Rogue Legacy

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,937 reviews
  • gameplay
  • humor
  • music
Rogue Legacy Game Cover
Rogue Legacy mixes up genres and, through some inspired design choices, brings out the best in both. A deep and challenging game designed for small sessions and maximum satisfaction.
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In Rogue Legacy, become part of a lineage of heroes where each child has unique traits and abilities. Procedurally generated castles and challenging gameplay await, with your gold from each run used to improve your manor for future generations. Every death is a new opportunity to vanquish evil, so prepare to be both colorblind and vertically challenged in this hard-but-rewarding rogue-lite experience.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Epic Games
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,937 reviews
gameplay591 positive mentions
grinding502 negative mentions
  • Engaging gameplay loop with a satisfying sense of progression as players upgrade their characters and unlock new abilities.
  • Unique heir system adds variety to each run, with randomly generated traits that can enhance or hinder gameplay.
  • Charming graphics and humor, along with a catchy soundtrack that complements the gameplay.
  • Can feel grindy and repetitive, especially as the cost of upgrades increases significantly over time.
  • Controls can be clunky and imprecise, leading to frustrating moments during platforming and combat.
  • Some traits and character classes feel underwhelming or unbalanced, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • gameplay1,380 mentions

    The gameplay of "Rogue Legacy" is characterized by its addictive and challenging mechanics, blending roguelike elements with metroidvania-style exploration. Players experience a unique twist with the inheritance system, where each character's traits can significantly alter gameplay, adding variety and replayability. While the game offers tight controls and a satisfying progression system, some players find the grind and difficulty can become frustrating, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience.

    • “This roguelike platformer stands out for its ingenious inheritance system, challenging gameplay, and addictive mechanics.”
    • “Its addictive gameplay, innovative inheritance system, and replay value make it a must-play for fans of challenging platformers and roguelike games.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and simple, and the controls are responsive.”
    • “It's a huge timesink to get anywhere in the game that it doesn't seem worth it to waste hours and hours suffering through mediocre gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay isn't particularly thrilling or interesting, and the instant they throw you in it is super hard.”
    • “The gameplay loop isn't enjoyable.”
  • humor537 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the quirky and often hilarious character traits that can significantly affect gameplay. Many reviews note the clever integration of humor into the mechanics, such as traits that lead to amusing outcomes or challenges, making each playthrough unique and entertaining. While some find the humor to be a bit childish or repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that it adds a delightful layer to the challenging gameplay, keeping players engaged and amused throughout their experience.

    • “The humor in the writing, the mini-games, the progression system, quirks and traits, spells, equipment and classes all form the perfect tools and mechanics to explore a randomly generated environment crawling with challenging fights and tempting, sometimes impossible to obtain loot.”
    • “The game is filled with deadpan humor and a lot of the messages and even some player traits will produce a guffaw or two.”
    • “The humor really seals the deal for me.”
    • “If you can get past the unfunny jokes, it's okay, I guess.”
    • “The humor falls flat and often feels forced.”
    • “I expected more laughs, but the jokes just didn't land.”
  • music529 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many praising its catchy and nostalgic chiptune style that complements the gameplay and atmosphere. However, several reviewers noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, particularly the tracks associated with the starting area. Overall, while the music is generally well-regarded and enhances the gaming experience, its limited variety may detract from long play sessions.

    • “The soundtrack is fantastic and one of the few that I will seek out on YouTube to listen to.”
    • “The music is amazing too!”
    • “The soundtrack smoothly blends medieval, electronic, and chiptune aesthetics, and you'll probably never get tired of the songs.”
    • “The settings and setup are very confusing to navigate, and the music is mediocre at best.”
    • “Payoffs are just much slower here, for leagues more effort, all classes are about the same, level design is just too random, too many hazards to be fair, a lot more projectile spams from enemies, and the soundtrack is atrocious for the most part.”
    • “The music is forgettable.”
  • replayability514 mentions

    The game's replayability is frequently highlighted as one of its strongest features, with many players praising its addictive gameplay, randomization of levels, and diverse character traits that keep each run fresh and engaging. While some reviewers note that replay value may diminish after multiple completions, the overall consensus is that the game offers a wealth of replayability through its challenging mechanics and new game plus modes, making it a compelling choice for fans of roguelike and platformer genres.

    • “Its addictive gameplay, innovative inheritance system, and replay value make it a must-play for fans of challenging platformers and roguelike games.”
    • “The replayability is endless!”
    • “Rogue Legacy is a simple take on the tried-and-true roguelike formula, but it executes what it sets out to do exceptionally well, making for an endlessly replayable and enjoyable action adventure that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on.”
    • “Rogue Legacy is maybe a bit closer to the grinding side of roguelikes with very low replayability, but it is still worth your time.”
    • “I'm not convinced on the replayability as I finished the game in about 16 hours and have been messing around in new game+ since.”
    • “Unfortunately, I found very little (almost none) replay value after completing the upgrade tree.”
  • grinding513 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Rogue Legacy" is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and repetitive. While some find the grinding enjoyable and integral to the game's progression, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration and a sense of monotony. Overall, the game is characterized by a heavy emphasis on grinding for upgrades, which can be both a source of satisfaction and a potential barrier for those who dislike such mechanics.

    • “Old school gamers will appreciate the challenge - and it's a real challenge, because the bar raises each time you buy an upgrade, so you have to get farther and farther into the castle to continue affording new upgrades (that means no farming!).”
    • “The random dungeon system makes you feel like you're not being tedious with every run, which is well done for a rogue game.”
    • “Not too grindy once you get the hang of it.”
    • “Even if you did manage to get enough gold in your previous run, most upgrades are tiny single point stat increases, making it all feel like a grindy slogfest.”
    • “The game's difficulty is literally 'just reach the same level as the enemies in the next area by grinding then do that area', it's really shallow.”
    • “I thought grinding was necessary since I kept dying without getting a sense of advancement, and I absolutely despised the idea of a game that involved grinding in its gameplay.”
  • graphics458 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming pixel art style that evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classic 16-bit titles. While some players appreciate the clean and colorful visuals, others find them simplistic or lacking in depth compared to more polished games. Overall, the aesthetic complements the gameplay, contributing to a fun and engaging experience, despite some criticisms regarding graphical limitations and occasional visual glitches.

    • “Visually, the pixel art style is charming and complements the game's nostalgic appeal.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful and easy to look at, unlike other pixel art games.”
    • “The graphics are charming, retro stuff.”
    • “The graphics are ugly.”
    • “The graphics are so bad that I actually noticed and had to think about the gameplay of the game.”
    • “Rogue Legacy is what I have come to expect from recent indie garbage: a repetitive, over-randomized, bullet-hell spamfest with shoehorned 'rogue-like' elements and hideous graphics that has no redeeming values apart from being a fad for streamers & YouTube 'celebrities'.”
  • story443 mentions

    The game's story is generally considered minimal and often secondary to its gameplay, with many players noting that it unfolds through scattered journal entries rather than a traditional narrative. While some find the premise of generational quests and the quest for vengeance engaging, others feel the story lacks depth and coherence, serving primarily as a backdrop for the action. Overall, the story is seen as simple yet charming, with enough intrigue to encourage exploration, but not a primary draw for most players.

    • “The story is portrayed throughout the game with little journals left by one of the characters, so you find yourself looking all over the castle just to try and fit together the whole story, which, for a game like this, is surprisingly moving and deep.”
    • “The story is simple and can be avoided completely if you wish, but it actually exists and adds a nice layer to the gameplay.”
    • “The story, albeit condensed and piecemeal, is interesting enough to make you wonder why you are sending wave after wave of your heirs through the dangers of the castle to find a cure for the beloved king.”
    • “In fact, very little in this game makes sense, story-wise.”
    • “It isn’t a game meant to be experienced for its story, and the story - the lore - is not even really meant to be considered.”
    • “The story is pretty short and at the end I never thought there could be a deeper meaning in this game.”
  • atmosphere34 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of engaging visuals, captivating music, and a charming yet challenging environment. Reviewers highlight the effective use of soundtracks that enhance the overall experience, creating a memorable and immersive setting that draws players in. While some mention minor issues with gameplay mechanics, the overall ambiance and artistic style contribute significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The atmosphere created by the visuals and audio will creep into your soul.”
    • “Great atmosphere and humor.”
    • “Each zone is unique and atmospheric, the soundtrack is fitting for the environments, and everything comes together wonderfully.”
    • “It reminds me of playing Ghouls & Ghosts on the Mega Drive, except with less visual variety and atmosphere.”
    • “This game is deceptively simple and surprisingly deep; it will have you traversing four different areas, each giving you little time to take in a changed atmosphere before they pummel you with new enemy types and an insensitive difficulty spike.”
    • “While the graphics may not be groundbreaking, they contribute to the game's overall atmosphere and charm.”
  • emotional30 mentions

    Players report a strong emotional response to the game, experiencing a mix of frustration, joy, and sadness throughout their journey. The challenging mechanics, such as taking damage from touching enemies and the unpredictable nature of combat, evoke feelings of rage and helplessness, while the well-written hidden journals and impactful ending provide a surprising depth and emotional weight. Overall, the game elicits a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears, as players navigate its difficult challenges and ultimately find a sense of accomplishment.

    • “I can say after fully experiencing the game, even hitting the 'thanatophobia' achievement, that no other game I own has made me feel like my heart is going to explode so much.”
    • “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
    • “I laughed, I cried, I died many, many times.”
  • stability23 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches, including visual issues and gameplay interruptions. While some users noted that these bugs did not significantly impact core gameplay, others experienced more severe problems, such as crashes and freezing, particularly on Windows and OSX. Overall, while the game runs well on certain platforms, the presence of glitches and inconsistencies remains a notable concern for many players.

    • “A brilliant, addictive game that runs great on almost any PC or laptop; you can jump in for just a run and it will always feel like you are making a bit of progress.”
    • “It has some unbalances but it is almost bug-free, great gameplay, lots of replayability through New Game+, and there is just nothing bad to say about it.”
    • “Highly addictive game with great music! Also, if you're a streamer, the game runs great while streaming (no frame drops, runs smooth even when streaming at 60 fps). This is the first PC game I have tested for streaming to run smoothly on my PC.”
    • “0/10 on Windows 10 - won't launch, even after a lot of troubleshooting and many people experiencing this issue for a long time.”
    • “These are mostly visual bugs, like effects persisting, and are usually fixed by leaving and re-entering a room, but I've also had my character teleport into a wall and get stuck, forcing me to restart the game, and other more troubling glitches.”
    • “The OSX version also suffers from periodic freezes or stutters.”
  • optimization23 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on mid to high-end PCs and performs well during streaming, many users report significant performance issues, particularly on low-end hardware, leading to stuttering and sluggish gameplay. Some players also experience resolution-related bugs that hinder interaction, and the game's reliance on character traits can exacerbate performance problems. Despite these drawbacks, the game's humor and engaging mechanics still make it enjoyable for those who can navigate its technical challenges.

    • “My recommendation, however, is earned because the game runs smoothly, has plenty of great humor, and the novelty of playing through generations of characters with varying traits is worth the visit.”
    • “All in all a well optimized and supported game.”
    • “Highly addictive game with great music :) also if you're a streamer the game runs great while streaming (no frame drops, runs smooth even when streaming at 60 fps; first PC game I have tested for streaming to run smoothly on my PC).”
    • “While Rogue Legacy is a fun game to a degree, the constant stuttering and technical problems make this unplayable sometimes.”
    • “Optimization leaves something to be desired.”
    • “Still a fun game that unfortunately has terrible performance on low-end hardware.”
  • character development13 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the depth and variety offered through inherited traits and unlockable abilities, while others criticize the lack of meaningful options and repetitive designs. While the game provides a satisfying sense of growth and humor, particularly for those who enjoy strategic planning, it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative or diverse character aesthetics. Overall, the character development system is robust but can feel limited and uninspired in execution.

    • “But even despite this uniqueness, this game is an excellent throwback to 8 or 16-bit platformers, with very good character development.”
    • “The long game of character development, inherited traits, armor/rune stat/ability unlocks, and the infinite random nature of the castle are equally enjoyable.”
    • “With procedurally generated levels and a deeply robust character development system, Rogue Legacy will hold your attention for weeks.”
    • “Might finish just to 100% if I can, but it's a slog with no reward for doing so, unlike RL2 where you get story tidbits and side character development even on unsuccessful runs, not just gold down the drain like here.”
    • “Cons: terrible difficulty gradient, it's bragged about 'randomness' and 'variation' is at such a small scale that the game feels incredibly repetitive within a few hours, adolescent character designs and bland textures.”
    • “I would've liked to see a little more effort in the character design, as there isn't much variety, but the developer did a good job of making it funny by simply sticking a pink ribbon on the female characters' heads.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization of the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the fair price and lack of DLCs or microtransactions, others criticize it for being a cash grab and including in-game advertisements for other titles. Overall, it seems to balance between being a worthwhile purchase and having some intrusive promotional elements.

    • “Rogue Legacy is totally worth the asking price of $14.99 (as of late 2014), as it doesn't have any DLCs or microtransactions. It's developed by indie developers and it's just a great game overall.”
    • “Just a cash grab.”
    • “It's filled with in-game advertisements; yes, for other games by the same company, but advertisements still.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Rogue Legacy

Play time

22hMedian play time
37hAverage play time
16hMain story
38hCompletionist
10-40hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 66 analyzed playthroughs

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