Over the past decade, rougelite video games have experienced a surge in popularity, captivating players with their high-stakes run-based gameplay. These games, characterized by the loss of progress upon death, keep players on the edge of their seats, offering a thrilling and challenging experience. Additionally, the procedural generation of stages ensures that each playthrough feels unique, while the addictive nature of these games leaves players craving for just one more turn. Amplitude Studios, a French developer renowned for their craft of engaging gameplay, has now entered the spotlight with their latest high-profile entry into the genre, Endless Dungeon.
A Blend of Genres
Endless Dungeon expands upon the action-oriented ideas that Amplitude Studios began exploring in their previous title, Dungeon of the Endless. Releasing on October 19, 2023, for PC and all current-generation console platforms, the game offers a unique fusion of the frenetic action found in arcade-style, twin-stick shooters, and elements of tower defense games. Set in a far-future space Western adventure, Endless Dungeon immerses players in an immersive universe with a captivating soundtrack featuring sleazy guitars and a cast of robot cowboys and resilient space marine characters.
The Endless Universe
What sets Endless Dungeon apart is its connection to Amplitude’s wider Endless universe, a rich tapestry that combines various sci-fi and fantasy tropes throughout different ages. Players familiar with Amplitude’s previous titles, such as Endless Legend and Endless Space, will appreciate the seamless transfer of certain elements into this new game. However, it’s important to note that Endless Dungeon presents a departure from Humankind, a game based on real human history. Instead, Endless Dungeon ventures into uncharted territory, offering a unique and immersive experience unlike anything players have encountered before.
In Endless Dungeon, players embark on perilous runs through abandoned space stations. The typical run involves assembling a squad of three characters from a roster of eight and guiding a Crystal Bot as they navigate each procedurally generated floor of the station. Along the way, players must fend off swarms of aliens. If the Crystal Bot is destroyed, the mission ends in failure. Protecting the bot requires utilizing the abilities and weapons of each character, with consideration for elemental damage and enemy weaknesses. Players can also construct turrets to bolster their defense capabilities. As they progress and explore, they’ll discover rooms containing resources to enhance their squad, upgrade the Crystal Bot, and build additional defenses.
A Second Chance at Redemption
Death is not the end in Endless Dungeon. When a run ends in failure, players’ characters return to the ship’s hub, a Saloon, where they can utilize resources to upgrade weapons, character abilities, and squad composition. This provides an opportunity to strategize and fine-tune their approach before embarking on another run. The inclusion of this feature adds depth and replayability to the game, ensuring that players remain engaged and motivated to improve with each subsequent attempt.
While Endless Dungeon offers an engaging single-player experience, with players commanding their squadmates in a team-based tactics game, it also embraces multiplayer gameplay. The game supports three-player cooperative play, reminiscent of the intense and thrilling atmosphere of films like Aliens and Starship Troopers. Designed with multiplayer in mind, Endless Dungeon invites players to join forces and face relentless waves of aliens. The chaotic battles, combined with the coordination and communication between players, create a truly immersive and exhilarating multiplayer experience.
A Developer in Tune with the Community
Amplitude Studios has fostered a close relationship with their community throughout the development of Endless Dungeon. Unlike many developers who rely solely on Steam Early Access, Amplitude chose a different path. They engaged players through Sega’s OpenDev program, conducting tests and collecting feedback from groups of players. This collaborative approach allowed them to refine and enhance the game based on player input. Endless Dungeon benefits from this iterative development process, ensuring that it aligns with the expectations and desires of the player community.
With Endless Dungeon, Amplitude Studios has unleashed a game that combines the best elements of action and strategy within an immersive and captivating futuristic universe. Its unique blend of genres, high-stakes gameplay, and engagement with the player community set it apart from other rougelite games. Whether playing alone or with friends, Endless Dungeon promises an unforgettable experience filled with intense battles, strategic decision-making, and the thrill of exploring uncharted space stations. Launching on October 19, 2023, for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for the future, Endless Dungeon beckons players to embrace the challenge and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
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