Weapons can make or break a game. If a game only has one core weapon, it can get boring. That’s whyDevil May Crywas such a hit in 2001 because it allowed players to instantly switch between swordplay and gunplay with the click of a button. As the series went on, the idea of switching between other weapons mid-combat became a staple.
Roguelikes are one of the more challenging genres on the market and none of them have incorporated the wild gameplay that theDevil May Cryseriesis known for. However, there are quite a few roguelikes with interesting weapons and combinations that still help engage players. These are the standouts and it is safe to say that maybe Capcom can learn a thing or two from these examples.
Dave the Diveris an assortment of ideas wherein players must dive into the ocean during the day to get fish. Once caught, they can turn those fish into sushi to sell at their restaurant to earn money. At first, the titular Dave only has a knife and a loose harpoon gun to catch fish with.
It’s a struggle but the more money earned at the sushi bar, the better equipment he can get including air tanks so that players can dive deeper. The wealth ofweapons inDave the Diveris nicely varied too, making players feel like every upgrade is meaningful as they help with the game’s central process, catching fish, including rifles and handguns.
Dead Cellshas a collectathon-like mentality akin to a platformer with its approach to weapons. When players respawn at the start of their run, they will be presented with weapons. These weapons are randomized but they are based on unlocked blueprints.
The more blueprints are discovered and made, the more weapons will become available and they run the gamut inDead Cellsfrom swordsto whips to spears. There are sub-weapons too like shields and grenades that help keep the flow of combat fluid.
Enter the Gungeonis a funny play on the dungeon crawler genre as players go into the “Gungeon” which is filled with guns. The enemies are even based on guns or gun-like accessories like bullets and grenades. There is a weapon bible to help players keep track of which weapons they have found.
The great thing about these guns is that they go beyond standard weapons ideas. They can fire giant bullets, lasers, slime, bugs, bombs, and so much more. The oddball variety makes finding the next gun fun.
Players can begin inHadeswith a standard sword found in many roguelikes. From there, players can unlock a bow, shield, and other typical weapons. The twist comes later when players can upgrade these weapons to have secondary functions, thus changing how players fight in combat.
For example, the shield can be used for protection, or it can spin around the battlefield like a yo-yo. This secondary nature is something that the developer passed along to the sequel,Hades 2, which is still in Early Access but also has a nice wealth of weapons.
Moonlighteris a game all about weapons and the market value of a good dive into a dungeon. LikeDave the Diver, there are two gameplay mechanics. During the day, playerscan sell goodsthey find in dungeons at night. NPCs will buy materials, or loot that players find or craft at the smithy.
Players can craft armor and weapons and upgrade that equipment as well. Each weapon upgrade feels significant too, allowing players to dive deeper into dungeons knowing that they can deal more damage with weapons like iron fists.
Roboquestis a newer roguelike that doesn’t seem to be getting the recognition it so justly deserves. The premise follows a robot, going through a valley and discovering new areas for its human master. This robot can getweird weapon attachments inRoboquestlike one that fires grenades or sonar waves or gets elemental boosts.
The visuals and quirky nature of these guns feel like an homage to theRatchet and Clankseries. It’s a good roguelike for beginnings and those who like first-person shooters which is different than most roguelikes. The shooting is solid and the variety is even better.
Skul: The Hero Slayer is a great roguelikethat puts a spin on the idea of weapons. The premise follows a lowly skeleton warrior trying to help his master slay heroes who are trying to kill him. He begins with a bone club but the gameplay gimmick revolves around putting on the heads of fallen warriors.
For example, players can become a ninja and use weapons associated with that class like shurikens and twin daggers. There are dozens of heads to collect and they change the gameplay significantly with some head/weapon combos being better than others.
Wizard of Legendalso puts a twist on how weapons work in a roguelike. There are no weapons in this game. Instead, players can learn and equip various types of magic spells and enhancements in dungeons.
From shooting balls of fire to summoning gusts of wind, all elements are present in the game and are used in clever ways. It’s kind of like Bending elements from theAvatarcartoon. With a sequel on the way, it will be exciting to see howWizard of Legend 2will use spells next.
