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ScourgeBringer: An Action-Packed Platforming Game with a Brutal Roguelike Challenge

2K View2023-10-18

ScourgeBringer

8.5

ActionAdventure

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"ScourgeBringer" is an action-packed platforming game incorporating diagonal scrolling and showcasing a young sword-wielding protagonist trapped within ever-shifting stone corridors atop a monolithic structure ravaging the Earth. This character is a child with a sword in a post-apocalyptic setting, confined within stone passageways that move on the monolithic platform responsible for Earth's destruction. Their closest companion is a hovering cylindrical robot resembling a guardian angel that unleashes bullets. They possess double jumps and wall running abilities, reminiscent of hardcore pixelated platformers, and engage in fast-paced hack 'n' slash combat reminiscent of intense roguelikes. These characters traverse randomly generated rooms, eventually known as perilous zones or safe havens. Within these rooms, they confront floating demons, jellyfish, bats, robots, and stone demons that relentlessly approach with unique bullet patterns and menacing attacks. Additionally, epic boss battles are part of the gameplay experience.

Our character's dash function isn't a gradual progression but functions as both a "get away" and a "get close" button. It means we constantly and instinctively bet on whether rushing towards an enemy spewing bullets and threats will get us to safety in time or if we'll run right into their deadly onslaught. Throughout the game, we can acquire gunbot upgrades from vendors located in the underground. We'll find individuals selling health packs, cucumbers, and weapons like miniguns, grenade launchers, and mods that enhance our sword's damage or give our bullets unique abilities. A third character trades weapons and mods in exchange for a portion of our health bar.

"ScourgeBringer" can sometimes feel overwhelming, placing significant demands on our reflexes and visual acuity. Keeping track of our character can be challenging amidst the chaos of bullets, enemy attacks, and environmental effects. The game provides some decent accessibility options, such as adjusting the game speed and enemy projectile speed, among others. By selecting options like "more health drops," we can significantly enhance our experience. While we might still face frequent deaths, the chaos begins to feel more like a dance over time.

Rooms in the game are filled with various enemy types that require strategic decision-making and quick reactions. We'll slap, run, break, and panic through these rooms. Only when the action subsides, and a new area opens up do we have a chance to assess our remaining health. We'll need to make the most of every health pick-up, maneuvering our character skillfully. Challenge rooms introduce multiple waves of enemies with limited cover, making survival a tough test. Unlike "Dead Cells"' rewarding risk-reward system, where cursed chests offer substantial benefits, "ScourgeBringer" incentivizes players to hone their skills through long-term progression, even when facing ordinary adversaries who consistently deplete our health.

"ScourgeBringer" falls into the rogue-lite category, with a default difficulty level that can feel quite challenging. Players must upgrade their characters between deaths using blood orbs dropped by bosses. Acquiring the necessary orbs for meaningful upgrades can be time-consuming and demanding. However, after a few hours, we can unlock valuable abilities in the skill tree, such as Fury attacks and mods. The early-game gunbot needs a free mod slot, often leaving players with practical mods they cannot use. Unlike games like "Spelunky," there are no shortcuts to the next level or healing between stages.

In conclusion, "ScourgeBringer" may need to be more punishing for some players due to the constant need to restart and replay early levels, which can be frustrating. However, the game's unyielding approach to improvement through repeated deaths appeals to those ready to put down their demon-fighting weapons and strive to survive. While "ScourgeBringer" is a well-designed video game, it may only suit some.