The cult classic platformer is set to make an imminent return, after Gearbox Publishing and Hopoo Games confirmed Risk of Rain Returns is to release on November 8.
Returning 10 years to the day after it was originally released, this classic 2D platformer is heading to PC Steam and Nintendo Switch, and supports up to four players in local coop.
I remember playing the original Risk of Rain almost a decade ago and my main memory is it being a punishing and chaotic experience. This remake brings the same popular, ever-escalating gameplay loop, where everything gets more explosive the longer you stay alive.
Risk of Rain Returns returns with plenty of new features
Returns brings back all of the content from the original, along with a range of tweaks, improvements, and additions. As you’ve no doubt already seen, it captures the essence of the original brilliantly, but with subtle modernisations.
Risk of Rain 2 composer Chris Christodoulou updated the sounds and FX, and everything has been built on an updated codebase, which will allow the devs to continue updating the game after launch.
A new game mode with new ways to play
The most notable new addition is game mode Providence Trials, which the developer describes thus:
“Providence Trials offer dozens of single player mini-game challenges each using a different Survivor with a different set of abilities, on a custom stage. These trials introduce more ways to play and unlock alternate abilities for Survivors, while testing everything from a player’s mobility skills to their combat effectiveness and survivability.”
On top of that, expect new items, enemies, stage variants and interactive elements, but most of all, expect new Survivors as well as enhancements to every character.
Introducing: The Pilot
Hopoo also confirmed the final new Survivor being added to the game. The Pilot offers players “a highly mobile and context-sensitive playstyle” unlike any other in the game. His standard attack is called Clusterfire and it’s a triple-burst attack where the third shot pierces enemies.
It sounds like this powerful finisher will be best deployed from above, using Rapid Deployment to parachute down while raining pain from above.
Secondary attack Target Acquired is a diagonal attack that inverts based on your position, so you’ll shoot airborne enemies from the ground and vice versa. He also has a move called Airstrike. No points for guessing what that one does…
Finally, there’s going to be more announcements on November 8, when Gearbox and Hopoo will be looking ahead at what’s next. Head to Twitch at 10.30 PST for all the deets.
Risk of Rain 2 DLC comes to console
The final bit of news to drop tonight was the confirmation that long-awaited DLC expansion, Survivors of the Void, is heading to console.
The content is heading to PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. How old school.
The expansion also introduces two survivors (Railgunner and Void Fiend), the Simulacrumgame mode, plus new environments, items, and a general overhaul of the core game that should improve updates in the future.
For more great roguelikes and roguelites coming out next month, check out our new monthly release update here!
