Let’s Talk About a Little Game Called Rotwood
For years now, Klei Entertainment has really been giving us some classics, from the Shank titles to Mark of the Ninja to the highly enjoyed Don’t Starve and its spinoffs. But it’s with its latest game, Rotwood, that it seems to be hitting its stride.
Now available in Early Access on Steam for a mere $11, the game has you controlling hunters that chase after dangerous enemies that have gathered in the woods. They’re mostly nature based, but they get bigger and badder as your journey goes along.
Like any good building game, you can pick up new items and perks over the course of your journey. But, you’re going to die. It’s inevitable. When you do, you lose all your stuff. However, you can build back up stronger, with new gear and new skills.
It’s definitely a bit like Hades in terms of structure. You clear a room, collect your bonus items, and then move on to the next, with little icons marking what awaits. The “?” rooms are always the best, filled with challenges that reward you should you be bold enough to get through them. But, of course, how you go is completely up to you.
The gameplay can be a tad repetitive, but it’s genuine beat-em-up action at its best, as you can combine small and large attacks, along with special skills and a defensive roll, to stay in one piece. And as I mentioned, you can level up with new armor, weapons, gear and other goodies to try and keep the run going longer.
Rotwood also supports up to four players locally and online, and it works pretty smoothly thus far. It’s a reminder of the classic brawlers of old, but dialed up with that neat roguelike element that keeps things interesting.
As for the visuals, they’re delightful, hand-drawn and filled with neat little details. I’m also a fan of the music, though the characters might be due for some voiceovers. (Maybe as the game progresses — again, Early Access.)
I’m really enjoying this thus far, and you will too if beat-em-ups or Hades style games are your thing. Rotwood has a lot to offer thus far, and if you’re skilled enough to step up to the challenge, I have a feeling you’ll endure in it as well. Happy hunting!
(And thanks to my buddy Andy “Sperry Berry” for snagging the game for me. He’s a champ!)
As always, thanks for reading and following! :D
