Game Review: Rogue Legacy for Xbox One

Rogue Legacy for the Xbox One is such a misleading looking game. Based on the dainty retro-style graphics, this indie game seems like such an easygoing time. However, deep inside this roguelike title lies an incredible experience. An experience that will either have you lifting your controller triumphantly in the air, or throwing it against the wall.

Developed by Cellar Door Games, Rogue Legacy tells the story of a knight named Johannes who, for reasons unknown, slays his father the king. His act of betrayal has not only damaged his reputation among the kingdom, but tarnished his family’s name as well. Playing as the heir of Johannes, it’s your job to traverse the deadly castle he resides in and take him out, in order to restore your family’s reputation.

Of course, your objective is not that simple. The castle is divided by four various areas with its own themes, such as the standard forest and dungeon areas. Exploring the castle is done so in a very Castlevania way, with one big exception: the layout changes ever time you die and restart. There is a way to stabilize the castle’s design, but it decreases the amount of treasure you would find. And in order to properly advance, you’re gonna need to collect as much gold as possible, in order to level up and buy stronger equipment.

Now, you may be thinking that it would be easy to avoid the ever-changing layout by simply not dying, but it’s just not possible. In Rogue Legacy, death is a requisite. Enemies are abundant and increase in difficulty from area to area. If you’re not careful, you could be taken out by a haunted painting flying off the wall, or a fireball launched by a wandering mage. Honestly, the goal when playing Rogue Legacy won’t always be to look for the four monstrous bosses hidden in each area, it will usually be to collect more gold until you meet your inevitable end.

Death is a drag, but it’s where Rogue Legacy is able to distinguish itself from similar 2D sprite-like platformers on the market. After your character dies in battle, you’re given three choices of heirs to play as next. The choice of playable characters differ in appearance, abilities and strength. One character could be built like a tank (“You were born to be a basketball player,” as the game would say), while another could be as small as a dwarf. While their stats are obviously important, it’s the heirs diverse and unusual abilities that make the game shine bright with creativity. One may long for the good old days and see everything in black and white. Another could be nearsighted; affecting the clarity of what you see onscreen. A funny example I once got was an heir with leg spasm, where the Xbox One controller rumbled every now and then during gameplay.

As you can guess, your choice of heir will determine how successful your venture into the castle will be. The heir gimmick is a clever way of rethinking Game Over, while tying it beautifully with the game’s narrative. However, the problem with the heir system is that it’s too reliant on Lady Luck. One lucky roll of the dice will give a healthy choice of strong and powerful warriors. But a bad roll will give your warriors who won’t last a minute within the castle’s first area, let alone stand a chance defeating an overpowered boss.

It should also be stated that death in Rogue Legacy never comes off as cheap. If you die, it will be by your own action, not by the game failing to register the controls being inputted. Speaking of controls, using the triggers to dash back and forward is cool and a necessity in staying alive. Secondary weapons like the dagger or bouncing spikes are also helpful to your quest, but the rare special ability attributed to the Y button is easily forgotten. Xbox One owners who enjoyed bouncing off enemies with their shovel in Shovel Knight will be happy to hear there’s a similar function with your sword in Rogue Legacy; necessary for opening platforms and taking out enemies without being spotted.

With an emphasis of death and try, try again, Rogue Legacy won’t be for everyone. It can definitely be a frustrating experience for those who seek immediate satisfaction. However, Rogue Legacy manages to be an addicting experience a majority of the time; encouraging you to give it another go by offering excitement and freshness in every level.

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