Roguelikeshave been one of the most popular indie genres of recent years, ever since games such asThe Binding Of Isaactook the deep mechanicsand random generationof traditional roguelikes and renovated them for modern audiences.
Roguelikes, both the traditional and the modern, tend to feature deep combat systems. Action roguelikes such asThe Binding Of IsaacandRisk Of Rain 2may lean more on a player’s reaction speed, dexterity, and overall skill, whereastraditional roguelikes such asCaves Of QudandCogmindtend to be more methodical and strategic. But there’s no denying that the games on this list shine for their stellar combat mechanics.
Thisvibrant, colorful indieaction roguelike features a satirical tech start-up theme and a cast of quirky characters that keep things lighthearted throughout. The game tasks players withdelving into various dungeonswith their own unique business themes, battling an ensemble cast of creatively designed enemies in fast-paced combat arenas.
Going Under’scombat system is particularly unique, playing similarly togames such asThe Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, in which every weapon hasa set durability. This means that the player’s weapon frequently breaks during combat, forcing them to improvise and make use of the various objects in each arena. Combined with the ability to throw objects and make use of environmental hazards,Going Under’scombat is a chaotic experience that’s packed with meaningful decision-making.
AlthoughEnter The Gungeon’stop-down shooter combat is fairly simple on the surface, it provides a shining example of how simple interconnected systems can create combat scenarios full of micro-decisions and great tests of skill.
Enter The Gungeontakesthe bullet-Hell gameplayof games such asNuclear Throneand combines it with several new mechanics to offer a unique and consistently engaging top-down shooter experience. These mechanics include a dodge roll, an active reload, and a special resource called “blanks” that allows the player to destroy all enemy projectiles in the surrounding area. Overall, this creates a combat system that’s easy to learn and difficult to master.
Taking clear inspiration from games such asMega Man: Battle Network,One Step From Edenis an intense, fast-paced action roguelike that plays at a breakneck speed. In the game, players battle enemies on a grid in real-time, slinging spells from a customizable deck.
The game requires consistent focus and constant input from the player, making it one of the more challenging action roguelikes available. However,One Step From Edenalso involves its share of strategy. Players customize their deck throughout each run, adding new cards and nurturing their strategy to suit their individual playstyle. The variety of viable strategies and playable characters, combined with the skill-based gameplay, makeOne Step From Eden’scombat consistently engaging.
4Ravenswatch
Steam User Rating: 80%
This skill-based action roguelike tasks players with battling enemies in a semi-random arena to level up, gain new items, and gather enough strength to defeat the boss in a limited amount of time. Players repeat this for each chapter, which offers a different environment, new enemies, and a unique boss.
Ravenswatchfeatures several playable characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. These characters are entirely different from one another, and learning how to use their abilities effectively is just one part of the combat puzzle; players will also need to concern themselves with learning enemy attack patterns, prioritizing the right locations on the map, and choosing the right upgrades for their specific build.
Into The Breachis a turn-based, tactical roguelike developed by Subset Games, who previously worked onFTL: Faster Than Light. Thisfantastic mech-themed indie gamecomes close to a puzzle game, allowing players to undo their moves and even reset their entire turn.
Into The Breachfeels especially puzzle-like thanks to the sheer amount of information that it provides for the player, allowing them to puzzle out each and every decision in combat. This results in a combat system that feels extremely well-balanced and rarely unfair, forcing players to think ahead if they want to be successful.
2Cobalt Core
Steam User Rating: 96%
This tactical, turn-based roguelike deck-builder puts players at the helm of a modular spaceship and tasks them with battling through a variety of challenging encounters.Cobalt Core’stactical space combat and modular system for the player and enemy ship designs leads to plenty of strategic and thematic scenarios, making for a turn-based game that plays at a fast pace.
One ofCobalt Core’sgreatest strengths is its deck-building elements. Specifically, players choose their crew members at the start of each run, and these crew members determine the type of cards they’ll be offered. This helps to inject some variety into the game’s otherwise repetitive loop. Combined with the variety of starting ships,Cobalt Core’scombat system rarely gets stale.
FTL: Faster Than Lightis a real-time-with-pause roguelike that tasks players with captaining a spaceship through a series of dangerous, node-based maps. Players must frequently contend with random events and space battles, conserving their fuel and supplies as best they can along the way.
FTLis a tremendously strategic game that requires plenty of focus and attention on the part of the player. The combat inFTLis frequently tense and visceral, tasking the player with multitasking and micromanaging multiple things at once. Players will have to manage each member of their crew in combat, ensuring they man the correct stations at all times while putting out fires, targeting their opponent’s weakest systems, and defending against potential boarders. All of these elements work together to create an experience that’s frequently exciting.
