Welcome to another archived edition of the big monthly update. Below you’ll find a curated list of the roguish games that I was most looking forward to seeing more of in the month of September, 2024.
Necroking | September 4th | PC (Mac, Win) | This month’s article kicks off with some pixel-art tactics. According to the Steam listing, Necroking will include “vast” deckbuilding, which certainly has me intrigued. Playing as a skeleton lord, it’s up to you to reanimate the dead and use them to make short work of the living. This one looks cute, albeit in a really evil kind of way.
Shogun Showdown | September 5th | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox | I’ve been playing Shogun Showdown for a while now and I have to say, I was genuinely surprised when I was reminded that it’s an Early Access game. The emphasis is on building a deck of cards/tiles that you play during tightly arranged combat encounters against a growing array of enemies. Simply put, this is one of my favourite deckbuilders and I’d wager that it’s going to stand out as one of the games of the month, if not the quarter, if not the year. Yeah… it’s that good.
Demon’s Mirror | September 5th | PC (Win) | I think Demon’s Mirror is a very interesting proposition as it blends roguish deckbuilding with match-3-inspired gameplay – both of these things have proven to be extremely addictive in the past, so combined they could be digital crack. I tried a demo build and I liked it, although I’d like to play more before I wholeheartedly endorse it. The signs are good, though.
Break the Empire | September 6th | PC (Win) | Another game that casts you as the bad guy! Break the Empire is a pixel-art action-RPG that will challenge you to kill the emperor of a fantasy kingdom while controlling one of three starting characters, including a fiery imp and a cult leader. The Steam listing promises “permadeath, unique builds, wild combinations and high replayability” and, frankly, those words are music to my procedurally generated ears. One to watch, I think!
Roots of Yggdrasil | September 6th | PC (Win) | If deckbuilders are your thing then I suggest you take a closer look at Roots of Yggdrasil, which puts you in command of a floating ship as you navigate a post-Ragnarok world filling with floating islands. Explore the Nine Realms, help your people establish themselves via new settlements, and play the cards you’ve been dealt along the way.
Terrorformer TD | September 9th | PC (Lin, Mac, Win) | Another game that I’ve been keeping tabs on is Terrorformer TD. It might look a little basic, but this one offers a deeply tactical exploration of the emerging roguelite tower defense genre.
Utopia Must Fall | September 9th | PC (Mac, Win) | I have to say I’m rather taken with the vector-inspired retro graphics in Utopia Must Fall, an action-roguelike about defending humanity from angular aliens. There are upgrades to unlock, but this is done within the confines of each run, so if you want access to the very best abilities you gotta get good.
Lindwyrm | September 10th | PC (Win) | It sounds like Lindwyrm has a little bit of everything, with action-roguelite hack ‘n’ slash gameplay, platforming, puzzle-solving, and even a bit of base-building. This hybrid dungeon-crawler also includes co-op for up to four brave adventurers. It’s an Early Access release, with the plan being to launch the finished game next year.
Elsie | September 10th | PC (Win), Switch | I think a lot of people will be won over by Elsie’s bold visuals; this sci-fi action platformer looks terrific. The game is set on Planet Ekis, a multi-coloured world drenched in neon and filled with robotic enemies that are out to get you. Based on the PR campaign for Elsie, it sounds like a lot of effort has gone into the storytelling, so if the gameplay stacks up, I think this one has potential to be quite memorable.
Hive Jump 2: Survivors | September 10th | PC (Lin, Win) | It takes a lot to standout in the survivors-like genre, but Hive Jump 2 does it by leaping over scenery and blasting aliens with big ol’ guns. I like the look of this one thanks to the setting and its bold colour palette, although I’ve not played it during Early Access so I’m not sure yet how this insect-blasting roguelite shapes up.
Wild Bastards | September 12th | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox | I played a bit of Void Bastards when it launched back in 2019 so I was very eager to get my hands on this shooter sequel. The demo introduced a few of the eponymous Wild Bastards and revealed the game’s Western-inspired first-person shooter gameplay. I look forward to playing more, partner!
RP7 | September 12th | PC (Win) | And now for something completely different. RP7 not only looks super cute, but the gameplay is also very accessible. It’s essentially a slot machine roguelike where you must pull the lever to reveal the next tiles you can move to. It’s a simple premise but the stakes quickly ramp up and the gameplay becomes increasingly nuanced, although you’ll still need good reactions.
Pyrene | September 13th | PC (Mac, Win) | I’ve committed to writing a review of Pyrene so expect to see some words on the website at some point. Why have I said “yes” to Pyrene over so many of the games listed herein? I think the movement mechanics are really clever as they’re integrated into the deckbuilding; each encounter is a puzzle determined by the cards in front of you. More than that, I’m intrigued by the Basque setting, which has you trying to battle a demon called Herensuge in order to save your village.
Lucky Tower Ultimate | September 13th | PC (Win) | Channeling the spirit of a late night cartoon, Lucky Tower Ultimate looks fantastic with a distinctive visual style and a strong focus on comedy. The aim of the game is to escape the titular tower, along the way fighting beasties and rescuing NPCs who’ll join you on your quest for freedom. I had a quick look at the demo and enjoyed it, and now I’m eager to see how things have developed as the game hits Early Access.
Meme Mayhem | September 14th | PC (Win) | My kids talk to me in memes sometimes, so I understand that there’s likely going to be an audience interested in checking out Meme Mayhem’s eccentric blend of ingredients. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s full of references that will fly over my balding pate. I don’t claim to understand the appeal, but I think a lot of you will be wishlisting this one.
HackeRPG | July 8 | PC (Mac, Win) | You’ve got to survive this tech-focused arena roguelite for a whole 15 minutes, fending off the advances of viruses, bugs, and trojans by writing code and, of course, upgrading your character with new abilities. You can also hit things, which is why we’re all really here, isn’t it?!
Everspace 2 – Titans | September 16th | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Xbox | This major expansion for Everspace 2 introduces two new modes. Dreadnought is one giant boss battle, but the other one is a bit more up my street. Leviathan’s procedurally generated environments – set inside a giant alien being – are a big nod to the first game, which is an old favourite rogue of mine from back in the day.
Mourn-bourn | September 16th | PC (Win) | This one is a bit grim, so bear that in mind if you don’t have the strongest of stomachs. Mourn-bourn is all about chopping up your enemies with a futuristic sword, but it’s also about upgrading yourself with genetically modified body parts. The character design is also making me think of Dead Space, but I’ve no idea whether that translates meaningfully into gameplay.
The Spell Brigade | September 16th | PC (Win) | A new survivors-like lands mid-month, but The Spell Brigade looks a cut above the usual stuff we’re given. While makes it stand out is the online co-op, which supports up to four players and sounds like it channels the inner spirit of Magicka. That’s right, Dear Reader, friendly fire is switched on in this magic-infused reverse bullet hell. Let the carnage commence!
UFO 50 | September 18th | PC (Win) | Rather than being one game, this is actually a collection of 50 of them. I believe there’s at least one roguelite in there but who knows?! This collection, which has been curated by the creator of the original Spelunky, sounds like it’s going to be a blast. If you’ve got any interest in retro gaming, I think it’s probably worth taking a look at.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla | September 19th | PC (Win) | Representing the Triple-As this month is God of War Ragnarok, which is the latest Sony exclusive to make its way to PC. The reason I’m writing about it here is Valhalla, a roguelite game mode included at launch where players are invited to take Kratos on a replayable adventure that uses the GoW combat system.
Void Strife | September 23rd | PC (Win) | Any game that has you playing as a cyberpunk horse has my attention, because I love that sort of surreal nonsense. Void Strife is giving me Hotline Miami vibes because in this game you must rescue your animal friends so you can play as them. If you’ve ever wanted to play as an angry armadillo, look no further…
Halls of Torment | September 24th | PC (Lin, Win) | If you’re a Diablo fan then Halls of Torment is probably already on your radar, but just in case you’re not already in the loop, this is one of the best survivors-likes out there thanks to its distinctive art and challenging gameplay. I’ve played quite a bit of this during Early Access so expect a review.
Rune Coliseum | September 24th | PC (Win) | Fighting fans might want to take a closer peek at Rune Coliseum, a brutal-looking blend of deckbuilding and fast-paced turn-based combat. In this historically inspired game you can string together a number of devastating blows as you look to conquer the arena and be crowned champion. The visuals are also pretty good and lean into the gritty gladiatorial theme.
Dark Sky | September 24th | PC (Win) | While I’m not sure that Dark Sky technically counts as a true roguelike deckbuilder, it’s so adjacent to the genre that I figured it would be good to mention it here. The art looks great, the setting is compelling, and there’s tactical turn-based combat thrown in for good measure.
Breachway | September 26th | PC (Win) | After several delays, we’re finally getting Breachway this month. While it has suffered a few setbacks, I’m still excited to see how it has evolved. This sci-fi adventure gives you access to a range of spaceships and a deck of digital cards, and using these tools you must discover powerful synergies to help you fight your way across the galaxy as you search for the Signal.
Against the Storm – Keepers of the Stone | September 26th | PC (Win) | Keepers of the Stone is the first major paid expansion for the superlative RTS roguelite Against the Storm, which was one of the best games of 2023. The new content drop includes a new species – The Frogs – as well as a new biome, a variety of new buildings, and plenty more besides.
Balatro | September 26th | Android, iOS | One of the best games of the year thus far is returning this month via its release on Android and iOS. This is fantastic news for all you card sharks out there and I heartily recommend you give this one a go if it’s not already on your radar. This poker-themed deckbuilder is all about playing illegal hands and scoring big multipliers via the game’s assortment of joker cards. The game is hitting both Android and iOS, and it’s going to appear on Apple Arcade, so great news if you’re already a subscriber.
Ravenswatch | September 26th | PC (Win) | This action RPG from Passtech Games dropped late in the month, so it’s only getting added to this article as part of the October update. Ravenswatch is now finished on PC after a decent stint in Early Access, and the plan is to come back with a full console launch later this year. Stay tuned for that, then.
Realm of Ink | September 27th | PC (Win) | If you prefer your action fast-paced and punchy, look no further than Realm of Ink. I’ve been keeping a close eye on this one since it made a positive first impression thanks to its painterly art style and nuanced combat. You can feel the influence of Hades here, although that formula is viewed through a very different lens, which should make for an interesting experience when Realm of Ink hits Early Access in late September.
Holy Grain | September 27th | PC (Win) | I didn’t know anything about Holy Grain before doing my due diligence for this article. However, I enjoyed the Steam description and I’m always up for a bit of genuine absurdity, which is what this game promises. It looks quite interesting thanks to the historical setting, and the screenshots show pitched battles as well as various narrative events. Consider me intrigued.
Rogue Waters | September 30th | PC (Win) | This pirate-themed turn-based roguelite is all about commanding a boat full of scurvy sea dogs while harnessing the power of great creatures from the deep, via highly tactical combat encounters. Rogue Waters is being developed by the team behind Hard West, which makes it worth keeping an eye on, in my humble opinion.
EcoGnomix | September 30th | PC (Win) | There’s no other way of putting it: EcoGnomix’s hex-based landscapes look wonderful. The game wants you to expand your village on the surface while digging deeper underground in search of the resources you need. This promising combination of city building and roguishness has my attention and there’s a demo if you want to try it for yourself.
Rock Paper Scissors Ultimate | Delayed | PC (Win) | I am absolutely loving this phase that we’re going through where we’re seeing the repurposing of classic games, this time with a funky roguish twist. The next one on the horizon is Rock Paper Scissors Ultimate, and after a delay, I’m ready to play in three, two, one…
The Archives!
October 2024: There were several big releases in the month of October, but none as exciting as Windblown, the next game by Motion Twin (Dead Cells). I did enjoy [REDACTED], which is a comic book spin-off based on The Callisto Protocol, and I also picked up Diceomancer, a very underrated deckbuilder with a lovely graphical style and plenty of charm. Other releases included Wizard of Legend 2 and Transformers: Galactic Trials, for a truly unique blend of titles.
September 2024: What an excellent month for new roguelike games, with the highlights including deckbuilders Shogun Showdown and Pyrene, the FPS blaster otherwise known as Wild Bastards, and there was the mobile release of Balatro. Rogue Waters delivered pirate-themed turn-based tactics, and I also really enjoyed both Realm of Ink and Halls of Torment (the first which landed in Early Access and the second which just left it).
August 2024: The August archive boasts highlights including the blackjack-themed deckbuilder Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, a co-op update for Cult of the Lamb, plus excellent games including Peglin, Terminus: Zombie Survivors, Knock on the Coffin Lid, and Nova Drift all left Early Access. Plot twist: Risk of Rain 2’s latest DLC launched to very mixed reviews.
July 2024: Headline acts this July included the console release of Darkest Dungeon II, and Lost Castle 2 releasing into Early Access. The original Epyx version of Rogue has finally been ported to Nintendo Switch, with one or two improvements that no doubt explain the delay. Finally, shout outs to Arc Seed, because I do love a giant mecha battle, and Wastelander, because I’m a sucker for sci-fi strategy games.
June 2024: This month got better as it went on. June closed out with a tetromino-powered tower defense roguelite by the name of Emberward, a turn-based western rogue called Guncho (wanted dead or alive, apparently), the quirky auto-battler otherwise known as Million Monster Militia, and the early access exit of Champion Shift. All of them landed in the back nine of the month, so keep on scrolling.
May 2024: Hit this link for some of the very best launches of the year, including the Early Access release of Hades II, the wonderful turn-based roguelike Path of Achra, and a big crossover as Contra comes to Vampire Survivors. Plus stellar shooters Robobeat and Mullet MadJack both dropped in May, and there’s a certain Prince from Persia who arrived before the end of the month, too. Phew.
April 2024: One of my favourites in April was peaceful puzzler Planetiles, which certainly contrasts the grimy first-person horror of Buckshot Roulette. Traditionalists will note the release of Story Mode in Dwarf Fortress as a milestone, while console owners finally got to savour the delights of Dave the Diver. Finally, I want to highlight Against Great Darkness and Inkbound; two indie gems out this month.
March 2024: Mortal Glory 2 dropped in March and it’s an excellent tactical turn-based roguelite about fantasy gladiators. The always brilliant Crypt of the NecroDancer got a big multiplayer update by the name of Synchrony. Two very different magic games were released into Early Access this month, with third-person actioner Vellum landing alongside turn-based spell-simulator Rift Wizard 2. Finally, the wonderful dice roller Slice & Dice made an appearance on Steam.
February 2024: An earlier iteration of this format – February’s round-up is a bit of a mess. Nevertheless, it was a good month for games with the release of Balatro on PC and console, which has been my most-played game of the year by far, and Shiren 6 finally arrived on Nintendo Switch. Other highlights include the full release of Inkulinati, and the Early Access launch of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors.
January 2024: The first month of the year is usually pretty quiet across the industry (except for at Capcom for some reason) but we did get some good rogues, too. Lonestar is my personal pick, but Go Mecha Ball landed on PC and console, and the unofficial Indiana Jones parkour simulator otherwise known as Phantom Abyss left Early Access. Finally, BlazBlue Entropy Effect also left EA.
November and December 2023: It was still early days for Rogueliker and the formatting is all over the place, but if you want even more games, I’ve got a few from late 2023 to tell you about. Picayune Dreams is one of the highlights, as is Against the Storm, two of the year’s best games, in fact. Other top-tier titles to drop before the end of the year include Cobalt Core, Roboquest, and Risk of Rain Returns.
