ROGUE LEGACY 2

Joins its forebear in the roguelite hall of fame.

$35.95 | PC, XBN1/X/S | roguelegacy2.com

In this sequel to the 2013 game, once again you step into the shoes of a randomised hero tasked with navigating the levels of a procedurally generated castle. Said castle is a gruelling gauntlet teeming with tough enemies to defeat, tricky obstacles to overcome, and valuable gold to steal. If, or more likely, when your hero reaches the bottom of their health bar, you’ll swiftly find yourself in the footwear of their descendant.

At the start of each run, you’re given a choice of three characters from an array of unlockable classes. Old favourites such as the Knight and Barbarian are mixed with exciting new options like the Gunslinger and Valkyrie. Classes now come with their own unique stats, weapons, talents, and passive abilities, making each feel distinctly different from the last.

However, some classes are considerably more effective than others, and I found myself passing up the less useful ones after giving them a few tries. For example, a lack of multidirectional aiming for spells meant the mage class sat on the bench for most of my time with Rogue Legacy 2.

Threatening you along your journey is a relentless horde of enemies. Some fill the screen with deadly projectiles, while others want nothing more than to whack you with a powerful melee strike. Enemies aren’t your only worry; levels are a platforming labyrinth, filled with hazardous obstacles like spiked pits and flaming traps which require careful timing and patience to overcome. It’s fast-paced and incredibly fun, and despite being bested many times, I couldn’t wait to jump back in to have another go.

The most significant addition to Rogue Legacy 2’s family-orientated antics is the heirlooms. Once obtained, these helpful trinkets unlock traversal abilities, including a double jump and an aerial dash that allow you to reach new locations.

Cellar Door Games’ latest stands among the finest in a genre it helped define. The demanding yet endlessly entertaining gameplay, fuelled by a rewarding progression system, is as absorbing as it was the first time around.

This sequel is a sublime addition to the Rogue Legacy family and one of the best roguelites I’ve played so far. Anne-Marie Ostler

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