We certainly appreciate a novel mashup of genres, so we were glad when this one made its way over to the PS5. In Loot River, developed by straka.studio and recently launched on PlayStation 5 after the earlier PC version, players embark on a journey through a mysterious and dangerous fantasy world. The game offers a unique and surprising blend of Soulslike and Tetris elements, creating an intriguing combination of puzzle-solving and action. The darkly atmospheric levels and pixel art make each run an engaging experience – one that’s now available for nearly all major platforms.
The premise of Loot River introduces players to a world where eternal life is granted by the Relic, yet frail bodies can still meet death. The narrative, cryptic in how it’s told, unfolds gradually through notes and interactions in locations like the Sunken Village, echoing the somber tone of a tomb. The journey involves navigating through a world where your right thumbstick shifts platforms in and out of place, showcasing a balance between instinctual controls and a sense of accomplishment that transcends the combat.
The procedurally generated block-sliding labyrinths keep each playthrough fresh, introducing tiered platforms, traps, and unexpected enemies with unique abilities. The dual movement mechanic, which can take some getting used to, eventually smoothly integrates with the combat. Charging up attacks, parrying, and using magic create a satisfying combat experience. The roguelike foundation adds an extra layer, where death resets most upgrades, and in that sense your progression differs from traditional Souls games.
Knowledge, the in-game currency, unlocks gear, but leveling up relies on defeating enemies, and your stats reset upon death. The system’s challenges contribute to the satisfying cycle of discovering game-changing items and tailoring stats for each run. The game provides a familiar Sanctuary hub though, which is a tranquil space with healing monuments, NPCs, and give you room to engage in discussions about the Relic’s power.
Eventually, mastering multiple weapons, learning magic, and knowing how to read enemy behavior are all vital for success. The game is challenging but not too long, with about an eight-hour runtime on our first journey. You can add more to the experience through secrets you uncover and lore fragments as well, in case you’re interested in subsequent playthroughs.
On the visual front, Loot River impresses with beautiful hand-drawn pixel art, fluid animations, real-time 3D shadows, and a host of lovely visual effects. The style captures the essence of a dark fantasy setting, complemented by creative enemy designs and lots of atmospheric touches. The combination of Soulslike difficulty and Tetris-inspired mechanics in a pixelated world is so original that it’s engaging in and of itself as well.
In conclusion, Loot River offers an engaging and challenging experience that combines elements of Soulslike and Tetris genres. Its unique blend of gameplay mechanics, coupled with a captivating visual style and options for combat customization, makes it an interesting choice for players seeking a fresh take on the roguelike genre. Despite minor issues, the game’s originality and depth make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for those willing to embrace its challenging nature.
Score: 7.1/10
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