4.5/5 ★ – Kalle_Deimos's review of Loop Hero.

TLDR: Loop Hero is the most original rogue-like I've ever played. Wether you play it for a couple of hours or play it to completion I think there will be plenty to enjoy. Gameplay: I went into this anticipating some type of typical Rogue-like RPG but it actually turned out to be a deck based engine building rogue-like. It's a very unique concept where you build the path the hero travels on instead of doing it yourself and I really like it, however I feel like mechanics arn't too clear and it can be somewhat overly complicated. Certain cards have such strange functions that it feels like you need to look up how youre intended to use them because otherwise you'll just make the game more difficult for yourself. The game definetely requires a lot of meta knowledge that the game will not clue you in on. Additionally, finding certain materials will require you to do your own research. Basically, passively playing the game isn't much of an option if you want to make progress. You need to be taking a proactive stance and be analyzing your set-ups to optimize them. Which actually feels counterintuitive due to how little action you'll actually be taking part in. You also may feel like there is a lack of variety in each run because you'll typically be playing a lot of the same cards throughout your entire playtime, and while it did make me suffer burnout a bit faster than other rogue-likes, I think Loop Hero does a good job at still being satisfying and enganging despite it's flaws and quirks. By the time I finished my time with it, I felt like I unlocked the knowledge of the universe and most of the flaws I felt with the game melted away. Story: I dig the story a lot. It's very atmospheric, mysterious and original. The world has been erased into a void, leaving the survivors to wander through fragments of what it once was. The idea that the world is being rebuilt by someone who rememebers is interesting and I was quite enganged with the mystery. The Hero himself is great. Kind of a goof but with a determined and serious attitude. I really like the dialogues between him and the enemies specefically and there's a LOT of them. Graphics: Loop Hero has an older pc game vibe that ties in with the atmosphere so nicely. I especially enjoy the tiny sprites on the map screen and the portrait art. Sound: Everything is bit-crushed and I love it. Extra: There's not really side quests but there is a building management aspect of the game that lets you customize your camp. It looks like there isn't many choices but it'll keep you occupied for a while. Additionally you can fill out your encyclopedia which is MASSIVE. There's an article that breaks down every enemies gameplay statistics and additional lore to unlock that is actually really interesting. The devs here put a lot of work into making a great setting and atmosphere. Favorite Thing: There is an enemy that is just a magical book and when you first encounter one the Hero tries to talk to the book which responds with a picture instead of words and that made me laugh really hard. Not My Favorite Thing: The difficulty spike can feel a bit daunting. And some combinations of enemies feel messed up since they can drain all your health in a single fight.