Is this a thing now? Metroidvania roguelikes? Why? They're basically opposite genres, sure it's an interesting experiment to prove something like this can work, but this game would be infinitely better as a normal metroidvania.

I hate the homogenization of popular indie games into this one puddle of Dungeon Crawling RPG Rogue-Souls-Like Action Platforming Metroidvanias, by trying to be every single genre at once they undermine their own strengths, adding elements that feel almost superfluous but are here because "oh Hollow Knight/Hotline Miami/Binding of Isaac/Vampire Survivors did it and this is an indie game too"

The artstyle is great, the control is fluid and fun, the combat is pretty good, the music is good, the boss fights are interesting, you've got every element of a great game here but it just ruins itself by endlessly adding things that add nothing to the overall experience. What does varying RPG stats on weapons or an estus flask add to this game? It just copies cool ideas from other games without understanding what made said mechanic work.

I hope this homogenization of popular indie games stops ruining potentially great games in the future, but in a Post-Vampire Survivors world, I doubt I'll get what I want, because clearly everyone else is getting something out of these games I just don't see.

A very enjoyable and tough “roguevania”. This game is not as hard as it seems, as basic enemies can be killed quickly. The bosses however, are very challenging and unique. Combat is fast, responsive, satisfying, and rewarding. You start from the beginning level when you die, but various factors keep the game feeling fresh upon death.

There are a ton of items to unlock with your cells, which helps on further runs. Trying to obtain high-tiered gear creates a risk-reward aspect that is very thrilling and worthwhile. Everything is randomized (weapons, level layouts, bonus weapon modifiers), so no 2 playthroughs are the same. It is extremely satisfying to have all of your weapon's modifiers and main traits align, dealing over 100% bonus damage. Due to the tight combat, near endless amount of items to unlock, and roguelike aspects, this is a must-play game that can be played almost indefinitely. - 4.25 stars