Cyberpunk roguelike in medieval times
Reignbreaker is a premium action game for PC developed by Studio Fizbin. It is a roguelike adventure set in a medieval world, where players take on the role of rebel warriors fighting against the tyrannical rule of an evil queen and her army of corrupted mechs.
Combining the fast-paced action combat of Hades II with the cyberpunk elements of Shadowrun: Dragonfall, Reignbreaker offers a unique experience that contrasts with its fantasy medieval setting. Everything is wrapped in a distinctive and vibrant cartoon-like art style that greatly reflects its futuristic inspirations.
Of castles and mechs
Reignbreaker takes place in a medieval world ruled by an oppressive queen and an army of high-tech machines that do her every bidding. Deep within her grand Bastion is a band of rebels deemed unworthy to live in society. You are Clef, armed with your trusty javelin weapon—you will storm the inner sanctum to defeat the tyrannical ruler and reclaim power for the people.
The Grand Bastion is a labyrinthian maze filled with unimaginable wealth, secrets, mechanical enemies, and traps that will get in your way at every turn. Meet and interact with an assortment of characters, from nobles and jaded soldiers, some of whom will even offer help in your journey. Collect powerful artifacts that provide unique perks and bonuses that will help during your perilous run.
A bit challenging
This game's design choices range from good to bad. Combat upgrades are needlessly restrictive, and the impact of attacks lacks any satisfying feedback. Enemy variety is abysmal, and run variation is virtually nonexistent. The overabundance of poison-spreading enemies and excessively large AoE attacks creates frustrating, unfair encounters. Random enemy immunities, poorly executed, erase any evidence of effective strategic combat during skirmishes.
Power-up variety is severely lacking, limiting build diversity. Dialogue sequences are jarringly abrupt, and the overly bright visuals often obscure crucial information. The game's trap mechanics are rendered useless by the annoyingly ranged enemy AI. The delayed enemy attacks, short dash distance, and overly aggressive auto-aim contribute to a deeply frustrating combat experience. Minimal invulnerability windows and the sheer bulk of enemies, even with upgrades, further worsen these issues.
The enemy AI's awareness in navigating obstacles adds insult to injury. The game's core design escalates difficulty with each successful run, extending playthroughs, encounters, and enemy numbers, while demanding increasingly complex enemy combinations. For some players, this can be an advantage if they seek an extremely challenging game that shows no mercy to its players, it does not hold their hand, and some like it just that.
Intriguing premise
Reignbreaker offers an intense and dynamic roguelike experience in a medieval world infused with futuristic elements. The game stands out among action RPGs with challenging combat, unique javelin abilities, and a vibrant art style. Players can explore the intricate Grand Bastion, uncover secrets, and battle high-tech enemies. While still in development, this game promises an exciting blend of fast-paced gameplay and captivating storytelling, though its mature content may not suit younger audiences.
