Soulstone Survivors

It's hard to argue with the general public when you say that your new hack-and-slash game will be different. After all, only a few games have broken ground, given the limitations of the genre. However, there are always some tiny elements that can make a title stand out, and it's those niggly things that drive Soulstone Survivors as its selling point.

The game isn't trying to pull the wool over players' eyes in being the next best thing in action roguelike games. Not in the slightest. Soulstone Survivors makes a valiant attempt to embrace the classic gameplay and community culture of the genre by building a title that is accessible, entertaining, and replayable. So let's try the latest entry into the indie hack-and-slash world.

I Will (Soul) Survive

It's evident from the moment you hit play that Soulstone Survivors is more of a homage to the best in action roguelike rather than something that tries to set standards. That approach is more refreshing and relieves pressure off players to find deeper meaning or revel in the artsy aspects of a title. The game only encourages you to enjoy and embrace the challenge.

The gameplay is standard when it comes to the whole action roguelike thing. You'll play as a mysterious ethereal character out to battle the otherworldy legions and become the most powerful warrior in the void. Along the way, you'll aim to master a skill set that spans over 150 elements while unlocking characters, progressing through more challenging stages, and creating better weapons to slay foes.

Soulstone Survivors is nothing special, but it gets its gameplay approach right. It's a game where you can focus on being your best player. You'll be progressively mastering combat, celebrating increasing challenges, and doing everything possible to get those achievements. There's not much narrative, but there isn't a need for one. The whole principle of the game is to be a mighty warrior.

The visuals are more simplified yet colorful, and the interface is much more elementary than other action roguelikes. Hardcore players may find Soulstone Survivors a little too straightforward. However, the game is certainly accessible to the masses, and not much will get in the way of their enjoyment.

Loving the Void

Soulstone Survivors can easily be compared to the most popular action roguelike games out there because it incorporates the best of their mechanics. The simplest way to look at the title is a more cutesy version of Diablo III. Visually, it's a colorful spur of combat, whereas mechanically, it's a non-stop battle to be the best.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A well-rounded, refined action roguelike game that's accessible to the masses
• Lots of things to do and achieve despite the elementary hack-and-slash mechanics
• There's always a challenge adding to replayability

Cons:

• It may not appeal to hardcore action roguelike fans
• The simplified visuals take away from any immersion factor