Windblown

Windblown is a fast-paced, roguelike action game developed by Motion Twin, known for its tight, rhythmic combat and innovative vertical level design. Players traverse floating islands, using a mix of melee and ranged weapons, chaining combos and utilizing special "Alterattacks" to defeat enemies. The game shines in cooperative play, allowing up to three players to team up for a chaotic and rewarding experience. Progression is driven by unlocking weapons, abilities, and enhancements through resource collection, with a meta-progression system that supports diverse playstyles.

Visually, Windblown features a bold cel-shaded art style paired with a highly praised synth-heavy soundtrack by Danger, which complements the energetic gameplay. Despite being in early access, the game is polished with frequent updates and responsive developers. Some challenges remain, including balancing issues, occasional bugs, and a steep learning curve, especially for solo players. The story is minimal but environmental storytelling adds depth. Overall, Windblown offers a compelling and evolving roguelike experience with a strong foundation for future growth.

Highlights

Players highly praise Windblown's fast, fluid combat system, especially the combo mechanics and "Alterattacks" that add depth and excitement. The vertical level design and exploration of floating islands provide a fresh twist on traditional roguelikes. Cooperative multiplayer is a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay with teamwork and shared tactics. The game's bold cel-shaded graphics and distinctive character designs are well-received, creating a visually engaging world. The soundtrack by Danger is frequently highlighted as exceptional, perfectly matching the game's pace and atmosphere. Frequent, substantial updates from developers who listen to community feedback contribute to ongoing improvements and content expansion.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's steep difficulty, particularly in solo play and boss encounters, which some find frustrating or unbalanced. Ranged weapons are often viewed as overpowered compared to melee options, affecting combat balance. Players note a lack of story depth and limited content variety at this early access stage, with some calling for more level diversity and secrets. Occasional bugs and interface roughness are reported, such as save file issues and distracting screen effects during co-op deaths. The camera angle and field of view can make it difficult to track enemy attacks, leading to some unfair damage. Some players desire better UI indications for item comparisons and more healing options.