Blast to the Past (with a twist)
The game can seem punishing at first. The castle has randomized rooms that are teeming with enemies and treasures. Players must constantly gauge whether they should attempt to grab a treasure, or whether they should attack or flee from an enemy. Regardless, death will find the player. Fortunately, whatever you find in one run is transferred to your heir which is chosen immediately after your death. The twist to this is that your heir will in all likelihood have a genetic trait.
The traits are randomized and range from helpful traits(P.A.D means you wont trigger traps), neutral traits (i.e. I.B.S adds farts to your jumps/dodges), and negative traits (Vertigo leads to nauseating inversion of the play screen).
In addition to traits, you get to choose from a randomized selection of classes ranging from tough barbarians, sneaky assassins, and powerful mages. While each class has a unique feel, they all unfortunately are bound to only using a sword and armor. While the melee attacks are fun and perform well enough, this game could have gained from having a larger selection of weapons and abilities to fight with. Regardless of this, you will still have a very good time as you frolic triumphantly with sword raised into the air.
As previously stated, Gold is transferred to your surviving heir. Here you can use the gold to upgrade your castle(which serves as a skill tree). Upgrades to this castle permanently improve all heirs to follow, making your journeys into the castle a little more bearable each time. Players are encouraged to spend every last coin, as reentry to the castle will always result in losing all of your gold (or a large portion with upgrades).
With your money spent, players can finally jump back into the depths of the castle to take a stab at gold and glory once more.
Controls for the game are simple enough to adapt to with a keyboard. Though each character class performs differently, the basic attacks and movements are fairly consistent and sound between them all.
Graphically, the game consists of charming sprites that bring back memories of games like Castlevania or Super Metroid. For a cursed castle, the level designs are The music compositions for each level add an effective fusion of 8-bit and modern instrumentation that create suitable backdrops for your ears to enjoy. The sound effects are equally suitable with swords smacking, arrows whirling by, and magic fire roaring.
Whether it be from a ridiculous joke, a charming character, or delightful game play, chances are good you will be grinning if you give Rogue Legacy a shot. Costing only 15$ in the Steam store makes this game a steal. So stretch those fingers out, grab a nice drink, and raise your sword in the air! Your Rogue Legacy awaits.