Runic Survivor
- December 31, 2023
- STEELDUCK Studios
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"Runic Survivor" is an action-packed roguelike game where you play as a powerful Runic Warrior fighting against hordes of enemies in procedurally generated dungeons. Utilize a variety of runes to cast spells and defeat enemies, while collecting loot to improve your character's abilities. With permadeath and random events, each run presents a new challenge in this pixelated adventure.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a unique spell crafting system that allows for interesting combinations and builds.
- It's a fun and charming game that provides a few hours of entertainment for a low price.
- The core mechanics are enjoyable, and the potential for future updates is promising.
- The game appears to be abandoned, with no updates or communication from the developer for an extended period.
- There is a significant lack of content and variety, making the gameplay feel repetitive after a short time.
- Performance issues arise when too many effects are on screen, leading to lag and unplayable conditions.
- gameplay50 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally enjoyable, featuring unique mechanics like spell crafting and linking attacks, which many players find satisfying and engaging. However, there are notable issues, such as a lack of enemy feedback, unclear UI, and unresponsive controls, which can lead to frustration. While the core mechanics show potential, players feel that the game needs more options and better balance to fully realize its promise.
“Its simple, but a very good gameplay and game loop!”
“The gameplay is fun, crafting your own spells and chain effects is very satisfying.”
“Excellent game, unique mechanics, very fun: 9/10”
“Actual gameplay has a lot of enemies with no feedback for anything - like you can't tell if you are doing anything to them when you hit them until they die, and you can't tell if you get hit by any projectiles because your character has no feedback when hit.”
“UI and mechanics are not well explained.”
“Exe is unresponsive... I would love to give a full review but I was still learning the game mechanics and now... I can't play.”
- optimization44 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is currently a significant issue, with players experiencing severe lag and frame rate drops, especially when multiple spells or enemies are present on screen. Despite some improvements noted in recent patches, performance remains inconsistent and can lead to unplayable conditions during intense gameplay. Many users express hope for future optimizations and bug fixes to enhance the overall experience.
“If they add enough unique modifiers/spells and iron out some of the performance issues when you end up with a build that has a lot of particles, then I think this will be a real winner.”
“Performance is better, and you're able to create somewhat ridiculous spell combinations without FPS death, although when going absolutely ham, the frames still do suffer significantly.”
“Currently, the optimization needs to be addressed as later in the runs it becomes nearly unplayable before the 20 minutes has ended a run.”
“Right now it's barely more than a poorly optimized proof-of-concept.”
“However, the performance is just absolutely horrible.”
“Currently the optimization needs to be addressed as later in the runs it becomes nearly unplayable before the 20 minutes has ended a run.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the retro aesthetic for its simplicity and clarity, while others criticize the lack of detail and animations, making it difficult to distinguish between elements during gameplay. Although the visuals are described as having a charming quality, many feel that they lack depth and effort, leading to a mediocre overall impression. The sound design is generally praised, complementing the graphics, but the overall production value is seen as inconsistent.
“Graphics and sound design are good, mechanics are solid, hit-boxes feel good.”
“I like the retro graphic style for simplicity and clarity as things can get hectic.”
“I think this game brings a lot of elements from other games together in a neat and fun way with great production value, it's a great visual blend of retro graphics and modern effects, good sound effects and feedback.”
“Just because your graphics are simple, you can't just call it 'a charming retro aesthetic' to excuse a lack of effort being put into the aesthetic.”
“The visuals are not great, it's hard to distinguish between the various enemies, the background objects, and the guardians, the spell effects, and enemy projectiles.”
“Missing content, graphics and animations are just mediocre.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has received mixed feedback regarding stability, with multiple users noting it is "too buggy for prime time" and describing the menu system as clunky. While some acknowledge the bugs, they still feel the game is worth the price. Overall, stability issues are a significant concern for players.
“I'm surprised this isn't in early access - I found it to be too buggy for prime time.”
“- Clunky and buggy menu system.”
“It's also quite buggy.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable and engaging, particularly due to its creative playstyle and reliance on RNG, others feel it lacks sufficient variety and content, leading to a somewhat repetitive experience. Overall, it shows potential for replayability, especially in its early access phase, but currently falls short compared to other roguelite titles.
“Super fun game with good replayability despite it being in early access and brand new - already, you gotta rely a bit on RNG working for your build, which is super fun.”
“It's very Vampire Survivor-esque, but offers so much more in terms of a creative playing style, and therefore replayability.”
“It lacks the replayability that most roguelite games have because of the content being limited and same-y with other upgrades.”
“Its got great bones and I've managed to beat the highest difficulty with any focus rune, but there isn't quite enough replayability or variance between runs.”
“It's very Vampire Survivors-esque, but offers so much more in terms of a creative playing style, and therefore replayability.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate its quality and how it complements the graphics, others find it jarring and poorly looped, detracting from the overall experience. There are suggestions for improvement in sound design and better alignment with the game's theme. Overall, the music is seen as a notable aspect but in need of refinement.
“Graphics and music suit this game very well; some might say that the lack of animations and hit sounds is a minus, but I think it's better without them.”
“Good music, good graphics, good concept.”
“The music of the game is engaging and complements the overall atmosphere.”
“The music of the game is jarring; it isn't a seamless loop and you can tell when it starts again.”
“Minor details that could be improved: sound design and implementation could use some polish, and the music doesn't fit very well to the theme.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be present but often overshadowed by frustration, leading to mixed feelings among players. While some find the comedic elements promising, they feel that the overall gameplay detracts from the enjoyment.
