You might call it overkill to have an article about games like Hades and another that focuses on Hades II, however, there is some method to my increasing madness. Some.
In Games like Hades: roguelites, sequels, assassins, and the devil himself, I dig into Supergiant’s impressive back catalogue, a bunch of action-RPGs that are in the same ball park in terms of overall quality, and a load of different games that explore Greek mythology. There are some similar games in that list, but covering them is not the objective.
In this article, on the other hand, I’m going to focus on games that follow a similar action-roguelite structure to Hades II (which I’ve reviewed here) . We’re seeing more new releases adopting the same setup, and I figured it was about time to draw your eyes to some of the most interesting alternatives that operate in the same pace as Supergiant’s series of supernatural rogues. Enjoy!
Hades | Supergiant Games | PC (Mac, Win), PS4/5, Switch, Xbox
I’m not going to spend much time on these games here, as there’s a whole article devoted them. What I will do is use this space to confirm the rules of engagement moving forward.
Pretty much all of the games in this feature utilise the same isometric and viewpoint as Hades (that’s why there’s no Returnal, for example). Similarly, apart from one or two exceptions that demand inclusion because of their overall quality, I’ll only include games that use a progression system that mimics the one used by Supergiant.
Of course, while a few of those mentioned below precede the first Hades, there are a lot of games out there that have taken inspiration from Zag and Mel’s respective adventures, and it’s worth looking at both the games that informed Hades and those that have followed.
Shape of Dreams | Lizard Smoothie | PC (Win)
A new one, but a good one. It might be fresh at the time of writing, but I’m convinced that this isn’t recency bias. Shape of Dreams is a lovely little action-RPG with co-op gameplay and a MOBA-feel to character management. I really enjoyed this one when it came out at the end of this summer, and it’s a real shame that it dropped in the shadow of Silksong and then Hades II. It’s not really like either of those games, to be fair, but the timing of Shape of Dreams’ release has stopped this one from being talked about much more broadly.
Cult of the Lamb | Massive Monster | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
There are few titles out there that boast the same sense of playful personality as Cult of the Lamb. Although a significant portion of the game is taken up with the cult management elements, a good half of your time will be spent out on adventures, either alone or with a goated friend by your side. Co-op is not the main focus here, but it’s a nice to have feature in an excellent hybrid action-roguelite.
Hell Clock | Rogue Snail | PC (Win)
An impressive top-down action-RPG with roguelite elements, Diablo-inspired combat, build-crafting, and a unique time-pressure mechanic to really put the cat among the pigeons. All of the above, plus one of the most interesting settings in this whole article!
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | PC (Win), PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox
The action-roguelite that just keeps on giving, Isaac’s adventures are well known by now and this is one of the few games on this list that needs no introduction. While structurally Isaac and Hades are very different from one another, they both are perfect at giving you that “just one more run” feeling, and they’re both utterly unmissable.
Asura: Vengeance Edition | Ogre Head Studio | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
One of the games that I think can claim to have had a big impact on Hades and its roguish structure is Asura, an action-RPG that is steeped in Indian mythology. It might feel a bit antiquated now that we’ve all enjoyed more modern games, but if you want to go back and play an unheralded action-roguelite, you could do a lot worse.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate | Super Evil MegaCorp | PC (Mac, Win), iOS, PS5, Switch, Xbox
If you’re after a Hades-inspired roguelite experience to share with the kids, then look no further than Splintered Fate. Not only is this more accessible than most of the titles mentioned herein, but it’s also a really good game in its own right. I’ve spent a lot of time playing this with my youngest boy, and we both enjoy beating on the Foot Clan, levelling up our turtles, and experimenting with different builds.
Sworn | Windwalk Games | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
Landing in the same week as the 1.0 version of Hades II is tough luck, but at least Sworn has a couple of things going for it. Of course, the main thing is the addition of co-op, with support for up to four would-be knights. The second thing is the platform split, with Hades II hitting the Switch, while Sworn focused on PS5 and Xbox. Of course, that wouldn’t matter if the game was crap, but that’s not the case at all; Sworn is a really decent action-roguelite.
Redacted | Striking Distance Studios | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
Although it is set in the same universe as The Callisto Protocol, the tone in Redacted is very different. Expect comic book style art, sassy character design, and a focus on rival NPC characters. It’s an unusual blend of ingredients, maybe even jarring, but I think it comes together quite well and feels distinct within the niche thanks to its eclectic mix of ingredients.
Nova Drift | Chimeric | PC (Mac, Win)
This little gem is a bit more mechanical than most of the games on this list, and you mustn’t be put off by the streamlined visuals, either. Nova Drift is one of the tightest, fiercest top-down action-roguelites I’ve played in this year and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good Asteroids-inspired arcade shooter.
Star of Providence | Team D-13 | PC (Win), Switch
It might be another top-down sci-fi shooter, however, Star of Providence is very different from a structural point of view and borrows more from Hades than it does the arcade classics. It’s another sci-fi blaster that provides a stern challenge, but Star of Providence is more enigmatic, mysterious, and full of secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
Dreamscaper | Afterburner Studios | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
Not only does Dreamscaper rock an eye-catching colour palette but it’s also a tight and responsive action-RPG that explores some really interesting themes. My main criticism is about pacing, but if your plan is to get lost in this dreamy adventure for the long haul, then I doubt that’ll be a problem.
Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | PC (Mac, Win), PS4, Switch, Xbox
One of the all-time classics, Enter the Gungeon is a gun-filled homage to bullet hell shooters. Dodge Roll is the name of the studio, but the move is also at the core of the gameplay, as players must avoid a hail of bullets, kicking over scenery and rolling to safety every other second. There’s a sequel in the works at the time of writing, but it will have to be a special game to supplant the original in my twisted heart.
Ravenswatch | Passtech Games | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
Another good option for co-op parties is Ravenswatch, the action-roguelike from Passtech that serves as another contender for a place on this list: Curse of the Dead Gods. I gave this one the nod because of the co-op elements, the quality of the character design, and because I love the broad range of accessibility options on offer.
Windblown | Motion Twin | PC (Win)
I pondered whether or not to include this one, because it’s still in early access and I usually like a game to be finished before talking it up loads. Still, Windblown is a fast and furious action-RPG from the folks behind Dead Cells, and while it’s not the finished article just yet, I’ve had a good time with its snappy platforming and precise combat.
Warm Snow | BadMudStudio | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS5, Switch
Another of the games that I came to play as part of my research for this article, Warm Snow is another technically proficient action-roguelite with plenty of depth. Great art, smooth controls, and a stellar setting all combine to make this one of the most underrated roguelites out there!
Magicraft | Wave Games | PC (Win)
I’ve put this straight after Warm Snow because they’re from the same publisher. They’re hugely different games, of course, and where one is a moody action-roguelite, the other is a magic-infused chaos-fest about combining your spells in creative ways to make screen-filling explosions. Magicraft caught me by surprise because there’s real depth to its build crafting, and it proved to be a whole bunch of fun.
Children of Morta | Dead Mage | PC (Win), PS4, Switch, Xbox
If you’re looking for an action-roguelite with an emphasis on narrative, then check out Children of Morta, a game about leading a tightly knit family against the ominous-sounding Corruption. Another stand out feature is the visuals; I’ve been enchanted by the pixels ever since I first clamped eyes on them at Gamescom back in 2019.
Realm of Ink | Leap Studio | PC (Win)
The name of the game alludes to Realm of Ink’s artistic swagger, but the art isn’t only for show. This is still an early access game and the last time I checked in there were a few bugs here and there, however, there is also a bunch of good, playable content in there, too. If you’re after a polished experience, wait for the big 1.0, but if you don’t mind a bit of experimental art, give it a closer look!
Tiny Rogues | RubyDev | PC (Win)
I was in bed the night after posting this article when a wave of pure terror hit me: I hadn’t included Tiny Rogues. This bite-sized adventure is streamlined to within in an inch of its life, but what’s left is one of the purest action-roguelites you’ll ever play. The review linked in the info bar is almost two years old now, the game is still in EA, and I’d still recommend you check it out: it’s proper good.
Nuclear Throne | Vlambeer | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS4/Vita, Switch, Xbox
Nuclear Throne is one of the games that convinced me that roguelikes where the future. I spent an awful lot of time playing Vlambeer’s radioactive rogue on the old PS Vita, but of course PC is the way to go nowadays, not least because the game is still getting support even after all these years. If you’ve not already thoroughly explored the nuclear wastelands, I can’t recommend you do so strongly enough.
That’s it for now, folks, but the above isn’t enough then you’ll find more in my guide to great action-roguelites (although a heads up: there is a little bit of overlap with some of the games featured here).
