Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: AHEARTFULOFGAMES
- Publishers: Badland Publishing
Heart&Slash (2016): A Hardcore Roguelike Brawler with a Heart
Heart&Slash is a 3D brawler set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines are all that remain of human civilization. You play as Heart, an innocent robot fighting to escape the clutches of the evil and all-seeing machine QuAsSy (Quality Assurance Systems).
But make no mistake, Heart&Slash is a hard game. Every death is permanent, and it means a new randomly generated level for you to start over with a different set of weapons and items you can use, new enemies to fight, and secrets to explore.
This roguelike element adds a lot of replayability to Heart&Slash, as you’ll never quite know what you’re going to get when you start a new run. The levels are procedurally generated, so they’re always different, and the enemies are randomly selected from a pool of over 100 different types.
This variety keeps the game feeling fresh, even after multiple playthroughs. And with the permanent death mechanic, there’s always a sense of risk and excitement as you explore each new level.
Of course, no brawler would be complete without a satisfying combat system, and Heart&Slash delivers in this department as well. The combat is fast-paced and visceral, with a variety of weapons and attacks at your disposal. You can punch, kick, slash, and shoot your way through enemies, and there’s even a grappling hook that you can use to pull yourself towards enemies or objects.
The combat is challenging but fair, and it feels great to land a perfectly timed combo on an enemy. The game also features a number of boss fights, each of which requires a different strategy to defeat.
In addition to the main story mode, Heart&Slash also features a number of other modes, including a survival mode, a challenge mode, and a co-op mode. The survival mode is a great way to test your skills, as you try to survive for as long as possible against waves of enemies. The challenge mode offers a variety of different challenges to complete, such as defeating a certain number of enemies with a specific weapon or completing a level without taking any damage. And the co-op mode allows you to team up with a friend to take on the game’s challenges together.
Overall, Heart&Slash is a great roguelike brawler that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The randomly generated levels, the variety of enemies, and the satisfying combat system keep the game feeling fresh and exciting, even after multiple playthroughs. If you’re a fan of brawlers or roguelikes, then you should definitely check out Heart&Slash.
Tips for Playing Heart&Slash
Here are a few tips to help you survive and thrive in Heart&Slash:
- Learn the enemy patterns. Each enemy type has its own unique attack patterns. Once you learn these patterns, you can start to anticipate their attacks and dodge them more easily.
- Use the environment to your advantage. The levels in Heart&Slash are filled with objects that you can use to your advantage. You can use cover to avoid enemy attacks, or you can use objects to block enemy projectiles.
- Experiment with different weapons and items. There are a variety of different weapons and items available in Heart&Slash. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
- Don’t be afraid to die. Death is a part of the roguelike experience. Every time you die, you’ll learn something new and you’ll be better prepared for the next time.
Conclusion
Heart&Slash is a challenging but rewarding roguelike brawler that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With its randomly generated levels, variety of enemies, and satisfying combat system, Heart&Slash is a game that will keep you coming back for more.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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