Deadzone: Rogue

Deadzone: Rogue is a fast-paced, roguelike FPS that has garnered mostly positive feedback for its engaging gameplay loop and solid gunplay mechanics. Players appreciate the smooth and punchy shooting experience combined with a rewarding progression system that encourages repeated runs. The game features a variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades that grow more interesting as you advance through zones, with some players noting the game opens up significantly after initial playtime.

However, there are concerns about repetitiveness due to the lack of procedural generation and limited environmental variety. The developer's history of abandoning previous titles has caused skepticism among some players, though current efforts to fix bugs and add content have been positively received. The inclusion of an offline single-player mode and responsiveness to community feedback are seen as promising signs. While the game is still in early access and somewhat barebones, many see its potential for growth with future updates.

Highlights

Players praise Deadzone: Rogue for its smooth, satisfying gunplay and fast-paced movement reminiscent of classic FPS games. The loot shooter mechanics and roguelike progression system provide a compelling gameplay loop that keeps players engaged. Cooperative multiplayer adds to the fun, and the game runs well on various platforms including Steam Deck. The weapon variety and elemental affixes add depth, while the graphics and atmosphere receive positive remarks for enhancing the overall experience. The developers' responsiveness to feedback, quick bug fixes, and addition of offline mode have also been applauded.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the repetitive nature of the levels due to non-procedural room layouts, leading to players encountering the same environments repeatedly. Some players find the difficulty spikes uneven, particularly with forced melee sections and bullet sponge bosses. The limited enemy variety and lack of long-term progression after maxing out upgrades reduce replay value for some. Performance issues and bugs, though actively addressed, still persist. Skepticism remains about the developer’s commitment given their past of abandoning games, causing caution among potential buyers.