Chris InglisRogue Waters, a pirate-themed tactical roguelite developed by Ice Code Games and published by Tripwire Presents, launched today October 1, 2024, for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Players take on the role of Captain Cutter, a swashbuckler seeking revenge against his former captain, the infamous Blackbone. My first impressions from the trailer were that it was a mix of King of Seas with turn-based battles. While there is no free sailing in your ship, the game is still a lot of fun with heaps of replayability given the roguelite nature.
The story unfolds through a series of quests and encounters you face as you navigate treacherous waters. You’ll encounter a vibrant cast of characters, from loyal first mates and cunning merchants to ruthless rival captains and enigmatic figures shrouded in mystery. These interactions, coupled with the overarching quest for vengeance, provide a satisfying backdrop to the engaging tactical gameplay.
Combat in Rogue Waters unfolds in two distinct phases. The first is a thrilling ship-to-ship showdown. Here, you must strategically target enemy ship components, aiming to cripple their offensive capabilities before boarding. You can see which of your ship’s components are being targeted on their next turn, so you do your best to take out those cannons. Alternatively, you might try take out their bonus components like hull or sails or whittle some of their forces down a bit. This phase requires careful planning, as damaged components can hinder your own ship’s performance in subsequent encounters.
Once the enemy vessel is sufficiently weakened, the action transitions seamlessly into boarding the ship and you are faced with a deck-based tactical combat encounter. Here, your crew of hardened buccaneers engages in a brutal close-quarters brawl. Positioning is paramount and you get to place your crewmembers before your first turn. Manoeuvring your crew to exploit environmental hazards or flank enemies can be the difference between victory and defeat. To further enhance the tactical depth, ranged weapon attacks, grappling hooks, and even the aid of powerful sea creatures like krakens can be employed to gain a decisive edge.
While the core of Rogue Waters utilises a familiar grid-based tactical combat system, it injects a refreshing dose of innovation. Unlike its turn-based counterparts, attacks don’t simply deal damage – they push enemies back. This seemingly simple addition opens a heap of strategic possibilities for you. You could knock a scurvy pirate into the man behind him or into an obstacle, damaging or taking out more than one enemy at a time. Or if you manage to manoeuvre an enemy close to the ship’s railing, a front-on attack will send them plunging to a watery demise regardless of their hitpoints. This environmental manipulation mechanic evokes memories of classic tabletop games like Bloodbowl, where strategic positioning could turn the tide of battle.
Beyond the immediate thrill of combat, Rogue Waters offers a compelling progression system that rewards perseverance. Between voyages, you’ll find solace in your pirate hub, a central cavern where you can recruit new crew members from a diverse pool of six classes. Each class boasts unique skills and combat styles, allowing you to tailor your crew to your preferred tactics.
Need a sharpshooter to take down enemy cannons from afar? A hulking brute to cleave through enemy ranks? The choice is yours. But building a legendary crew is just one aspect of customisation. You can also upgrade your ship, bolstering its defences and offensive capabilities. The spoils of each voyage – gold, blueprints, and powerful items – fuel these improvements, ensuring your pirate ship becomes a force to be reckoned with on the high seas.
Embracing the roguelite genre, Rogue Waters throws you into a series of procedurally generated adventures. Each voyage presents a unique set of challenges, with branching pathways allowing you to chart your own course. While defeat might sting, it’s not the end. Every run grants you valuable experience, unlocking permanent upgrades for Captain Cutter and his crewmembers. This persistent progression system ensures that even failed attempts contribute to your ultimate goal – dethroning the nefarious Blackbone.
Overall, Rogue Waters is a thrilling blend of tactical turn-based combat and roguelite progression, all wrapped in a captivating pirate theme. With an emphasis on strategic positioning, useful skills, loot to plunder, and persistent upgrades from each run, this game is sure to keep you hooked for multiple voyages.
This review utilised a key provided by Mark Allen PR and Rogue Waters is available now on Steam and Epic Games Store.
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Johnny