Deadzone: Rogue
Deadzone: Rogue Review
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.
Pros
- • Smooth and satisfying gunplay with punchy shooting mechanics enhances player engagement.
- • Rewarding roguelike progression system encourages repeated play and build experimentation.
- • Cooperative multiplayer mode adds enjoyable social gameplay.
- • Developers are responsive and actively patch bugs and add new content.
- • Offline single-player mode added quickly after community feedback.
- • Variety of weapons and elemental affixes provide gameplay depth.
- • Graphics and atmosphere create an appealing and immersive environment.
Cons
- • Repetitive level design due to lack of procedural generation reduces replayability.
- • Limited enemy variety and AI behavior can make combat feel monotonous.
- • Difficulty spikes are uneven, with some forced melee sections feeling frustrating.
- • Long-term progression feels shallow after maxing out upgrades.
- • Some bugs and performance issues remain despite ongoing patches.
- • History of developer abandoning previous games causes player distrust.
- • Multiplayer item sharing can be awkward and unintuitive.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
You awaken aboard the ISS-X, with no memory of who you are. There’s a legion of rogue machines, and they’re closing in fast. Fight through swarms of enemies, loot rare gear, and arm yourself with augments to survive. Can you conquer the Deadzone?
Fight against massive, biomechanical bosses that demand steady aim and quick reflexes. Annihilate waves of hunter-drones, robotic spiders, the mindless, and dozens of other enemies to survive each run. Battle through each ship sector — from the engine rooms to the brig.
Master over 30 powerful weapons, each modifiable with elemental affixes and upgrades. Turn a shotgun into a void-spreading crowd crusher, or a submachine gun into a room clearing hail of ice. From plasma cannons to sniper rifles, your arsenal adapts to any combat scenario.
Incinerate drones with fire, freeze swarms with ice, chain lightning enemies with shock, or send them to the void with a well-timed headshot.
Transform your combat approach through dozens of augments, perks, and items. Dominate from afar, strike from the shadows with stealth, or get close with enhanced melee. Your choices offer a unique experience against the mechanical onslaught.
Use permanent upgrades to reshape yourself into a killing machine. Boost your shields, amplify elemental chaos, and tear bots apart with satisfying fury. Forge a path that matches your playstyle.
Explore a spaceship overrun by biomechanical creatures, enjoy an original music soundtrack and art, and discover your true mission and origin.
Start each new battle cloaked in stealth. Scout enemies out and decide on an attack plan before engaging them in combat. Explosive barrels, wall cover, and a mix of environments add an extra layer of strategy.
Adventure on your own, or conquer the ship in a co-op squad of up to 3 players. Mark enemies for focused fire, synchronize grenade strikes, and storm enemies with overwhelming force. Adjust difficulty levels for each mission to match your mood, from a more laid-back adventure experience all the way to nightmare mode.
Deadzone: Rogue is a roguelite FPS set in space. Blast through hordes of enemies with devastating weapons. Define your combat style with powerful augments and upgrades. Grow stronger with each death, solo or in co-op. Fight. Die. Revive. Repeat.