Lost in Random: The Eternal Die

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a roguelite action game that draws heavy inspiration from titles like Hades, blending fast-paced, responsive combat with a unique dice-throwing mechanic. Players navigate a dark fairy tale world with a Tim Burton-esque art style, complemented by excellent voice acting and a charming atmosphere. The gameplay loop centers on fluid melee combat, strategic card attacks, and a relic-based upgrade system where players match colors on a grid to enhance stats. While the game is praised for its polished mechanics and distinct visual style, it is relatively short, with completion times ranging from 2.5 to around 16 hours depending on skill and replaying for alternate endings.

However, some players note that the game lacks innovation in roguelite design, with certain mechanics like the permanent ranged bow trivializing combat. The story is minimalistic and feels more rewarding for those familiar with the original Lost in Random game. Visual clarity and enemy telegraphing could be improved, especially in later levels. Despite these issues, the game offers a satisfying, addictive experience for fans of the genre.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's fluid and snappy combat, which rewards skillful play and strategic build choices. The art style is frequently described as stunning and unique, evoking a dark fairy tale atmosphere akin to Tim Burton's works. Voice acting and character design receive consistent acclaim for adding depth and charm. The upgrade system involving relics and color-matching on a grid is noted as innovative and engaging, providing meaningful customization. The game runs smoothly on platforms like the Steam Deck, enhancing accessibility. Overall, the combination of gameplay, visuals, and sound creates an immersive and enjoyable roguelite experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's relatively short duration, with some feeling it ends just as players get comfortable with its systems. The inclusion of a permanent ranged weapon (bow) can trivialize combat, reducing challenge and pacing. Visual clarity suffers in later stages due to unclear enemy telegraphing and distracting particle effects. Some players find the story and character development underwhelming or minimal, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with the original game. Additionally, occasional bugs and inconsistent hit detection during dodges cause frustration. The upgrade system, while innovative, may become stale as optimal strategies emerge. Replayability is limited by the lack of content variety and depth.