MythForce is a roguelike that looks just like an ’80s cartoon

digitaltrends.com:

If you’re an animation nerd, your jaw is going to drop when you see MythForce. I know, because I am one, and that’s exactly what happened to me.

MythForce is the first original IP from developer Beamdog, the studio best known for publishing enhanced editions of classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate. The team’s latest game is quite a departure from those projects. It’s a first-person roguelite that draws visual inspiration from 80s cartoons. If you’re having trouble picturing what that looks like, imagine if you could actually step into 1983’s Dragon’s Lair rather than play it like an interactive cartoon.

When I went hands-on with MythForce at this year’s Game Developers Conference, I was instantly stunned. I have not been so blown away by a game’s art style since the first time I saw Cuphead.

MythForce is an easy game to explain. It’s a first-person game where up to four players can explore a castle full of procedurally generated rooms. Players slash enemies like sword-wielding skeletons while collecting gold and gear. Since it’s a roguelite, the goal is to complete a successful “run” through the castle, upgrading their skills and gear as they move from room to room. Die and they’ll have to start again from scratch with basic gear.

The game contains some progression hooks, making it more roguelite than roguelike. MythForce is a character-based game, starring four heroes that have specific abilities and tools. For example, Victoria is a sword-wielding knight who can ram through enemies with a shield bash, while Rico is a rogue who has the ability to teleport behind an enemy and stab them with a dagger. The more players use a character, the more they’ll level them up, unlocking permanent perks and stat upgrades.

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