,” this game’s universe seems to fall short in engaging players emotionally. Moreover, the storytelling approach fails to set the setting apart, as there are few characters to engage with and the rooms lack distinctive charm. Instead, it seems like just another run-of-the-mill sci-fi universe.

It appears that the range of enemy types isn’t as diverse, particularly at the beginning stages. Often, different enemies employ similar attack patterns to ones encountered earlier, which can make them seem repetitive. Additionally, the game features only a limited number of significant bosses, which doesn’t aid in increasing the variety. However, despite this, the game still offers a substantial challenge. Players seeking a wide array of enemy types might find their expectations unmet.

Personally speaking, I find [REDACTED] to be an engaging newcomer in the roguelike genre. The mechanics offer a delightful experience, and the distinct elements it offers make the game feel fresh and exciting. At its core, the gameplay loop is incredibly rewarding. However, there’s room for more variety, and the setting could use a touch of uniqueness to truly stand out. Despite this, the game still provides an enjoyable experience that can easily consume countless hours. If you’re on the lookout for another title to immerse yourself in, [REDACTED] might just be what you need.

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2024-10-28 07:03