Run-based games like Hades and Dead Cells continue to gain dominance over other action and adventure games. If a run-based game allows for permadeath, has procedurally generated maps, and has carryover progression mechanics, it is considered a "roguelite" game.
Unlike "roguelike" games that reset collected resources upon death and focus on individual runs, roguelite games are narrative-driven and encourage the player to reach the end of the run. There are a lot of roguelite games available on the Nintendo eShop, but some games are just a step above the rest.
A Robot Named Fight
Matt Bitner's A Robot Named Fight is a roguelite Metroidvania where players assume the role of a lone robot. In order to stop the wicked Megabeast from releasing its spawn on the world and further reducing the robot population, the player must go on an adventure involving procedurally-generated labyrinths and powerful artifacts.
Lots of gamers have enjoyed A Robot Named Fight for its fun weapon upgrades, vibrant graphics, and no-frills controls. However, the game has also received some flack from critics because its art is strikingly similar to the popular Metroid games.
Children Of Morta
Children of Morta is a roguelite game that puts the spotlight on the Bergson family. As the player progresses in the game, they get to unlock different members of the Bergson family, each of whom has their own gameplay mechanics, playstyle, and skills.
The player must use the different members of the Bergson family to hack-and-slash enemies and defend Mount Morta. Gamers who are aversive to run-based games will be delighted to know that Children of Morta's progression system and unlockables allow for significant growth and make succeeding runs much easier to handle.
Neon Abyss
The roguelite game Neon Abyss incorporates run-and-gun mechanics that elevate the genre. In the game, players have to control a member of the "Grim Squad" in order to pursue and destroy powerful entities.
During every run, players will get to encounter rooms with various traps and dangers, collect different buffs, weapons, and items, as well as earn currency that lets them unlock more fun features. While it might take a while before the player gets to experience a variety of elements during their runs, Neon Abyss offers gamers an ever-expanding world with enticing graphics and solid gameplay.
Atomicrops
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Atomicrops is an action roguelike-slash-farming simulator. The narrative of the game is similar to the life simulation game Stardew Valley — a burned-out modern city dweller gets to inherit a farm and start anew in the rural countryside. But unlike the peaceful Stardew Valley, a nuclear apocalypse hits the world of Atomicrops and players will have to defend their farm against mutants.
Atomicrops' addicting and challenging gameplay, as well as its cute, pixel-art graphics, make it a roguelite game fans of the genre shouldn't miss.
The Curse Of The Dead Gods
From the French game studio, Passtech Games comes a roguelite game that's full of monsters, deadly traps, and cavernous pits. The Curse of the Dead Gods contains procedurally generated dungeons that players will have to traverse in order to gain power and immortality.
The game's narrative, art style, and gameplay are a little similar to another popular roguelite title, Hades. But unlike the beloved game from Supergiant Games, The Curse of the Dead Gods has more focused gameplay and a unique curse mechanic that makes runs more rewarding to finish.
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy has a straightforward gameplay and narrative. Players need to travel across randomly generated dungeons and defeat the four bosses that await them. After that, they will finally face the final boss found in a large roofed hall.
Despite its simplicity, Rogue Legacy manages to wow Nintendo Switch gamers due to its originality, humor-filled dialogue, and replayable content. What's more, fans of the game also note that Rogue Legacy's rewarding RPG mechanics and high difficulty level make it one of the best platformers available on the handheld console.
Slay The Spire
Gamers who are also fans of card games like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic The Gathering should check out the roguelite title Slay the Spire. In the game, players have to go through procedurally generated floors and fight various enemies and monsters. But unlike other roguelite games that employ a hack-and-slash or shooter gameplay, Slay the Spire features a combat system centered on attack and defense cards
Whether they choose to play as the powerful Watcher or the strong Ironclad, gamers who pick up Slay the Spire will surely enjoy the game's unique combination of roguelike and deck-building mechanics.
Dead Cells
From the indie studio Motion Twin, Dead Cells is a 2D roguelite platformer about a prisoner stranded on a diseased island. In order to escape their unfortunate plight, the main character must go on runs to gain treasures and weapons, as well as kill the island's mutated creatures and their leader.
What's astounding with Dead Cells is its sheer amount of character design, biomes, and challenging levels. In fact, players will encounter over 70 different enemies, all of which have their own unique design. With its engrossing story, impressive visuals, and excellent platforming sequences, Dead Cells is often compared to the groundbreaking 2021 game Metroid Dread.
Into The Breach
Who knew that turn-based gameplay would work perfectly with the roguelite genre? Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy video game that has players control impressive mechs in order to thwart an impending alien invasion. Each run in Into the Breach has a set of objectives that can make succeeding runs easier to manage.
The game also has a ton of puzzle game elements that make it more exciting. Critics note that Into the Breach is an incredibly entertaining strategy game due to its superior maps, engaging core gameplay, and unique game mechanics.
Hades
Hades is an award-winning roguelite game from indie developer Supergiant Games. In the game, players assume control of Zagreus, the son of Hades. In order to easily clear each floor of the underworld and eventually escape, players will have to choose from an assortment of infernal weapons, as well as pick a variety of godly boons during their runs.
Hades has rightfully earned high praise from gamers and critics alike for its moving narrative, breathtaking and striking visuals, as well as its unique gameplay. In addition, it also features some of the most charming and delightful relationships in video game history.