Roguelike
Ongoing coverage on Roguelike.
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Moonlighter 2 Feels Like An Entirely Different Game, For Better And Worse
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault significantly rethinks the original game's formula, introducing a new 3D art style, isometric roguelike dungeons, and a complex inventory puzzle system. While these changes make it feel like a distinct experience rather than a direct sequel, they may alienate players who preferred the original's focus on action-RPG and shopkeeping elements.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 7 to 11
This week's Xbox releases include NHL 27, Halloween: The Game, Mewgenics, and Train Sim World 7, among many others. Several titles are optimized for Xbox Series X|S and available on Game Pass, including The Royal Writ and Dumb Ways to Build.
Acclaimed PlayStation 5 Action Game Adds a Crossover Hero in New Mode
Ghost of Tsushima's protagonist, Jin Sakai, has been added as a playable character to the PlayStation 5 action game Ghost of Yōtei: Most Wanted. This crossover hero will be available in the new single-player combat mode, retaining his signature combat skills and four stances. The new mode is included in the Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition.
The Metroidvania Is Decades Old, But One Year In Particular Is The Undisputed King
The Metroidvania genre, while decades old, experienced its peak in 2018 with a diverse slate of innovative titles. This year saw games like Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, and Yoku's Island Express push the genre's boundaries by incorporating elements from souls-likes, roguelikes, and even pinball, making it an ideal year for both newcomers and veterans.
Everything From The State Of Play That You Can Try Right Now
Sony's State of Play showcased several games with demos and ports available immediately. Demos for Final Fantasy Resonance, Stupid Never Dies, and SlashZero are out now, with progression carrying over to the full releases. Additionally, Double Fine's Keeper has received a PlayStation 5 port and a price drop.
Ghost of Yotei: Complete Edition's Most Wanted roguelike mode brings back Tsushima's Jin Sakai
Sucker Punch revealed the 'Most Wanted' roguelike mode for Ghost of Yotei during a State of Play showcase. This mode will feature four playable characters, including Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima, and offers a separate progression system with new weapons and cosmetics. Ghost of Yotei: Complete Edition, including the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion, launches October 1st on PlayStation 5.
Jin Sakai Returns In Upcoming Ghost Of Yotei Roguelike DLC
Sucker Punch revealed a new roguelike mode called 'Most Wanted' for Ghost of Yotei during the PlayStation State of Play. This mode will feature four playable characters, including a returning Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima, each with unique abilities and upgradeable perks. The Echoes of Sekigahara expansion and the Most Wanted mode will launch on October 1.
Ghost of Yōtei is Getting a Roguelike Survival Mode That Includes Ghost of Tsushima's Jin
Ghost of Yōtei is introducing a new single-player roguelike survival mode called Most Wanted. This mode will be included in the Complete Edition, which also features the upcoming expansion Echoes of Sekigahara and includes Jin from Ghost of Tsushima.
"We've got a great team, money in the bank, and financial independence": Glowmade comes out swinging after Amazon pulled the plug on King of Meat
Following the shutdown of its multiplayer title King of Meat by Amazon Game Studios, independent developer Glowmade is financially secure and focusing on its new single-player game, Rogue Fortune. Studio head Jonny Hopper emphasizes the studio's strong position due to financial independence and a skilled team, highlighting Rogue Fortune's innovative blend of roguelike and Tetris-inspired mechanics.
The mishap-strewn warfare of Worms: Galactic Tactics gives hope it’s not just a comedy XCOM
Worms: Galactic Tactics, a new turn-based strategy game from Absolutely Games and published by Team17, shows promise despite its departure from traditional Worms gameplay. The game features a single-player focused campaign with roguelike elements and a unique manual aiming system that blends skill with potential for slapstick disaster.
Build the Ultimate Gun and Breach the Galactic Vault
Galactic Vault, a new movement shooter with roguelike progression, is now available on Xbox Series X|S. Developed by MeepMeep Games and published by Take IT Studio!, the game emphasizes fast-paced combat, weapon experimentation with stackable upgrades, and environmental verticality. Players take on the role of a former VOLT operative breaching corporate facilities to reclaim stolen technology.
Ghost of Yōtei: Echoes of Sekigahara Trailer Showcases Old Conflicts, New Foes and Killer Abilities
A new trailer for Ghost of Yōtei: Echoes of Sekigahara showcases the upcoming story expansion, featuring a reunion between Atsu and her former comrade Nagato during the Battle of Sekigahara. The expansion, launching October 1st, introduces new enemies, a two-handed axe weapon, and new abilities for Atsu, alongside a free roguelike survivor mode called Most Wanted.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault launch trailer – action RPG sequel lands on Nintendo Switch 2
The launch trailer for Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has been released, coinciding with its launch on Nintendo Switch. This action RPG sequel, following the 2018 original, tasks players with rebuilding a shop in the village of Tresna by exploring dungeons, gathering loot, and reinvesting in the community.
Crimson Moon Steam reviews hit, but has a patch coming soon to address most complaints
Crimson Moon, an action RPG with souls-like and roguelike elements developed by Team Metal under ProbablyMonsters, has received mixed reviews on PC primarily due to a lack of essential accessibility features like mouse sensitivity adjustment and keybind customization. The developers have acknowledged these issues and are working on a patch to address them this week, while the core gameplay is generally praised.
'That's how you actually end a live service' — this developer just shut down a free-to-play game by releasing an offline version with no microtransactions for fans to keep playing
Developer Grasshopper Manufacture has released an offline, single-player version of its live service game Let it Die for $19.99, removing all microtransactions. This move allows players to continue enjoying the game after its servers shut down, a decision praised by fans as a positive example of how to handle the end of a live service title.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Review – Money never sleeps
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault successfully evolves its predecessor's dungeon-crawling and shop management loop with a jump to 3D graphics and new roguelike mechanics. While the core gameplay is engaging, the limited variety in its three regions and procedurally generated levels can lead to repetition over its extended length.
15 Biggest Games Launching in September 2026
September 2026 is set to be a massive month for game releases, featuring titles across numerous genres including open-world, action RPGs, sports, and racing. Notable upcoming games include Control Resonant, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Silent Hill: Townfall, Marvel's Wolverine, and the 1.0 launch of Valheim.
Metroidvania Still Feels Like A Niche Genre That Deserves Better
Despite the enduring legacy of Metroid and Castlevania, the Metroidvania genre remains niche, lacking significant AAA support and blockbuster sales. While indie developers have kept the genre alive with titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong, the author argues it deserves more mainstream attention without becoming oversaturated.
Xbox Game Pass In September Expands With 7 New Games
Microsoft has announced the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in September, including seven new titles. The additions feature a day-one release, Speedrunners 2, and the notable inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Some titles will also be leaving the service.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: RuneScape: Dragonwilds, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed, The Royal Writ, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout September, including RuneScape: Dragonwilds, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Several games are also leaving the service on September 15th, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Dead Cells.
