Summary
Roguelikes and roguelites come in many different shapes and sizes, but it’s a rare occurrence for either genre to take on the gameplay of an FPS. In fact, the first-person shooter genre is in direct conflict with traditional roguelike gameplay, which is historically turn-based.
There are, however, a handful of exceptions. Each of these games features real-time first-person action, ranging from niche titles such asHeavy Bulletsto the accessible gameplay of titles such asRoboquest.
1Heavy Bullets
A Somewhat Aged But Truly Unique FPS Roguelike
Strange, somewhat aged, but wholly unique,Heavy Bulletsis an early combination of a first-person shooter and the roguelike formula. Immediately apparent is the game’s vibrant, stylized low-poly aesthetic, butthe most uniquequality ofHeavy Bulletsis within its gameplay.
InHeavy Bullets, players fight through twisted, colorful levels with a trusty, chunky revolver. This revolver houses six bullets, each of which are, as the game’s title suggests, heavy. Players must manually pick up their bullets, a simple twist that forces players to think tactically each and every time they fire.
2SENTRY
An FPS Tower-Defense With Roguelite Elements
SENTRYis a combination of first-person shooter and tower-defense gameplay, channeling the energy of frenetic shooters and games such asOrcs Must Diein equal measure. The game’s roguelite/roguelike elements help to improvethe game’s replay value, though the game is still in an early state at the time of writing, currently available in Early Access on Steam.
The game’s dark color palette and clean-cut 3D visuals may not be for everyone, but they’re perfectly stylish and keep the action readable through the clever use of highlights. Furthermore, the game features anFTL-style node-based map that helps break up the action, providing a solid structure for the gameplay.
Gunfire Rebornis a first-person shooter that combines RPG elements andBorderlands-style looter-shootergameplay with the procedural generation, progression, and run-based structure of roguelites. Featuring online co-op,Gunfire Rebornis arguably more fun when played with friends, and certain characters can be more useful when playing cooperatively.
The game’s cartoon art style won’t be for everyone, but it’s a fairly consistent aesthetic that keeps the fast-paced action easy to read. The variety of weapons and playable characters, however, are amongGunfire Reborn’s greatest strengths.
4Ziggurat 2
An FPS With A Sword-And-Sorcery Theme
Players that enjoysword-and-sorcery gamesand first-person shooters alike are sure to get a kick out ofZiggurat 2, a title that channels the energy of games such asHexen. The hectic, arena-based combat and strong art direction offer plenty of colorful action for fans of fantasy-themed shooters.
Despite the sword-and-sorcery theme,Ziggurat 2features a variety of ranged weapons that facilitate FPS gameplay, making it a perfectly suitable entry to the genre.Ziggurat 2stands out with its colorful aesthetic, and players that enjoy a strong fantasy theme will find a lot to love out of the dungeon-crawling gameplay.
Featuring a stylish, vivid aesthetic, asci-fi Wild Westtheme, and a surprisingly unique gameplay loop,Wild Bastardsis a fresh roguelite experience that combines frenetic first-person action with a strategic layer. With its consistent art direction and intentional gunplay, fans of clean, cartoon art styles, sci-fi Westerns, and FPS games are likely to enjoy this title.
Small combat arenas, duck-and-cover gameplay, and expressive special abilities make for engaging combat. However,Wild Bastards' diverse array of playable outlaws, each with their unique aspects, keep the game from getting stale.
Witchfireis a highly-polished first-person shooter with RPG elements anda dark-fantasy setting, sporting visuals that are rather impressive for an independent studio. Putting players in the shoes of a witchhunter,Witchfiresees players battling enemies in a unique gameplay loop that combines the structures of roguelites and extraction/looter shooters.
Witchfirecan perhaps be more accurately described asan extraction shooter, but the roguelite mechanics (permanent death, permanent progression) will likely appeal to fans of the genre. The surprising production value and fluid gunplay, however, are some ofWitchfire’s greatest strengths.
Combining extraction shooters with roguelite mechanics,SULFURis a recently-released indie game brimming with cartoon style and bolstered by a series of well-crafted gameplay systems. Cooking, gun customization, and solid gunplay make for a diverse experience, despite the game currently being in Early Access.
SULFURsucceeds with its winning cartoon art style and unique moody atmosphere, qualities that make exploration an immersive affair. Although there are clearly elements missing in its current state, the core gameplay ofSULFURis promising.
Roboquestis a colorful first-person shooter with a roguelite structure and a visual style that will be immediately recognizable to fans of games such asOverwatch. This fast-paced shooter can be played in single-player, but also features two-player online co-op.
Roboquestsucceeds with its fast-paced action, facilitated by fluid, intuitive movement controls. The game’s winning sense of style, diversity of gameplay, and attention to detail make for an experience that’s likely to please fans of the roguelite genre.
PlayingPost Voidis perhaps the closest players will get to the feeling of being shot out of a cannon, with its relentless music and breakneck pace, facilitated by constantly draining health that encourages players to just keep moving.Post Void’s messy, vivid visual style won’t be for everyone, but it synergizes perfectly with the game’s psychedelic attitude.
Post Voidis a relatively simple experience with a hardcore roguelike structure, designed to be played in short sessions. However, the game is elevated by its expressive movement controls, sense of style, and intuitive first-person action.
