Peglin

Developer: Red Nexus Games Inc.
Release: Aug 27th 2024
Platforms:
Casual
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Addictive
Creative
Charming
R N G Heavy
Unbalanced
Peglin Poster

" Innovative casual roguelike RPG with unique Peggle physics but heavy RNG reliance "

Peglin Review

Peglin is a unique blend of roguelike deck-building and physics-based gameplay inspired by Peggle, offering a charming and strategic experience. Players launch orbs into peg-filled arenas to defeat enemies, collect loot, and upgrade abilities, creating an engaging loop of trial, error, and progression. The game features bright, cartoonish visuals and a cheerful soundtrack that complement its escalating challenges and tactical depth. Progression involves unlocking new orbs, relics, and characters, encouraging experimentation and adaptation to evolving threats.

However, many players express frustration with the game's heavy reliance on RNG, limited build variety, and balancing issues, especially at higher difficulty levels like Cruciball 6 and above. Some relics and orbs are seen as overpowered or underwhelming, reducing strategic diversity. The difficulty spikes and occasional poor design choices can lead to frustrating runs. Despite these drawbacks, Peglin remains addictive and fun for fans of roguelikes and physics games, with ongoing updates helping to improve the experience.

Highlights

Players praise Peglin's innovative fusion of Peggle-style physics with roguelike deck-building mechanics, creating a fresh and addictive gameplay loop. The game's colorful, cute art style and upbeat soundtrack add charm and accessibility. Strategic depth emerges from choosing orbs, relics, and upgrades, with satisfying boss fights and varied characters enhancing replayability. Many enjoy the balance of skill and luck, and the game's pacing introduces mechanics smoothly. Achievements and unlockables provide engaging long-term goals, making Peglin appealing to both casual and hardcore players.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's heavy RNG influence, which some feel overshadows skill and leads to frustration. Build variety is limited, with a few dominant strategies reducing experimentation. Balancing issues persist, especially with boss fights and relic effectiveness, causing difficulty spikes and grindy late-game content. Some players find the menus and navigation slow and the campaign relatively short. Additionally, certain achievements are seen as overly specific or difficult, and the game occasionally feels unfinished or rushed out of early access.

Pros

  • Innovative blend of Peggle physics and roguelike deck-building mechanics.
  • Charming, colorful art style and upbeat, catchy soundtrack.
  • Engaging strategic depth with diverse orbs, relics, and characters.
  • Satisfying boss fights that test mastery and resource management.
  • Smooth pacing introducing new mechanics and escalating challenges.
  • High replayability with unlockables, branching paths, and achievements.
  • Addictive gameplay loop that balances skill and luck effectively.

Cons

  • Heavy reliance on RNG can overshadow skill and frustrate players.
  • Limited build variety with a few dominant, overpowered strategies.
  • Balancing issues cause difficulty spikes and grindy late-game content.
  • Some relics and orbs feel underwhelming or useless in most runs.
  • Menus and map navigation can be slow and cumbersome.
  • Short campaign length may leave players wanting more content.
  • Certain achievements are overly specific and hard to obtain.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!

Release Date Aug 27th 2024
Publisher Red Nexus Games Inc., IndieArk
Developer Red Nexus Games Inc.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (9,308)
89% Positive 11% Negative