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The wiki database includes over 200 columns for info! View toggles: compact, pin, fun. Bigger Big Normal Small Smaller [-] [+] font size. Site & minireviews by xoxomonstergirl. Click a row to expand!

Genre/Control

Specific tags for the title's features

Ranking

Similarity & Review

Review

Multiple Sources

Similarity

Compared to VS. Not a review!

Similarity Scale

Percentage of possible points earned scored -1 to 1 in tenths in 60 categories

Genre Controls Modes Progress Builds Stages Content Aesthetic Vibe
[edit]

Vampire Survivors

DLC Released

The game that sparked the debate! Not the first, but the most influential. Detailed review notes are available for each ranked title!

The numbers in the similarity column measure similarity to Vampire Survivors, not a review. You can also see review scores! A couple extremely different games are included to test the ranking scale - as more games get fully ranked, these will stay near the bottom. Help us improve the wiki by hitting the edit button and filling out or correcting info. You can also submit info via the dev/player surveys linked in the header.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Content Rich Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
9.9 Combined Ranking Score
1/72 Ranking Position
1595/1600 Total Points
9.8 Final Review
98% Steam
9.7 Scale
10.0 Vibes
205178 Steam Reviews
395/400 Review Points
10.0 Similarity Score
100% Diagnosis:
Similar
1200/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
100% Gameplay Vibe Check 10/10 vibe vibe

Vampire Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 92.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/23/2023

concetta-from_vampire-survivors.webpThe standard to which all other games on this list are held! We recognize that it's not just the basics of gameplay but also the depth of content and collectables that makes it addictive.

It's a simple casual game about moving towards some things and away from other things. And it's a complex hardcore build crafting systems game about over the top screen wiping action. It's a very influential game with an auto-fire design that isn't just replicating how weapons work without it, where as one dev on another game put it "every weapon makes you move in a different way." Many followers don't fully understand what it attempted to deconstruct and many attempt to do their own thing.

poe-from_vampire-survivors.webpAlso I just found out a full symphony orchestra was used for the DLC soundtrack - what the fuck!

We're not considering some more recently added features in our main scale, mainly just because they came out after the game had moved to DLC. The multiplayer is free, but the boom happened before it happened so we're just kind of leaving it in metadata for now. The new adventure mode is also linked to DLC.

It's totally possible, just annoying, to add more categories to the scale, but for now we're going on 'vanilla' Vampire Survivors circa 2023. It's easy to see which categories we are comparing, anyway, on the scale heatmap!

red-death-from_vampire-survivors.webpThere isn't as in depth review notes here, but if you check out the explainer much of it is about breaking down what made Vampire Survivors so successful and seperated it from other similar games that came before. The scoring guide also will walk through how Vampire Survivors works for every category on the scale.

Note on other games: "Many of these games have campaign or dungeon crawling mode, but we're not really scoring that for or against them directly, just if they include the wave survival modes."

Longer reviews are sometimes for worse games: "I just write more when there are issues to note. Some are just more complicated. Just don't think a short review means it's bad, often it means there's little to complain about. Enjoy the scale!" - xoxomonstergirl

Vampire Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

10.0 Similarity Score
100% Diagnosis:
1200/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Vampire Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.8 Final Review
98% Positive Steam Reviews
205178 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
9.7 Review Scale
395/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.7 Converted 10 Point Score
29 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.3 User Review Average
332 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.5 Direct Average
8.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 190
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes itch.io
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam SoundCloud YouTube

Critic Review Excerpt

- +

Here's another perspective to evaluate the game.

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you."

"Vampire Survivors is a time survival game with minimalistic gameplay and roguelite elements.
Hell is empty, the devils are here, and there's no place to run or hide. All you can do is survive as long as you can until death inevitably puts an end to your struggles. Gather gold in each run to buy upgrades and help the next survivor.
"

"The supernatural indie phenomenon that lets you be the bullet hell!"

Control Style Notes

- +

Single Stick Shooter: Vampire Survivors has a movement only control scheme, except for selecting upgrades and naivating the menu with one button.

Auto-Shooter: Attacks happen on a cool down timer with no player button or trigger available. They also auto-aim in various ways depending on the weapon.

Mowing Game: Movement is the primary mechanic, you're always charting a path away from some things and towards others. Automated attacks have distinct shapes so "every weapon forces you to move in a different way" as drowsyau, design lead of Sea of Survivors puts it. This is a distinct feature of the subsubgenre of mowing games.

Enemies from maze like patterns.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

Default, no option for manual aim or trigger.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Accessibility & Tutorial

- +

Accessibility Notes

Seizure warning.

Game is highly accessible control-wise out of the box due to the large array of support and simple single stick controls.

Menu FX Toggles: Flashing VFX and screen shake toggle

Legibility/Visibility Toggles: Border Opacity, Pixel Font, Co-Op Outlines, Disable Damage Numbers

Option to disable blood.

Tutorial Notes

Vampire Survivors has no tutorial. On first launch it quickly opens to a menu where you have few options but to simply start a run. Inside a run, you are presented with no prompts, control diagrams or instructions.

It works fine, because there is only one control during play: Joystick, mouse click or touch screen press to move.

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival
Endless Survival

Campaign / Story
(Adventure DLC)

Difficulty Modes
(Hyper, Hurry, Inverse, Endless)

Difficulty Modifiers
(Via Meta Unlocks)

Multiplayer Co-Op

Game Mode Notes

Starts with 30m survival and opens up other game modes and difficulty options as you progress. Each difficulty mode has a variety of changes and increased rewards, including:

Hyper Mode: Character and enemies move faster, difficulty is increased in a few ways.
Hurry Mode: In Hurry mode, there's 2x Clock Speed and increased XP.
Inverse Mode: In Inverse mode, the map is flipped upside down (literally) and much difficulty is increased
Endless mode: Instead of an unkillable boss spawn at 30m, the enemy waves repeat with increased difficulty

Some meta unlocks also increase or modify difficulty and eventually you can banish some upgrade options pre-run for a "deck construction" style gameplay aspect. Quick streamlined menu directs you into the next run with minimal effort.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

The initial run time is about 30 minutes, later stages are 15 minutes. "Hyper Mode" allows standard stages to take 15m run time.

Run is ended by a near impossible to kill boss. Unlockable endless modes and difficulty modifiers.

Speed Settings

2x
Unlockable
"Hyper Mode"

Hurry mode increases player and enemy speed, but not clock speed.

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

During the run the player defeats enemies and gathers xp drops to level up. Level dialog pops up automatically on xp gain event. Leveling is done by selecting random options for ability enhancing items or attacking weapons (kind of like cards, but presented horizontally), eventually with the option of rerolling or banishing options. Items can also be collected off the ground when found around a map.

They can also gather temporary powerups dropped by enemies and open elite enemy treasure chests for items and weapons. In addition, a later game system of "arcana" drops further allows for modification of the run. Weapons and items can combine when fully leveled for "evolved" forms.

When you "run out" of levels in an endless run you can pick gold or health and even set it to auto. The player can hold 6 weapons, but pick up over the limit

Meta Progression

As the game progresses players unlock more stage and difficulty options by accomplishing timed survival goals and find based goals on each stage. They also unlock the option to purchase characters or purchase upgrades, as well as new weapons/items to find in future runs.

Players earn a currency through runs (gold) that can be spent on the in run vendor (eventually unlocked) or saved to get character or upgrades in the menu. Upgrades can be refunded, allowing for some buildcrafting.

Content By The Numbers

- +

58 Characters (16 secret, 16 DLC)

48 Base Weapons (+7 Counterparts)
38 Evolved Weapons and Unions
10 Special / Temporary Weapons
17 Passive Effect Items
(Almost all with upgrade levels)
16 Weapon Stats

19 Pickups
(XP, Gold, Food, Powerups)
22 feature unlocking relics to find
22 Run Modifying Arcana Cards
22 Meta Upgrade Powerups
198 Unique Enemies (58 Bosses)
19 Stages
5 Stage Modes
2 DLC available

In Game Lore & Extras

Collection
- Browse weapons, items,
relics, arcana

Bestiary
- Browse Enemies

Music
- On stage select,
can listen jukebox-style

UI Walkthrough: Main Menus

- +

Any other accessibility or menu options not mentioned already in the game modes. Instead of deciding what to list here, I'm going to just list it all. This should make for a pretty interesting UI study, actually, but probably won't be needed by most players. These are all likely missing late game unlock options! Please comment in corrections! From top left, back or close buttons are assumed. Spoiler Warning! Menu unlocks often happen later in play. See also meta unlock menu walkthrough.

Main Menu

Quit
Options
- "Favorites", Display, Sound, Gameplay,
Co-Op, Account
Start
-> Character Select
--> Enter Co-Op
-- Max Weapons, Eggs, Meta Stat Sidebar,
Map Completion Sidebar
--> Stage Select
--- Stage Stat Sidebar, Music Selection
--- Difficulty Modes (Hyper, Hurry, Arcanas,
Limit Break, Inverse, Endless)
---> Start
Quick Start
Collection (Seal Item)
Power Up (Purchase and refund with gold)
Unlocks (Option to hide completed)
Bestiary
Credits
Secrets (Checklist, Enter Cheat Code "Cast Spell")

Display & Sound

Both under "Options" in main menu.

Display
- Resolution Dropdown
- Vsync
- Border Transparency Dropdown
- Checkboxes: Flashing VFX, Disable Blood,
Weapons ScreenShake, Pixel Font,
Show Defanged Enemies

Sound
- Sounds Slider
- Music Slider
- Option for "Classic" or
"Blast Processed" sound effects

Track / speed options for music available at level select.

Gameplay / Input / Other Options

Under "options" in the main menu.

Gameplay
- Checkboxes: Damage Numbers, Show stage
progression, Visually Invert
Stages, Touch Screen Control Stick
- Option for Legacy or Default Joystick Type

Co-Op
- Player Colour Dropdowns
- Checkboxes: Show Co-OP Indicators,
Co-Op Vibration, Tint UI Selection,
Sequential Chest Mode

Account
- Language Selection (Many Options)
- Twitch Channel Connect
- Data Recovery

UI Walkthrough: Player HUD & Pause

- +

From top left of the screen, persistent UI during play (aka Heads Up Display) and other menus during your run.

Player HUD / Gameplay UI

XP Bar across full screen width, level number in top left corner.

Weapon/Item Slots in top left corner. Timer in middle. Enemy and gold count in top right corner.

Mouse pause button in top right corner, low opacity.

Player health bar below avatar. Optional touch screen joystick on screen, damage numbers, and arrows on edge of screen for pickups and treasure drops.

Pause Menus

Stats Sidebar, Map

- Options
-- Sounds, Music, Touch Screen
Control Stick, Flashing VFX,
Weapons ScreenShake, Damage Numbers
--| Quit
--> Resume
- Hide Pickups / Show Pickups
- Hide Guide / Show Guides
- Open Grimoire
- Resume

UI Walkthrough: Leveling & Progression

- +

Listing UI display as well. "In run" applies to "round end" UI in games with rounds. May use in game terms for complicated concepts. See also metaprogression system notes in the game mode notes.

Level / Power Up / Treasure: In Run and End Menus

XP drops as gems. Gold, powerups and health drop from enemies and breakables. Items sit on map. Enemies drop chests.

On XP Gain Event
- Equipment and Stat Sidebar
- 3-4 Level Options in vertical bordered list
- Reroll, Skip, Banish

If Arcana is Enabled in late game, starts with "Randomazzo" and more can be dropped
- pick from 22 tarot style "cards' with major effects.

Merchant
- when found purchase from unlocked options with gold.
Treasure Pickup Event
- Display gacha style drop and confirm, no options.

End Run Displays Results
-> Done

Meta Unlock Menus

Characters can be purchased from character select, under "Start".

Upgrades, called "powerups" are purchased in a simple UI with checkboxes after the option to purchase them has been unlocked through goals.

Upgrade Options / Unlocks: Might, Armor, Max Health, Recovery, Cooldown Area, Speed, Duration, Amount, Move Speed, Magnet, Luck, Growth, Greed, Curse, Revival, Omni, Defang, Reroll, Skip, Banish, Seal

Meta PowerUps can be Refunded, characters cannot. Meta PowerUps can be individually toggled off after purchase.

[edit]

Halls of Torment

EA Free Available

An action RPG inspired survivors-like commonly recommended if you like things a little more slower and challenging or just isometric with a Diablo 1 vibe. Feels more like VS when you enable Auto-Aim and Auto-Attack, but you might enjoy more control. The quick toggle option is appreciated. Crazy amount going on for Early Access. Darker vibe may appeal to you. This is one of the most popular and highly regarded titles on the list and I agree with that prestige.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Enemy Hell Hack and Slash Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
9.3 Combined Ranking Score
2/72 Ranking Position
1526/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
96% Steam
9.8 Scale
9.3 Vibes
16395 Steam Reviews
387/400 Review Points
9.0 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
Similar
1139/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.7/8 genre
94% Simple Controls 6.2/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.7/10 vibe vibe

Halls of Torment Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 11.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/23/2023

imp-from_halls-of-torment.gifAn excellent choice to scratch your Vampire Survivors itch. This one is very inspired by oldschool Diablo 1 feel from graphics to enemy types and attacks. Great enemy patterns/AI, kind of beautiful sometimes to watch them move. Has options for Auto Aim and Auto Attack. Quick Toggle available at all times means it still gets high scores in those columns.

archer-from_halls-of-torment.gifThere is a prelude so you can try it out and see if you like the more downtempo vibe. I can see how some people complain about the graphics, but it's pure nostalgia for me! It's a great game, but I'm personally often looking for something a little more over the top and upbeat in this genre, which explains my lower playtime vs. some others.

skeleton-from_halls-of-torment.gifI should write more on this at some point, it's one of the better games on the list, but I imagine it being up so far and already popular most people already know that. Like a few other games the detail of notes suffers because I played most of my time in it before I was making notes and they are already on my list to play a lot more of. That's generally a good sign, but I intend to revise the notes later.

Halls of Torment Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

9.0 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
1139/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.9/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Halls of Torment Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
16395 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
9.8 Review Scale
387/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

- Converted 10 Point Score
- Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.4 User Review Average
19 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.4 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 252
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magic trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish the horrors from beyond. How long can you survive?"

Control Style Notes

- +

Technically a twin stick shooter, but with auto aim and auto fire quickly available to toggle via a controller press without having to enter a menu. It felt, in my playthrough, like auto aim always was valid enough as a strategy and sometimes I would want to manually aim. Pretty comfortable play style.

Auto Aim generally targets nearest enemy, with some melee ranged attacks and upgrade paths make it a good mowing game.

Enemies form satisfying maze like patterns.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

Toggle in menu or via button in play, default's to manual aim. With auto-aim on, you can still press the right stick to aim when needed and simply release to return to auto-aim.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Accessibility & Tutorial

- +

Accessibility Notes

Very accessible about of the box control-wise due to easy enable of auto-aim and fire, though menus are a little bit more complicated to navigate.

Menu FX Toggle: Damage Flash Intensity

Visibility Options: Cursor Size, Ability Effect Opacity, Aiming Line, Disable Damage Numbers

Tutorial Notes

Input hints on start is toggleable in the menu.

Shows inputs on screen before fading away at start of run, if toggled.

Tooltips help show information about abilities on hover.

Game Modes

- +

Timed / Boss Ended
Survival

"Agony" Modes
(Difficulty Increase)

Camp
(Main Menu
/Hub Zone)

Game Mode Notes

The game challenges you to survive out a timer and the boss that shows up. Defeating the boss ends the run.

After completing a certain point at regular level, a harder mode called "Agony" becomes selectable.

The main menu navigation is through a hub zone called "Camp" where you control an avatar directly and interact with other characters to switch to them, and to a couple interactable objects and NPCs to increase your power and pick your equipment.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

At the end of the round the boss shows up and must be defeated. It's a fairly standard countdown timer.

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Much like Vampire survivors, you avoid enemies while picking up XP drops and gold. One difference is you have to find abilities around the map, instead of being able to get them by leveling. Leveling up powers up traits for your current abilities.

Equipment is also another difference, see also meta notes.

There are a couple powerups and a magnet ability.

When you "run out" of traits to pick in a run you can pick health or gold.

Meta Progression

Through progression players unlock characters and features in the hub zone. Players can find equipment and then purchase it from the wellkeeper NPC hubworld to equip at the stash.

Incremental upgrades can be purchased for in game currency between runs. Players can brew potions with the cupbearer NPC allowing temporary options like rerolls in the next run."

It's possible to reset and restore backups of progress in player profiles.

Content By The Numbers

- +

9 Characters ("Heroes") each with 3 Class Traits
16 Abilities each with trait upgrade options.
15 Base Traits
10 Elevated Traits
500+ trait options total that upgrade characters and abilities
22 Visible Player Stats

2 NPCs
4 Stages / "Dhapters"
30+ Unique Monsters
12+ Bosses
2 Difficulty Options (Normal, Agony)
250 Quests (Challenges) Total, split between chapter related and character related.

1 XP pickup item, 4 Healing Drops
1 Gold meta progression currency
4 Temporary Powerups (inc XP magnet)
50+ Equipment Items

18 Meta Upgrades ("Blessings")
6 Potions, brewed with 15 ingredients drops
9 Equippable Buffs ("Marks")

In Game Lore & Extras

2 rescuable hub zone NPCs with light voice acted dialog.

UI Walkthrough: Main Menus

- +

Any other accessibility or menu options not mentioned already in the game modes. Instead of deciding what to list here, I'm going to just list it all. This should make for a pretty interesting UI study, actually, but probably won't be needed by most players. These are all likely missing late game unlock options! Please comment in corrections! From top left, back or close buttons are assumed. Spoiler Warning! Menu unlocks often happen later in play. See also meta unlock menu walkthrough.

Main Menu

Initial
- Character Select (Left Stick)
-> Avatar Control / "Camp" Hub Zone
-> Menu (Start, also option during hub world)

Camp (Hubzone, Walk, button to interact)
- Wellkeeper (Merchant NPC, buy found items)
- Item Stash (Equip)
- Change Character
- Shrine of Blessings
(Currency Meta Powerups)
--> Register of Halls / Door (Choose Stage)
- Quests (Tab through challenges,
see unlock rewards)
- Cupbearer (Potion Crafting NPC)

Menu (LB - RB to tab)
- Settings Tab (Display, Input, Audio, Interface)
- Profile Tab
- Quit Tab (Yes/No Confirmation)

Display & Sound

On the settings tab of the main menu

Display and Window Toggles
- Fullscreen, Performance Mode,
Pause when Focus Lost

Audio Sliders
- Master Volume, Music Volume,
SFX Volume, Voice Volume

Interface
-Cursor Select
- Sliders: Cursor Size, Damage Flash Intensity,
Ability Effect Opacity
- Toggles: Aiming Line, Damage Numbers,
Show Input Hints on Start

Gameplay / Input / Other Options

On the settings tab of the main menu

Input Method Toggles
- Auto Aim, Auto Attack, Mouse Only Mode,
Mouse Only On Hold

Keyboard Bindings
- Move Up, Move Left, Move Down, Move Right, Attack Up,
Attack Left, Attack Down, Attack Right,
Tab Left, Tab Right, Confirm / Interact

UI Walkthrough: Player HUD & Pause

- +

From top left of the screen, persistent UI during play (aka Heads Up Display) and other menus during your run.

Player HUD / Gameplay UI

Play area is in center with persistent sidebars on left and right.

Left Sidebar
- Player Level, XP Meter,
XP Gained / Required Number,
Health/Max, Health Orb.

Right Sidebar
- Menu/Pause Button, Ability Cooldown Icons,
Powerups, Gold Count, Enemies Slain Count,
Time Remaining

On Run Start (optionally) displays controls in bottom left corner of play area. Optional damage numbers. Arrows on edge direct players to objectives.

Pause Menus

On "start" or Menu click, both left and right sidebars persist while center is replaced with menu.

Tab Menus
- Character, Traits and Abilities,
Settings, Quit

Character
- View and equip items, view stats.

Traits and Abilities
- View Traits and Ability Stats

Settings
- (Same as Main Menu Settings)

Quit
- Return to Camp, Quit Game

UI Walkthrough: Leveling & Progression

- +

Listing UI display as well. "In run" applies to "round end" UI in games with rounds. May use in game terms for complicated concepts. See also metaprogression system notes in the game mode notes.

Level / Power Up / Treasure: In Run and End Menus

XP drops as gems. Gold and health drop from enemies and breakables. Items sit on map. Enemies drop chests. Sidebars persist in all views.

On XP Gain Event
- Pick from 4 "Traits"
- 4 Level Options in vertical bordered list
- Potions: Reroll, Banish, Memorize, Double

On "Scroll of Mastery" pickup
- Pick from 3 "Abilities"
- Discard for 50% Level XP

"Dried Up Well" interactable
- Drop found equipment into the well
to retrieve it at camp

End Run Displays Results
- View stats and completed quests
-> Return to camp

Meta Unlock Menus

Various features for the hub world unlock through play.

Players can find equipment and then purchase it from the wellkeeper NPC hubworld to equip at the stash.

Item Stash: 7 slots, 4 loadouts, sorted tabs. Equip items found for bonuses during the next run.

Shrine of Blessings: Purchase upgrades for Health Capacity, Health Regeneration, Defense, Movement Speed, Pickup Range, Damage, Attack Speed, Area / Projectile Size, Attack Range. Can be refunded individually or all at once.

Players can brew potions with the cupbearer NPC allowing temporary options like rerolls in the next run.

[edit]

HoloCure - Save the Fans!

Free Available Released

Very commonly recommended free game for if you want something tight to the Vampire Survivors formula and just as fun. Technically a fan game for Hololive, it's a feature rich game anyone can enjoy. Some features, including fishing, are tucked into a little life sim menu mode. Has aiming and special moves but they can be ignored and still play ok. Many meta notes via Joske and Genki on Discord!

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Content Rich Enemy Hell Female Protagonist Fishing Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
9.0 Combined Ranking Score
3/72 Ranking Position
1501/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
99% Steam
9.7 Scale
8.3 Vibes
21125 Steam Reviews
379/400 Review Points
8.7 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
Similar
1122/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
74% Simple Controls 3.3/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.4/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
99% Aesthetics 5.9/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.8/10 vibe vibe

HoloCure - Save the Fans! Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 6.2

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/21/2023

tsukumo-sana-from_holocure-save-the-fans.gifYou might not realize these are all fan representations of HoloLive vtubers as characters, except for the game kind of tells you. Many players including myself have no idea who they are and still enjoy the game a lot. It has a lighter humorous tone that doesn't bog it down into meme game territory and nails the basic VS formula with some subtle twists and upgrades with weapon evolutions.

Adds aiming and a special move button, but some builds you can make work for 1 handed play. Also has a home decoration side game, fishing, and more! On the downside, feels a little 'light' and less immersive for some reason to me, but hey, it's free! I'll be playing more of it!

Did I say it's totally free? It's Free! I'll come back and make real notes later.

smol-ame-from_holocure-save-the-fans.webpFull level/progression notes from Genki: "Leveling up is done like Vampire Survivors. Enemies drop XP, on level up you choose a weapon (or item). Eventually there's an option to reroll or banish a weapon or item. Occasionally, anvils drop on the ground. Anvils allow you to level up a weapon/item without the need for xp, enchant a weapon (apply a random buff) or enhance a weapon beyond it's max level (each enhancement costs coins and every time per weapon the probability of success decreases).

Stamps also drop from time to time. Stamps are buffs that are only applied to the main character-unique weapon. You can equip a max of 3 stamps and level them up to level 3 by sacrificing other stamps. Stamps can also be sold for coins. There's a also a super rare chance for super-items to drop from boxes. Super items are buffed version of normal items without any downside.
"

fubuzilla-from_holocure-save-the-fans.gif"Players can combine certain weapons to make a collab, an evolved version of those two weapon that also frees a slot. When certain requirements are met and the player collects a golden hammer, they have the chance to combine a collab with an item to make a super collab."

HoloCure - Save the Fans! Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.7 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
1122/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.3/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.9/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

HoloCure - Save the Fans! Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
99% Positive Steam Reviews
21125 Steam Reviews
8.3 Pure Vibes
9.7 Review Scale
379/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.0 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.7 User Review Average
21 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.7 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

HoloCure - Save the Fans! Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenContent RichEnemy HellFemale ProtagonistFishingHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DAnimeCutePixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyContemporaryMeme Game

Control Styles

Auto-FireControllerKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedCookingDifficulty ModifiersEndless ModeFishingHub ZoneIgnorable TutorialMinigame MetaprogressionMinigamesRoulette ProgressionTimed SurvivalUnlockable CharactersWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

KayAnimate

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: In Game and Online Leaderboards Genki: "Finishing a run in Endless mode lets you upload your score to the board"

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 82
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Totally Free
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Play as your favorite Vtubers from Hololive! Fight, explore, and clear your way through armies of fans and save them from their mind-control in this unofficial free fan-game."

"Free, unofficial fan game featuring the vtuber talents of Hololive and its surrounding community, with gameplay heavily inspired by Vampire Survivors and Magic Survival."

Control Style Notes

- +

Genki: "Twin stick shooter with special skills activated by a button and strafing / aiming lock also toggled by holding a button. Can be played with only keyboard (aiming and strafing will be locked to eight directions), mouse+keyboard or controller (both allow for free aiming 360 degrees)."

Automated Features

Auto-fire. Default, but there is a special move button.

No targeted auto-aiming, but by default all weapons that can be aimed fire in the direction your character moves. You can choose to lock(strafe) the aim in a specific direction or use free aiming with m+k or controller

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Partial
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: Partially Genki: "Possible to assign special skill and strafing to the two left triggers. Would be missing the free aim that comes with the right stick, though."
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: Yes. Genki: "Weapon aiming and strafing will be restricted to only 8 directions, though."
  • Keyboard One Handed: Partially. Genki: "It's possible to play with 1 hand with certain weapon combinations and characters, but not all."

Accessibility & Tutorial

- +

Accessibility Notes

Game is semi-accessible as it can be played with one hand, but it loses the aiming features.

Menu FX Toggles: Attack opacity slider, Visual Effects, Screen Shake, Show Skill Radius

Tutorial Notes

Has a very quick basic tutorial when you start a run for the first time showing basic movement and aiming controls for both keyboard + mouse and controller (twin-stick controls).

Game Modes

- +

Stage Mode
(Timed Survival)

Endless Mode
(Endless Survival)

Time Mode
(Speedrun Mode)

HoloHouse
(Various Minigames: Management Sim, Farming, Fishing, Cooking)

Difficulty Modifiers
(via Meta Unlocks /
HoloHouse)

Game Mode Notes

Stage mode and Endless mode can be selected in all stages. Time mode has an specific stage specifically made for it.

The HoloHouse features various minigames such as fishing, farming, cooking, worker management and house building.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

Stage mode is the default game mode that lasts 20 minutes and the run ends when the player defeats the final boss.

Endless mode lasts 30+ minutes (to upwards of 60 minutes, sometimes more depending on build and strategy), the run ends with a mob horde with exponentially increasing stats that eventually overwhelmed the player.

Time mode lasts 3-10 minutes. The goal is to complete a certain objective as fast as possible.

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Very similar to Vampire Survivors. Enemies drop XP, on dialog pops up on level event, eventual reroll and "banish" options.

Occasionally dropped "anvils" allow you to instantly level, buff or a chance to further enhance a weapon beyond it's max level for coins.

Occasionally dropped "stamps" are also equippable/upgradeable/swappable buffs

Very rare chance of super-items dropped from boxes, which are buffed versions of items without any downside.

Weapons can combine and evolve, called a "collab", freeing an equip slot. In certain conditions they can combine with an item to make a "super collab".

Meta Progression

Players unlock new stages, items and weapons by completing certain goals. They can earn gold (holocoins) through runs that can be spent on upgrades and characters.

The characters can not be purchased directly and are instead obtained through gacha with the in-game currency. Repeat characters in the gacha upgrade the existing character. Repeat characters on a gacha banner also give a secondary currency (a "tear") per repeated character. Tears can be used to directly purchase
characters or outfits without the need for gacha.

Upgrades can be refunded, gold spent on gacha can not be refunded. In the HoloHouse, gold can be spent on farming crops and combined with fish obtained from a fishing minigame. It's cooked into various food items that give effects during gameplay (essentially difficulty modifiers.)

Content By The Numbers

- +

38 Characters, each one with a unique main weapon and 3 unique skills
64 Alternate Outfits in total

16 Base Weapons
23 Collabs
4 Super Collabs
34 Items(16 Super Item variants)
20 Stamps

16 Craftable Modifiers ("Foods")
1 XP pickup, 1 Healing Item (by default. Character skills can add more)
7 Stages (4 Normal, 3 Hard Variants with unique twists)
1 Time Stage
40+ Unique Enemies (and multiple variants)
17 Bosses

3 Levels of "Fandom" Buffs per character
168 In-Game Achievements(some also act as requirements for unlocks)

Multiple additional Features dependant on character skills

In Game Lore & Extras

Armory
- Check weapons, items, collabs and super collabs (super items not visible)

HoloHouse
- House Decoration minigame
- Fishing minigame
- Cooking
- Management minigame
(Fishing, cooking and management minigame required to 100% completion)

UI Walkthrough: Main Menus

- +

Any other accessibility or menu options not mentioned already in the game modes. Instead of deciding what to list here, I'm going to just list it all. This should make for a pretty interesting UI study, actually, but probably won't be needed by most players. These are all likely missing late game unlock options! Please comment in corrections! From top left, back or close buttons are assumed. Spoiler Warning! Menu unlocks often happen later in play. See also meta unlock menu walkthrough.

Main Menu

Play
->Character Select
-->Outfit Select (if extra outfits unlocked)
-> Mode Select (Stage, Endless or Time)
--> Stage Select(Also enable Food from HoloHouse)
HoloHouse
-> Character Select
Shop
-> Character Gacha
--> Banner Selection (Select your number of rolls from 1-10)
-> Tears Menu (Buy Outfits or Characters directly with the secondary currency tears)
-> Buy Upgrades
-> Armory (Collection)
Leaderboard
Achievements
-> Achievements
--> General Achievements
--> Character Specific Achievements
-> Fandoms (Character-based meta-progression based on goals)
Settings
Credits
Quit

Display & Sound

Available on the main menu or the pause menu

Display
- Resolution(720p or 1080p)
- Fullscreen
- Attack Opacity
- Damage Numbers
- Visual Effects
- Screen Shake
- Hud Portrait(Character Portrait)
- Hud HP bar
- Hud HP number
- Show Mini HP(above player)
- Hide HP if full
- Show Skill radius
- Show Stamps

Sound
- Music Volume Slider
- Sound Volume Slider

Gameplay / Input / Other Options

Available on the main menu or the pause menu
Gameplay
- Damage Numbers, Visual Effects, etc under the option "Graphic Settings". See Display and Sound Options column
Input
- Keybinds: Confirm/Strafe, Cancel/Special, Left,Right, Up,Down,SET ALL.
- Controller: Confirm/Strafe,Strafe(Alt),Cancel/Special,Special(Alt),Start,Menu,SET ALL
- Controller Vibration
Other
- Language (English, Indonesian, Japanese)
- HoloHouse Custom Names (randomizes workers names in HoloHouse)
- HoloHouse Custom Messages

UI Walkthrough: Player HUD & Pause

- +

From top left of the screen, persistent UI during play (aka Heads Up Display) and other menus during your run.

Player HUD / Gameplay UI

XP bar runs across the screen. Level is displayed on the top right.

Character Portrait (Size can be selected in settings)

6 weapon slots and 6 item slots below them. All next to character portrait.

Character Skill icon and charging bar below character portrait.

Coins collected and below it, enemies defeated. Both top right close to level.

Timer on display at all times. Shows selected mode and time elapsed.

Pause Menus

Actual Pause Menu on the center. On the left, Character Artwork, name and stats are shown.
-Skills (check character-specific skills and their level)
-Stamps (upgrade, swap or sell stamps)
-Collabs (see a list of already unlocked collabs and super collabs)
-Resume
-Settings
-Quit

UI Walkthrough: Leveling & Progression

- +

Listing UI display as well. "In run" applies to "round end" UI in games with rounds. May use in game terms for complicated concepts. See also metaprogression system notes in the game mode notes.

Level / Power Up / Treasure: In Run and End Menus

XP drops as play buttons of varying color depending on the XP given. Gold drops from enemies. Health items can either drop randomly or be obtained by breaking certain objects. Anvils that let you upgrade your weapon also drop.

On XP Gain Event
- On the left, Character Artwork, name and stats are shown.
- Can bring up a side menu to see all available collabs possible.
- Pick from 4 options. Items/Weapons
- Reroll, Eliminate

On Stamp pickup
-Picked up stamp on left side. Description in the bottom center.
-Select an option to swap/upgrade/sell the stamp with any already placed stamp or place stamp in empty slot

On Collab
- Shows 6 weapons on screen. Weapons that can be collabed in general glow.

On Super Collab
- Shows all weapons and items on screen. Weapons and items that can super collab glow.

On Anvil pickup
- Shows all weapons and items. Maxed out items are greyed out.
- On item select: Level up item for free.
- On weapon select: Level up item for free if not maxed out. Can also "enchant" weapon (apply a buff) for coins.
If weapon already maxed, can choose to level up beyond max level for coins, has a probability to fail enhancement.

On box drop
- Can select to accept the drop or refuse it

Meta Unlock Menus

Characters can be purchased via gacha banners. There's a "tears" sub-menu per banner that also acts as a way to check alt outfit unlocked status.

Upgrades are bought in the shop. Divided in three menus: Enhancements (unlock basic game systems like stamps, rerolls, eliminates),
Stat Upgrades and Others(Game modifiers like weapon limit, banning super items, hardcore mode)

Enhancements: Special Attack, Growth, Reroll, Eliminate, Stamps, Enchantments, Fandom

Stat Upgrades: HP, ATK, Speed,Crit, Pickup Range, Haste, Regen, Defense, Special Cooldown Reduction, Skill Up, EXP Gain Up, Foods Drop Up, Coins Up, Enhancement Rates Up

Others: Marketing, Weapon Limit, Item Limit, Collab Ban, Super Items Ban, G Rank Off, Hardcore Mode, Refund All

All upgrades can be refunded, including the basic system ones (required for some achievements). Characters cannot be refunded, but
repeated characters on a gacha banner grant you a tear. With enough tears you can purchase characters or outfits directly without the need for gacha.

Fandom Menu: Under the Achievements Menu. Provides a list of every character's fandom exp and their conditions to level up. Fandoms grant you bonuses for each character. 3 levels of fandom per character.

[edit]

Rogue: Genesia

EA Free Available

For me personally this is a game that very much scratches the VS itch, but has its own twist on the graphics, gameplay modes, and tons of interesting challenges. Ramps up a little slower. Does have manual dodge / special moves, but can get closer to one handed play either with the mouse or by turning on auto-aim.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
8.9 Combined Ranking Score
4/72 Ranking Position
1493/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
93% Steam
9.6 Scale
9.0 Vibes
4480 Steam Reviews
379/400 Review Points
8.6 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
Similar
1114/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
70% Simple Controls 2.8/7 move
98% Survival Modes 3.8/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
87% Stage Features 5.2/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.9/10 vibe vibe

Rogue: Genesia Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 19.7

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/16/2023

dog-rog-from_rogue-genesia.gifThis one was put in pretty early so the review will be fleshed out a bit later.

Options to play one handed with a mouse or to turn on auto-aim can make this feel more like VS. Contains an Endless Mode, but also "Rog's Mode" which has a map with multiple choices like some other Rogue-likes, with special challenges, bosses and bonuses along the way. A large amount of content, can be a little slow to get going but breaks your computer with overwhelmed screen eventually, like any good VS-like should!

cactus-from_rogue-genesia.gifThere's no limit to amount of items/upgrades you can get, so that's pretty fun. Is a little different in that targeting matters, there is a dodge and some other abilities. One class manually fires. Cool art style with the charm of pixel art and hd 2.5d kind of like Octopath Traveler / Live A Live remaster.

goblin-from_rogue-genesia.gifI'll be honest, could bump up in my pure vibes rating a fair amount by offering some more gal characters (the Duelist is a femme but I didn't realize until the dev poked me.)

You might recognize this one as the game that donated us some high res assets to use as the sub background! Great responsive dev.

Rogue: Genesia Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.6 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
1114/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.2/1
Move Only 0.2/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0.9/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.8/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.7/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Rogue: Genesia Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
4480 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
9.6 Review Scale
379/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Rogue: Genesia Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

HD-2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerController 1 HandedMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsCampaignCurrency MetaprogressionDifficulty ModesDifficulty ModifiersEndless ModeGoal Based RoundsNo TutorialRoulette ProgressionSpeed UpTimed SurvivalUnlockable CharactersWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Huard OuadiiolaCorp Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 35
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Walk upon a new world and slay foes endangering it. Rogue: Genesia is an action rogue-lite game, where you fight relentless hordes consisting of hundreds and thousands of monsters, carve your path through their ranks, defeat the boss and save one of the many worlds."

"Make your build from more than 170+ passive upgrades, 56 weapons. 52 + Powerful Artifacts to discover."

Control Style Notes

- +

Twin stick shooter with dodge, auto fire and optional auto aim. It's a little different in that targeting matters, there is a dodge and some other abilities.

Options to play one handed with a mouse or to turn on auto-aim can make this feel more like VS.

Automated Features

Auto Fire
Auto Aim

Optional Auto Aim, always auto fire. Pressing stick in direction takes over until stick is let up

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Rog's Mode
(Campaign, Timed Survival, Goal Based Rounds, Branching Paths)

Survivor Mode
(Goal at Certain Time, Continues to Endless)

Difficulty Modifiers
(Many Challenges)

Difficulty Modes
(Corruption Slider)

Game Mode Notes

Rog's Mode consists of branching paths, with a series of rounds with objectives such as timed survival, killing an amount of enemies or an elite or boss, etc.

The game has many specific challenges for both modes, a "corruption" difficulty slider for any run, and 2 profile modes for your account (normal and hero, the later of which only counts your best runs for the purpose of buying stuff from the soul shop)

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Rog's Mode is essentially a set of branching paths, with each node taking 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds, depending on win condition. Later campaigns have more nodes and take longer.

The "survivor" mode is technical endless. The "win" conditions are F rank: 15 minutes, E rank: 30 min, D rank: 45 min, C rank: 40min.

Dev: "Once you reach this duration, the timer gets crazy (speeds up and continues to speed-up overtime) this is what we call "red timer". After enemies start spawning with infinite health, you reach what is called "infinity" (this is usually 1 to 3 hours IRL) and the run ends."

Speed Settings

A player ability can slow down the action. Corruption and challenges can speed up enemies, but there's no menu option to speed up play.

"Quick Mode" shortens Rog's Mode run time by having less stages and more enemies, but doesn't change clock time / play speed.

[edit]

Gunlocked

Released

A very interesting genre-twisting option if you want a vertically scrolling space game that otherwise checks off most survivors-like features. Fairly unique for its presentation as a classic shoot em up, limiting it on exploration scores but perhaps making it more fun than most clones with a twist on the format. Surprisingly, the "lock on" mechanic makes this less of a bullet heaven than other titles, despite the shmup format. Interesting for our scale, this is an aiming mechanic but with only movement controls. Runs are 15 minutes but also more difficult. If you want to avoid rather than mow, Gunlocked supplies a nice gameplay loop.

Auto-Shooter Enemy Hell Roguelite Shoot 'Em Up Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Vertical Scrolling Shmup Wave Shooter
8.8 Combined Ranking Score
5/72 Ranking Position
1476/1600 Total Points
9.2 Final Review
91% Steam
9.9 Scale
8.7 Vibes
335 Steam Reviews
377/400 Review Points
8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
Similar
1099/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7.1/8 genre
96% Simple Controls 6.5/7 move
94% Survival Modes 3.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
92% Buildcrafting Depth 4.2/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
92% Content Breadth 7.6/9 stuff
90% Aesthetics 4.8/6 style
96% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.1/10 vibe vibe

Gunlocked Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

Gunlocked puts a spin on the survivors-like formula by switching format to a vertically scrolling shooter. It's an auto shooter with only movement control but the primary mechanic (expressed with many pilots and weapons) is 'locking' or positioning your shot by moving the aiming reticule into place along with your ship - so it gets a partial score in 'aiming.' We're going to call "upgrade data", where I have to go in a certain point to get an upgrade, a "treasure chest" on the scale.

Ships are cosmetic unfortunately, but pilots have a interesting variety of skills. Soundtrack is great, though maybe could be more procedural or have more tracks. Overall the game is very satisfying, from the challenge to upgrade loop, though it doesn't have quite the same 'mowing down hordes of enemies' vibe and surprisingly few bullets for the shmup stylings.

I think it's great and will play more, but not for the same reason I play overpowered screenwiping games like PoE or VS.

Gunlocked Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
1099/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.8/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.9/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.3/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.9/1
Over the Top 0.4/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

Gunlocked Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.2 Final Review
91% Positive Steam Reviews
335 Steam Reviews
8.7 Pure Vibes
9.9 Review Scale
377/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Gunlocked Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterEnemy HellRogueliteShoot 'Em UpSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeVertical Scrolling ShmupWave Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Auto-FireControllerController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeIgnorable TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

FromLefcourt

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 65
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!"

"You only control movement, but every weapon has its own unique targeting system that you can influence."

Control Style Notes

- +

Single stick shooter, it's vertically scrolling.

It's an auto shooter with only movement control but the primary mechanic (expressed with many pilots and weapons) is 'locking' or positioning your shot by moving the aiming reticule into place along with your ship.

Overall it's more about avoiding and targeting than mowing.

Automated Features

Auto-Fire

Auto-aim might be bit of a stretch because really everything is aimed by positioning of your ship - but it does decide when to lock, and thus fire, and it's impossible to manual aim in any way.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Endless Survival

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Endless is unlocked last"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Boneraiser Minions

Released

A auto-battler necromancy game if you want to raise hell but not freeze your computer. As a summoning focused horde avoidance game, it has a lot of depth. But it may not satisfy bullet heaven cravings if you want to see a million things pop out of your character or so many enemies you get one frame a second. It also has a dash and special move button, differentiating it from VS there. Active updates, a beloved title by many! Additional notes and score adjust by Raring on discord.

Arena Survival Auto-Battler Content Rich Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Summoning Game Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.8 Combined Ranking Score
6/72 Ranking Position
1475/1600 Total Points
9.2 Final Review
96% Steam
9.6 Scale
8.5 Vibes
3865 Steam Reviews
377/400 Review Points
8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
Similar
1098/1200 Comparison Points
90% Genre 6.4/8 genre
71% Simple Controls 3/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
78% Stage Features 3.9/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
98% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.5/10 vibe vibe

Boneraiser Minions Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 5.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/18/2023

This game is notable both for being widely loved but also for being a firm twist on the genre by focusing on summoning (though plenty of other games on this list like Keeper's Toll have necromancer or summoner characters or skills.) This is not only one of the best VS-likes, though, it's also one of the best necromancer games ever! Also includes a card game mini-game that's totally optional accessed through your lair.

Lots of unlocks from characters to game modes and a lot of depth in a lofi presentation. Patches may have removed the ability to go infinite without amazing luck unfortunately. It's possible this won't scratch the itch for you if you want to see a lot of attacks/bullets come out of your character. You spend most of the time running away from, not into, mobs of enemies while your summons mop up.

This is one of the more unique and fully realized title on this list and also well supported with an active fandom.

Raring Review Notes: "It's a bullet heaven title with a heavy horde focus. While there are plenty of projectiles, it leans more into dodging large groups of mobs in melee range. While it is isometric depending on the map and the layout you choose through upgrades any map can and will feel different. Opposed to the likes of VS, it features (Mini)bosses with distinctive skills and high mobility. The various classes all have their unique playstyle and the game is not strictly build around weapons and passives."

"Controls are great. You only need movement keys and 2 trigger keys or your stick and 2 buttons"

Raring: "In its core outside of spell based classes it's still a necromancy game. You raise your minions and while you can support them, they will do most of the work for you. In earlier iterations the game used to be fairly hard and unlocking Bosses to raise them as minions felt very rewarding. Sadly my review score took a bit of a hit when it started to orient itself more on VS adding features that made difficulty redundant unless you kept looping for higher leaderboard scores."

"While it has become a tad too easy and as such the incentive of "one more run" has been lowered, it is still a solid recommendations. For less than 5 bucks you get an incredible bang for buck value if achievement hunting is your thing. It's still the best class/necromancy based horde survivor if pixel art is your jam."

Raring and I both came to the same pure vibes score: 8.5

Boneraiser Minions Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
1098/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.9/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.6/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.6/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.9/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Boneraiser Minions Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.2 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
3865 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
9.6 Review Scale
377/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.0 Converted 10 Point Score
3 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.7 User Review Average
7 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Boneraiser Minions Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena SurvivalAuto-BattlerContent RichEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSummoning GameSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCuteNeonPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyFantasyHorror ThemedMagicNecromancyUndeadVillain Protagonist

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Card GameCustom Mode/ScenarioDaily ChallengesEndless ModeMinigamesTimed SurvivalWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Caiys

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: Yes

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 190
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Soundcloud

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Amass an army of deamonic undead to fight endless waves of heroes intent to end your boneraising ways! In this gothic-horror auto-battle roguelite, use the bones of slain heroes to raise your minions, collect powerful relics and spells, and unlock meta upgrades, all to survive King Gigald's crusade!"

"Dash around avoiding enemies and collecting their bones" "There's several game modes to keep play fresh."

Control Style Notes

- +

A movement focused game that I wouldn't call a single stick shooter, since you don't shoot.

Mostly using your dash to stay out of trouble while gathering the resource to power up, you spend most of the time running away from, not into, mobs of enemies while your summons mop up.

Automated Features

Auto-Battler

You summon a great deal of enemies to do damage for you

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival
Endless Survival

Daily & Weekly
Challenges

Custom Mode
("Creative Plaything")

Card Game Minigame
("Clashful Cards")

Game Mode Notes

Timed Survival is also called Mausoleum Awakening, Endless is Necrotic Skirmishes, dailies called Boneworld Challenges.

Raring: "The goal is survival until the "final" boss of the map. Then either loop for endless if you want to place higher on the leaderboards or end your run to invest into unlockable boons. Those will either grant you access to more classes, allow you to modify the hub for more features or to either increase or lower the difficulty by spending on perks for yourself and the hordes. It also features daily and weekly challenges."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

Raring: "It has loops and endless mode but on average about 15 minutes on the early maps to 25 minutes on latter ones"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Void Scrappers

Free Available Released

A fan loved tightly designed little space survivors-like with a really jammin soundtrack that seals the deal. One handed play possible if you map the boost. Definitely faster and much harder than most games here start off. There's a lot of competition among the space games, this is one of the better ones. It manages to straddle the line of simple and complex in many ways, never seeming to suffer from the lack of trappings in some other games, but also hiding a bit of its depth under arcade stylings and unclear unlocks.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Enemy Hell Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
8.8 Combined Ranking Score
7/72 Ranking Position
1471/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
91% Steam
9.6 Scale
9.3 Vibes
404 Steam Reviews
380/400 Review Points
8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
Similar
1091/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7.1/8 genre
87% Simple Controls 5.2/7 move
99% Survival Modes 3.9/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
79% Stage Features 4.1/7 stage
74% Content Breadth 4.4/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.7/10 vibe vibe

Void Scrappers Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 5.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

shrapnel-from_void-scrappers.gifAn incredibly satisfying and easy to loop into space survivors-like. The controls remind me of playing the drifty UFO style Arilou in Star Control 2, where you'll keep moving a little bit but it's never annoying because you can zip right back around. It's got what I'd say are bullet hell hitboxes (in the best way) where you can cruise quite close to an enemy and still save your neck at the last second.

That's good because it's honestly also very challenging due to the fast movement and generally only 3 or 4 health you've got, with few ways to make yourself more resistant to a hit.

Feels a little slow to unlock things, but also the minimal menu design makes it easy to forget there are also challenge based unlocks and not just the currency ones. Once I got in the habit of finding a challenge to chase I was fully sucked into the "one more run" loop.

It adds a dash but besides that it's mostly an auto shooter. While most space games (and most survivors-likes in general it seems) add twin stick controls, this one happily handles the aiming all on its own. I love that there's a no dashing challenge because I hate dashing.

It's technically an arena shooter but an enjoyable parallax scroll effect and the zippy travel makes it seem like you're in the endless void and not a tiny box, so it doesn't get negative scores in the map size and exploration, even a tiny positive in "big" maps. When you finish the survival/boss mode it just kills you with spawns VS style, but if you make an invincible build it's possible to continue until you break the game. We'll call this full points for both.

Really really good menu music. Great music overall. Like if star control was scored by trent reznor. Accidentally left it paused for a half hour just enjoying it on my phone. Game is considered complete with no updates planned, dev is working now on Bore Blasters, also on this spreadsheet.

Void Scrappers Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
1091/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0.7/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.4/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Void Scrappers Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
91% Positive Steam Reviews
404 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
9.6 Review Scale
380/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.3 Converted 10 Point Score
2 Number of Critic Reviews

User

9.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.2 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Void Scrappers Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

BrowserGOGitch.ioLinuxMacSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterEnemy HellRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

2DLofiPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

ComedySci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Difficulty ModifiersEndless ModeNo TutorialSpeed UpTimed SurvivalWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

8BitSkull

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 11
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp GOG

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.

"Void Scrappers Post Mortem" - dev interview

"I wanted to play into the power fantasy that a lot of these recent horde shooters aspire to by letting the player move fast. I never liked walking around slowly while doing my slaying, so I've put the player in a zippy space ship. Not just that - but the ship has a dash ability which provides a brief turbo boost (with invincibility!). The game is still difficult, just not because you move slowly." Great responsive dev, helped clarify several features in interview.

Control Style Notes

- +

Zippy fast moving single stick shooter. It adds a dash but otherwise limits attack controls.

Automated Features

Auto-Fire
Auto-Aim

There's no way to disable.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Timed/Endless Survival

Difficulty Setting
(Enemy Projectiles)

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Enemy projectiles can be turned off in settings. This slightly increases enemy HP."

Only one mode, but we're considering it both timed and endless - see run time notes.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "In-game time, the end stages of a run are triggered at 20 minutes. However time stops for upgrades and weapons, so actual time is longer."

When you finish the survival/boss mode it just kills you with spawns VS style, but if you make an invincible build it's possible to continue until you break the game. We'll call this full points for both.

Speed Settings

0.75x - 1.25x

Game speed can be changed in settings with no other impact to achievements or anything else.

[edit]

Elemental Survivors

EA Free Available

A "party based" jrpg styled survivors-like with togglable auto-aim. Some have noted this is a more chill survivors-like in Steam reviews, and it does seem less horror themed at least. My concern is it might be too easy at the start and I'm rarely forced to make a wacky useless build. I don't prefer an easy early game in this genre, but some on steam specifically say they like it because it's "more forgiving". If you find VS a little too stressful, this might be a great pick for you. Looking forward to checking back in on it during EA. Meta notes via dev!

Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Hack and Slash Horde Survival JRPG Mowing Game Party Based Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.7 Combined Ranking Score
8/72 Ranking Position
1484/1600 Total Points
8.6 Final Review
89% Steam
9.1 Scale
7.7 Vibes
53 Steam Reviews
357/400 Review Points
8.8 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
Similar
1127/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.9/8 genre
95% Simple Controls 6.3/7 move
84% Survival Modes 2.7/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
86% Buildcrafting Depth 3.6/5 build
96% Stage Features 6.5/7 stage
88% Content Breadth 6.9/9 stuff
95% Aesthetics 5.4/6 style
96% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.2/10 vibe vibe

Elemental Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.6

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/5/2023

This is a survivors-like with a very cute SNES era RPG inspired vibe, complete with Nintendo Power themed menu and 4:3 ratio gameplay area. It's both more contemporary and more simplified in art style, but that's not a nitpick just an observation from a huge fan of the genre. It's overall very fun.

It's a nice find, very familiar to VS in the relaxing ways and just a little different thematically, enough that it feels new and worth exploring. In fact the little world map style exploring is a fun part of it, though minimalistic. Technically waves are announced in a scrolling box on the right sidebar but it's easy to not notice and still feels organic. The visual theme fits since it's little twist is you hire a "party" not just picking weapons or abilities. It's got aim enabled by default but can be turned off in the menu quickly, so we're giving it high partial points in movement only. Some characters have "on stop moving" abilities hence a tenth off in "no on attack movement penalty."

I have mixed feelings about "stats", sometimes preferring the more arcade style games, but I know many Brotato and RPG fans will appreciate more overt numbers on the screen. I think I do agree with the steam reviewer who prefers to not have borders on the screen, this also causes burn in on my OLED not just less immersion. I like a lot about the music but also it could relax just a little bit. I wish there were more lofi/relaxed options on start anyway. You can switch it at any time and for a bit I didn't realize I had it on shuffle, which was frustrating, using the trigger locks it to the track it's on.

But I do have a concern it may be too easy. Or at least too tilted towards the player in a way that makes the ramp odd. My first run in I got all the way until the end of run boss without much effort,then got stomped. I would have rather had a series of shorter runs feeling like I earned it and then a chance at winning with more upgrades. Also, it tells me to pick STR abilities for a STR character, then hands me all and only level ups with the ones I pick.

There's no way to make a badly optimized build or be forced to deal with a "bad draw". I imagine that comes later outside of my limited first look, but usually I encounter some of it quickly (that difficulty dropping down quick that rogue-inspired games are known for.) That challenge of high risk high reward is what draws me and makes me want to learn the new system. My hope is that I'll find more if it when I check back in on this early access title.

The data for this one is based on a dev submitted scorecard, my personal review and another review submitted by Silver721 earlier. Here's Silver's review note:

"Elemental Survivors wear's Vampire Survivors' inspiration on its sleeve, but distinguishes itself by incorporating Dungeons & Dragons and RPG elements to it. It features a party of characters with one main character, and each character has an array of stats like you would see in D&D. These stats influence which weapons are stronger with certain characters and allow for a wide variety of builds."

Elemental Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.8 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
1127/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.9/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.9/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.7/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 0.8/1
BIG Maps 0.7/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.9/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Elemental Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.6 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
53 Steam Reviews
7.7 Pure Vibes
9.1 Review Scale
357/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Elemental Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenEnemy HellHack and SlashHorde SurvivalJRPGMowing GameParty BasedRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCuteJRPGPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

Auto-AimControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Goal Based RoundsNo TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Samobee Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: Yes

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 94
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Grind, die, upgrade, repeat in this auto-attacking roguelite/RPG! Transform into an enemy-blender with your fave attacks made devastating with equipment, party members, and elemental evolutions. Survive to earn gems to unlock areas, permanent upgrades, characters, and god-like summons."

"A wide variety of attacks to level as you destroy your enemies. Varied randomly-generated areas to explore and unlock. Upgradeable equipment to aid you or powerup your attacks. Party members who increase your stats or skills, and who have their own specific attacks to make your party a powerhouse!

Control Style Notes

- +

Mostly movement focused, it's has manual aim enabled by default but can be toggled in the menu.

Automated Features

Auto Aim

Toggle in menu, defaults to off.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Quest Mode
(Goal Based Mamp)

Journey Mode
(Timed Survival)

Game Mode Notes

Quest Mode: "Enter a specific unlocked area and defeat bosses to complete quests and earn gems. Defeat the area boss to complete the area."

Journey Mode: "Drops you into escalating areas for 1 minute chunks until final boss at minute 20. There are leaderboards for this mode (both overall and per character)"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

"Area boss spawns at 20 minute mark and gameplay ends when the player is defeated or defeats the area boss."

"Journey mode is played in escalating difficulty chunks of 1 minute each."

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Keeper's Toll

EA

A solid choice if you want a game that feels like a Vampire Survivors visual remaster that focuses on individual class skill trees instead of combo synergies. EA, not a ton of content yet, but responsive devs. The closest in terms of movement controls on this list so far! Edit: seems it's adding a dodge, but nothing has changed about enemy patterns so it's hard to complain too much about it. Though I did lol to the ear of a very receptive dev.

Action RPG Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Enemy Hell Hack and Slash Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Summoning Game Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.6 Combined Ranking Score
9/72 Ranking Position
1471/1600 Total Points
8.6 Final Review
88% Steam
8.6 Scale
8.3 Vibes
105 Steam Reviews
357/400 Review Points
8.6 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
Similar
1114/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
88% Simple Controls 5.3/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
70% Buildcrafting Depth 2/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
84% Content Breadth 6.2/9 stuff
97% Aesthetics 5.6/6 style
97% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.3/10 vibe vibe

Keeper's Toll Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/16/2023

necromancer-from_keepers-toll.gifPreviously called "Soul Survivors"

A so-far solid single stick shooter in Early Access. VERY close in aesthetic style and design and actually keeps 1 handed movement focused play. Edit: Seems they are adding a dodge, so this will need to be re-examined.

Also very Dark Souls inspired visually with some fun subtle jokes for fans. Bumpin' music. Graphics an upgrade - especially on elite/boss animations - while still feeling pretty lofi.

Necro earns this a summoning game tag from me.

spore-king-from_keepers-toll.gifClassic inspired classes have their own unique weapon and move set, with some interesting twists like fighting style movement combo to activate a move for the monk. They also have their own money pile and upgrade tiers. Not a ton of maps, but a decent range of characters considering their depth - unfortunately no crazy crossover evolutions it seems.

It's still early access so I intend to check back in later for a real review. First impressions are pretty positive.

Includes a necromancer summoning class In Early Access so we'll see how much of a summoning game it is - very responsive developer!

Keeper's Toll Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.6 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
1114/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.6/1
Move Only 0.7/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 0.7/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.6/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Keeper's Toll Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.6 Final Review
88% Positive Steam Reviews
105 Steam Reviews
8.3 Pure Vibes
8.6 Review Scale
357/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 0.6/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.5/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Keeper's Toll Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacPS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerEnemy HellHack and SlashHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSummoning GameSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Dark FantasyDungeonsFantasyHorror ThemedMartial ArtsNecromancyUndead

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeIgnorable TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Stingbot Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 29
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Keeper’s Toll is an action-packed arcade roguelite set within a dark fantasy world. Keeper’s Toll places a heavy focus on slow-paced, skill-based gameplay and intricate boss battles as you survive an onslaught of relentless fell hordes."

"The game controls like a top down beat-em-up with auto attacks that primarily go off in the direction your character is facing" "No twin stick controls or mouse aiming."

Dev notes: "A typical run to reach the final boss is roughly 20 mins. However, runs go into an endless mode each time called cursed mode where a new curse stacks every minute you survive. So essentially runs can last as long as you are capable of surviving."

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "Controls like VS with the exception that the player can perform an evasive move. you can press Left Shift or B on the game controller to perform a dodge roll. Dodge is tied to your stamina bar."

"Each class plays entirely different with their own set of unique actives and passives. Nothing is shared, including auto aim."

"The Shadow Monk has auto aim with his Fury Active attack (his base attack). None of the other existing character have auto aim except for the Ranger's homing shot, but it's not constant like Fury is for the Shadow Monk. Other future characters may have some auto aim abilities. there is no default auto aim though. That's not how the game plays by default. It's not a "setting""

Automated Features

There is no right stick aiming, but attacks aren't all directed towards enemies.

Accuracy of aimed attacks is character dependent.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Mapping planned Dev: "You can play with one hand, but if you want to perform a dodge roll, as of right now you would need to press B on the right side. It's not required to perform a dodge, but it is a feature nonetheless. it will be added in the next update that goes live."
  • Mouse Only: Planned
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Endless Survival

Game Mode Notes

Default mode is timed survival.

Dev: "As of current: just level runs. Each level has an endless mode that activates when the final stage boss is defeated. Will split to be optional and include other game modes later in Early Access"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Endless mode activates after the final stage boss is defeated. Curses stack every minute thereafter and the goal is to survive as many curses as possible."

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "Enemies drop souls. Elites drop higher level souls. Bosses drop instant level ups. Enhancements to XP can be bought from the Merchant and/or obtained from challenge events and altars"

Souls are used on level gain event to pick from streamlined options, but each character has their own set of moves and options. XP is used in the meta.

Meta Progression

Players can spend gold collected in run at a meta Merchant, and can develop class trees by earning "XP"

Dev: "XP is earned from completing a run. XP is earned from a variety of factors including time survived, elites killed, bosses killed, curses survived, challenges completed as the most notable ways to earn XP."

Play to unlock endless mode.

"Endless mode activates after the final stage boss is defeated. Curses stack every minute thereafter and the goal is to survive as many curses as possible. Achievements and Meta Progression is tied into this mode as well as XP bonuses can be earned the longer you survive."

[edit]

Chess Survivors

Released

Possibly the best of three directly Chess related games on this list (in a genre highly related to "auto chess), try this one if you'd like to add a huge degree of strategy and puzzlement to your VS-formula. Super interesting. More classical rogue-like movement but physics based bullet heaven attacks. A solo dev project seemingly held together with duct tape, but packed with charm, this is a VS-formula twist not ot be missed. It's criminal it has so few players. No buyable meta progression besides goal based unlocks. Responsive Dev!

Bullet Heaven Chess Enemy Hell Grid-Based Movement Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Turn Based Hybrid
8.6 Combined Ranking Score
10/72 Ranking Position
1453/1600 Total Points
9.1 Final Review
97% Steam
8.3 Scale
9.3 Vibes
81 Steam Reviews
373/400 Review Points
8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1080/1200 Comparison Points
96% Genre 7.3/8 genre
90% Simple Controls 5.6/7 move
86% Survival Modes 2.9/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
87% Buildcrafting Depth 3.7/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
87% Content Breadth 6.6/9 stuff
98% Aesthetics 5.8/6 style
96% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.1/10 vibe vibe

Chess Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

There are three Chess inspired VS-likes on this list but this is indisputably the King. It actually fully incorporates the basics of chess and then builds on it with a fun toy theme for VS-style attacks. Mobs move like you'd expect based on their Chess pieces. An interesting mix of real time bullets and "Speed Chess" timed moves reminiscent of classic turn based rogue-likes. It's got more basic graphics and sometimes seems to be held together with duct tape, but it all doesn't matter because the gameplay feels like it actually melds Chess and Vampire Survivors in a way that teases your brain while also demanding "One More Run".

Just unlocking the second character's move style was a revelation and I can't wait to play more. I only wish it had Steam Cloud support so I could share progress to my Steam Deck. Not exactly aiming, can be played one handed with default controls but kind of more comfortable to use both - loses half a point for movement requiring confirmation.

Once saw the dev suggested a feature (pure turn based with no turn timer) and they implemented and rolled out the feature in Beta the same day, which I have literally never seen before with anything ever. Does lack exploration aspects. This one helped supply some useful example scores for the review scale scoring guide.

Chess Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1080/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 0.5/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.9/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.7/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Chess Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.1 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
81 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
8.3 Review Scale
373/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.4/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.3/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.5 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

7.5 Direct Average
7.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Chess Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenChessEnemy HellGrid-Based MovementRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTurn Based Hybrid

Aesthetic Tags

2DLofiPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Board GameChess

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Aarimous

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 35
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Chess Survivors is a grid based, quick-turn, roguelike where you outmaneuver and destroy an ever growing horde of chess based enemies. Combine abilities, upgrades, and relics to create game-breaking builds. Think fast, die, learn, repeat!"

"Chess based enemies and player movement" "Casual quick 10-21 minute play sessions, for busy gamers"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Sea of Survivors

EA

An innovative seafaring survivors-like with a constantly moving sailing mechanic breathing fresh air into the genre. Simple controls, big challenge! Just came out into Early Access but had an earlier demo people enjoyed. I'm not sure yet how over the top it gets, help me figure it out and send in adjustments to the score! Currently placed a little lower due to lack of content in the 'breadth' section, but movement focus wise this is one of the closer ones and the only one so far with its own unique twist on movement-only!

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Naval Combat Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.5 Combined Ranking Score
11/72 Ranking Position
1464/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
82% Steam
8.7 Scale
9.2 Vibes
97 Steam Reviews
361/400 Review Points
8.4 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
Similar
1103/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
96% Power Progression 3.7/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
76% Content Breadth 4.7/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
96% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.1/10 vibe vibe

Sea of Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/24/2023

Great twist on the movement mechanic by having a sailing vessel that you steer. It adds more challenge and feels unique without losing much of the 'zone out' appeal. Interesting ship weapon-chaining mechanics. Keeps meta unlocks simple, one currency and then goal-based (perfect!) While the gathering mechanic is satisfyingly there with the gold drops, I think you get your XP automatically when killing.

Seatime music may be hit or miss for you, but it's a well crafted original soundtrack. Runs are 20 minutes. There are ship crew but kind of feel more like equipable upgrades than "interesting characters" since that means interesting builds.

Just came out of free demo into paid Early Access, with a lot of praise so far. Controller navigation is a little buggy in the kind of confusing menus, but it's not a big deal. Still kind of low on content - one map, not a lot of difficulty modifiers, etc. One to watch!

Sea of Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.4 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
1103/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.7/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.6/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Sea of Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
82% Positive Steam Reviews
97 Steam Reviews
9.2 Pure Vibes
8.7 Review Scale
361/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 0.7/1
Lots of Content 0.6/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Sea of Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalNaval CombatRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCuteLofiPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Nautical

Control Styles

ControllerController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unending Movement20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Nah Yeah Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 39
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"In Sea of Survivors, you can sail your ship in any direction but you can never stop moving. Evade and destroy hordes of pirates and sea monsters to gain experience, level up and choose upgrades for your ship. Discover mysterious curses, unlock unique treasures and fight for survival."

"Control your direction, but you can't stop moving" "Action-packed 20-minute runs with epic bosses to defeat"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Spellbook Demonslayers

EA

The vibe of this one is great, from the complex system of interactions to the metal soundtrack. Has a dodge button, though, and aiming, which is useful early on but a quick toggle allows you to switch to automatic. It's a smaller arena based shooter, I think my biggest simple desire for it would be more exploration aspects and some characters/ skins to mix it up.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Female Protagonist Horde Survival LGBTQ Mowing Game Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.5 Combined Ranking Score
12/72 Ranking Position
1460/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
84% Steam
9.2 Scale
8.4 Vibes
1014 Steam Reviews
360/400 Review Points
8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
Similar
1100/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
83% Simple Controls 4.6/7 move
99% Survival Modes 3.9/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
98% Buildcrafting Depth 4.8/5 build
71% Stage Features 2.9/7 stage
84% Content Breadth 6.1/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
100% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.9/10 vibe vibe

Spellbook Demonslayers Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 6.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/19/2023

ashe-from_spellbook-demonslayers.gifWaves are kind of unannounced but enemy spawns do have a red X before they show up, hence the tiny ding. Funny trivia but if you turn off enemy outlines the ones currently spawned will keep them until you kill them, while the new spawns show up without them. Don't really feel like it's a bug because it's fun. Appreciate when these games give you the option to make a run endless at the end, which this one does. Adds shrines to the mix.

eye-from_spellbook-demonslayers.gifI really love this one, but I would like to see it have more characters even if they're reskins only of the main character. I know the books are kind of characters, but both the books and the demons just feel like items to equip and my runs generally 'look' the same to me with her in the middle. I do like her a lot, don't get me wrong, but I enjoy making a new build with a different colored dot in the middle sometimes. Like maybe I can change her clothes and dye her hair or something, normal people do that. I'm not saying that has to be an actual gameplay mechanic, the hair dying.

Maybe has secrets? I wasn't able to find any info.

Spellbook Demonslayers Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.3 Similarity Score
92% Diagnosis:
1100/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.9/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -0.1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.9/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.4/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Spellbook Demonslayers Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
84% Positive Steam Reviews
1014 Steam Reviews
8.4 Pure Vibes
9.2 Review Scale
360/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Spellbook Demonslayers Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellFemale ProtagonistHorde SurvivalLGBTQMowing GameRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCartoonLofiMetalPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DemonsFantasyMagicUnderworld

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown13m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

ErabitXendra

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 100
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Spellbook Demonslayers is a fast-paced roguelite bullet heaven game inspired by my favorite parts of Vampire Survivors and Path of Exile! Customize your playstyle with magic, charms, abilities, and demon summoning to become the most overpowered slayer the Library has ever seen! Do you have what it takes to destroy the demonic horde, or will the Cosmic Library be lost forever?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 13m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Bio Prototype

Released

This bioengineering themed arena wave survival game might be my favorite of the Brotato-style auto shooters so far. The logic puzzle style chaining of abilities from your "brain" gives me something enjoyable to look forward to on each round end and within the rounds the movement-only wave survival is quite enjoyable. I also dig the ugly-cute aesthetic and overall vibe, making this a title I'm looking forward to putting more time into. I think if you like Brotato and want to really think through strategy between rounds, this is a good choice. If you like "spellcrafting" games this could be considered similar. It even lets you test your build before going to the next wave!

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Brotato-style Bullet Heaven Content Rich Enemy Hell Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Spell Crafting Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.5 Combined Ranking Score
13/72 Ranking Position
1436/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
92% Steam
9.9 Scale
8.8 Vibes
2041 Steam Reviews
379/400 Review Points
7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1057/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
56% Power Progression 0.5/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
54% Stage Features 0.6/7 stage
86% Content Breadth 6.4/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
98% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.5/10 vibe vibe

Bio Prototype Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/13/2023

Bio Prototype is an excellent creature creating survivors-like, though more in the Brotato-style since it does all of the upgrading on round ends and the gameplay stays within a small box-like arena. I haven't played or unlocked nearly enough of it, but it's popular enough that I was able to enjoy some nice gameplay videos and other content to help with my first impressions review.

The lack of exploration aspects may make it less similar to Vampire Survivors, as does the relatively complex upgrade system, but I found it quite satisfying both in avoiding the enemies and upgrading during my run. The enemy drops don't auto gather so it feels a tiny bit more like VS compared to Brotato. The upgrading is done by selecting from a small amount of options for "organs" to implant and then chaining them up from your "brain." This works like a simple puzzle, well simple in terms of left to right alignment but complicated in terms of the chain of events. You can sell your previous upgrades if needed (we're counting this interface as a vendor as well) and even test your ability layout between rounds.

Tweaking this brain linking to get the most heavenly of bullet heavens results in a satisfying gameplay loop that I think will keep many fans busy for a solid set of hours (this is one I intend to come back to after trying out all the games, myself.) It's also helped along by the simple in round movement controls (single stick only!) You avoid mobs and try to gather resources while also lining up your attacks without the distraction of additional controls. The enemy waves are laid out well, as in the best of these games, to make pathing the maze between them satisfying enough to pull you into the zen point (at least until the end of the round.)

There are a variety of playable creatures as well as a fair amount of variation in attacks and abilities. It has multiple stages, though as far as I know they're basically all a simple arena. There's an endless mode and a "draft" mode. It's pretty full of content which is mostly hidden at first behind a pretty simple and straight to the action main menu (something I very much appreciate to get me into the next run quickly.)

Some organs create temporary health/powerup drops so partial score there. There are a lot of challenges to unlock things, but no currency based meta unlocks as far as I know. This makes it a bit more skill and strategy based for progression than some games on this list that mostly reward time spent grinding. That can make it either more or less appealing to you, to me it's just different and sometimes I'm in the mood for one or the other. But I have to admit more obviously grind-happy games sometimes steal more hours away from me.

I think the "round end" upgrade cycle allows it a great complexity in the strategy, but that's not always my personal preference for playing these games (You'll notice I didn't particularly end up enamored with Brotato, kind of king of the round end upgrade auto shooters.) In this case, the game won me over by what I find to be a much more charming aesthetic, relatively unique system for upgrades, and the basic logic/programming puzzle of setting up moves.

Bio Prototype Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1057/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.5/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.6/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.9/1

Bio Prototype Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
2041 Steam Reviews
8.8 Pure Vibes
9.9 Review Scale
379/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.9/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: Steam

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 39
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A wave of irrational experimentation rushes toward you. Hurry up and mutate! evolution! Become scarier monsters than them! Use flesh and blood to bloom a way of survival! 24 characters, more than 80 kinds of organs, and endless build combinations"

"Hurry up and mutate! evolution! Become scarier monsters than them! Use flesh and blood to bloom a way of survival! 19 characters, more than 40 kinds of organs, and endless build combinations!"

"Link organs to your brain to create exponentially increasing combos" "More than 80 kinds of organs, 40 special designed characters, and infinite combinations"

Control Style Notes

- +

The game is a single stick shooter, with no options for manual aim. It's not quite as much of a mowing game, so you mostly avoid enemies while chaining projectile combos.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

No Manual options.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Endless Survival

Daily Challenge

Test Mode

Game Mode Notes

The primary mode is the timed round survival in the menu. When upgrading within a run, there is an option to enter a sort of test mode where you can see how your abilities end up chaining together and test the damage against dummy targets.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Runs are separated into 15 small rounds, with upgrades at the end of each round brotato-style. You can test your build between rounds.

Disclaimer: Hard to say exact run time from my gameplay, since I spend so much time between rounds fiddling 15 short rounds can take me 45 minutes or even an hour. Part of that is just me being silly and spending too much time in the test mode probably. "Run time "Depends on difficulty. In normal mode you can expect 20-35 minutes. You can clock over an hour in endless mode." via BrziKorak on the forum. Sounds about right.

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

In between rounds you are awarded a choice of "organs" which are your ability chain and weapon items. You can sell your organs and have access to a store where you can upgrade your capabilities or buy more organ picks. You then must create a programming like chain of attacks from your brain by linking organs, which you can move and rearrange as you wish between rounds.

Some organs create temporary powerups which can be picked up off the ground.

Meta Progression

Achievements unlock new "classes" and new types of organs (the way abilities and attacks chain from your characters brain, or brains rather.)

[edit]

Time Wasters

Released

A commonly suggested survivors-like made even better if you'd rather aim and dodge boost in space. With a cute vibe, anime gal characters and satisfying gameplay, this one sucked me in. I spent a ton of time with this one, only reason it's not highly recommended is enemy and map variety is lacking, despite some fun map tower defense style features. Much zippier gameplay from the start compared to some games. It's easy to jump into your next run.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Rogue-lite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.4 Combined Ranking Score
14/72 Ranking Position
1432/1600 Total Points
9.2 Final Review
90% Steam
9.2 Scale
9.3 Vibes
1677 Steam Reviews
375/400 Review Points
7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1057/1200 Comparison Points
96% Genre 7.3/8 genre
70% Simple Controls 2.8/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
77% Buildcrafting Depth 2.7/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
76% Content Breadth 4.6/9 stuff
89% Aesthetics 4.7/6 style
97% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.4/10 vibe vibe

Time Wasters Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 17.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/13/2023

Nice little anime-portrayed spaceship VS-like, very similar in gameplay though it does heavily rely on Dash and aiming. Many characters, though weapons are limited to the ones those characters have and no more. No weapon combo evolutions or upgrades that synergy with weapons and little map variety brings it down a bit in replayability, but it's fairly solid overall.

It really gets the 'circle round and mop up the horde' feel down really well, and all the weapons feel unique, so I may try to 100% it. It may not measure up as much as some of the others on the face of it, but it keeps pulling me back to play, almost more than any other but VS at the moment I write this (10/19/23)

One of my favorites, don't let the lack of written details here dissuade you. I just played it a lot before I started writing out details in this spreadsheet for games while I play. Will probably come back with more details eventually.

Time Wasters Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1057/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.6/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.9/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.2/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.9/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Time Wasters Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.2 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
1677 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
9.2 Review Scale
375/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.6/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

- Converted 10 Point Score
- Number of Critic Reviews

User

9.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

9.0 Direct Average
9.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Time Wasters Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogue-liteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DAnimeCartoonCute

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Enemy Trap Events20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Proton Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 96
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Time Wasters is a space shooter bullet heaven roguelite. Equip and upgrade weapons, destroy swarms of enemies, and collect Time & Space Cubes to bend the timeline to your advantage."

"Fast paced ship movement with boost upgrades" "Option to manually aim all weapons" "Unlock, Establish & Protect Outposts that provide bonuses"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Return to Abyss

DLC Released

Underworldly anime styled mowing game with some cute character designs. I like the vibe and gameplay a fair amount so far but localization isn't quite there yet, with some text layout bugs and confusing explanations. You can save game mid run to quit out, which I appreciate as a steam deck player. Overall I'm hoping to come back to this one later and find it a bit easier to navigate. It's certainly very similar to Vampire Survivors (except for the hub world) but it may not be the most notable survivors-like on the list, currently with about a 7.5 on the review.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Hack and Slash Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.3 Combined Ranking Score
15/72 Ranking Position
1472/1600 Total Points
7.4 Final Review
80% Steam
7.1 Scale
7.0 Vibes
811 Steam Reviews
321/400 Review Points
9.2 Similarity Score
96% Diagnosis:
Similar
1151/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
94% Simple Controls 6.2/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
98% Stage Features 6.7/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 3.9/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Return to Abyss Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/16/2023

Underworldly anime styled survivors-like staring cute gals sweeping up baddies and operating out of a cafe hub world. First impressions are generally positive!

Enemies feel slow and awkward at first, because the less lofi art style kind of exposes that mechanic in the early game (some games do some great work to make the slower movement feel more natural, but I can accept it as a quirk.) It's not quite as bad as it is in some of the 3D titles and some characters like the bats feel animated quite nicely even while slowly drifting in. It's not something I spent too long worrying about as they can quickly overwhelm you. Map obstacles like lava on the ground add another level of complexity to dodging enemies.

You can save the game on quit which is pretty useful. There is a dash unlocked via in run ability selection (so possible to go without seeing at times). Sound effects are a little crunchy. There's a store in Endless Mode.

The translation issues were kind of persistent through the game, often confusing me as to basic mechanics. I think most of the meta upgrades are actually fairly typical of the genre, so the stumbling wasn't too bad, but when it came to the weapon related menus I admit I'm still not entirely sure what the options mean. I wish "drinks" (crafted difficulty modifiers) didn't limit other achievements and could be saved for later if the particular mix of positive and negative changes doesn't appeal for the next session.

I got the DLC for it, not really sure why honestly. I don't feel upset about it but it does feel a little silly in retrospect with a genre that's mostly about unlocking stuff in terms of giving you a reason for another run. Generally all the paid DLC and cosmetics and stuff is what has turned people off from other popular genres and lead them here - but it's worth noting that Vampire Survivors also has DLC now!

One reviewer seemed confused they couldn't "get the nsfw scenes" but I don't think there are supposed to be any haha. I didn't get the impression it's particularly horny. I like the art style but can't help wishing it was a pixel style or at least closer to the cut scene style in game. I hope it gets better localization and more descriptive stats, I'll be checking in to play more.

Free on Android, but with gacha transactions.

Return to Abyss Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

9.2 Similarity Score
96% Diagnosis:
1151/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 0.2/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.7/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.9/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.6/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Return to Abyss Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.4 Final Review
80% Positive Steam Reviews
811 Steam Reviews
7.0 Pure Vibes
7.1 Review Scale
321/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.2/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.7/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 0.2/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Return to Abyss Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidSteam DeckWindows PCDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHack and SlashHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DAnimeCartoonCute

Setting / Story Tags

FantasyHorror ThemedUnderworld

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Joychasing Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 48
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Return to Abyss is a mowing survival game with Rogue-Lite elements, upgrade your weapons and use your fighting skills to fight through over 10,000 monsters on screen until defeat the culprit who brought chaos!"

"In the abyss, you will face thousands of abominable monsters simultaneously, and they are endless and seemingly endless! There is no need to be afraid, although there is no way to retreat, the artifact in your hand is powerful, and the bullet command room can annihilate a large number of enemies."

"12 basic weapons that can evolve into 72 different artifacts. 25 weapon accessories to choose from. 10 unique props that can be deployed to the battlefield via airdrop boxes. 15 Special Drinks That Change the Rules. 23 upgradeable items."

Control Style Notes

- +

It can often be played like a single stick shooter, but abilities enable a dash (and possibly other buttons later on? I didn't notice the dash at first.)

Many of the abilities are melee range so it makes sense that they advertise this as a Mowing Game - it forces you to move in different styles depending on your weapon.

Automated Features

Auto-Fire
Auto-Aim

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Nomad Survival

Released

One of the earlier survivors-likes on the market and one of the most directly inspired, with full scores on move-only controls (except for one class). It has some twists on build crafting and deep stats. Put together and functional, would be plenty of fun for a couple dozen hours. Problem is it doesn't stand out much now. I don't see it recommended as much this year, but I do love the no-downside 3x speed option to bust through unlocks.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.3 Combined Ranking Score
16/72 Ranking Position
1462/1600 Total Points
7.9 Final Review
89% Steam
7.2 Scale
7.7 Vibes
1440 Steam Reviews
338/400 Review Points
8.7 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
Similar
1124/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.3/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
87% Aesthetics 4.4/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.9/10 vibe vibe

Nomad Survival Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/24/2023

One of the earlier survivors-likes on the market, it's gotten a lot better since I first played it, though it still feels a bit generic. I gotta say, after playing a ton of these and starting off slow again every time, I appreciate the option to play at 3x speed without it reducing awards or changing any other gameplay!

Overall it's kind of what you'd predict, not particularly bad but not particularly creative. Pixel graphics are serviceable, though I don't love the first few characters. Solid music. Often confusing UI, feels cluttered. Three currencies - souls, gold, gems. In general I feel like I just need one in run currency and one metaprogression currency, I'm not sure why all these games complicate it, but I guess it's for the feeling of "rare drops".

In any case, the menus aren't very pretty but good range of difficulty mods, if not as fun challenges. It seems the devs are done with updating it and on to their next game, but it has an OK amount of content. The problem is it doesn't do a lot to differentiate itself. Dev said "endless mode wouldn't be fun" which.. well, you know.

Nomad Survival Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.7 Similarity Score
94% Diagnosis:
1124/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.2/1
Subtle Humor 0.2/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Nomad Survival Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.9 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
1440 Steam Reviews
7.7 Pure Vibes
7.2 Review Scale
338/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.3/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.7/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.3/1
Vibe Check 0.6/1

Nomad Survival Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

ControllerController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown35m

Features and Extras

Soundtrack

Dev/Publisher

The Fox Knocks

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Battle against hordes of enemies, conquer Boss encounters, and explore various character and skill combinations in this time-based auto-attacking Roguelite in your quest to become stronger and defeat the most menacing of creatures that lay in wait at the end of each run."

"You can have as many abilities as you want" "Each Character boasts a different style of play through Weapon Skills"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 35m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Time Survivors

Free Available Upcoming

Full game not out yet, but this is a fairly tight to formula survivors-like, with just a special move button you don't need to often use. Some fun powerups and a pixel inspired 3d art style that feels relatively unique so far on this list, uninspired weapon names but some interesting twists. I'll be watching it, scores subject to change! Meta notes via dev! Review score via Chapter 0

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.3 Combined Ranking Score
17/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.0 Final Review
-% Steam
7.7 Scale
8.0 Vibes
31 Steam Reviews
257/400 Review Points
8.5 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
Similar
1110/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
84% Simple Controls 4.8/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
82% Buildcrafting Depth 3.2/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.9/10 vibe vibe

Time Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/9/2023

abe-lincoln-from_time-survivors.gifEarlier on Steam there were 3 different free versions, released in the order Prologue > Chapter 0 > Demo. Prologue and demo are no longer available, so Chapter 0 is the current free version. Achievements will be available in 1.0 on Jan 15th, 2024

Played for a bit in each version. Personally I don't love when the upgrades are character specific or spread out on a map (I just want to get into the next run as soon as possible), but it looks like there may be some depth here.

claire-from_time-survivors.gifProblem is the way the upgrades are laid out slows me down a lot. I would rather have there be less depth if I could get into a run quicker! Right now the weapon names and too incremental upgrades feel a little plain. Has a sidescroller stage which is interesting. Weird choice to lead with no-name in a time travel cameo game, but I think she's interestingly creepy. I dig the art style - feels like pixel crusted retro pre-rendered 3d art but is actually 3d, I think.

mummy-from_time-survivors.gifSandbox mode to test your builds is a nice addition. Really takes the map/exploration aspect seriously, which I appreciate. Really enjoyed some stuff like the powerups, which are often boring in games but the mushroom one is super fun. Serious UI issues with controller / steam deck and bugs in the menues bringing down review scale store. I'll revisit on full release!

Time Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.5 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
1110/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements Planned/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Time Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.0 Final Review
-% Positive Steam Reviews
31 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
7.7 Review Scale
257/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.8/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.5/1
Controller and Deck 0.7/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Time Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Pre-rendered SpritesRetro

Setting / Story Tags

Meme GameTime Travel

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Difficulty ModesTimed Survival20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Lunar Chill

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: "Chapter 0"
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The Most Historically Inaccurate Roguelike Ever Made. Slay hordes of minions as Lincoln, Tesla, Cleopatra and other historic heroes with new unique abilities! Fight through various historical eras, collect resources, unlock and enhance gameplay through our skill-tree metaprogression."

"Hundreds of different weapons, buffs, Cursed Relics, Powerups, and unlockables to choose from for a unique experience every run."

Control Style Notes

- +

Single stick auto shooter with one active ability specific for each character

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Partial
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Difficulty Modes
(Ghost Mode, Night Mode, Turbo Mode)

Endless Mode (Planned)

Game Mode Notes

Ghost Mode: All enemies will be barely visible ghosts

Night Mode: the level is dark! Only a small light around the player is given and weapons that emit light will be extremely valuable.

Turbo Mode: The player and all enemies move 150% faster

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

"Most levels (stages) are designed to last 20m. After 18m the final boss will appear and the purple fog will move the battle towards the exit portal. At 20m the portal becomes active. The player can chose to complete the level without killing the boss or keep fighting."

Speed Settings

No clock speed changes, but in Turbo Mode the player and all enemies move 150% faster.

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

"There are 3 ways to progress during the run:

1) Grab experience and level up. Allows you to pick/upgrade weapons and passive items

2) Find a Relic shrine, choose one of the challenges offered and defeat the curse. You will get a Relic that gives you special powers. You have 2 or 3 slots (depending on character/metaprogression)

3) at 5, 10 and 15 minutes you will be able to upgrade the character innate ability. You must choose between two options and you will not be offered the option you discard again.
"

Meta Progression

"The Time Map is presented to the player before and after every run. It's a skill tree where every node is a character/weapon/level/item that the player unlocked.

The map unlocks over time with specific challenges and goals. Additionally, each character/weapon/level has multiple upgrades that make it more powerful during runs.

The player can buy upgrades using the in-game currencies harvested during runs (gold, damascus, guardian hears and time crystals).
"

[edit]

Scarlet Tower

EA Free Available

Perhaps the most thematically and directly inspired (non-shovelware) I've played so far, especially with regards to weapons. It tries to do a lot but comes off with the impression a lot of surface level complexity (and annoying if pretty UI) covers for less actual depth / impactful feeling gameplay. Control-wise, it has toggle-able auto-aim and auto-fire and a dash, so that bumps it down a little in the ranking despite it feeling more like VS than almost any other game on the list. Pretty, but felt too derivative vibe-wise to me.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.2 Combined Ranking Score
18/72 Ranking Position
1463/1600 Total Points
7.5 Final Review
86% Steam
6.9 Scale
6.9 Vibes
799 Steam Reviews
324/400 Review Points
9.0 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
Similar
1139/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
88% Simple Controls 5.3/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.8/9 stuff
85% Aesthetics 4.2/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.4/10 vibe vibe

Scarlet Tower Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/20/2023

Feels like a "clone", though it has dash, toggleable auto-aim and menu option for auto-fire. Interesting day/night cycle concept. Aesthetically, from the vampire theme to the characters to the directly ripped off and similarly named weapons, the clone aspect may be hard to get past. Gameplay feels crafted but progression feels slow as I'm several hours in, pretty good at these games now, and still only have the first map. Looks like it has more depth than it feels it has in play. Lots of systems but I am for some reason more confused than interested in them, maybe just because of how they are spread out through different menus for unlocks.

I think there are four separate tabs for currency based unlocks, and each character has their own set of moves? It's a lot of flipping back and forth to try and figure out synergy. I have other UI quibbles, like it looks better but importantly it's annoying to get into a run by having to go use the joystick to click down to the map and then another step etc. Finally, the characters are more fully rendered but somehow also feel more generic. It's not actually bad.

If it was the only game on the market I'd 100% it. As it is, if I want more vampire survivors to the extent I want the same game visually remastered but playwise toned down, I have better options. That sounds a little harsh re-reading it, but I'm probably going to have to learn to be harsh to get through trying 600 of these.

Edit 12/21/2023: New features including Endless Mode and Bestiary bumping it significantly up the similarity scale and overall ranking.

Scarlet Tower Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

9.0 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
1139/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0.9/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.3/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Scarlet Tower Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.5 Final Review
86% Positive Steam Reviews
799 Steam Reviews
6.9 Pure Vibes
6.9 Review Scale
324/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.2/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.7/1
Unique Twists 0.1/1
Vibe Check 0.5/1

Scarlet Tower Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel ArtSerious

Setting / Story Tags

FantasyHorror ThemedVampires

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown24m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Pyxeralia LLC

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 60
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: on itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Hunt during the day, be hunted during the NIGHT! Scarlet Tower is a gothic horror casual game with roguelike and RPG elements, like talent trees, classes, familiars and more!"

"Look for relics and vendors that only spawn at night.Characters with unique customizable passives. Procedural Map Generation."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 24m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Yet Another Zombie Survivors

EA

What my partner called "a survivors for the Call of Duty demographic", this zombie slaying take has some of the more complex 3D graphics in this genre, but manages to keep things fast, simple and snappy despite the "realism". While we're a little burnt on zombies and the aesthetic doesn't appeal as much to us and resulted in some quibbles ("taller" and easier to get hit, gems floating so hard to identify position) for some people this likely appeals to you in a way games with pixel graphics simply never will. Could use more content but it's pretty fully developed for Early Access and I'm looking forward to coming back on release.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Party Based Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
8.2 Combined Ranking Score
19/72 Ranking Position
1431/1600 Total Points
8.3 Final Review
90% Steam
7.8 Scale
8.1 Vibes
4499 Steam Reviews
349/400 Review Points
8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1082/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.9/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
99% Survival Modes 3.9/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
85% Buildcrafting Depth 3.5/5 build
77% Stage Features 3.8/7 stage
84% Content Breadth 6.1/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.8/6 style
97% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.3/10 vibe vibe

Yet Another Zombie Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/5/2023

A zombie themed survivors-like notable for being one of the best with 3D art style. Despite the very 'realistic' 3D graphics (and they're not actually attempting to be, favoring simple style that reminds me of PS3 era shooters), it keeps the arcade vibe, fast pace and almost all of the gameplay style of Vampire Survivors, making you focus on moving away from some things (enemies) and towards others (your leveling resource) as the primary strategy. I think they could have done more complex graphics but decided not to, favoring ability to stack enemy density.

It notes in the menu that the optional manual aim and fire were implemented at the request of the community (pretty cool) but the game was not designed around them. That auto-first design and explicit noting, plus that it's enabled by default, gets it full points in those categories despite the presence of other options. Weapons "evolve" but not in the combine two to get something weird way.

Technically you control a group of "survivors" (really seems more like a military unit but I guess if you're shooting this many guns that makes sense) but we're going to call it 1 for Direct Control of Single Avatar since you don't individually trigger any of their abilities, for the most part it's just an aesthetic representation of how there could be so many attacks on screen.

Due to the engine there's never quite as many enemies or attacks on screen, but it still feels fairly over the top and invincible builds are possible in endless mode. Due to the style of weapons it's not as common for each survivor to cause you to move in different ways, which is something I like about other games I call mowing games. Due to the "realism" it also never quite seems to get as creative, though it does pretty well inside the genre. While it seems obvious in retrospect, the helicopter strike for example felt fresh mechanically and visually. Like the best abilities in these games it changes the way you move, in this case kiting huge crowds in as straight a line as possible.

Kind of wish one of the gals was available in the first three characters as the realistic style makes the masculine first three even more apparent (and overall masculine vibe) even though technically the game has a better balance than many on this list. I originally had a longer rant on it but it doesn't feel fair to leave it when many on the list have no girl characters.

My partner said they dislike that the gems float so they can't tell exactly where they are and hit enemies more, something I hadn't noticed. In general the more isometric viewpoint and "correct" height characters makes it more easy to hit enemies. Overall this one is pretty solid if you like the presentation and I didn't feel ready to move on when I had to.

Yet Another Zombie Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1082/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.9/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.3/1
BIG Maps -0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.4/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.5/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.2/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.9/1

Yet Another Zombie Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.3 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
4499 Steam Reviews
8.1 Pure Vibes
7.8 Review Scale
349/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.4/1
Good Theme 0.6/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

- Converted 10 Point Score
- Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.0 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Yet Another Zombie Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalParty BasedRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

Horror ThemedMilitaryZombies

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Awesome Games Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 70
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

Same dev, I think, as Yet Another Zombie Defense HD.

"The Horde is coming but you're ready to fight it! Assemble your team and decide upon their enhancements to find the most efficient synergies against thousands of the undead. Survive. Then evolve. Then break all the limits in this deceivingly simple but addictive reverse bullet hell."

"Forget about things like complicated controls or hour-long cutscenes — jump right into the fray and watch the fireworks! It's a game that everyone will enjoy, no matter their gaming experience, as the characters you command aim and shoot on their own. Just drop onto the couch and bask in your endorphin rising from a survivors-like gameplay loop!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Bing in Wonderland

Free Available Released

Pretty Different. A side perspective rogue-lite hack and slash arena bullet heaven. This one from Wanba Studio in Beijing is among the more notable titles on the list. It takes the best features from many different games while confidently (and at time absurdly) doing its own thing. A vibe like if Binding of Isaac was made by classical Chinese ink wash painters, just impeccable low/high brow ugly/cute vibes throughout. Good music, packed with charm (and content too.) Action focused controls but full auto-aim and button mash friendly design makes it still relatively accessible compared to other sidescrolling rogue-lites. My partner and I both dig this one very much, which is good because I need to rest my hands after a run.

Arena Shooter Brotato-style Bullet Heaven Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Roguelite Sidescroller Wave Survival
8.2 Combined Ranking Score
20/72 Ranking Position
1394/1600 Total Points
9.7 Final Review
97% Steam
9.7 Scale
9.8 Vibes
1479 Steam Reviews
392/400 Review Points
6.7 Similarity Score
84% Diagnosis:
Pretty Different
1002/1200 Comparison Points
87% Genre 5.9/8 genre
38% Simple Controls -1.7/7 move
69% Survival Modes 1.5/4 modes
85% Power Progression 2.8/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
71% Stage Features 3/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
98% Aesthetics 5.8/6 style
100% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.9/10 vibe vibe

Bing in Wonderland Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 5.6

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Bing is in Wonderland and you can be too! Fairly unique title on the list and has features that may appeal to a wide range of players.

Picked this one up from my Steam Queue unsure about what it exactly was and I've never been happier. First of all, I just want to say that it's incredibly refreshing to have fun silly games based on mythology not as overdone as Norse, Greek, Celtic, etc and Beijing based Wanba Studio really delivers. And in an incredibly silly lofi refreshing way. The localization team deserves a nobel peace prize.

It's a "sidescroller" but really only in small arena style stages linked together in the now classic branching paths rogue-lite fashion. You don't see all your paths on a map, but you can pick a stage with a certain kind of power progression. New skill, stat increase, vendor, etc. It's somewhere near Hades but also feels a little brotato style with wave design.

So in that way it's perhaps more similar to other dungeon crawlers, but they say "without exploration elements". With the picking up resources off the ground, over the top upgrades, and general streamlined presentation it fits in well with what a lot of survivors-likes fans are looking for.

Tons more build depth, weapon variety, etc than you'd expect from it at first. Just packed with content. Maps, characters, bestiary, you name it. Sometimes the UI organization is rough but it can also be really creative so hard to ding it too much.

Besides the change in perspective, the biggest difference is with the complexity of controls. It's an action heavy game, though not really a tactical or challenging one. It lends itself very well to button mashing so I quite enjoy it, but the amount of different buttons involved can make it less accessible (I have to play in rounds with my partner for runs, since my hands tire easily.)

I very much appreciate that it has only auto aim, no manual aim, so at least that part you don't need to worry about. Which is good because this most definitely is a bullet heaven, even if the dungeon crawling nature of it makes it perhaps not a survivors-like. There is auto-fire, but it's a mid game unlockable hence partial score.

More scoring modes: We're judging the area selects as "maps/stages" in the VS sense, since they function very similarly. Has both jump and dodge but can't go past -1 in that column anyway. Early runs to clear the first few stages were maybe 8-10 minutes. Probably can go down if you're better and go up on later levels.

But speaking of that, the button mash friendly action focus and streamlined nature also makes this a game that appeals highly to my partner as well as me (while my partner sometimes bounces off buildcrafting and I bounce off games too reliant on tactical button presses). It reminds me a bit of Hades, which I was able to complete runs of, in that when it's going well you're constantly dashing around the screen.

Lovely uglycute art style based on classical Chinese ink wash paintings, I'm honestly unsure I've ever seen anything exactly like it. Especially mixed with the lowbrow humor. This is probably off a little bit since I'm not an expert on the art history, but my first impression was like if Binding of Isaac was made during the Tang Dynasty. Screenshots and even videos don't really do it justice. Just fresh.

Sometimes a game might actually get dinged in 'subtle' humor when it's got a lot of poop jokes, but it's got a wide range of humor overall. Something I thought was a UI bug was a "prank" so watch out for those. Did I mention the music is really good? Devs should play this game and take notes.

Bing in Wonderland Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.7 Similarity Score
84% Diagnosis:
1002/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.4/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0.5/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.8/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.8/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.9/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Bing in Wonderland Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.7 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
1479 Steam Reviews
9.8 Pure Vibes
9.7 Review Scale
392/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.0 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

8.0 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Bing in Wonderland Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Pretty Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBrotato-styleBullet HeavenContent RichDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashRogueliteSidescrollerWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DBrowser GameCalligraphyCartoonCuteInk WashLofiPainterlyUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyDungeonsFantasyGrossoutMartial ArtsMeme GameWuxiaXianxia

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Auto-AimAuto-AttackBranching PathsEquipmentJumpingMerchant On Run8m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Wanba Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 68
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam (Coming Soon)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Bing in Wonderland is a new entry in the Wanba Warriors franchise. A Roguelite monster killing satisfaction galore without any exploration elements. The game is filled to the brim with exotic enemies and stages with a collection of deep and robust boons, weapons, and items plus an abundance of pointless features and useless details."

"Although an Indie game studio, we wanted to create a game rivaling that of other triple A games; so we simply redefined the A in triple A. The game features A lot of pancakes, A lot of Money and A lot of fishes."

In game bestiary has stuff like this where I just can't not write down: "2-Headed Fish: An ingenious tactic where two fishes spin by fusing their butts." Why does this make me laugh? I'm almost 40!

Control Style Notes

- +

It's a very button mash friendly action platformer, with mostly short ranged attacks. It uses a wide variety of remappable buttons with various combos.

It does however have some auto features not typical to other action platformers. The player bounces around the stage drawn by their attacks and manual jumping. They throw a hat and then dash to the location, which can also be a form of attack or give i-frames.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Attack

Auto-Aim is available and while the game is very action focused, it is possible to unlock a menu with in game currency that allows selecting that automates some attacks as well.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 8m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Nova Drift

EA

Different. A great pick if you you want to pull the trigger in space. Despite not sharing all the features, it can really scratch the "over the top" survivors-like itch with beautiful neon screenwipes. More asteroids influenced than "twin stick" influenced. I personally find the drift physics quite engaging once I've gotten going. Really fun game.

Arena Shooter Asteroids-like Bullet Heaven Bullet Hell Content Rich Mowing Game Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Wave Shooter Wave Survival
8.2 Combined Ranking Score
21/72 Ranking Position
1386/1600 Total Points
9.8 Final Review
96% Steam
9.7 Scale
10.0 Vibes
9217 Steam Reviews
393/400 Review Points
6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
Different
993/1200 Comparison Points
88% Genre 6.1/8 genre
54% Simple Controls 0.5/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
57% Stage Features 1/7 stage
91% Content Breadth 7.3/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.2/10 vibe vibe

Nova Drift Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 20.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/13/2023

This one came out before VS but has been refined throughout the boom. An excellent space shooter (the creator says they're not space ships but biomechanical life) which is themed with leveling like VS and over the top combos, but also does rely on trigger and propulsion and a blink ability which we'll call a dodge in the VS-like rating. The cargo trains essentially fill the treasure chest role. We'll call the ship gears selected on starting the run a "character" select.

So it may satisfy build crafters, but not zen one handed players (though it really got me into its own zone). Not exactly a twin stick shooter - it's a "drift" style game in the vein of Asteroids. Still in early access somehow, will apparently have a campaign too on release. Don't take my lack of notes as a lack of enthusiasm, I don't have many complaints. Try this one!

This is one of my favorite games on the list and unfortunately just doesn't have full review notes because I put in most of my time before it was "research." I fully intend to come back and shove 100 hours into this title, though, so I will make more notes.

I can't believe it's still in Early Access lol but let's let him cook.

Nova Drift Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
993/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -0.8/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival EA/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.3/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.2/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Nova Drift Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.8 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
9217 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
9.7 Review Scale
393/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.0 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

8.0 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Nova Drift Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Directitch.ioMacSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAsteroids-likeBullet HeavenBullet HellContent RichMowing GameRogueliteTop Down or IsometricWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyGeometricNeonRaveRetroVector InspiredVivid

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

ChimericPixeljam

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 40
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp SoundCloud

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void."

"Nova Drift is a 'rogue-lite' space shooter that melds a classic arcade experience with modern action-RPG elements like theory-crafting and deep player choice." "Cunning and creativity are rewarded as you chain upgrade modules for powerful synergies, reminiscent of deck-building games."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Greedland

EA Free Available

A Crysis meets Starship Troopers meets Crimsonland survivors-like, aka a top down shooter with sci fi tech. It seemed designed to be a twin stick shooter (looks like it) but with auto-aim on it's very much was a survivors-like stuck in a mission based 2010s shooter user interface. Once you get into a run it's solid. It's not a chatty game but actually does have subtle humor sprinkled about it and while it has a dash and special move they are all mapped to the left side of the controller by default. Lots of challenges and an endless mode. It's not AAA graphics but if you want your next survivors-like to be a sci fi wave shooter on land with a 3D engine this might be the best pick I've come across yet. Still developing!

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.1 Combined Ranking Score
22/72 Ranking Position
1421/1600 Total Points
8.4 Final Review
84% Steam
8.3 Scale
8.6 Vibes
912 Steam Reviews
353/400 Review Points
7.8 Similarity Score
89% Diagnosis:
Similar
1068/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
83% Simple Controls 4.6/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
98% Buildcrafting Depth 4.8/5 build
82% Stage Features 4.5/7 stage
83% Content Breadth 5.9/9 stuff
72% Aesthetics 2.6/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Greedland Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 5.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

This survivors-like has a kind of Crysis meets Starship Troopers vibe, with perhaps the wit more on the side of Crysis (sparse, but sometimes surprises you.) Starship Troopers vibe is mostly just due to the hordes of often buggy aliens swarming towards you. Or there's the obvious inspiration: Crimsonland.

Has a ton of menus shelving all kinds of customizations like equipment, starting weapons and upgrades. While I appreciated the customization found in many of these areas the finding of them was less enjoyable. I tend to prefer that when I open a game I can just ram the A button and end up in a run of some sort. This one brings you into an upgrade menu dead end, not that uncommon perhaps, but the LB over to the map, and then zoom in, and then select mission, and then select my loadout again and then finally into the action.. feels like it could be simplified.

Lots of missions but maps aren't really different. Kind of an arena shooter, though it's not a small box. Feels more oldschool in terms of set up / grind / "missions", though it's technically the same stuff you'd unlock or do as activities in any other survivors-like.

Has quick toggle button to switch to automatic which is honestly much better than manual fire imho, especially because you don't really have to choose because you can direct the fire with the right stick whenever you feel like. (You can even unlock auto leveling if you feel like it) That's one of my preferred methods of control for single stick shooters with an aim option, though my special interest at the moment is obviously the ones that basically have no aiming and force you to move interestingly.

This one does have some of those moves like orbiting weapons and so on, so despite the stylings more often seen in first person shooters, it respects a lot of the genre conventions for more than just bullets. I thought my time so far with it was fun, never really felt like the runs were dragging and even early in the game there were actual choices that seemed varied. I appreciate the impactful feeling level options - even if the gameplay impact of getting 40% increase to attack is exactly the same as 10%, it saying 40% on the upgrade card is fun. And the game doesn't go too far, obviously 1000% feels fake.

The design, when I understand it, is often smart like that (and some seems badly translated at the moment, but it's still Early Access). Thought this was going to get a neutral score in 'subtle humor' but it actually got me laughing a few times so full point.

Perhaps because overall it feels a little dry compared to whimsical titles like Elemental Survivors, the moments of levity stand out a lot. My pod drops on a little alien and it does 666 damage and squishes it to start the level. Level 2? Two little aliens. I'm ashamed but I laughed. Less ashamed to laugh at the fact you can unequip your HUD and ability to fire in your meta-progression and customization area. Guess who accidentally did that for a second.

I think the vibe usually worked for me when I was actually in game. The UI actually in a run is solid, nice big clear level choices and so on. So many of my issues are purely with how complicated it is to get in there. Probably extra fun if you really like to grind for odd goals and challenges.

Very solid for a solo dev early access title imho. If this came out for PS3 I would have died.

Greedland Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.8 Similarity Score
89% Diagnosis:
1068/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.4/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.1/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Greedland Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.4 Final Review
84% Positive Steam Reviews
912 Steam Reviews
8.6 Pure Vibes
8.3 Review Scale
353/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.4/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 0.8/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.6/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Greedland Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealistic

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyMilitarySci-fi

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

2P GamesGamersky GamesVaMP He

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 123
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Greedland is a top-down shooter mixed with survivor-like elements. Slaughter the monsters, break out of the siege, and welcome the dawn of victory!"

"Unleash an expansive array of powerful weapons and skills, crafting a satisfying loadout that harks back to the glory days of classic titles such as "Alien Shooter" and "Crimsonland."

"Equip yourself with the fiercest tools the Galaxy has to offer, complemented by a diverse skill set. Step into the shoes of a relentless mercenary with endless strategic possibilities. Stay tuned for powerful mechs in future updates!"

""Greedland" already boasts three challenging maps, each with its own distinctive enemy blend and formidable bosses. As the game continues to evolve, anticipate the arrival of fresh maps, new gameplay modes, and an exhilarating four-player co-op option, enriching your adventure."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Bounty of One

Free Available Released

Full release is out now! Western themed survivors-like worth checking out. Interesting mechanic where you only fire when standing still. Auto Aim is very direct and weapons tend to basically just be guns, so with the dash-stand-dash gameplay it feels kind of like a more tactical Brotato, but I think more fun feeling theme wise. However, it doesn't have the build depth of Brotato at this time. You only get one weapon and they aren't very different for most characters, so it's not as over the top as VS either.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Enemy Hell Rogue-lite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
8.1 Combined Ranking Score
23/72 Ranking Position
1410/1600 Total Points
8.6 Final Review
89% Steam
8.8 Scale
8.0 Vibes
1778 Steam Reviews
357/400 Review Points
7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1053/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.9/8 genre
67% Simple Controls 2.4/7 move
96% Survival Modes 3.7/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
89% Buildcrafting Depth 3.9/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
97% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.4/10 vibe vibe

Bounty of One Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 6.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

This western themed game is worth checking out if you want to mix it up a bit and aren't as addicted to mowing. Pretty good music. I checked this out when it first came out and wasn't sure about it, glad I came back for 1.0 thanks to this project! It has a good twist on the movement I didn't originally quite get. You only fire when you are standing still. If you're looking for a game to move around in circles for hours this might turn you off at first. But there are some builds you can make where you do exactly that and just give up on firing your weapon and that won me over on it.

You might find it slower and less exciting or more tactical and interesting, depending on your viewpoint. They intend to do a lot of updates with more characters coming etc as of the time of this review.

Major UI controller issue with unlocks seems fixed now. Something about how the content unlocks is making me feel odd, note to self to check reviews. You can do endless mode after completing a run but you don't get any rewards, dinging it in the category.

Has four player multiplayer which is pretty notable. I kind of wish it was pixel art but the cartoony art style is pretty good overall and I enjoy the goblin main character quite a lot though the others aren't as notable. I wish the weapons were more varied and over the top and the reasons to play more were more clear, but it's not a bad choice to put some time into.

Bounty of One Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.6 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1053/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.6/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.7/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 0.7/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Bounty of One Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.6 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
1778 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.8 Review Scale
357/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.8/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

6.9 Converted 10 Point Score
2 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

6.9 Direct Average
6.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Bounty of One Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Browseritch.ioLinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterEnemy HellRogue-liteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

2DCartoon

Setting / Story Tags

FantasyWestern

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

OptizOnion

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 98
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: itch.io prototype
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

Fallen hero of the Wild West, you're wanted and in disgrace! Grab your guns, survive endless hordes of bounty hunters and fight to clear your name! Bounty of One is a fast-paced casual roguelite bullet hell for 1 to 4 players. Dash, Dodge, Shoot, Repeat!


Bounty Of One is a fast-paced casual roguelite bullet hell where mobility is key. Play solo or with your friends up to four players on the same screen or remotely with ‘Steam Play Together.’ Play with a keyboard or a gamepad."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Goobies

Free Available Released

A cute goo busting survivors-like with pretty straightforward single stick shooter gameplay. In my first impressions, it's a pretty straight up Vampire Survivors clone gameplay style. While I kind of appreciate the art style, it was a little unclear in action sometimes and eventually overall it felt a little lacking to me. Not as much depth, not as much over the top aspects, no exploration. Endless mode only afaik, but that ends up with me never feeling like I've "won". It could benefit from clear specific build related challenges. If it was the only game available, I could play a lot of it, but otherwise it feels like I'm grinding a lot of time for less payoff in terms of wacky mechanics. Many love it, try the demo!

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
8.0 Combined Ranking Score
24/72 Ranking Position
1413/1600 Total Points
8.1 Final Review
92% Steam
7.7 Scale
7.5 Vibes
1131 Steam Reviews
344/400 Review Points
7.8 Similarity Score
89% Diagnosis:
Similar
1069/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
99% Simple Controls 6.9/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
82% Buildcrafting Depth 3.2/5 build
65% Stage Features 2.1/7 stage
85% Content Breadth 6.3/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 4/6 style
96% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.2/10 vibe vibe

Goobies Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.2

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/16/2023

First impressions! This game is a pretty typical survivors-like control wise with a relatively unique "globs of goo" aesthetic look. It seems to be fairly popular and well reviewed, though I had trouble getting into it and actually bounced off it a couple times before coming back and trying to put some more time in for the review.

It's not always easy to figure out exactly why something isn't working for me or get a full view of a game I haven't put a hundred hours into, but I attempted to examine this on pretty closely since it's very popular. People seem to enjoy that it's chill and often mention the aesthetics, but I did notice many of the positive reviewers also don't seem to have a huge amount of hours in the game.

I agree it's very easy to play, the basics of moving around are enjoyable. The character designs are cute, though the top down angle doesn't show much enough of it. Personally I thought the music might be a little too upbeat.

It's got a "World of Goo" kind of style with fairly abstract arenas and gooey trees and plenty of gooey enemies. I think this resulted in it feeling a little boring to me, though, eventually, as everything is goo and most of the enemies are also the same color. It's not a quick action game so unlike other abstract shape games I spent a lot of time staring at essentially the same shapes and colors moving slowly. They also explode in a way on hit spreading goop around them that makes it very hard to tell what is a live and recently dead enemy, resulting in me getting hit or at least stressed a fair amount while trying to skirt the edges of groups.

It's endless but seems most runs end around 30 min when much harder stuff starts to show up, hence the run time we noted. There don't seem to be different stages, though it does change the stage through your run when you beat a boss. One challenge includes manual aiming, which I didn't really find fun at all, but for the most part it's an auto-shooter. It's pretty much a bullet heaven, though it does have 'avoid red circle' style enemy attacks that are fairly common as you get into it.

There are a few characters and a currency based unlock menu for metaprogression, but I found this to feel pretty grindy. I think the lack of clear interesting build related challenges (not just kill x enemies) shown for goal based unlocks can be an issue for me, giving me less reasons to play for longer hours trying different builds. I'd like to get to the high level over the top gameplay I see on YouTube but feel I likely never will since it will just take so long to get there. In my two hours checking it out I didn't unlock a new character or any major changes to the gameplay, just some minor meta upgrades and the optional challenge turning off auto-fire (which I disliked and didn't use past one run since you can't toggle it off.)


I feel like the notes here are coming out a little unfair to it since I'm trying to pin my feelings down - I see how many people like it - but personally it's just not pulling me in to play more since I have so many other options. I like more exploration and build crafting specific challenges. But the vibe is very cute and the core gameplay can be satisfying so if the art style appeals to you it may be worth sticking with it!

Goobies Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.8 Similarity Score
89% Diagnosis:
1069/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.9/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.9/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.4/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -0.9/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 0.1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Goobies Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.1 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
1131 Steam Reviews
7.5 Pure Vibes
7.7 Review Scale
344/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.6/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.1/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Goobies Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DCell ShadedClaymationUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

Abstract

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Knifes

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: 43
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Battle thousands of blobs in this roguelike auto-shooter. Travel from island to island, defeat bosses, collect and upgrade items to become more powerful and discover lag-inducing combos in an endless blobbath."

"Choose your champion from a diverse cast of 5 Goobies, each with their own unique passive ability and playstyle. Discover countless combinations of items by collecting over 30 of them, many of which have multiple unique upgrades. Unlock the power of up to 20 game-changing artifacts that will redefine the game's mechanics and visuals. Collect Goobie coins from each run to unlock more power all whilst keeping track of your progress and learning about the lore via the in-game encyclopedia!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

It's endless but seems most runs end around 30 min when much harder stuff starts to show up.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Army of Ruin

Released

Incredibly similar in game design, VS-like score dragged down by special move button, muddy 3D graphics and lack of charm. Many people love it, personally I thought it felt slower and less impactful. With so many other options to play, I kind of bounced off it and based much of the scale for high level gameplay based on research.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
7.9 Combined Ranking Score
25/72 Ranking Position
1419/1600 Total Points
7.5 Final Review
88% Steam
7.3 Scale
6.3 Vibes
1578 Steam Reviews
324/400 Review Points
8.3 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
Similar
1095/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
81% Simple Controls 4.3/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
99% Buildcrafting Depth 4.9/5 build
91% Stage Features 5.8/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
68% Aesthetics 2.2/6 style
88% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.5/10 vibe vibe

Army of Ruin Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.7

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/13/2023

Bounced at first, but came back later and it feels less janky. Note: for high end computers, you'll want to check through all the advanced graphics options, some things should be disabled or set to lower levels to prevent it from looking muddy. Reddit likes this one a lot.

Seems to be a fairly straight rip but I don't like the graphics as much - anyone wanna sell me on it? Loses points in the VS-Likes for not pixel art, lofi aesthetic, or humor/originality. The nature of the 3D animation makes it feel slower even when it's moving the same speed as pixels technically.

Trying to come up with something else to write about this one. This review will get more fleshed out later as I go back through the sheet to actually review the games added earlier.

Army of Ruin Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.3 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
1095/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.6/1
Move Only 0.4/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.8/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Army of Ruin Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.5 Final Review
88% Positive Steam Reviews
1578 Steam Reviews
6.3 Pure Vibes
7.3 Review Scale
324/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.5/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.4/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0/1
Vibe Check 0.6/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.0 Converted 10 Point Score
2 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.0 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Army of Ruin Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DSerious

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Milkstone Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 221
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube GOG Amazon Apple

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Wreak havoc on countless foes with mighty weapons and deadly spells! Enhance your skills and face even greater dangers! Army of Ruin is an auto-shooter where you become the Bullet Hell."

"Hundreds of challenges await you!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

Melerion, via discord: "I found that setting aside about 30 minutes for a run (beyond early game) was sensible for me. End game, aka Endless Mode, could take 45 to 60 minutes on average - some longer, some not so much."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Shape Shifter: Formations

EA

A game that applies all of the survivors-like lessons to a classic abstract arena shooter format, so far seems to be very good at both. Vibes of Geometry Wars or the vintage vector shooters both are based on. I've been playing mostly with auto aim / auto shoot which I think works pretty well and makes it feel a lot more survivors-like in a way my sore hands enjoy. Build depth is pretty good for a more arcade-style title and while there isn't much setting/stage variety I don't spend much time thinking about it. I admit I'd love if there was at least an unlockable boss-free mode, since it feels full on bullet hell with them. Great vibe overall, looking forward to more content.

Arcade Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Bullet Hell Enemy Hell Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter
7.9 Combined Ranking Score
26/72 Ranking Position
1357/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
100% Steam
9.5 Scale
9.2 Vibes
62 Steam Reviews
387/400 Review Points
6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
970/1200 Comparison Points
95% Genre 7.2/8 genre
72% Simple Controls 3.1/7 move
83% Survival Modes 2.6/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
69% Buildcrafting Depth 1.9/5 build
50% Stage Features 0/7 stage
78% Content Breadth 5.1/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 4/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Shape Shifter: Formations Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/14/2023

First impressions on this Early Access arcade style arena shooter are very positive. Honestly I'm super thankful for this resurgence of arcade style games so I can get stuff like this.

It's a top down shooter in a small arena, with "shape" enemies more complicated than you might see in some retro shooters but very much giving the abstract vibe. While the aesthetics are quite good in my opinion, the general direction of them is that you should concentrate entirely on the play and the play so far is worth concentrating on. I absolutely don't mind when an arcade style game doesn't have plot/setting trappings, it can still get a full score for on the review scale categories from me if it feels like the 'world' is still crafted for the experience the player is supposed to have. You know, Tron without all that talking.

I haven't yet encountered what I would really call multiple maps or stages, though the arena changes at different stages through the run. After beating a run once (referred to as "the game" in the guide accessible in the main menu), you unlock difficulty modifiers.

Has both goal based and currency based unlocks. The goal based ones are pretty solid for giving you something to do in a run, as in the best of these games (get a new ship!) and I enjoy how the refundable currency upgrades also include different play or build styles, like deciding to prioritize burn for the burn ship. Some of these games don't really understand that meta unlocks can be like offering the player interesting new puzzles and not just ways to make the game easier. The skill tree luckily isn't too baroque and easy access to it at the death screen made it easy to loop into another run.

Speaking of ease it certainly feels harder at first but I think this is partially the classic arcade style format. I'm not sure how much content actually exists here yet with early access, but in many of the games in this lineage you're not really expected to be beating all the bosses on your first run or very quickly. At least, I tried to tell myself this as I got used to actually dodging boss bullets again.

There is a special move button and dash. It's in no way bloated, but does include some fun stuff like stats. No bestiary, but then again not a lot of enemy variety yet either. I'd love to be able to unlock an endless mode without bosses so I could truly zone out.

It's definitely not a mowing game, with very projectile based attacks. The auto-aim/auto-fire is sometimes off in a way that feels a little bugged, but for the most part does work pretty satisfyingly. I found myself doing up close strafing more than I would in a classic arcade shooter, partially because I'm trying to collect the XP drops as well. In that way, while in an aesthetic wrapping of an older wave shooter, the gameplay can feel very much like a modern survivors-like. You move towards some things and away from others, getting into a fairly zen state interrupted only by quickly selecting from a simple selection of upgrades and eventually only sorely interrupted by the arrival of an often run ending boss.

I'm a big fan of older arcade style shooters (my favorite perhaps being Super Stardust HD) and while this one is a little slower to get started because it has the metaprogression aspect I found it very much tickled that old enjoyment. The music seems to keep on the same theme and the visuals are a very satisfying mix of retro aesthetics and fairly active and busy scenery in implementation. Overall I had a lot of fun with it so far and am eager to see it get more content through Early Access.

Shape Shifter: Formations Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
970/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.6/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.9/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Shape Shifter: Formations Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
62 Steam Reviews
9.2 Pure Vibes
9.5 Review Scale
387/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.9/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Shape Shifter: Formations Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenBullet HellEnemy HellRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3DGeometricNeonRaveRetroVector InspiredVivid

Setting / Story Tags

Abstract

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Castec Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 86
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Shape Shifter: Formations is an action twin-stick shooter with rogue-lite elements, where you must destroy hordes of geometric enemies alone or with a friend. Select your ship and combine a large variety of weapons, abilities and infinitely stacking upgrades to craft your own unique build."

"Choose from a wide variety of ships each with their own unique active and passive abilities, ranging from protective barriers or invisibility, to shocking tesla towers and a burning laser. Pick the ship the suits your play style and outfit it with a weapon of your choice. Spend cores gained each run on the skill tree to provide powerful permanent upgrades."

Co-op notes: "So each player can select their own ship/weapon and receives their own choice of upgrades when levelling up. Players earn currency in each run together, but they get their own pool to spend at the shop separately. The only thing that's shared, is progression on the skill tree, but this is offset by the fact you progress through this a little quicker in co-op"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Soulstone Survivors

EA Free Available

This is a popular survivors-like many seem to prefer to VS, though it's not my personal favorite. It's got a heavy dash reliance and a more "professional" 3D vibe. it would rank way higher except for aesthetics and small maps. Devs said "a spin on the genre taking itself more seriously." I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for. Personally I like meta-progression to not be spread over so many different views. it has a lot to draw people back, but never gets quite as crazy in a run. Much more focused on avoiding red enemy attack circles. You might agree it feels generic or you might love it!

Action RPG Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Content Rich Enemy Hell Hack and Slash Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Wave Survival
7.8 Combined Ranking Score
27/72 Ranking Position
1389/1600 Total Points
8.1 Final Review
90% Steam
8.2 Scale
7.0 Vibes
13136 Steam Reviews
342/400 Review Points
7.5 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
Similar
1047/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.7/8 genre
81% Simple Controls 4.3/7 move
98% Survival Modes 3.8/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
89% Buildcrafting Depth 3.9/5 build
66% Stage Features 2.2/7 stage
92% Content Breadth 7.6/9 stuff
67% Aesthetics 2/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.2/10 vibe vibe

Soulstone Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/22/2023

One of the most popular games in the genre, it feels like a bigger company got ahold of the concept and felt they could do it better and in many ways (on the surface anyway) pulled it off. I admit I'm mostly recommending it because so many other people do. My theory, though, is it simply got out quickly, was polished, and people were hungry for anything good. I don't prefer the 3D art style for these games because the slowly approaching horde almost always looks comically slow at first, making the whole game feel slower. To me 3D graphics is almost worse by default but I'm not dinging it in the review scale. Eventually that changes, but it's hard not to bounce off of when other games feel so immediate.

Adds a variety of mechanics. Auto aim is togglable. Very fully crafted presentation, though it loses a bit of lofi charm there. Personally I think the characters have less charm with the stylized blank faces, though they're technically fairly detailed. I like more simple unlock systems with really only one currency, ideally.

I don't love having to keep track of so many different tabs and currencies, to me it feels like artificially creating depth through complexity when the run gameplay could be just as fun with less menu fiddling. Which is funny,coming from someone who loves spreadsheets and menu fiddling. In this case, slows down my 'one more run' flow, but it could keep you addicted. Or feel grindy.

Soulstone Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.5 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
1047/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.9/1
Explorable Map 0.3/1
BIG Maps -0.1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.8/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.9/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Soulstone Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.1 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
13136 Steam Reviews
7.0 Pure Vibes
8.2 Review Scale
342/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.4/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.0 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

5.5 User Review Average
4 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.3 Direct Average
6.2 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Soulstone Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGArena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenContent RichEnemy HellHack and SlashHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DCell ShadedSerious

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

ControllerMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Holiday Event20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Game Smithing Limited

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 256
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp Spotify Apple

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Face the Lords of the Void and their endless minions, collect their Soulstones and become a god! In this Action Roguelite, unveil secret spells, craft mighty weapons, unlock multiple characters, discover game-breaking synergies and conquer the power of the void."

"A spin on the genre taking itself more seriously."

"With deep RPG mechanics intertwined with Roguelite elements, Soulstone Survivors offers a condensed, yet deep Action RPG experience." "With the spoils of every match craft weapons, unlock new characters, upgrade your skill tree and equip new runes."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Forest Fire

Free Available Released

A Little Different. A fucked up arcade rogue-lite about setting little pixel people and hosptials on fire. Feels esepcially fucked right now but it's just so cute! Maybe this is climate change activism? Interesting twist, not a bullet heaven and perhaps not a horde survival game, but very similar enemy hell with movement focus and how it plays. It's a pretty creative and satisfying arcade game and would have been a huge hit when I was a child in an actual arcade. If you like the dodging, it could be your zone out game. However, without real build depth I feel it's likely most people will enjoy it for a few hours and not a few dozen, unless they just find it comforting. Also feel my money was well spent though. Also feel a little dirty.

Arcade Dodge Em Up Enemy Hell Roguelite Single Stick Shooter
7.8 Combined Ranking Score
28/72 Ranking Position
1366/1600 Total Points
8.8 Final Review
88% Steam
9.2 Scale
8.5 Vibes
53 Steam Reviews
365/400 Review Points
6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
A Little Different
1001/1200 Comparison Points
89% Genre 6.2/8 genre
84% Simple Controls 4.7/7 move
90% Survival Modes 3.2/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
59% Buildcrafting Depth 0.9/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.4/7 stage
73% Content Breadth 4.1/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
90% Gameplay Vibe Check 8/10 vibe vibe

Forest Fire Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.2

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Totally fucked up cute little game about burning tiny pixel people alive. Great twist on the movement only formula so far, where you start burnign things just by staying still for a second (though there is a special move button.) As you level up there are some skills that technically shoot, so we can call this movement focused game a single stick shooter if we want to.

We're giving it a 0 for the No Movement Penalty column since you need to stop to light things on fire, which is basically a movement penalty in terms of gameplay. But it doesn't feel bad, since the main challenge of the game is moving! You don't collect XP on the ground (you get it by setting things on fire as they burn) so it gives you a reason to balance avoiding enemies with another objecitve (like moving towards xp in other survivors-likes)

It feel Vampire Survivors influenced so I'm going to call it a survivors-like, but it doesn't really feel like wave survival just because of how it's aesthetically presented. You dodge a lot of clouds (that actually do have similar formations to many survivors-likes enemy formations) but you usually can't kill them. I think we can also call it a dodge em up. It's also certainly an "enemy hell" since there aren't really bullets, which is a term we don't use for tags but is defined in the key.

It's cute as hell and actually does some kind of cool stuff in terms of pixel simulating the fire (not really necessary and it's no Noita, but it's fun!) The main mode is based on points, not time, but it's pretty similar in play so we give it a high partial score for timed survival. You get powerups through your run but they really are just power ups and don't interact with each other for builds or change the play style much. Primary healing is by starting fire.. on ground.. but there's also heals so "heal on ground" is a full point either way.

It has the presentation of a game with a lot of unlocks, and I think it's there to keep you going if you really like the gameplay and want a reason to, but at the same time I don't think it actually has the build depth or variety in gameplay or build reasons to really chase the unlocks. It's more just like challenges with small rewards to keep you playing a generally enjoyable gameplay loop. It doesn't really feel cheap or like it's trying to trick you into seeing more depth that isn't there, but some people may be disappointed. I think it's enough to give it high scores in those categories though.

The gameplay at the start is, I think for the most part, what you get, from what I've seen of anyone playing. Which is fine for an arcade game, but means you have to like it and not expect a ramp.

I'm giving it high scores on the review, but honestly it's a little hard to review this because it's like if playing pacman made me feel like a war criminal. I think that's good? It's certainly unique. It's a fun little arcade game, but without the build depth I imagine most people will be happy with it but only play for a few hours and not a few hundred.

Forest Fire Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
1001/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.4/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0.4/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.6/1
Many Challenges 0.1/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.9/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 0.9/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Forest Fire Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.8 Final Review
88% Positive Steam Reviews
53 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
9.2 Review Scale
365/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Forest Fire Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioLinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

A Little Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeDodge Em UpEnemy HellRogueliteSingle Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

2DCutePixel ArtUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractComedyContemporaryMeme Game

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Chute Apps

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 34
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Be the Forest Fire and burn everything in sight! A Rogue-lite destruction-fest where every pixel is physically simulated. Burn trees, buildings, vehicles, and tiny screaming humans. Dodge bullet-hell rain clouds and pissed-off firefighters to stay alive... Only YOU can start Forest Fires."

"Don't think you'll burn unopposed. Mother nature has sent in a bullet-hell array of rain clouds and other obstacles to put an end to your destruction fest. Your flame must weave through the storm to survive. Firefighting helicopters, planes, and little firemen will also be out to get you. The more you burn their buildings the more pissed off they get (and the more combo points you get!)"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Disfigure

Free Available Released

A survivors-like for horror fans, if you want to pull the trigger in the dark with a flashlight. And considering it's totally free (with an optional tip for the dev DLC) there's little reason not to try it. Especially if you came way from VS looking for more arcade games. Bare bones in some ways, but it gets you quickly into the next run eager to try a totally new build. Minimalist horror vibe is just right.

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
7.8 Combined Ranking Score
29/72 Ranking Position
1352/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
96% Steam
9.5 Scale
9.1 Vibes
1803 Steam Reviews
382/400 Review Points
6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
970/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.8/8 genre
56% Simple Controls 0.9/7 move
99% Survival Modes 3.9/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
98% Buildcrafting Depth 4.8/5 build
50% Stage Features 0/7 stage
62% Content Breadth 2.2/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.8/10 vibe vibe

Disfigure Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

Disfigure is a cool game with an obviously cool dev who put it up for optional donation. Perhaps it's humble due to the lack of surface breadth - characters, skill trees, bestiaries - but the gameplay is tight. Steam reviewers seem to agree. Sometimes you just want an arcade game! It's an arena shooter without exploration and slower and more tense than most survivors-likes. It's got a shadowy minimalist vibe and great shifty beats on the soundtrack.

While it's got a trigger button, I found it totally fine to play with auto fire on - aiming, however, is not optional with the strategy of pointing your light. We're going to count the "switch flashlight" button as a special move button. Rogue-lite aspects are limited to weapon unlocks and not permanent incremental upgrades, so still around the same level of skill (and luck) required each run. Steam cloud would be nice.

I'll be playing more of this one! More notes to come then!

Disfigure Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
970/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.4/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0.4/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Disfigure Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
1803 Steam Reviews
9.1 Pure Vibes
9.5 Review Scale
382/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

- Converted 10 Point Score
- Number of Critic Reviews

User

9.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

9.0 Direct Average
9.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Disfigure Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel ArtRetroScary

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractHorrorHorror Themed

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Cold Brew Entertainment

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 23
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Totally Free
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Disfigure is a top-down shooter rogue-like in which you fight countless grotesque creatures shrouded in darkness. Choose from a variety of weapons and over a hundred upgrades to create unique builds each run and survive."

"In an arena shrouded by darkness, pay keen attention to your surroundings where monsters could be lurking. Choose between circle and cone vision" "Choose from over 100 upgrades and 90 weapon perks"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Star Survivor

EA Free Available

A bit janky but ambitious deck building space ship equipping survivors-like, which also has a campaign mode. Metaprogression is available via both purchasable ships and unlockable and upgradeable cards. Has a boost mechanic relying on ship direction to create a high level of challenge - it may be too much to zen out to, but the great degree of customization and variety of game modes here may addict you. It's a little generic looking, starts slow, and some bugs and UI issues bring down the review score.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Deckbuilding Enemy Hell Horde Survival Rogue-lite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.7 Combined Ranking Score
30/72 Ranking Position
1391/1600 Total Points
7.7 Final Review
74% Steam
7.4 Scale
8.3 Vibes
337 Steam Reviews
331/400 Review Points
7.7 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1060/1200 Comparison Points
99% Genre 7.8/8 genre
68% Simple Controls 2.5/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
83% Stage Features 4.6/7 stage
84% Content Breadth 6.2/9 stuff
71% Aesthetics 2.5/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.4/10 vibe vibe

Star Survivor Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

Space auto-shooter with a deck building aspect. Meta progression includes using currency to unlock new cards. When you pick your level options, you then pick where to put the equipment on your ship, which adds a fun shipbuilding / tower defense feeling mechanic. There is a more Rogue-like campaign mode in addition to the more familiar challenge and endless modes using your unlocked cards, each with their own deck availabilities. The complexity is a big challenge in endless mode, since you don't just disable some items, you have to construct your deck.

Once accidentally started with only one card and tried to stick it out - it gives you some single use events on level until you die. Aim is important because boost pushes you in the direction you are facing, but you can use thrusters to strafe, which can be very challenging. There's speed and zoom options which is cool. Counting "Astrochicken" spawn as ground health. Maps seem endless but mostly empty. I like a lot about this one!

Graphics / vibe is a bit generic, but gameplay is challenging and build variety interesting. Most negative reviews seem to mention technical issues, which may hurt your experience. It could use more enemy variety and maybe interesting exploration on big maps, I would love that. I'm very excited to come back to this one as it evolves.

Star Survivor Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.7 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1060/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.9/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Star Survivor Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.7 Final Review
74% Positive Steam Reviews
337 Steam Reviews
8.3 Pure Vibes
7.4 Review Scale
331/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.5/1
Not Janky 0.5/1
Good UI 0.5/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.8/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Star Survivor Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSitch.ioSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenDeckbuildingEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogue-liteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3D

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsEndless Mode15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

ErabitSpaceOwl Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 26
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive the swarm in this rogue-lite + survivors + asteroids mashup! Exterminate as many alien drones as you can. Upgrade your ship from the crafted deck of equipment and power-ups. You are the Last ship against the Endless... Will your choices be enough to overcome the thousands hunting you?"

"Big call for those games I got inspirations from: Vampire Survivor, Brotato, SoulStone Survivors, 20 Minutes Till Dawn, Rogue: Genesia, Spellbook Demonslayers, Void Scrappers, Boneraiser Minions, Nova Drift, Runic Survivor"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

20 Minutes Till Dawn

Released

Here's a game for people who would rather aim carefully and pull the trigger, at least for the first few hours of meta unlocks and the start of every run. It's got a cool vibe but feels more like 'traditional' arena shooters of the past couple decades, despite the obvious modern horde survival inspiration.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.7 Combined Ranking Score
31/72 Ranking Position
1365/1600 Total Points
8.6 Final Review
92% Steam
9.0 Scale
7.5 Vibes
21787 Steam Reviews
357/400 Review Points
6.8 Similarity Score
84% Diagnosis:
Similar
1008/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.8/8 genre
46% Simple Controls -0.5/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
93% Buildcrafting Depth 4.3/5 build
66% Stage Features 2.2/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.7/9 stuff
89% Aesthetics 4.7/6 style
86% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.2/10 vibe vibe

20 Minutes Till Dawn Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 5.9

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/13/2023

Reliance on trigger is particular to this one, making it a twin stick shooter in VS arena style wrapping. Dark pixel art style will be a matter of taste, I like it. Moving slower when firing and reliance on trigger for early progression makes it feel slower and a little more boring personally, though. Also earns it a lower spot on this list for mechanic differences.

20 Min is a common suggestion for folks looking for another VS-like game, likely because it had a public version out pretty early in the wave, but I feel it's also kind of closer to other top down shooters pre-Survivors, before the genre got as defined. Some may like it more due to the more hands on feel, others will bounce before getting to the real bullet heaven aspects.

Like a few other titles on this list I put in most of my time with it before I was "officially" researching survivors-likes. So it just has a bit less in the way of notes. Sorry!

20 Minutes Till Dawn Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.8 Similarity Score
84% Diagnosis:
1008/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.4/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps -0.3/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.9/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.2/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

20 Minutes Till Dawn Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.6 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
21787 Steam Reviews
7.5 Pure Vibes
9.0 Review Scale
357/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.9/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.4/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.5 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

6.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

6.8 Direct Average
6.8 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

20 Minutes Till Dawn Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyLofiPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

FantasyHorror Themed

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Trigger Focus20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Erabitflanne

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 33
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"20 Minutes Till Dawn is a survival roguelite where endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark. Craft an array of overpowering builds and eradicate waves of Lovecraftian nightmares. Will you be able to survive the night?"

"Create dynamic builds from a variety of weapons, runes, and special abilities in order to survive for 20 minutes." "Precise Control: Directional aim and active firing delivers a methodical battle system."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Brotato

Released

A must play for Newgrounds nostalgic arena shooter fans that also seems to alienate some hardcore Vampire Survivors fans. Featuring 1 handed play and on the surface very similar and often suggested, but missing many exploration features and subtle differences (like leveling at end of waves) might make it not hit the zen mark. Lots of people love this one but I admit I personally couldn't get into it. It was a little disappointing after the many recommendations. Great character ability twists and buildcrafting challenges if it clicks for you. Very popular for a reason!

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Brotato-style Bullet Heaven Content Rich Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.6 Combined Ranking Score
32/72 Ranking Position
1365/1600 Total Points
8.1 Final Review
96% Steam
7.8 Scale
7.0 Vibes
48003 Steam Reviews
344/400 Review Points
7.0 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
Similar
1021/1200 Comparison Points
95% Genre 7.2/8 genre
99% Simple Controls 6.8/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
73% Power Progression 1.8/4 level
93% Buildcrafting Depth 4.3/5 build
68% Stage Features 2.5/7 stage
80% Content Breadth 5.4/9 stuff
69% Aesthetics 2.3/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Brotato Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.7

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

Brotato is a common recommendation and many people love it. It does have pretty satisfying one handed gameplay (with optional aim I imagine most people don't use), but personally it doesn't hit the mark. I don't like how the waves are counted off and you level at the end of the round instead of when you get enough XP, nor that every one minute all the gems are swept up - it interrupts the flow for me and removes the gameplay element of trying to gather the drops.

Every match is in the same small box instead of a vibe of exploring an interesting map with secrets. I also think the characters are ugly and the gun designs boring. But I can see how people sink a lot of time into it - it has many positive steam reviews.

Probably it's popular in a big way because of the excellent variety in character builds and possible run combinations and the challenges created this way.

Thread on steam to check back in on later: As fans, do you think brotato-style games are significantly different than survivors-likes?"

Brotato Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.0 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
1021/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.9/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.4/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.8/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.7/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.8/1
Enemy Variety 0.4/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.2/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

Brotato Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.1 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
48003 Steam Reviews
7.0 Pure Vibes
7.8 Review Scale
344/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.4/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.3/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.5/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.6 Converted 10 Point Score
4 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.2 User Review Average
14 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.9 Direct Average
8.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Brotato Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSitch.ioSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBrotato-styleBullet HeavenContent RichRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DBrowser GameCartoonLofiUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyFlying Saucer AliensMeme GameSci-fi

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard OnlyMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Advance on Round EndShort RoundsVacuum Collectables at Round End20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Blobfish

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 83
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Legacy Demo on itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Brotato is a top-down arena shooter roguelite where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives."

"Auto-firing weapons by default with a manual aiming option" "Hundreds of items and weapons to choose from" "Accessibility options: tweak the health, damage and speed of enemies so the difficulty is right for you"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

God of Weapons

Free Available Released

An inventory management Brotato-style survivors-like with an enjoyable dungeon (if not actual crawling.. elevator riding?) presentation for the arena. This is a newer but fully released title a lot of folks are excited about with an active fan community. My first impressions are very positive. It's not as over the top but the inventory management for "leveling up" is a puzzle twist I liked. Also similar to Brotato (aside from the small arena) with end of round equipment choices instead of leveling on XP gain with organic waves. Not as lofi feeling but still a lot of charm, worth checking out if you'd like to spend some time stacking axes in gloomy rooms.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Brotato-style Hack and Slash Horde Survival Puzzle Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Wave Survival
7.5 Combined Ranking Score
33/72 Ranking Position
1351/1600 Total Points
8.4 Final Review
85% Steam
8.6 Scale
8.2 Vibes
1762 Steam Reviews
353/400 Review Points
6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
Similar
998/1200 Comparison Points
96% Genre 7.4/8 genre
82% Simple Controls 4.5/7 move
74% Survival Modes 1.9/4 modes
78% Power Progression 2.2/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
68% Stage Features 2.5/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.2/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.7/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.4/10 vibe vibe

God of Weapons Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/5/2023

A brotato-style survivors-like with a fun (for me anyway) inventory management twist to powering up. It's fully released but I need more time with it so let's consider this a first look review. I'll be checking on discord and with the devs on the features in the comparison ranking.

It's a 3D style game and based to my prior exposure I can't help sometimes feeling like it's a smooth Halls of Torment. The weapons play pretty differently though, or at least feel different. The isometric shift is also more intense, which can make it a little harder to avoid enemies at times. Has dash, doesn't seem you can map it to the left side so 0 still on one handed.

Luckily your weapons will be heavily favoring the closest enemy so often you're not worrying as much about one close tag. You get XP from to level up, which determines how much inventory you unlock on the next round. You gather currency from the ground to spend on round end. We'll call this a store and not level choices.

Worked fine on Steam Deck but had issues getting controller to work on PC, had to use a custom profile by some other steam user.

Personally I don't like when rounds end while there are still enemies and then it says the wave is complete, but when the timer is up for the round, well, it's over. Then it sends me to the store to power up and puts me in a new room with new enemies.

A fair amount of the arena shooters do stuff like that, but I much much prefer the more modern survivors-like trend of having organic waves and leveling up with a simple dialog that then drops you back into the same exact gameplay. This makes and the small arena makes it a "brotato-style" game which is another subsubgenre defined in the terms.

I like that I can see my DPS if I want. Low score in multiple stages because moving between the rooms feels so repetitive. While I prefer more exploration, I was still charmed by what's here.

My partner has basically no patience for the inventory management mechanic, but personally I like the blocks, the picking new inventory spaces to unlock, items from a large array of options, and then shifting things around. Well, mostly. I admit I often play games in this genre to turn my brain off more or at least just think about statistics, but it does help the game stand out and is utilized in interesting ways for proximity buffs, not just a matter of putting stuff in there.

Really then, with the short rounds, the game became all about the inventory to me, which is perhaps the point. I spend about as much time thinking and fiddling with it as I do in the round sometimes. Not complaining. Overall though it felt a tinsy bit dreary to me, missing something. I need to spend more time with it to know if that's a reasonable feeling, but with the enclosed arena shooters I get antsy quick. I could see myself getting very into this on a smaller screen while traveling.

God of Weapons Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
998/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.2/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.2/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -0.5/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.6/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.2/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.4/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

God of Weapons Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.4 Final Review
85% Positive Steam Reviews
1762 Steam Reviews
8.2 Pure Vibes
8.6 Review Scale
353/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.4 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

3.0 User Review Average
2 Number of User Reviews

Average

5.7 Direct Average
4.8 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

God of Weapons Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBrotato-styleHack and SlashHorde SurvivalPuzzleRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DSerious

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Advance on Round EndInventory ManagementShort Rounds25m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Archmage Games StudioArchmage Labs

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 93
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: On itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Embark on a thrilling journey in God of Weapons, an action roguelike where you must ascend the tower of Zhor to reclaim the last light for the world. To survive the monster onslaught on each tower's level, you'll need to obtain and carefully organize weapons and accessories in your inventory"

I just found out after I wrote this all it's made by the Sexy Mystic Survivors folks? Which is funny to me because this is one of the least horny games on the list.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Heretic's Fork

DLC Free Available Released

Pretty Different. A great pick if you never want to move and want a game to play without having to stare at the screen. Excellent music. Recently released deckbuilding tower defense rogue-lite which ditches the movement mechanics and adds on drawing new "cards" on level up instead of an RPG style or item collecting system. So far feels like a really enjoyable throwback to old browser or freeware games - which it seems to acknowledge with the menu user interface - and has impeccable style. Seems like more content will be added, which is good, could use more card interactions and weird stuff.

Auto-Battler Bullet Heaven Deckbuilding Roguelite Survivors-like Tower Defense Turn Based Hybrid
7.5 Combined Ranking Score
34/72 Ranking Position
1343/1600 Total Points
8.6 Final Review
84% Steam
8.2 Scale
9.3 Vibes
1070 Steam Reviews
359/400 Review Points
6.4 Similarity Score
82% Diagnosis:
Pretty Different
984/1200 Comparison Points
84% Genre 5.5/8 genre
75% Simple Controls 3.5/7 move
98% Survival Modes 3.8/4 modes
99% Power Progression 3.9/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
44% Stage Features -0.9/7 stage
76% Content Breadth 4.7/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.3/10 vibe vibe

Heretic's Fork Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 8.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

This is a cool one and feels like it could easily have existed if Vampire Survivors never did. Excellent music. While it's an endless horde survival game, it's also a classic tower defense game. Just one big tower in the middle, troops or weapons arrayed around it, and endless waves of baddies.

It is just as much a deckbuilder as a survivors-like so it's probably also Slay the Spire inspired. So far this is a favorite of mine on the steam deck and to have up while I'm doing other stuff since it can be essentially turn based.

You move through "stages" in the main mode but it doesn't really feel like multiple stages in the classic sense and feels a bit more like a timed survival mode so we give partial points there.

You can improve your weapons but I'm not sure evolve them. There are "torment" modes but not complex difficulty modifiers for challenges, I think. I have some quibbles. Not a ton of content, build diversity or enemy variety encountered yet, but I'm not as far in as I'd like to be. Works on steam deck (if hard to read) but not controller, really it just makes you use the controller as a mouse. Does include aimed special moves if you decide to use them in your build.

Hard to read on steam deck and TV. Would like to be able to see what I have equipped while adding cards to deck (damage type etc). Can't read locked cards on steam deck since they don’t get bigger. Thanks to that, I would also like an undo button while I'm in my turn haha.

There's a lot to unlock and dig into so I sent some questions to the dev/community and will revise scores when I know more. And I'll be playing a lot more later too. The soundtrack alone makes me want to have the game on and I have to remind myself to not just hang out listening to it.

Heretic's Fork Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.4 Similarity Score
82% Diagnosis:
984/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 0.5/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.8/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.9/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0.1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.4/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.3/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Heretic's Fork Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.6 Final Review
84% Positive Steam Reviews
1070 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
8.2 Review Scale
359/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.5/1
Controller and Deck 0.4/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.3 Converted 10 Point Score
3 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

7.3 Direct Average
7.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Heretic's Fork Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioSteam DeckWindows PCDLCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Pretty Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerBullet HeavenDeckbuildingRogueliteSurvivors-likeTower DefenseTurn Based Hybrid

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyBrowser GameLofiMetalPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyHorror ThemedUnderworld

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Currency MetaprogressionDeck ConstructionDeckbuildingGoal Based AdvancementNo MovingRoulette AdvancementSingle Tower45m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

9FingerGamesRavenage Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 28
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: itch.io Prototype
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Dear candidate, we are pleased to invite you to take up the position of manager of Hell. You will punish sinners by using our deck-building computer system to construct hellish towers capable of keeping the endless hordes of the underworld in check. Best of luck!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

DLC Free Available Released

Very Different. An earlier style of game if you want a difficult rogue-lite that feels close to a real time rogue-like, focused on room based exploration. Greed mode, however, introduced in Afterbirth, is a wave survival mode, with an endless mode possible. No currency unlocks, more a bullet hell than bullet haven, and other aspects make this a very different kind of game, despite how it gets recommended often to Vampire Survivor Fans. Knocks it out of the park in terms of content breadth and replayability. I'm fucking terrible at it.

Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Story Rich Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
7.5 Combined Ranking Score
35/72 Ranking Position
1310/1600 Total Points
9.5 Final Review
97% Steam
9.8 Scale
8.9 Vibes
230286 Steam Reviews
384/400 Review Points
5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Very Different
926/1200 Comparison Points
70% Genre 3.2/8 genre
26% Simple Controls -3.3/7 move
70% Survival Modes 1.6/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
86% Buildcrafting Depth 3.6/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
88% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.6/10 vibe vibe

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 7.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/20/2023

Released in several versions, but we'll just consider them all one thing to rank here. Played on Newgrounds, played "Classic" (now labeled as such) on steam for 3 or so hours, Rebirth and Afterbirth on Switch for a fair amount longer. Let's call transformations weapon evolutions. Daily challenges are available on top of hard mode, etc. It's got an insane amount of content at this point if you get all the DLC, later releases or the last switch release. True fans know a million secrets and how to do insane things on the first run on a fresh save, folks like me struggle to make it through 4 rooms. Endlessly replayable if you love it.

This is a rogue-lite but it's way stressful and not, for me, 'zen' at all. It's not a bullet heaven. If you like short runs it might hit the spot, but it's sooooo different. I suck at it too. It's got an iconic style and really personifies an era, but I also admit I'm not that into it personally.

Some aspects feel a little edgy just to be edgy and it's funny for a bit, but when I'm sucking at the game it doesn't pull me back in, impacting my vibe score. But gave it full review scores since it just seems right.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
926/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -0.6/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.8/1
Endless Mode 0.8/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.9/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.3/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.5 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
230286 Steam Reviews
8.9 Pure Vibes
9.8 Review Scale
384/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.4 Converted 10 Point Score
30 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.3 User Review Average
1128 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

3DSEpiciOSPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchVitaWii UWindows PCXboxDLCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerRogueliteStory RichTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DBrowser GameCartoonPixel ArtUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyDungeonsGrossoutHorrorHorror ThemedUnderworld

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Holiday Event45m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Edmund McMillenInc.Nicalis

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Yes
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp Spotify Amazon Apple YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety."

"Over 500 hours of gameplay" "Over 100 co-op characters" "4 BILLION Seeded runs!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Reality Break

EA Free Available

Very Different. An option if you'd like to aim and pull the trigger in space, want more exploration aspects, and enjoy inventory/equipment management. Also more story. It has wave survival often, but it's not a horde movement/zen game. It's an isometric looter shooter ARPG, kind of like Diablo, with some Rogue-lite inspired elements but not your expected permadeath style. Lots going for it at this early stage of development!

Action RPG Looter Shooter Roguelite Story Rich Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
7.4 Combined Ranking Score
36/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.8 Final Review
-% Steam
9.6 Scale
7.9 Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
275/400 Review Points
6.1 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Very Different
967/1200 Comparison Points
73% Genre 3.6/8 genre
46% Simple Controls -0.5/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
98% Power Progression 3.8/4 level
89% Buildcrafting Depth 3.9/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
84% Content Breadth 6.2/9 stuff
82% Aesthetics 3.8/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.3/10 vibe vibe

Reality Break Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/20/2023

I'm in the market for a rogue-lite spaceship shmup with more exploration aspects, since Nova Drift and Time Wasters are excellent but they don't have exploration. It's heavily focused on Diablo style inventory management and uses several move buttons. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but it's not typical in how it handles "runs." Reality break starts with a plot heavy tutorial with respawn, then opens up the rogue-lite influence mode with meta-progression, though it still has respawn in certain contexts. There is wave survival, fairly often. Lots of interestingly approached mechanics. Uses right control stick to shoot, trigger for secondary fire, special move button and there is a dash.

It's less over the top, lots of enemy bullets, but it's enjoyable. Has asteroids to blow up, but doesn't 'drift' control like the game Asteroids. Inventory management can be a pain since the items don't look much different at a glance. Story progression style inspired by Hades. Interesting approach to runs, without respawning and then seemingly story/event based resets? Not sure how I feel about it, I kind of miss the quick in and out of a regular rogue-lite, but I'm also curious to see more.

A lot going for it for a free early access demo and I've already had a fair amount of fun. Super responsive dev, has discussed VS influences.

Note: Run lengths highly variably by player choice.

Reality Break Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.1 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
967/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.4/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.8/1
Endless Mode 0.7/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.8/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.8/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.6/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.4/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements EA/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.4/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price EA/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Reality Break Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.8 Final Review
-% Positive Steam Reviews
0 Steam Reviews
7.9 Pure Vibes
9.6 Review Scale
275/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Reality Break Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGLooter ShooterRogueliteStory RichTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DNeonRetroVivid

Setting / Story Tags

Alternate RealitySci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

CampaignWave Survival120m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Element GamesLLC

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Rewrite the universe! Break reality to change your fate, and use your powers to stop sinister forces from altering existence itself. Discover the origin of your new abilities in a fast-paced ARPG Loot Collection Roguelite where you will bend, break, and change the rules of spacetime itself!"

"Resetting your timeline will cause a ripple effect across many elements of the game, often in surprising and subtle ways."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 120m

Run Time Notes

Attempting to avoid spoilers, it has a story campaign style structure, but incorporates interesting "run" style features via in game "cycles". The dev says this makes it closer to "unfolding incremental games."

Dev: "60m or 120m are both correct for Reality Break while simultaneously painting an incomplete picture of how the game plays. Saying the run length is “variable” or “player-directed” would be most applicable given the game’s structure. You can hop in to do a mission or three over lunch, play for 10-15 minutes and make progress for that cycle." There are progression, plot and playstyle reasons to decide on both longer and shorter runs.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde

Released

This one sticks very very close to the VS formula on the surface, but loses some points on our scale by dumping the pixel graphics and retro lofi charm along with the endless mode. It also has a special moves button for not a lot of reason - it never goes quite as over the top or feels as intense. Still, it's a well supported and documented game with a relatively active fandom. At around the 7 scores you start to see similar but less well reviewed games.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.2 Combined Ranking Score
37/72 Ranking Position
1372/1600 Total Points
6.6 Final Review
71% Steam
6.1 Scale
6.5 Vibes
1331 Steam Reviews
297/400 Review Points
7.9 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1075/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
82% Simple Controls 4.5/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
99% Stage Features 6.9/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.8/9 stuff
65% Aesthetics 1.8/6 style
88% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.5/10 vibe vibe

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 7.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/18/2023

Note, stuff dropped on the ground disappears if you walk away which is a big difference! Also may be a kind of awkward hitbox. I played a fair amount of this one, because it's easy to, but eventually felt that it wasn't just going as hard as others. Perhaps it's the art style, which is kind of phone game, 2010s web game vibe, or the abilities not feeling super inspired or exciting. It's got a good amount of content.

Tries to do something different with the skill tree style unlock menu, though I'm not sure I loved it long term as it kind of slowed down my one more run cycle. Never gets quite as over the top. Character diversity is good but questionable depictions, not very exciting vibe to them. If it's on sale or you love the art style you might want to give it a try!

I admit I couldn't wait to go onto the next one while I was checking it out again to review, which may not be the best sign with so much competition. I'm not sure if there are any secrets?

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.9 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1075/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.2/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0.9/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing -0.2/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.9/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

6.6 Final Review
71% Positive Steam Reviews
1331 Steam Reviews
6.5 Pure Vibes
6.1 Review Scale
297/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.2/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.2/1
Fun Feel 0.5/1
Unique Twists 0.1/1
Vibe Check 0.5/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

5.5 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

5.5 Direct Average
5.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCartoon

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Creature Cauldron

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 100
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Bandcamp Amazon

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"You are the Spirit Hunters in this action rogue-lite. Slay huge waves of monsters and harvest their souls for ever increasing power. Unlock many playable characters, abilities, maps and more through a deep progression system."

"Super accessible, Magical Survival/Vampire Survivor inspired combat system"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Risk of Rain 2

DLC Released

Very Different. An action focused rogue-lite third-person shooter with tons of enemies. Often recommended on reddit to fans of over the top builds, but high focus on reaction speed and aiming makes this very different from VS. It's also notable for an active multiplayer player base. No currency based meta progression, so very highly dependent on player skill.

Bullet Heaven Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Horde Survival Roguelite Third-Person Shooter Wave Survival
7.2 Combined Ranking Score
38/72 Ranking Position
1294/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
96% Steam
8.5 Scale
8.9 Vibes
166251 Steam Reviews
370/400 Review Points
5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Very Different
924/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3/8 genre
12% Simple Controls -5.3/7 move
84% Survival Modes 2.7/4 modes
69% Power Progression 1.5/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
88% Stage Features 5.3/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
90% Aesthetics 4.8/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.1/10 vibe vibe

Risk of Rain 2 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/18/2023

Third person shooter sometimes recommended on the VS subreddit to people looking for broken high level builds. You level up, but you don't get choices on level up, rather you have to pick up and stack items. The weapons you start with tend to be it, besides a special move and drones. Permanent progression is a little less obvious, through unlocked items and characters, not through a currency based unlock menu. It's a rogue-lite (or "like" perhaps without the obvious meta progression) but a third-person shooter most well known for multiplayer.

Very similar to the first game, which was a sidescroller. Most characters don't have a dodge, but let's call the jump a dodge for scoring purposes. Got more bullet-heaven-y for me when I realized I could hold all 4 "triggers" down at once with some classes, but the railgun (my fav) plays more like FPS snipers - completely aim and trigger dependant.

Annoying UI navigation issues with controller on PC. Kept getting bugs and connecting to multiplayer is a pain on PC for controller players IMHO. Quibbles Quibbles.

Risk of Rain 2 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
924/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -0.5/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -0.5/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.2/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.5/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.2/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Risk of Rain 2 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
166251 Steam Reviews
8.9 Pure Vibes
8.5 Review Scale
370/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.7/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 0.6/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.5 Converted 10 Point Score
20 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.4 User Review Average
321 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.5 Direct Average
8.4 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Risk of Rain 2 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicPS4PS5StadiaSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenContent RichDungeon CrawlerHorde SurvivalRogueliteThird-Person ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DCell Shaded

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fi

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown60m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Gearbox PublishingHopoo Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 118
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp Spotify YouTube Black Screen Records (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters – with your friends, or on your own. Combine loot in surprising ways and master each character until you become the havoc you feared upon your first crash landing."

"More than 110 items keep each run fresh and full of new challenge."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 60m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Voidigo

Released

Very Different. Closer to Isaac or Gungeon. Scaling and review mostly by Adorn on discord: "A top down twin stick shooter dungeon crawling action roguelike with a chaotic spin on traditional mechanics. It revolves around running through the map activating "beacons" which will unlock a portion of the level's boss, who will start chasing the player in a cat-and-mouse style rampage. This sequence feels very similar to Monster Hunter where you will need to chase or be chased by the boss as you gather powerups and weapons to upgrade yourself. Each powerup is also likely to have lots of synergy with other powerups leading to very chaotic gameplay where your bullets fill the screen. It's a movement focused game with aiming elements and sprint/dodge mechanics." No hordes, but lots of rogue-lite elements that may appeal to you. See to the right for very detailed notes!

Bullet Heaven Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler Female Protagonist Roguelike Roguelite Story Rich Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
7.1 Combined Ranking Score
39/72 Ranking Position
1270/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
97% Steam
9.0 Scale
9.5 Vibes
2197 Steam Reviews
382/400 Review Points
4.8 Similarity Score
74% Diagnosis:
Very Different
888/1200 Comparison Points
78% Genre 4.4/8 genre
12% Simple Controls -5.3/7 move
41% Survival Modes -0.7/4 modes
75% Power Progression 2/4 level
83% Buildcrafting Depth 3.3/5 build
96% Stage Features 6.5/7 stage
90% Content Breadth 7.2/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.9/10 vibe vibe

Voidigo Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 515.2 (Adorn)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/20/2023

This uniquely bright and poppy dungeon crawling shooter has been dominating my steam recommendations for weeks as I browsed survivors-likes, so I sought out an experienced player to help us compare it. Following are notes from Adorn from the Voidigo discord! Adorn's scorecard notes: "A top down twin stick shooter dungeon crawling action roguelike, it becomes more like a Bullet Hell as difficulty progresses"

Auto-Battler/Shooter: "There are powerups(pwus) that give turrets and companions but majority of the input is from players."
Arcade Style: "There is a bit of plot and a relatively lengthy tutorial, but after that's done runs are really easy to start up."
Bullet Heaven: "Follows the heaven format for enemies, which don't fire that much even on higher difficulties, but is closer to a Bullet Hell for the bosses who are relentless on really high difficulties."
No-Aiming: "There are pwus that give the effect of a no-aiming mode but they are not guaranteed on every run of course."
No On-Attack Movement: The game has a sprint and a walk, so firing will stop your sprint, but the walk speed is the same, hence the 0.5.
Endless Mode: "There's no dedicated mode, but the player can "loop" which will restart the run with all of there items and this is only limited by the power of your PC."

Impactful Items: "Some pwus don't change much but most of the pwus can drastically change how you play the game.
Invincible/Broken Builds: You still need to pay attention to progress in the game, but the builds can get really OP especially on high loops.
"
Temp Powerups on "Ground": "All of the pwus can be permanent if you want but can be traded hence the 0.5."
Many Player Characters: "All of the pwus and weapons are obtainable to you when you play the game so the Player Characters aren't that different in the endgame, but they are pretty unique at the start."
Bestiary/Lore: "There is a list of all of the enemies with descriptions in the tester build but you need tester commands to access this list. The game does have some decent lore but it's not focused on for majority of play."
Secrets: "There are a few easter eggs such as weird noises happening at certain points, and a literally game event called a "secret crack" but nothing too big."
Lo-Fi Charm: "The game has charm for sure, but that charm isn't really because it's a homely indie game. The game genuinely has a very polished and smooth feel to it."
Dodging: "The player will "jump" over attacks and can "stomp" on enemies if they are above them. Stomping will stun some enemies and can be comboed on multiple enemies to extend invincibility frames."

"The player can hold up to 2 a melee or ranged weapons. Melee are generally more risk/reward as they will do a lot of damage but will use a lot of "durability" and have very short ranges, while also being able to block some attacks. Ranged will be safer as they can attack from a distance with a bit less damage and more ammo efficiency, while also being able to "gunslap" enemies for small melee damage."

Difficulty/Fun Ramp: "The games difficulty is pretty reliant on learning and overcoming how certain enemies/mechanics/synergies work. The meta is essentially what works best for the player."
Low Price: "It's $20 which isn't that low, but relative to the content it provides it's a huge bargain. I have several hundred hours and all achievements and I still have pretty different experiences on different runs."
Technical Check: "The game can start to struggle with some frame stuttering when a lot is happening on the screen but this is pretty rare and you'd have to be pushing the game a lot to cause this."

Conclusion: "For VS players that enjoy the horde survival aspect, this game isn't too great since the game is more focused on small enemy groups and a domineering boss. But VS players that are fans of the roguelike aspects will find great enjoyment as this game will have plenty of options to scratch this itch."

Voidigo Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.8 Similarity Score
74% Diagnosis:
888/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode 0.8/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.7/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.3/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Voidigo Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
2197 Steam Reviews
9.5 Pure Vibes
9.0 Review Scale
382/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.0 Converted 10 Point Score
2 Number of Critic Reviews

User

6.2 User Review Average
3 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.6 Direct Average
7.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Voidigo Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenBullet HellDungeon CrawlerFemale ProtagonistRoguelikeRogueliteStory RichTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyCutePixel ArtUglycuteVivid

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsCampaignColony / Town BuildingDifficulty ModesDungeon CrawlLevel Based45m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

semiwork

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 120
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube Spotify

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void."

"Select from an array of ranged and melee weapons to combat the looming corruption. Master the art of dodging and stun your enemies with stomps to tip the balance in your favor."

"Voidigo's numerous bosses, corrupted by the void, offer fierce resistance. They may flee mid-battle, giving you a choice: pursue or regroup. However, hesitate too long, and they'll begin hunting you."

"In your battle, collect diverse power-ups for exciting synergies. Trade weapons and resources to customize your playstyle."

Game Modes

- +

Dungeon Crawl
Branching Paths
Level Based
Campaign
Colony / Town Building
Difficulty Modes

Game Mode Notes

"Each run will have three worlds with their own set of bosses. Certain rooms will have beacons which unlock a portion of the boss' health. When a certain amount of beacons are activated, the boss will spawn, chase you, and potentially flee if it has been fighting you for long enough. The final boss will combine elements from all the bosses you faced in that run."

"There are two extra game modes, Final Run and New Run +. Without spoiling anything, Final Run adds extra attacks on top of normal attacks, spawns harder enemies, makes the shop more "expensive" and has other nasties sprawled around the map. New Run + can randomly have elements from Final Run, but can be looped. The game has a wide range of difficulties and a few different modes like Final Run and New Run +, but no actual modifiers to change the game much."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

Runs are in a dungeon crawling style, not arena wave survival.

Adorn: Runs are "30 minutes to an hour depending on how many things you interact with, difficulty, and skill"

"There are 4 worlds, World 1 is around 10 minutes, 2 is around 15, and 3 can take 20-30 minutes. The last world is the final fight and is roughly 5-10 minutes."

""One More Run": "It's very addicting and really easy to restart. It's a bit harder to put down since you can only save at certain points."

Speed Settings

Higher difficulties increase enemy speed by a pretty significant margin but there is no specific speed up option.

[edit]

Hades

Released

Very Different. Perhaps you want a 30m run isometric rogue-lite but with more hands on hack & slash action, no horde survival, no bullet heaven and need a full story. Very different! One of 10 games Included to test the scale (see FAQ) with a commonly seen recommendation that does share some mechanics but differs widely on others. This is game came out to universal critical acclaim and has received some fun updates since. As shown here, a game that's very different but extremely highly regarded might still be able to get around a 7 on our ranking - it may still be worth trying!

Action Roguelike Content Rich Dating Sim Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Roguelite Story Rich Top Down or Isometric
7.1 Combined Ranking Score
40/72 Ranking Position
1256/1600 Total Points
9.8 Final Review
98% Steam
10.0 Scale
9.5 Vibes
216232 Steam Reviews
393/400 Review Points
4.4 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
Very Different
863/1200 Comparison Points
75% Genre 4/8 genre
11% Simple Controls -5.5/7 move
31% Survival Modes -1.5/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
87% Buildcrafting Depth 3.7/5 build
75% Stage Features 3.5/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.8/9 stuff
86% Aesthetics 4.3/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.7/10 vibe vibe

Hades Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 26.6

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/14/2023

Included here to test/show the scale - accurately about halfway similar to VS. Sometimes recommended for VS fans, Hades is a hack and slash isometric dungeon crawl game that has you move from room to room and defeat a couple small but powerful waves of enemies in each room. It's not an auto battler, not movement-only, very much an action game and not a zen game. Runs are to beat several areas and bosses, not to survive a countdown or endlessly survive.

There's only one character. But it is a rogue-lite, with meaningful and fun upgrade systems (though not multiple weapons), around 30 minute run time, and many other positive features, meaning it does make sense that people recommend it. It's an excellent game - just won't scratch the itch of "more Vampire Survivors!" for many people.

Calling the way powers/items are selected "streamlined level choices" even though its' not "leveling up." It's a good example of how a dungeon crawler might handle the same concept.

Hades Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.4 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
863/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.2/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.3/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.2/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.2/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Hades Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.8 Final Review
98% Positive Steam Reviews
216232 Steam Reviews
9.5 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
393/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.3 Converted 10 Point Score
61 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.8 User Review Average
1936 Number of User Reviews

Average

9.1 Direct Average
8.8 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Hades Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RoguelikeContent RichDating SimDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashRogueliteStory RichTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

3DArtyCartoonCell Shaded

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasyGreek MythologyMythologyRomanceUnderworld

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Supergiant Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 49
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp iam8bit (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Hades is a god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler that combines the best aspects of Supergiant's critically acclaimed titles, including the fast-paced action of Bastion, the rich atmosphere and depth of Transistor, and the character-driven storytelling of Pyre."

"New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Legend of Feather

EA

First impressions: A tight to formula Vampire Survivors clone with a Chinese mythology trapping and pretty cute enemy design. I'm torn on the graphics which are undeniably "cheap" feeling but also nostalgia inducing for their similarity to earlier online games and older downloadable titles. It's translated (mostly) from Chinese which is probably why the depth of the visual design doesn't feel artificial, but it could use localization with more personality. It also locks meta progression to character, which drastically slows down advancement. From my limited gameplay so far it doesn't seem to have as much depth or over the top design to weapons. While it did charm me I'm not sure it will draw me in, though I'll definitely at least give it some more time when it's out of EA.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.0 Combined Ranking Score
41/72 Ranking Position
1342/1600 Total Points
6.7 Final Review
76% Steam
5.6 Scale
7.0 Vibes
34 Steam Reviews
302/400 Review Points
7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
Similar
1040/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
96% Simple Controls 6.5/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
93% Buildcrafting Depth 4.3/5 build
73% Stage Features 3.2/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.3/9 stuff
68% Aesthetics 2.2/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.5/10 vibe vibe

Legend of Feather Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/13/2023

Consider this Early Access first impressions.

This one is a straight up Vampire Survivors clone so highly similar in terms of controls, gameplay, enemy behavior and weapons. That means if you're looking to get more of basically the exact gameplay you'll find that here. It also means you might feel you're getting a lower quality version of the game you love and not much else. I wasn't put off by it, though, the cuteness and eastern themes drew me in, I just didn't have much reason to play more of it yet.

The weapons aren't inspired but the enemies are relatively unique and well animated. (It's the backgrounds that feel off.) It's got relatively small maps, with loot events for chests, etc, that require you standing in one place for a certain amount of time. The enemies come in organic waves that have pretty good formation, generally leaving a satisfying path to wind through that requires enough concentration to keep you engaged. It gets that aspect of the gameplay pretty well, which is nice because many of these games do not (instead thinking that a game like Vampire Survivors is simply an automated twin stick shooter rather than a movement game.)

Graphics feel cheap phone gaming, but they are cute. The reason it gets a 0 in the graphics and sound section of the review score is the sound is also kind of chunky and cheap sounding with pretty but again generic music. But I'm kind of torn because the mid 2000s web game graphics hit a nostalgia spot for me as well.

Controls for the menu are bound weird on the controller (right bumper to select?) and it feels pretty janky. My partner tried playing and quit out feeling it was bugged, only then did I realize I had been resulting to the Steam Deck's right trackpad to select levels (and that was kind of annoying actually).

Has a town hub for level select and to look over unlocked items but it feels a little sparse for the amount of wandering around it requires it doesn't feel like hubs usually add much to me. (That's not a firm rule, though, as Hades is a good example of how it can really help make a game feel complete.) Since this is a pretty arcade style game with no plot that I could determine, I'm not sure I need a walkable menu. At least one weapon has aiming. I do very appreciate the 2x speed option and am considering making a column about those options in the metadata.

The weapons I've unlocked so far are mostly projectile based, which is a little disappointing because I feel it keeps it from being a real garlic-like mowing game. You're avoiding enemies and collecting jewels but not as much of the third common movement focused element.

What's odd is that despite there not being much new or interesting here, the technically subpar graphics and UI, etc, I still kind of like this one. It's charming and while the music isn't bumping or unique it's pretty and relaxing.

What is keeping me from playing it more the most is that it has the incremental meta progression linked to each character, meaning you need to invest in tiny boosts in health, attack speed, etc under each character. This drastically slows down advancement and discourages you mixing things up by trying someone else.

I feel like I can only give "first impressions" without putting in enough time to see anything approaching the endgame myself, but with so many options on the list I have to be honest some games may not get past first impressions. I wish there was a more streamlined meta game, but I'll check back in after Early Access since I genuinely do like the cute pop arcade vibe.

Legend of Feather Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
1040/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.9/1
Move Only 0.9/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.7/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode ?/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.5/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.2/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.4/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 0.6/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Legend of Feather Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

6.7 Final Review
76% Positive Steam Reviews
34 Steam Reviews
7.0 Pure Vibes
5.6 Review Scale
302/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.7/1
Not Janky 0.5/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 0.4/1
Good Theme 0.6/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.4/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 0/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Legend of Feather Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DAnimeBrowser GameCartoonCute

Setting / Story Tags

FantasyMartial ArtsWuxiaXianxia

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Enemy Trap Events15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Planescape Game Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 85
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Legend of Feather" is a light Rogue and top-down shooting game, you need to survive the tide of enemies and defeat the final boss! In each battle, you need to collect spirit baht to improve your strength, and finally find the lost Golden Crow Nine Feathers to save the world."

"Multiple characters to choose from! You can try to use different characters to get more different experiences! A wide variety of unique Chinese-style Q-version monsters. Simple and refreshing combat system, super easy to use. A variety of weapons and magic weapons can be matched arbitrarily to build different survival methods. Various powerful bosses are waiting for you to challenge!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Assault Android Cactus

Released

Different. This is an older arcade top down shooter. Cactus used to be mentioned more right when VS came out, before the clones. It comes with a campaign mode and "infinity drive" wave survival mode that technically has an end at 49 levels but is "near impossible" to get to. Also a "daily drive" that can give you some of that randomized challenge run feeling. No Rogue-lite elements or builds, but collecting 'volts' to increase weapon power feels very similar to VS XP. It might scratch your itch, it's widely considered to be a great game.

Dungeon Crawler Story Rich Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.0 Combined Ranking Score
42/72 Ranking Position
1252/1600 Total Points
9.5 Final Review
94% Steam
9.8 Scale
9.3 Vibes
1207 Steam Reviews
385/400 Review Points
4.5 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
Different
867/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3.1/8 genre
41% Simple Controls -1.2/7 move
90% Survival Modes 3.2/4 modes
53% Power Progression 0.2/4 level
51% Buildcrafting Depth 0.1/5 build
75% Stage Features 3.5/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
79% Aesthetics 3.5/6 style
81% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.2/10 vibe vibe

Assault Android Cactus Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

This game is part of the precursor genre of twin stick shooters and was a pretty popular suggestion on Reddit when Vampire Survivors came out and before he genre defined itself and steam was flooded with clones. I can see why, it's got a daily challenge that makes it feel a little more run like. But overall, it's a level based twin stick shooter. No metaprogression, no leveling up. A fair amount of similar features though. Collecting "volts" to upgrade your weapon from level 0 to 3 doesn't offer upgrade paths, but does feel like sweeping up XP.

There's health that will knock you down if lost, but really it's got a timer mechanic with battery drain requiring you to keep getting new batteries to avoid running out of time. This feels a little bit like looking for XP on the floor to sweep. "I'm just a little android" song (with vocals!) when you get your ass handed to you is a banger. It's got a story, voice acting, and made the most of the 3D graphics of the time with chibi-robo soldier gals.

It reminds me some of great Housemarque games Super Stardust and Nex Machina. You'll just have to be motivated by high scores and not unlocks.

Assault Android Cactus Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.5 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
867/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0.8/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.2/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0.2/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Assault Android Cactus Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.5 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
1207 Steam Reviews
9.3 Pure Vibes
9.8 Review Scale
385/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.6 Converted 10 Point Score
11 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.4 User Review Average
35 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.5 Direct Average
8.4 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Assault Android Cactus Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacPS4Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerStory RichSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DAnimeCute

Setting / Story Tags

CyborgsRobotsSci-fi

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknownn/a

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Witch Beam

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 29
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube Spotify Amazon Apple

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes."

"..blending the gameplay of western styled arena shooters with aspects of Japanese style bullet hell as you charge head first through transforming stages, massive boss battles and an eclectic cast of characters.."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: n/a

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

PhaigeX: Hyperspace Survivors

EA Free Available

Worth trying the demo for this swarm survival space shooter currently in development. I can't get enough space shooters, this one is notable for the particularly numerous and tiny drone swarms. Auto Fire and Aim toggle. Fast movement reaction speed will help you when playing it. It's more hands on than Void Scrappers or Time Wasters and more complex in the menus and I'm not sure that's better. Still, aesthetics wise they may appeal to different demographics of shooter fans. It controls more like a classic twin stick shooter and the upgrades are relatively classic too, but it shares enough features to be considered a survivors-like. I'll check back in on release!

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
6.9 Combined Ranking Score
43/72 Ranking Position
1287/1600 Total Points
8.0 Final Review
81% Steam
8.0 Scale
8.0 Vibes
11 Steam Reviews
341/400 Review Points
5.8 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
Similar
946/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.8/8 genre
63% Simple Controls 1.8/7 move
98% Survival Modes 3.8/4 modes
78% Power Progression 2.2/4 level
82% Buildcrafting Depth 3.2/5 build
65% Stage Features 2.1/7 stage
76% Content Breadth 4.7/9 stuff
72% Aesthetics 2.6/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.8/10 vibe vibe

PhaigeX: Hyperspace Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/27/2023

cluster-force-from_phaigex-hyperspace-survivors.webpA spaceship survivors-like that relies heavily on aiming and mixes it up a bit with a giant gunship you call for your upgrades.

Dev reported -1 in level on xp run gain event, which makes sense because you have to call a ship and dock to upgrade, which has its own timer. You can also buy support moves, we'll call it a vendor also I suppose. Partial score in bestiary/lore for having some ship info but not really an enemy guide. There's a dash move, but you might not have it on your build hence the partial score.

Sometimes it gets a little hard to keep track of what's going on and I perhaps wanted it zoomed in a little more, which is a hard trade off with the high speed of the gameplay. At the same time, the clouds of tiny drones to avoid feel fairly unique, partially because not every enemy swarms your ship and some act more like tiny deadly asteroids. Big swarms coming in are very stressful early on and a nice source of XP later, as they should be.

Some of the most tense 'meteor shower' vibes among the space games here, really seems to be so many enemies though they never seem to crowd out the entire screen.

sledgenaught-from_phaigex-hyperspace-survivors.webpGameplay is zippy and fun for the most part and while it's obviously not high budget it does thoughtful stuff visually like showing damage structurally to enemy elite ships. I appreciate some builds are silly, like one that just constantly spins your ship in a way that looks nauseating for anyone inside it.

Menus feel very complex in a way that's a bit cumbersome. I wish it was streamlined in some way so I would move through them on the way to starting a mission perhaps? Overall it's a lot of information to keep track of and some stuff is abbreviated where it maybe doesn't need to be. I guess I do appreciate deep stats, but perhaps it doesn't need to be shown all the time.

For example, when upgrading by it shows me all five levels of the upgrade path of what I'm taking. I don't need to see that right away, and it also kind of takes away me having to remember that stuff to make a build. It also shows metadata on there about what kind of attack it is, the cooldown, etc. I think I get why it shows everything, but really just the one sentence could be big in the middle and a button to see more info there and I would have less decision fatigue on upgrade.

comet-from_phaigex-hyperspace-survivors.webpOthers might prefer being able to see all that info entirely, though, so I hope the dev takes it with a grain of salt if they see this.

Survival mode is technically endless, but enemies don't get stronger after a point. Fleet Assault is 20 rounds.

I don't think adding auto aim for accessibility would make things easier, perhaps it's just a dev challenge since there are so many enemies on screen at once and many player attacks are directional. Overall so much of the gameplay is still about avoiding enemies that it seems auto aim wouldn't remove too much challenge and perhaps could just be overridden by pressing the right stick when needed. In general it feels hard to hit drones in early play and maybe a tiny bit of magic helping the player would feel satisfying.

This one is still in Early Access and under active development so I look forward to seeing where it goes. I think it could carve out a niche as a less goofy space shooter, but I want to see more impactful upgrades, streamlined UI and some other tweaks for it to really compete with the best around in terms of both space twin stick shooters and survivors-likes.

PhaigeX: Hyperspace Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.8 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
946/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.6/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0.4/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.6/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.8/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.5/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.7/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps 0.1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.2/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.8/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

PhaigeX: Hyperspace Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.0 Final Review
81% Positive Steam Reviews
11 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.0 Review Scale
341/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.5/1
Good UI 0.5/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 0.9/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 1/1

PhaigeX: Hyperspace Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2D

Setting / Story Tags

Ship (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Ignorable TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Traitorean Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 40
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based in part on dev submitted scorecard and interview.

"PhaigeX is a fast-paced "survivor-style" space shooter that tasks the player to contain a growing incursion of rogue AI-controlled units. Pilot a variety of ships, warp in the support craft, and use a myriad of upgrades to lay down heavy firepower against the growing menace."

"Aside from the ship you control, you can summon your Support Craft into the field for extra firepower. Not only that, approach it to open up the Support Shop, where you upgrade your ship and use other support actions."

"You get rewards after a game session, which you can spend unlocking new ships, or customizing your ships even further and making them stronger!"

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "Keyboard + Mouse (aiming) / Twin Stick Shooter (Controller)"

Automated Features

Dev: "Auto-Fire (Toggle)

Auto-Aim (Toggled by holding the auto-fire toggle btn)
"

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Wave Survival

Game Mode Notes

Survival Mode: "Survive the increasing AI incursion for 15 minutes and escape."

Fleet Assault Mode: "Fight through 20 waves of AI ships with the goal of defeating the final boss."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "15 minutes (Survival Mode) 10-20 mins (Fleet Assault Mode)"

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "Players are awarded arsenal points either through leveling up or by killing specific ships."

"Arsenal points are then used to buy upgrades via a summonable support craft improving the ship capabilities."

Meta Progression

Dev: "Achievements unlock additional weapons / passives to the pool that can used during a run."

"Ships are unlocked via a gacha / lottery method where you spend warp cores you earned from a run to "roll" for ships."

"Duplicate ships improve their base stats by a random amount and you can sometimes obtain ship modifiers that can further improve how a ship plays."

[edit]

Risk of Rain

Free Available Released

Very Different. Sidescrolling metroidvania style shooter often recommended on reddit to fans of over the top builds. But it's very reliant on action controls with many buttons and doesn't have a bullet heaven vibe right away.

Action Platformer Bullet Heaven Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Roguevania Sidescroller Wave Shooter Wave Survival
6.9 Combined Ranking Score
44/72 Ranking Position
1268/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
93% Steam
8.8 Scale
8.0 Vibes
20147 Steam Reviews
361/400 Review Points
5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
Very Different
907/1200 Comparison Points
67% Genre 2.7/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
84% Survival Modes 2.7/4 modes
71% Power Progression 1.7/4 level
68% Buildcrafting Depth 1.8/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.2/10 vibe vibe

Risk of Rain Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

An action rogue-lite that many people love. Supposedly you can make pretty broken builds in this game and that is satisfying in a similar way, but this game really requires a lot of action skill while pressing many buttons. I suck at sidescrollers that require jumping so it's hard for me to progress.

There isn't a currency based meta unlock menu (just goal based unlocks) and it doesn't give you a choice of abilities on level up. It can be hard to tell what you're unlocking as you go, but there are menu where you can see that info. You can choose items sometimes, but it's not really the same.

It's a good game and I get why people mention it (we're talking mostly about rogue-lites here and it is one) but no need to discuss too in depth since it's not super relevant.

Risk of Rain Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
907/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.7/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.6/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.1/1

Risk of Rain Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
20147 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.8 Review Scale
361/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.4/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.7 Converted 10 Point Score
12 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.1 User Review Average
319 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.9 Direct Average
8.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Risk of Rain Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

GOGLinuxMacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchVitaWindows PCXboxFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action PlatformerBullet HeavenContent RichDungeon CrawlerRogueliteRoguevaniaSidescrollerWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fi

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown60m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

ChucklefishHopoo Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 2 (Local) 10 (Online)
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 15
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp Apple Soundcloud Itch.Io Black Screen Records (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Risk of Rain is an action platformer with roguelike elements. With permanent death as a primary feature, players will have to play their best to get as far as possible. Fight on a mysterious planet with randomly spawning enemies and bosses, either alone or with 3 friends in online co-op."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 60m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Dead Cells

DLC Released

Very Different. Metroidvania Sidescroller Rouge-lite with Souls inspired combat, it shares some elements with other Rogue-lites. Perhaps you want to jump and slash and don't like currency based meta power creep, preferring to develop your skills and find in-game discoveries to progress. Very Hard! Want it to feel more like Vampire Survivors? Get the Castlevania crossover DLC. That kind of makes it worth including.

Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Metroidvania Roguelite Roguevania Sidescroller
6.8 Combined Ranking Score
45/72 Ranking Position
1223/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
97% Steam
10.0 Scale
9.1 Vibes
119571 Steam Reviews
388/400 Review Points
3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
Very Different
835/1200 Comparison Points
66% Genre 2.6/8 genre
11% Simple Controls -5.5/7 move
26% Survival Modes -1.9/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
71% Buildcrafting Depth 2.1/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
96% Content Breadth 8.2/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
85% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.9/10 vibe vibe

Dead Cells Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 8.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

Played a fair amount on Switch as well. Very skill based sidescrolling Rogue-lite. Deep combat system inspired by Dark Souls but with a lot of mechanics of its own. It's another great game I'm not very good at. You may love the One More Run pull of it, but if you aren't good at jumping and juggling a lot of buttons, it won't be able to draw you past that. Gameplay wise it feels very different, but it shares some genre conventions with Vampire Survivors.

Many buttons to keep track of and high challenge from smaller amounts of enemies. Currency drops during runs to be used during runs, there's only goal/find based meta-unlocks (and stuff passed to your next run.)

This was be an interesting one to rate. I was inspired to pull it onto this sheet by the Castlevania DLC which not only includes some characters and weapons but a whole fucking castle and soundtrack, so it does have some neo-castlevania vibes which obviously also heavily influenced VS.

A lot of people say it's their "favorite game like vampire survivors" in reddit threads from a while ago, and at that time they just meant.. an action game with meta progression.

Dead Cells Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
835/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.2/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.6/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.1/1

Dead Cells Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
119571 Steam Reviews
9.1 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
388/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.9 Converted 10 Point Score
35 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.2 User Review Average
742 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.6 Direct Average
8.2 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Dead Cells Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidEpiciOSitch.ioLinuxMacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Content RichDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashMetroidvaniaRogueliteRoguevaniaSidescroller

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Find Based Metaprogression30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading CardsSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Motion Twin

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Yes
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp Spotify

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Dead Cells is a rogue-lite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you're able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat. Regular free content updates!"

"RogueVania: The progressive exploration of an interconnected world, with the replayability of a rogue-lite and the adrenaline pumping threat of permadeath."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Whisker Squadron: Survivor

EA

Very Different. An excellent pick if you want to mix it up with a rogue-lite Star Fox style rail shooter survival with leveling mechanics. Has a ton of control differences but sometimes the differences from most survivors-likes makes a game your next favorite. Main complaint is there just isn't enough content. I want more varied pilots, weapons, maps, more bullet heaven aspects. I hope they bring a lot more during Early Access. Needs more for the price and a greater breadth and depth would skyrocket it up this list. Hate the energy meter firing delay.

On-Rails Shooter Roguelite Survivors-like
6.5 Combined Ranking Score
46/72 Ranking Position
1219/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
92% Steam
8.4 Scale
8.4 Vibes
180 Steam Reviews
360/400 Review Points
4.3 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
Very Different
859/1200 Comparison Points
71% Genre 3.4/8 genre
29% Simple Controls -3/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
60% Buildcrafting Depth 1/5 build
60% Stage Features 1.4/7 stage
75% Content Breadth 4.5/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.6/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.4/10 vibe vibe

Whisker Squadron: Survivor Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/20/2023

It's rogue-lite wave survival wrapped around a star fox controls style rail shooter that looks like an HD neon remaster of a 1990s vector graphic shooter. That's awesome. Add a couple cute cats, and you've got yourself a nice little package. I had a lot of fun with this one and will probably try to at least unlock all the ships and levels. Lots of buttons/triggers, no auto, not like Vampire Survivors there. Fun music. The only real shame is there isn't a ton of content or build variety. Would be great to see more. There is both a boost and a roll so it gets a full -1 in that category.

More unique characters, ships, maps, and enemies. Character abilities are a little underwhelming and haven't gotten any over the top bullet heaven combos, but still fun. Would also be cool if characters got star fox style wah wah unique to them, not just the dot for the text. They could also use more personality. Don't love the energy meter. I customized controls to fire with trigger. Colors/levels could pulse/warp procedurally to give feel of endless variety, like some older games do. Quibbles quibbles. I worry because devs announced a next similar game while this could use more content for 14.99.

This has the bones to be one of the best games on this list and one of the best games I've played in a while, but it's just the bones right now. It needs to go over the top and it needs to go hard, and bringing in a writer with some humor and further developing some diversity in the style and color palette would help too.

Whisker Squadron: Survivor Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.3 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
859/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.4/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.4/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.1/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.3/1
Many Challenges 0.6/1
Multiple Stages 0.6/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.4/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.6/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.6/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0.1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

Whisker Squadron: Survivor Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
180 Steam Reviews
8.4 Pure Vibes
8.4 Review Scale
360/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.3/1
Good Theme 0.4/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Whisker Squadron: Survivor Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

On-Rails ShooterRogueliteSurvivors-like

Aesthetic Tags

3DNeonRetroVector Inspired

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractFurryRobotsSci-fiShip (Air/Space)

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Currency MetaprogressionDropped Powerups30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Flippfly LLC

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 22
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A cosmic roguelite on-rails shooter with wild 30-minute runs that will take your feline flight crew to thrilling new heights with each randomized adventure. Your plan is simple: wreak vengeance on the Swarm and try to survive."

"Embark on an ever-changing adventure across neon-laced roguelike levels featuring on-rails shooter runs that change with every 20-30 minute playthrough" "Design a fighter ship using randomized upgrades that can be built using scraps dropped throughout each level and Victory Points earned through play."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Crypt of the Necrodancer

DLC Released

Extremely Different. Rogue style short runs in a horror fantasy setting with pixel graphics, but rhythm based gameplay without bullet heaven elements. Used to come up more in recommendation threads on reddit. Fan comparison scores via Necrodancer discord. Maqua: "A rhythm turn-based roguelike that lets you perform beat downs to the beat. Less like Vampire Survivors due to fundamental differences in design, but the variety of characters as well as in-game leaderboards allows you to get a lot of replay value even after you master the mechanics." Tufwfo: "Extremely difficult roguelike where all inputs are done to the beat of the music. Learning the patterns of all the enemies leads to mastering the game which is incredibly satisfying after hundreds of hours." Movement focus, but feels very different!

Content Rich Grid-Based Movement Rhythm Game Roguelike Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Turn Based Hybrid
6.5 Combined Ranking Score
47/72 Ranking Position
1200/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
95% Steam
9.4 Scale
9.0 Vibes
20594 Steam Reviews
379/400 Review Points
3.7 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
821/1200 Comparison Points
61% Genre 1.7/8 genre
69% Simple Controls 2.7/7 move
63% Survival Modes 1/4 modes
38% Power Progression -1/4 level
61% Buildcrafting Depth 1.1/5 build
65% Stage Features 2.1/7 stage
88% Content Breadth 6.9/9 stuff
74% Aesthetics 2.9/6 style
80% Gameplay Vibe Check 6/10 vibe vibe

Crypt of the Necrodancer Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3 (xoxomonstergirl) 4129 (Tufwfo Review) 828.4 (Maqua Review)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/18/2023

I'm terrible at rhythm games, so went to discord for help investigating this suggestion I'd seen on reddit! Number scores averaged between our user surveys or by scoring guide. Fan review score notes from Tufwfo and Maqua on the Necrodancer discord! Reprinted from the survey with some editing. Maqua Notes: "Crypt of the Necrodancer is a rhythm turn based roguelike. Its unique gameplay style allows it to flow in its own interesting way without separating itself from the identifiers that make it a roguelike." Tufwfo: "It's a very difficult rhythm based roguelike." This gives it a partial score in real time, since it does go on without you.

DLC: "Certain features are limited to the Synchrony DLC such as online multiplayer and versus"

Maqua: "You move on tiles to the beat of the backing music track, using the arrow keys in time with the music. Moving into an enemy makes you attack the enemy, and if an enemy is able to move into the tile you are on, or moving to, they attack you. It is a very different game from Vampire Survivors since there is a constrained grid system, a low max enemy count per floor, and progression based on if you can make it to the bottom of the crypt or not. It's less about avoidance and more about planning and execution."

They're both movement focused spins on roguelike games, but very different! Maqua: "I'm going at this from the perspective of a player with over 840 hours on steam. Necrodancer is a roguelike that relies mostly on player knowledge of the game to be difficult and fun, and any progression elements are mostly reserved for players learning the game for the first time. After that, it's about knowing how to control scenarios in game such that you don't make any mistakes."

Maqua continues: "The real complexity comes from the pseudo-turn-based combat that the beat of the game revolves around, making sure you perform correct actions in the scenario you're in without making any mistakes. I find it much different than Vampire Survivors in that aspect, since after a certain point in any run, you're just waiting for the timer to hit zero and move onto the next. In Necrodancer, the very act of clearing a run with a specific character is a major accomplishment by itself. It's also worth noting that Necrodancer's idea of scaling is drastically different than VS, since the stats in ND revolve around low value integers, instead of ranges exceeding a thousand. With ND, you need to have a more active role in play, rather than letting passive item effects let you walk through the rest of your run without much thought."

Tufwfo: "All enemies have a specific pattern so over time you learn them all to be able to handle any situation. The game is incredibly fair (in my thousands of hours there's only 1 thing I would say is explicitly unfair) so even playing low% (no items or healing) you can win every run if you're good enough. I consider Vampire Survivors to be a fairly chill game while Necrodancer is extremely difficult. If you're willing to challenge yourself then I absolutely recommend it."

Maqua, recommends for VS fans: "..only on the basis that I would recommend this game to anyone. If anyone wants to try something new, this is a game for you." It's worth noting the more rogue-lite side of the game, Single Zones Mode, is easier and earns it a high partial on the rogue-lite feature score.

Maqua: "There exists a spin off game, "Cadence of Hyrule feat. Crypt of the Necrodancer" that released on Nintendo Switch by Brace Yourself Games. It is even less similar to a roguelike/roguelite game, but is way more accessible to a newcomer to the style of game. I got into Necrodancer through Cadence of Hyrule first, and the differences between the two games are massive. If anyone finds Necrodancer too rough to get into, I'd personally recommend Cadence of Hyrule as a watered down, but more accessible and charming version of the game."

Crypt of the Necrodancer Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.7 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
821/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 0.7/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.9/1
Arcade Style 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only -0.2/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move 0.8/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.3/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps -0.8/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0.2/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.2/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.3/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.7/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.9/1

Crypt of the Necrodancer Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
95% Positive Steam Reviews
20594 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
9.4 Review Scale
379/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.7 Converted 10 Point Score
46 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.8 User Review Average
240 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.3 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Crypt of the Necrodancer Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidEpiciOSLinuxMacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Content RichGrid-Based MovementRhythm GameRoguelikeRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTurn Based Hybrid

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasyHorror ThemedUndead

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading CardsSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Brace Yourself GamesKlei Entertainment

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op Versus
  • Online: Co-Op Versus
  • Player Count: 4 (Local) Many (Online with DLC)
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 61
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp Amazon Apple Soundcloud Spotify

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move on the beat to navigate an ever changing dungeon while battling dancing skeletons, zombies, dragons, and more."

"Descend into the crypt as 15 playable characters with unique play styles and challenges! Jam out to over 40 original songs in Danny Baranowsky’s award winning soundtrack, or set your own beats with songs from your own MP3 collection!" "BONUS: Includes 6 playable remixes of the entire soundtrack. Remixes by FamilyJules, A_Rival, Chipzel, OCRemix, Girlfriend Records, and Virt!"

"Reach great heights as you disco down through the depths of the crypt. Whether you aim to get the highest scores or complete runs in the fastest times, you can compete against a robust community of players in a range of permanent and daily challenges across all characters." (There are no leaderboards in rogue-lite mode)

Single Zone Mode: "Gather diamonds to unlock permanent upgrades and better equipment to traverse deeper into the NecroDancer’s lair. The deeper you go, the more treacherous enemies you'll face."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Maqua: "22 minute casual runs". Tufwfo: "40 Minutes Maximum"

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

The Riftbreaker

DLC Released

Very Different. A top down shooter horde survival game, but in the long term resource gathering sense in the main campaign mode. Build a base, or rather multiple bases, as you attempt to survive on an alien planet. Relevant to this sheet is the timed survival mode. It recently came on sale on steam so I decided to see how it matches up on this scale considering it shares some elements. It may be an interesting one to check out if you enjoyed the horde and exploration aspects of the genre but wished for a long game with persistent progression instead of short runs. Technically, though, with a hardcore mode enabling permadeath it's optionally rogueish. I wouldn't say it's similar to Vampire Survivors, but it is a horde survival game for sure!

Action RPG Base Building Content Rich Horde Survival Roguelite Sandbox Story Rich Survival Craft Top Down or Isometric Tower Defense Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
6.3 Combined Ranking Score
48/72 Ranking Position
1182/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
91% Steam
9.4 Scale
8.5 Vibes
13901 Steam Reviews
370/400 Review Points
3.5 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
Very Different
812/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.8/8 genre
11% Simple Controls -5.5/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
38% Power Progression -1/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
82% Stage Features 4.5/7 stage
95% Content Breadth 8.1/9 stuff
69% Aesthetics 2.3/6 style
75% Gameplay Vibe Check 5/10 vibe vibe

The Riftbreaker Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 10.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/16/2023

An interesting game to compare and not unlikely to come up in your search because it's a "survival" game with "hordes" of enemies. It's also top down and a twin stick shooter and randomization, so it's got some surface level similarities. But it's also an incredibly complex game with many controls, so in many ways the polar opposite of something like Vampire Survivors.

It has a campaign mode but also a survival mode with timed waves. The general gameplay loop consists of gathering resources and base building to develop and increase various weapon powers and survive waves of enemies. Set up towers, do research, explore and so on. It's really a rather cool mashup of genres, which got me interested in checking it out.

It's got kind of the polar opposite of "simple level choices", having some of the most complex systems to upgrade your fighting level imaginable (dependent on base building.) I mostly liked that, but for my review score I'll have to note I found the voice acting grating when I should have been loving this. It might hurt that my name is also Ashley so it just felt like my robot dad was yelling at me a lot.

With a game design really revolving around long term play, it's definitely not a roguelite, but with map generation and hardcore mode, it is a non-traditional Roguelike in the same manner that Diablo 2 is a roguelike. I usually use roguelite to refer to metaprogression and I'm not sure if the campaign unlocks apply to hardcore mode yet - and if they do to the survival mode, it actually shares more in common with these games than I thought at first glance. In any case, I'm giving it a partial score in "rogue-lite".

It doesn't have a sprawling open world or stretching maps, but you do explore to other maps through the same game when playing the campaign. Aesthetics feels a little like some custom Star Trek map with one mech defending from waves of zerg rushes. Voice acting and writing is kind of annoying imho, probably could have done entirely without it but it doesn't intrude too often.

It feels a bit more bullet heaven when you equip a gun on each hand and stand near a million towers you set up. Enemies do have ranged attacks, though. All in all it's more of an ARPG / base building hybrid and not a survivors-like, but it could tickle your fancy for long term wave defense with more complex systems.

The Riftbreaker Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.5 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
812/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.7/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.8/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.9/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm -0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 0.6/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price -0.7/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

The Riftbreaker Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
91% Positive Steam Reviews
13901 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
9.4 Review Scale
370/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.3 Converted 10 Point Score
9 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.4 User Review Average
64 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.4 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

The Riftbreaker Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicGOGPS5Steam DeckWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGBase BuildingContent RichHorde SurvivalRogueliteSandboxStory RichSurvival CraftTop Down or IsometricTower DefenseTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

MechaSci-fi

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Custom Mode/ScenarioDifficulty ModesDifficulty ModifiersHardcore Mode (Optional Permadeath)Inventory ManagementMap Based CampaignResearch TreesTimed SurvivalWave Survival60m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading CardsSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

EXOR StudiosSurefire Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Planned
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 41
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Soundcloud Apple GOG

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The Riftbreaker™ is a base-building, survival game with Action-RPG elements. You are an elite scientist/commando inside an advanced Mecha-Suit capable of dimensional rift travel. Hack & slash countless enemies. Build up your base, collect samples and research new inventions to survive."

"Your presence on this planet will not go unnoticed. As you build up your industry and disrupt the natural order, the world will start seeing you as a threat. Build up your defenses. Construct walls, barriers and defense towers as the attacks get stronger with every passing day. You will face thousands of hostile creatures trying to eliminate your presence."

"If intense fight for survival is not your thing either, then try out the Sandbox mode, where we give you control over the entire game – including resources, enemy spawns, and weather conditions."

Game Modes

- +

Map Based Campaign

Timed Survival

Custom Scenario,
Difficulty Modes &
Difficulty Modifiers
(For both modes)

Hardcore Mode
(Optional Permadeath)

Game Mode Notes

The game is designed with a campaign across several procedurally generated maps. It mimics sandbox base construction games a little bit, but the starting map does run out of resources relatively quickly if not enemies. The game lets you explore and set up other bases on other maps and then return to your main one until you complete the campaign.

There is a secondary survival mode which speeds up research and challenges you to survive until the end of a timer. Both modes allow a large degree of customization for challenge and difficulty.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 60m

Run Time Notes

The default mode is a campaign with multiple procedurally generated maps. You build bases as you progress objectives and survive waves, but you can spend as long as you want on any map, in theory (?). You make bases that persist as you explore other maps.

There's also a survival mode, which speeds up in game research for a compressed experience on a single map. 60m refers to the default run time of the first "survival" mode.

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Loop Hero

Free Available Released

Extremely Different. It's hard to have a better pick if you want a rogue-lite auto-battler with really unique map-building non-direct control of the main character. But chances are you didn't know you were looking for that. Included to test the scale but also because it's a great game that might scratch your itch if it's about exploring a new system with great progression and interesting synergies, along with tense action that's not reflex based even if it doesn't have stick movement focus. It's above 5.0 so it might be recommended to appeal to VS fans, but only with major disclaimers about differences.

Auto-Battler Content Rich Deckbuilding Roguelite Story Rich Strategy
6.3 Combined Ranking Score
49/72 Ranking Position
1168/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
93% Steam
9.4 Scale
10.0 Vibes
29569 Steam Reviews
387/400 Review Points
3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
781/1200 Comparison Points
59% Genre 1.5/8 genre
21% Simple Controls -4/7 move
44% Survival Modes -0.5/4 modes
65% Power Progression 1.2/4 level
73% Buildcrafting Depth 2.3/5 build
31% Stage Features -2.6/7 stage
91% Content Breadth 7.3/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.9/10 vibe vibe

Loop Hero Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 80.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

nospawn/litch-from_loop-hero.gifA map-making rogue-lite auto battler. You have a character that goes around a loop fighting enemies during your run, but you can only help him by placing map parts and changing gear - no direct control. There's so much to talk about with this one, but it's pretty different from most of the games on our scale. What it shares is really satisfying metaprogression and some autobattle elements.

Put in about 44.6 hours on Steam and then another 40+ hours on Switch when it released there. Amazing game, totally unique, interesting to compare to VS in terms of mechanics. The game is a strategy game played in menus and by putting down tiles, but we'll call the real time use of a click button a 'trigger' press.

One of the best games ever imho, but it's pretty different so no need to really discuss in detail here.

Loop Hero Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
781/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 0.6/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -0.7/1
Arcade Style 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.2/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.2/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground -1/1
Health on Ground -1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground -1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.6/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.7/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.4/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Loop Hero Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
29569 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
9.4 Review Scale
387/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0.4/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.2 Converted 10 Point Score
63 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.9 User Review Average
194 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.1 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Loop Hero Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicGOGitch.ioLinuxMacSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerContent RichDeckbuildingRogueliteStory RichStrategy

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Alternate RealityApocalypseFantasyTime Loop

Control Styles

ControllerMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Boss ModeDifficulty ModifiersEndless ModeHub ZoneSpeed UpWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Devolver DigitalFour Quarters

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 50
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Alpha on itch.io
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube GOG Devolver Digital (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The Lich has thrown the world into a timeless loop and plunged its inhabitants into never ending chaos. Wield an expanding deck of mystical cards to place enemies, buildings, and terrain along each unique expedition loop for the brave hero."

"Infinite Adventure: Select from unlockable character classes and deck cards before setting out on each expedition along a randomly generated loop path." "Strategically place building, terrain, and enemy cards along each loop."

Game Modes

- +

Endless Survival /
Boss Challenge

"Chapter" Difficulty Modifiers and Rewards

Game Mode Notes

There is only one run type, with metaprogression between runs. There are four "chapters", each with a specific difficulty change, rewards and bosses. Until you beat the earlier chapters, the bosses for later ones will not show up in your run. The first three chapters each have one boss and the 4 requires beating them all. You can select earlier chapters to play again.

You can pick what tiles are available to you in the next run.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Each run finds the player starting with a blank map and loop of road, which they then place map pieces around as a timer counts towards a boss event. Early runs are guaranteed to be ended by the first boss, and players eventually work towards "endless" runs. There's no time based goal to complete, you simply decide to head back to camp or risk losing the run. The goal is to survive while gathering as much as possible before dying.

Average run time is probably more accurately 10m - 60m, but it also depends on the player selected speed / pause usage.

Speed Settings

The game can be paused or sped up by player toggle. While paused, the player can still manipulate the game field and inventory, then unpause or move to high speed to see how it plays out.

[edit]

Path of Exile

Free Available Released

Very Different. Sometimes you just want to slowly craft one build. Forever. An isometric MMO Action RPG sometimes recommended on reddit to fans of over the top screenwiping builds. No short runs - you can play the same character and slowly buildcraft for 100s of hours. Included to test the scale. Games above 5.0 on our ranking might satisfy your urges from Vampire Survivors, but the higher up ones are generally more likely to do so.

Action RPG Bullet Heaven Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Mowing Game Spell Crafting Story Rich Top Down or Isometric
6.2 Combined Ranking Score
50/72 Ranking Position
1175/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
88% Steam
9.1 Scale
9.0 Vibes
208558 Steam Reviews
369/400 Review Points
3.4 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
Very Different
806/1200 Comparison Points
59% Genre 1.5/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
44% Survival Modes -0.5/4 modes
31% Power Progression -1.5/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
67% Aesthetics 2/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.3/10 vibe vibe

Path of Exile Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 59.6

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/16/2023

A Diablo-like ARPG, Path of Exile is sometimes recommended to VS fans since it's similarly focused on creating insane builds to screenwipe huge mobs of enemies.The biggest difference is you do this with potentially hundreds of hours put into a single character's playthrough.

Generally played without the permadeath option on, instead of kind of speedrunning the entire experience by quickly leveling up and then dying in a rogue-lite. It might appeal similarly to some players, but it's not a VS-like.

One of the most relevant Action RPGS in my opinion. And I've tried most of them. Tons of fun, considering it's free!

Path of Exile Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.4 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
806/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -0.9/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -0.5/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.5/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.3/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Path of Exile Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
88% Positive Steam Reviews
208558 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
9.1 Review Scale
369/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.6 Converted 10 Point Score
27 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.9 User Review Average
2238 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.3 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Path of Exile Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicMacPS4PS5Steam DeckWindows PCXboxFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGBullet HeavenContent RichDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashMowing GameSpell CraftingStory RichTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealistic

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasyHorror Themed

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

CampaignMap BasedMassively Multiplayer

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Grinding Gear Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op Versus
  • Player Count: MMO 6 (Party) 2 (PVP)
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 127
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Totally Free
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube SoundCloud

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Created by hardcore gamers, Path of Exile is an online Action RPG set in a dark fantasy world." "Create and customize hundreds of unique skill combinations from tradable itemized gems and our gigantic passive skill tree. Combine skill gems, support gems and trigger gems to create your own unique combination of power, defense and destruction."

Game Modes

- +

Map Based Campaign

Game Mode Notes

The primary game mode is a linear campaign through a series of maps, with procedural generation for layout and enemy variety. A player can go back and play the same character on previous maps and eventually explore in a variety of directions.

Within the campaign there are many events, goals and game modes including timed wave survival, dungeon crawling, boss challenges, PVP and more.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

A massively multiplayer online action RPG, the game is essentially designed to allow for near infinite play on a single character. Maps, dungeons and events within the campaign have a variety of time required to complete.

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Returnal

Released

Very Different. Perhaps you want a lot more action challenge and AAA graphics. Third-Person Shooter Rogue-Lite, might scratch some of the same itches but very bullet hell compared to heaven. You see it mentioned on reddit an it's not an out of the line recommendation, because it does really pull you into another short run and you can certainly see a lot of bullets on screen at once. It's a great game, but not particularly similar at all in the movement categories.

Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Roguevania Story Rich Third-Person Shooter
6.2 Combined Ranking Score
51/72 Ranking Position
1170/1600 Total Points
9.2 Final Review
81% Steam
10.0 Scale
9.5 Vibes
3116 Steam Reviews
376/400 Review Points
3.2 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
Very Different
794/1200 Comparison Points
55% Genre 0.8/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
50% Survival Modes 0/4 modes
60% Power Progression 0.8/4 level
64% Buildcrafting Depth 1.4/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
92% Content Breadth 7.5/9 stuff
68% Aesthetics 2.2/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.4/10 vibe vibe

Returnal Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 8.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/16/2023

Third-Person Shooter Rogue-Lite by Shmup Legends Housemarque, might scratch some of the same itches but very bullet hell compared to heaven. Mostly played on PS5.

This sometimes gets suggested and it's a fun one, but very different in many ways.

I haven't gotten good enough at it to see any bullet heaven overclocked builds personally.

Popular game so you can look up youtube videos.

Returnal Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.2 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
794/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -0.9/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.4/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode 0.8/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.2/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.2/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.6/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.2/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.1/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price -1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Returnal Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.2 Final Review
81% Positive Steam Reviews
3116 Steam Reviews
9.5 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
376/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.6 Converted 10 Point Score
47 Number of Critic Reviews

User

6.7 User Review Average
188 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.7 Direct Average
7.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Returnal Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicPS5Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HellDungeon CrawlerRogueliteRoguevaniaStory RichThird-Person Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsSci-fiTime Loop

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Dungeon CrawlEndless Mode90m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Climax StudiosHousemarquePlaystation Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Yes
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube Amazon Spotify Apple Retail (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Fight to survive as this award-winning third-person shooter brings Selene’s story to PC. Take on roguelike challenges. Engage enemies in bullet hell-fuelled clashes. Share your journey through Returnal™ with another player."

Game Modes

- +

Dungeon Crawl Runs
(Story Act 1 & 2)

Endless Dungeon Crawl
(Tower of Sisyphus)

Game Mode Notes

Minor spoilers: For game modes there's story act 1, story act 2 and the tower. The tower is an endless climbing mode that gets progressively more difficult. It features a unique boss and weapon consumables. Co op is available for the story but not the tower.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 90m

Run Time Notes

Via HollowSeeking on Discord: "Run time varies, you can complete a story cycle in well under an hour. Speed runners can do fresh file runs in well under an hour. A full clear story act on replay is around one hour depending on thoroughness and play style. I usually take 1.5 hours but I'm slow, thorough, and easily distracted. First playthrough can take much longer. 8 hours, 20, 60 hours, it varies by a huge margin."

Speed Settings

There's no clock speed up. You can run past battles but enemy and projectile speeds stay the same always. Some weapons you can get traits for or stat investments that speed up things like fire rate. Some other gameplay mechanics can impact run speed. So run time may vary, but you can't use a menu option to change game speed or timed goals.

[edit]

Rogue Legacy

Released

Very Different. Popular rogue-lite sidescroller Included to test the scale. Rogue Legacy 2 Is similar enough to not require a seperate ranking, since neither is really a VS-like. Not a bullet heaven! Great games though. Perhaps you're tired of top down auto shooters want a hack and slash sidescroller rogue-lite with similar currency based power creep.

Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Metroidvania Roguelite Roguevania Sidescroller
6.2 Combined Ranking Score
52/72 Ranking Position
1164/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
92% Steam
10.0 Scale
9.0 Vibes
15253 Steam Reviews
382/400 Review Points
3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
Very Different
782/1200 Comparison Points
50% Genre 0/8 genre
21% Simple Controls -4/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
59% Power Progression 0.7/4 level
52% Buildcrafting Depth 0.2/5 build
89% Stage Features 5.5/7 stage
86% Content Breadth 6.4/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
84% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.8/10 vibe vibe

Rogue Legacy Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 22.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/18/2023

A Rogue-lite well known for its enjoyable meta progression and humorous inheritance inspired twist on classes, it's also very different from Vampire Survivors as it is a sidescroller and not at all a bullet heaven. As a side note, this game's chompy first castle music is really great, just awesome.

Played about 10 hours on steam and another 12 or so on Switch. Can't get that far into the game because I suck at jumping, but I enjoyed it enough to play the early parts twice. Sequel is great too.

Sometimes people would respond to a question about games like Vampire Survivors with this and other rogue-lites in suggestion. It made more sense when there weren't a lot of games mechanically like Vampire Survivors in the running, but now there are.

Rogue Legacy Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
782/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.7/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.4/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -0.2/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.4/1

Rogue Legacy Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
15253 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
382/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.5 Converted 10 Point Score
43 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.9 User Review Average
710 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.2 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Rogue Legacy Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicGOGiOSLinuxMacPS3PS4Steam DeckSwitchVitaWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerHack and SlashMetroidvaniaRogueliteRoguevaniaSidescroller

Aesthetic Tags

2DCute

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsDynastyFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Cellar Door Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 29
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp Spotify YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with have vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed."

"A procedurally generated adventure. Explore new castles with every life."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Cult of the Lamb

DLC Released

Very Different. An action controls hash and slash game more similar to Hades than Vampire Survivors, with additional town building element between runs. It's isometric and rogue-lite, a great game, but likely can't get very zen. If you want more Hades, there's Cult of the Lamb. But I'm sure diehards will have a giant chart to tell me why those are very different some day.

Action Roguelike Colony Sim Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Roguelite Story Rich Top Down or Isometric
6.2 Combined Ranking Score
53/72 Ranking Position
1156/1600 Total Points
9.5 Final Review
94% Steam
10.0 Scale
9.0 Vibes
51985 Steam Reviews
384/400 Review Points
2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
Very Different
772/1200 Comparison Points
66% Genre 2.5/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
29% Survival Modes -1.7/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
66% Buildcrafting Depth 1.6/5 build
68% Stage Features 2.5/7 stage
82% Content Breadth 5.8/9 stuff
79% Aesthetics 3.5/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.5/10 vibe vibe

Cult of the Lamb Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 29.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

An excellent Hades-like combined with a lightweight town building and citizen management feature. It's got hack & slash rogue-lite runs that take a short amount of time, but besides that it likely won't meet the requirements for a zen-like state or long term addiction.

Art style turned me off at first but really won me over - it's a beautiful little game. I can't imagine how I ever thought it looked bad. Many good things, not as replayable as Hades.

At the end of the day it's not Vampire Survivors.

Cult of the Lamb Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
772/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.2/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.6/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.3/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.5/1

Cult of the Lamb Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.5 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
51985 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
384/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.2 Converted 10 Point Score
92 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.8 User Review Average
229 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.0 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Cult of the Lamb Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

GOGMacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RoguelikeColony SimDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashRogueliteStory RichTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

CartoonCuteHD-2DUglycute

Setting / Story Tags

CozyDemonsDungeonsFantasyFurryHorrorHorror ThemedNecromancerUnderworld

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Devolver DigitalMassive Monster

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 42
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube Spotify Amazon Apple Devolver Digital (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult."

"Explore a sprawling, randomly generated world, fight off hordes of enemies and defeat rival cult leaders in order to absorb their power and assert your cult's dominance."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

City of Beats

Released

Very Different. A dungeon crawl style twin stick shooter with each run consisting of branching paths, the noteworthy mechanic here is that your shots are notes to the beat and overall it's just very plugged in to the music. In a great way! The action takes place on cloudy cyberpunk rooftops and not in dank cellars, but it may remind you of games like Hades. While we're reviewing it due to being in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest, it's not a survivors-like and not sure it's a bullet heaven either. Seems like a classic twin stick shooter! Since it's not on topic, I probably won't put as many hours into this one, but will attempt some review. More difficult in a hands on way than most survivors-like fans may be looking for.

Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
6.0 Combined Ranking Score
54/72 Ranking Position
1158/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
94% Steam
8.8 Scale
8.0 Vibes
39 Steam Reviews
362/400 Review Points
3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
Very Different
796/1200 Comparison Points
75% Genre 4/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
29% Survival Modes -1.7/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
64% Buildcrafting Depth 1.4/5 build
76% Stage Features 3.7/7 stage
76% Content Breadth 4.7/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.5/10 vibe vibe

City of Beats Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.2

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/5/2023

This twin stick shooter room by room roguelite has a pretty nice cloudy cyber vibe and syncs pretty well to the music. It's very much a "dungeon crawl" and not a survival game, though there are small waves of a few enemies in each room. Overall the balance there feels a lot like Hades if you want a similar game.

The sound aspect is deeper than it seems at first with it synced to your attacks, when explosives go off and so on. This is a nice contrast to another game on this list, Beat Hazard 3, where the gameplay itself doesn't feel synced enough and it's mostly just loud flashes. This game is also more subdued than Beat Hazard but I found that much more pleasing to my eyes and less straining. No way to bring in my own music but I don't really want to.

But sometimes it feels like it's just really off from the music when my gameplay is off and that's odd feeling too.

You get your upgrades and items on "room end" like most "dungeon crawlers", but there are several things to collect from drops during play even if there's no XP. These can be used in run or for meta progression. "UI" is in world for the hub, but it's simple and quick to get into the run which I like. Shield on ground we'll call health.

I think there's just one character without much fleshing out and no personal special ability or build impact, hence the partially negative score in many characters. There also isn't a lot of variety for weapons it seems to have available and the upgrades aren't always super interesting.

It doesn't seem like there is a ton of content here for the price tag compared to other roguelites, though it did get an update in June so maybe they intend to add a little more. I can see it getting a little old after a bit if the music and weapons are not that varied, but it could also be comfort food to some.

I wish I could play games like this for longer periods, but the aiming and firing (at the same time) for an entire run really destroys my hands with pain due to the EDS. If I'm going to be holding it down the whole time anyway, adding in auto-fire would be nice. Or you could just make it fire on the stick direction since you need to do both anyway, that way I wouldn't have to do the "claw" for an entire run. In games where I have to I'm often dying at the end there just due to exhaustion and pain making me let go of the controller for just a second and no idea if I'd be any good otherwise. (Button mashing the entire time is easier on me than holding something down). I get it's fun to control it for the musical notes but maybe there's a middle ground.

In any case, it's ok because it's not really a survivors-like so besides showing the data to conclude that I don't feel a need to do a super in depth review. I think it might be a good game though. If anyone has played more and wants to offer corrections please do!

City of Beats Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
796/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.3/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.4/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps -0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.6/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.5/1
Many Challenges 0.4/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.4/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.5/1

City of Beats Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
39 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.8 Review Scale
362/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.4/1
Good Theme 0.8/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.9/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 0.9/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.9 Converted 10 Point Score
3 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

7.9 Direct Average
7.9 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

City of Beats Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3DGeometricNeonRaveVector Inspired

Setting / Story Tags

Cyberpunk

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown40m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Freedom GamesTorched Hill

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 19
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Shoot. Groove. Loot. Repeat. Cross an ever-changing city skyline, flowing through encounters in tune with the cityscape beat. From the weapons you fire, to the enemies you shoot, to the zen-like flow, the only way to win is to become one with the beat"

"Embark on endless expeditions across procedurally generated maps. No two playthroughs are the same, meaning different enemies, encounters, and upgrades each and every time. Experiment with different builds during each run."

Dev notes from interview:

Difficulty Modifiers & Rewards: There are Challenge Expeditions that not only increase general difficulty, but also add new mechanics & reward additional meta currencies & unlocks

Panic & Zen: I think is a big part of the game, especially getting into a zen-like flow-state through the music & rhythm

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 40m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Enter the Gungeon

Released

Very Different. On the surface similar, this dungeon crawling twin stick shooter has high action complexity. It's a rogue-lite bullet hell shooter with heavy emphasis on trigger pulling and dungeon exploration instead of horde waves. It's much more tactical and requires careful aiming. I get why people might recommend it since it's popular and also a rogue-lite but personally I don't think it has what interests me about this particular subgenre, ditching obvious build crafting for reflexes. Instead of heavy emphasis on distilling to the basic controls it adds FPS style reload and trigger controls to twin stick shooters, which is making it more complicated. It's a highly regarded game, just attempting to do very different things.

Content Rich Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
6.0 Combined Ranking Score
55/72 Ranking Position
1153/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
95% Steam
8.9 Scale
8.5 Vibes
67389 Steam Reviews
369/400 Review Points
3.1 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
Very Different
784/1200 Comparison Points
70% Genre 3.2/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5.1/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
60% Buildcrafting Depth 1/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 4/6 style
77% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.3/10 vibe vibe

Enter the Gungeon Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 6.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/10/2023

Disclaimer: I've personally played mostly on switch, but tried to put some time in on PC too. I think it's pretty much the same game.

Enter the Gungeon is a popular dungeon crawling rogue-lite that I feel has a relatively high difficulty in part due to mechanics pulled from FPS games like reload and even cover to kick over and hide behind. It's structured as a room clearing game instead of a wave survival game like most of the ones on this list.

That being said, it makes sense that it was an early common recommendation for people looking for "more games like vampire survivors" since it's also a top down shooter and a rogue-lite. When Vampire Survivors first came out there wasn't really a lot of 'survivors-likes' movement focused games so it was common to see people mention this or games like Hades. At that time a "similar game" just meant another action game that was a rogue-lite.

Personally I'm kind of bad at it (perhaps a little impatient with it) and that makes it a little harder to review, but I did put in some more substantial time in Co-Op on switch with my partner. We enjoyed it (any game with couch co-op generally gets a solid try around here) but agreed that it was a lot more tactical than we were expecting. I think that this likely gives a lot more playability in the long term to people who enjoy it, but we're kind of embarrassingly into more button mashy stuff unless it's a first person shooter. I think we saw how this is a popular title, though.

Scoring notes: Almost neutral score for food/items on ground since they drop at the end of the room instead of a gather mechanic. They technically dropped but really you don't take them into account with your movement while playing in the same way.

It has an optional auto aim in the menu, which is great for accessibility, but doesn't seem to be designed around it, hence the .4 score.

I'm surprised I couldn't find a way to enable damage numbers, usually common in these type of games, but that's just a small difference in aesthetics. It's top down, pixel art (rather detailed and beautiful pixel art, really, when you slow down to look at it, less lofi.) I'm not putting a zero for "panic and zen" but not a negative score either. I don't think it's the gameplay intention and I wasn't able to zone out with it, but I imagine some people could.

It didn't seem to have much of a difficulty or fun ramp there (this isn't to say it's not fun, it's to say that the rogue-lite features change the gameplay but don't really amp it up while making it easier). The "build depth" has little RPG mechanics, just items, so that's what those scores mean.

Worth checking out if more hands on action and a feeling of exploring a dungeon appeals to you!

Enter the Gungeon Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.1 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
784/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.4/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0.4/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0.1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.9/1
Subtle Humor 0.9/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.6/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 0.2/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.2/1

Enter the Gungeon Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
95% Positive Steam Reviews
67389 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
8.9 Review Scale
369/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.4 Converted 10 Point Score
28 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.1 User Review Average
450 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.3 Direct Average
8.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Enter the Gungeon Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxLunaMacPS4PS5StadiaSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Content RichDungeon CrawlerRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

ComedyDungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown45m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Devolver DigitalDodge Roll

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Full
  • Steam Achievements: 54
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Kind of (Joke DLC to support devs with one early unlock item)
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Spotify Bandcamp Vinyl (Several at several retailers)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler following a band of misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past."

"Choose between one of several unlikely heroes, each burdened by a deep regret and in search of a way to change their past, no matter the cost. Filled with equal parts courage and desperation, these adventurers won't hesitate to dive across flaming walls, roll through a wall of bullets, or take cover behind whatever is around to make it to their goal alive!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

It's dungeon crawling and can vary, but fans in the discord seem to feel around 45 minutes is right and I agree.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Asterogues

EA

Very Different. More Enter the Gungeon style than survivors-like. Was in the steam "Bullet Heaven" sale but while it has an interesting mechanic where you gather enemies shots and send back at them, I'm not sure it really is one. It seems to be entirely in a dungeon crawl format Hades style, not sure yet how a lot of mechanics work for sure. Making notes. Doesn't seem to have survival modes, probably not what you're looking for if you're looking for a survivors-like, but maybe for a dungeon crawl. Still in development!

Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
5.9 Combined Ranking Score
56/72 Ranking Position
1141/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
100% Steam
8.7 Scale
8.2 Vibes
28 Steam Reviews
369/400 Review Points
2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
Very Different
772/1200 Comparison Points
71% Genre 3.3/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
60% Buildcrafting Depth 1/5 build
85% Stage Features 4.9/7 stage
87% Content Breadth 6.6/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
73% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.5/10 vibe vibe

Asterogues Ranking Notes

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Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.4

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

Tried this Early Access (at time of review) title out during the steam Bullet Heaven fest. It's different than most of the games in the sale, it's not wave survival format and has a little intro and then drops you into a dungeon crawl format. It's a more tactictical style of game similar to Enter the Gungeon.

Since it's not that familiar and there are so many games to rank, I didn't put a ton of time into this yet but watched videos, read every review and forum post on steam and contacted the dev (as usual) to try and make sure the features are accurate. We'll call the chest choices "level choices". Will check back in for more play time once the game is released.

In the main unique gameplay mechanic you gather up enemy bullets and send them back. While aiming you slow down time so we give it a major -1 in on-aim movement penalty. It's helpful to not die though. It feels like it wants to be a bullet heaven and a bullet hell and maybe it is both.

Dev interview helped clarify and adjust some feature scores.

"There's different types of powerups in the game:
-passive items, which are found in chests and shops
-active items, which are like equipped weapons (chest and shops)
-hearts (closest thing to temporary powerups, different types of hearts that grant different bonuses)
-pets, found in the same places as the other passives
"

"All of the loot usually drops at the end of the rooms. Hearts can drop during battle after killing an enemy. There's a shop both in runs and a meta shop in the hub area. There's also a tavern in the first area where you can buy drinks which are temporary effects with positives and negatives.

When you complete steam achievements, you often get an item reward at the end of the run. There's also cursed items that get unlocked in the hub when you complete runs with a certain number of cursed items. I wouldn't say there's any secrets right now in a traditional sense but there are special characters to unlock which you'll have to stumble across or read the wiki to find out how.

Asterogues Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
772/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0.4/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.2/1

Asterogues Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
28 Steam Reviews
8.2 Pure Vibes
8.7 Review Scale
369/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.7/1

Asterogues Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HellDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fiSpace

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Freedom GamesPipotchi600

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 24
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Beat up planets in Asterogues, a cosmic bullet hell shoot-em-up hybrid! Pick your character from a band of outcasts banished to the Asteroid Belt, dodge and shoot your way through a brutal onslaught of bullets, and take revenge against the Solar System!"

30m estimated "run time" according to dev (game design goal in my words)

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Ecstatic

Released

Very Different. This little arcade style arena wave shooter has excellent style, with a wriggly spider protagonist and some fresh feeling mechanics. The pointer to target and click to move control scheme works best for me on steam deck. There's no metaprogression and it's more bullet hell than bullet heaven, really. I'm not sure it's really very related to Vampire Survivors and probably won't get as long play times out of people, but I'm glad I tried it in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest.

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Hell Wave Survival
5.4 Combined Ranking Score
57/72 Ranking Position
1056/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
100% Steam
9.4 Scale
9.5 Vibes
11 Steam Reviews
389/400 Review Points
1.1 Similarity Score
56% Diagnosis:
Very Different
667/1200 Comparison Points
59% Genre 1.5/8 genre
36% Simple Controls -2/7 move
71% Survival Modes 1.7/4 modes
13% Power Progression -3/4 level
47% Buildcrafting Depth -0.3/5 build
36% Stage Features -2/7 stage
59% Content Breadth 1.6/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
81% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.2/10 vibe vibe

Ecstatic Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/15/2023

Ecstatic is more of an oldschool arena shooter which had previously come up in my recommendations since I've been getting so many bite sized top down retro style shooters. It's not a survivors-like, with no meta progression, no giant hordes, and no buildcrafting alternate paths or bullet heaven power fantasy. Just one weapon and character.

But it is a pretty great little arcade style shooter, I think. Fairly simple in design, but it doesn't pretend to be a huge game and I'm satisfied to have tried it since it was in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest. I think originally designed as a browser game, the controller support (which isn't officially listed) basically just emulates a mouse and was pretty hard to play with. (Dev confirmed: "The "controller support" is actually just Steam emulating mouse inputs, as the game was indeed designed and developed to be played with the mouse")

Playing on Steam Deck, it works quite well with the trackpad as you kind of click to move your little spider around the grid-like arena and hover your target over enemies then click to send missiles their way. One hit will kill you (giving this a -1 on "health on ground") so it feels very much like a bullet hell at first even with the relatively small enemy and projectile count, but a "freeze" mechanic that slows everything down unless you move drastically increases survivability.

Power ups are in the classic arcade style, a limited number of them available and a few levels possible in each. It's unlikely you'll be able to get them all in a play, so in that way there are some build choices. You can target the powerups to change them to a different type, helpful when figuring out your play style.

It took me a bit to truly adapt to the lock on and then fire mechanic for the missles, I admit. I imagine it's more obvious as a mouse game. Aesthetically excellent, from the pixel spider's independently moving legs to the classic arcade beats and synth voice announcing powerups (another thing I love from games like Super Stardust HD).

It's actually priced a tiny bit higher than on average for these games, but before this latest wave most arcade style shooters were around this price range or more (and there were a lot fewer options.) I'm happy with the experience for the price, though I'm not sure I'll really put a ton of hours in. I like these games, but I reach my limit of ability in them at times. It may not be about winning an arcade game, though, I guess, just playing.

Ecstatic Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.1 Similarity Score
56% Diagnosis:
667/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 0.9/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode -0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.2/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground -1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.1/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Ecstatic Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
11 Steam Reviews
9.5 Pure Vibes
9.4 Review Scale
389/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Ecstatic Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HellWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DArtyLofiPixel ArtRaveRetroVivid

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractInsects

Control Styles

ControllerMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown5m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

PUNKCAKE Delicieux

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 8
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Bandcamp Apple Spotify

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Rave spider goes to the bullet-hell ball: shoot rockets out of your butt, dodge and destroy waves upon waves of drones, slow down time whenever you don't move."

"Control a disposable spider mech that shoots rockets out of its butt and decimate waves upon waves of drones synced to rave music, while also slowing down time whenever you stop moving. Pick up power-ups strategically and weave your way around enemies to make it to the end of the track!"

"The game features 4 different difficulties, a slew of challenges, and includes a level editor that lets you use your own music tracks!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Jetboard Joust

Released

Very Different. A sidescrolling shmup with some rogue-lite elements it probably will appeal much more to people looking for a Joust and Defender inspired game instead of a survivors-like. It's got a bit of a dungeon crawl choose-your-path structure to it and item find and between level upgrades to create your build. Still, with very action focused controls it remains more of an action arcade game than any sort of auto-battler buildcrafter. Ranked for comparison since it was in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest sale.

Arcade Dungeon Crawler Shoot 'Em Up Sidescrolling Shmup
5.2 Combined Ranking Score
58/72 Ranking Position
1088/1600 Total Points
8.0 Final Review
81% Steam
8.5 Scale
7.5 Vibes
44 Steam Reviews
341/400 Review Points
2.5 Similarity Score
62% Diagnosis:
Very Different
747/1200 Comparison Points
66% Genre 2.6/8 genre
19% Simple Controls -4.4/7 move
26% Survival Modes -1.9/4 modes
55% Power Progression 0.4/4 level
60% Buildcrafting Depth 1/5 build
80% Stage Features 4.2/7 stage
72% Content Breadth 4/9 stuff
84% Aesthetics 4.1/6 style
79% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.7/10 vibe vibe

Jetboard Joust Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/23

Side scrolling shmup. Tons of particular features that I'm going to make notes on for the scoring. Levels wrap from side to side and it has a theme of saving little guys, making it feel a fair amount like Resogun (though you don't seem to beam them up, just protect them.) In fact it's a little bit like Defender/Resogun and the classic game Joust had a baby.

It's level based not a survivor game, but it does have some small organic waves within levels. When you beat a stage you are able to upgrade. We're not calling this meta progression since you have a save slot for this process. You can also sell your items, we're calling this feature an in-run vendor.

You select your route so we consider that a bit like a dungeon crawl, genre wise. It's got kind of Enter the Gungeon feeling exploration for weapon and item find for your builds. You can retrieve your cash in the next play, so calling that a partial score for currency based unlocks I guess.

Heavy on the action controls, with no real automation. Fairly distinct Joust style kind of movement mechanics ("hover") is hard to represent but we're putting a partial ding in "on fire movement penalty" to try and explain it. You collect points dropped by enemies which feels a bit like the XP crystals in Vampire Survivors.

Switching weapon is a "special move" button, partial points in "no aiming" since it's not a twin stick or a game with a reticule but requires careful lining up with the movement mechanic and charged weapons. It has a lot of rogue-inspired mechanics but allows you to pick up where you left off and other stuff, we're giving it a low partial score. No damage numbers but scoring pop ups feel very similar so it gets a half score for the aesthetics. Personally I find the game less fun, but if you're a big retro Joust fan this might be the rogue-inspired game you're looking for.

Jetboard Joust Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.5 Similarity Score
62% Diagnosis:
747/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.4/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.4/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.2/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0.8/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.8/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0.5/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.2/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.4/1
Low Price 0.4/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Jetboard Joust Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.0 Final Review
81% Positive Steam Reviews
44 Steam Reviews
7.5 Pure Vibes
8.5 Review Scale
341/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.8/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.7/1
Vibe Check 0.7/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.5 Converted 10 Point Score
3 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

7.5 Direct Average
7.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Jetboard Joust Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicGOGitch.ioLinuxMacPS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeDungeon CrawlerShoot 'Em UpSidescrolling Shmup

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

Flying Saucer AliensSci-fi

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown240m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

BitBull LtdFreedom Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 100
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

A sequel to a ZX Spectrum game the developer made as a teen 30 years ago which in turn was inspired by Joust.

"Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade.."

"Choose your own path through a multitude of battlegrounds across the surface of five different planets. Discover hidden treasure, upgrades and awesome new weapons. Adapt your route based on your playstyle, the weapons you unlock and the treasure you discover."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 240m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Peglin

EA Free Available

Very Different. Perhaps you want an entirely different turn based Peggle-type puzzle game that somehow gets recommended to VS fans. Not saying it's a terrible recommendation if you like runs and upgrades and complex games that appeal to casual players. It's absolutely a rogue-lite and a cute game. But in many ways it is extremely different - Included to test the scale. Very different but good games might get around a 5.0. Anything under 5.0 could be thought of as "less recommended" to fans of Vampire Survivors.

Pachinko Peggle-like Puzzle Roguelite
5.2 Combined Ranking Score
59/72 Ranking Position
1079/1600 Total Points
8.3 Final Review
81% Steam
8.9 Scale
8.0 Vibes
8901 Steam Reviews
350/400 Review Points
2.2 Similarity Score
61% Diagnosis:
Very Different
729/1200 Comparison Points
38% Genre -2/8 genre
46% Simple Controls -0.5/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
73% Power Progression 1.8/4 level
71% Buildcrafting Depth 2.1/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.2/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.5/10 vibe vibe

Peglin Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/14/2023

Included here to test/show the scale, since it's been recommended a few times in public threads about VS-likes for some reason. This is a rogue-lite with some unlockable meta advancement, but it's also a turn-based peggle-like puzzle game.

Nice little game I suppose but the scale allows for -1 to 1 in order to make room for strongly different features to this extent.

Like a few other games on this list I feel it's mostly mentioned to people on sites like reddit since it's also a rogue-lite. It doesn't have much mechanically in common with most games on this list.

Cool though. I think if I hadn't mainlined Peggle for several months in 2007 I would be more interested in learning the mechanics. As it is it's hard to play without the Peggle victory music. If someone mods that in, let me know.

Peglin Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.2 Similarity Score
61% Diagnosis:
729/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time -0.8/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0/1
Arcade Style 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Build Crafting 0.6/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.2/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Peglin Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.3 Final Review
81% Positive Steam Reviews
8901 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.9 Review Scale
350/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.5/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Peglin Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidGOGiOSitch.ioMacSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

PachinkoPeggle-likePuzzleRoguelite

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown50m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

IndieArkRed Nexus Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 28
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 50m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Osmos

Released

Very Different. An interesting recommendation with a big genre shift, perhaps if you want a stress/zen combo movement focused arena game with absolutely no shooting or Rogue-lite elements. Extremely different - Included to test the scale but also to demonstrate it's not that far and people should push the boundaries of what these genres mean. It does have procedural generation so gets a partial score there!

Action Puzzler Arcade Physics-based Puzzle Top Down or Isometric
5.0 Combined Ranking Score
60/72 Ranking Position
1033/1600 Total Points
8.9 Final Review
87% Steam
9.0 Scale
9.0 Vibes
586 Steam Reviews
367/400 Review Points
1.1 Similarity Score
56% Diagnosis:
Very Different
666/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3.1/8 genre
86% Simple Controls 5/7 move
28% Survival Modes -1.8/4 modes
0% Power Progression -4/4 level
10% Buildcrafting Depth -4/5 build
36% Stage Features -2/7 stage
64% Content Breadth 2.5/9 stuff
75% Aesthetics 3/6 style
72% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.4/10 vibe vibe

Osmos Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/14/2023

Included here to test/show the scale, because it's totally different but it somehow does feel a little similar. It's an nonviolent puzzle game where you click on the opposite side to move and lose some of your bubbly mass to do so, while trying to absorb smaller enemies instead of avoiding touching them.

Not a rogue-lite, not a bullet-heaven, but it might give you a top down zen arena vibe that's similar!

It has procedural generation available.

Also I just like it.

Osmos Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.1 Similarity Score
56% Diagnosis:
666/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting -1/1
-1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" -1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy -1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.3/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Osmos Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.9 Final Review
87% Positive Steam Reviews
586 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
9.0 Review Scale
367/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.0 Converted 10 Point Score
22 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.0 User Review Average
104 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.5 Direct Average
7.2 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Osmos Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidDirectiOSLinuxMacOnLiveSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action PuzzlerArcadePhysics-basedPuzzleTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

2D

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractScience

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown8m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Hemisphere Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 11
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube Dev's Website

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 8m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Dwarf Fortress

Free Available Released

Extremely Different. A titan of gaming history and a personal recommendation to anyone on the planet, but while it is influenced by Rogue and has some surface traits in common it's So different that attempting to score it on these named categories is very hard. A long form rogue-Like where you manage many many characters. An interesting one, Included to test the scale. You may find some similar aspects of this game appealing, though! Don't mind my 378 play hours, that was all just one run so I haven't really seen much of the game. Note: We're scaling the base management mode, not the single character control Adventure.

Basebuilding Colony Sim Content Rich Real Time With Pause Roguelike Story Rich Survival
5.0 Combined Ranking Score
61/72 Ranking Position
1015/1600 Total Points
9.6 Final Review
95% Steam
9.3 Scale
10.0 Vibes
19980 Steam Reviews
388/400 Review Points
0.5 Similarity Score
52% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
627/1200 Comparison Points
38% Genre -1.9/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
53% Survival Modes 0.2/4 modes
5% Power Progression -3.6/4 level
10% Buildcrafting Depth -4/5 build
86% Stage Features 5/7 stage
81% Content Breadth 5.5/9 stuff
92% Aesthetics 5/6 style
68% Gameplay Vibe Check 3.5/10 vibe vibe

Dwarf Fortress Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 378.8

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/23/2023

Now with a graphics inclusive version on Steam, Dwarf Fortress is inspired by classical Rogue-likes, but your permadeath possible "run" is managing a fortress with many characters instead of just one. Over the years the game has gained a lot of features that bring it more close to contemporary games than Rogue itself. The extreme differences in genre and control and mechanics makes it very hard to rate on our scale (which is designed to tease out subtle differences in very similar games) but it's interesting to test the scale. It is, after all, technically an "endless wave survival" game.

Mostly real time, but with a lot of optional pauses. For the movement section, we're counting all the various controls (there are many) for categories like "special moves" but there's no reflex "dodge", etc. DF doesn't have any victory conditions or set challenges, a huge difference. Nor does it let you chose how to level your characters, they progress themselves. Eventually, there are big hordes of enemy invaders, usually.

Worth noting the "Adventure" mode not reviewed here has both more in common with original Rogue and modern Rogue-lites.

This is an amazing game, but again we're mostly including it here to show how the scale is used and can be used for just about anything. There's more about it in the scoring guide, like many of the ones included to test and then demonstrate the scale.

And I guess it's here because I can't resist a chance to talk about Dwarf Fortress.

Dwarf Fortress Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

0.5 Similarity Score
52% Diagnosis:
627/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.3/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.2/1
Real Time 0.5/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -1/1
Arcade Style -0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.2/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -0.8/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -0.8/1
Build Crafting -1/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" -1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy -1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges -1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Dwarf Fortress Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.6 Final Review
95% Positive Steam Reviews
19980 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
9.3 Review Scale
388/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 0.9/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.3 Converted 10 Point Score
12 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.5 User Review Average
242 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.9 Direct Average
8.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Dwarf Fortress Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Directitch.ioLinuxSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

BasebuildingColony SimContent RichReal Time With PauseRoguelikeStory RichSurvival

Aesthetic Tags

2DAsciiLofiPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Keyboard OnlyMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Custom Mode/ScenarioEndless ModeSandboxSurvival CraftTraditional RoguelikeWave Survival

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Bay 12 GamesKitfox Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: Yes
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Bandcamp YouTube Spotify Soundcloud Amazon Apple

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created. The legendary Dwarf Fortress is now on Steam. Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world."

"In this complex construction/management/roguelike simulation, every generated world brings a unique challenge, whether it’s dwarves with their own simulated personalities or aquifers."

"One of the first video games acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York" "The original inspiration for RimWorld, Prison Architect, Minecraft and more."

Control Style Notes

- +

Game is presented as a top down management sim, similar to later games like Rimworld, and not with direct control of a player avatar.

Classic DF was entirely keyboard based, but the steam version has mouse support baked in. Experienced players know many hotkeys and ways to navigate many menus quickly.

It's now possible to mostly play with mouse for long periods, or just use keyboard to move the camera around.

Automated Features

To a great degree in DF the action is carried out by orders issued to your population, which sometimes they treat more like suggestions. You can tell them to attack an enemy, but it might be more common to tell them to patrol an area, and so on.

There's no way to directly attack an enemy or manipulate anything, you can only give orders and set the priority for them.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: No
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Endless Survival
Custom Scenario
Sandbox Survival Craft
("Fortress Mode")

Traditional Roguelike
("Adventure Mode")

Game Mode Notes

The primary mode is a roguelike colony sim, with a great deal of procedural generation for your world and maps.

There is no win condition, you simply want to build a civilization and survive as long as possible. Default settings will throw increasingly dire waves of invaders and dangerous monsters at you, as well as many emergent challenges.

There is an absolutely incredible amount of customization available before generating a world and starting a scenario, customization many times still available in the menus even after you've embarked and started your perhaps hundreds of hours in your "run."

It's possible to play completely peacefully, but there will always be risks to your population. Further customization is available with mods and dfhack.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

You can manage a single fortress essentially "forever", except likely at some point your computer and the game won't be able to handle the size and complexity of your save file and current concurrent interactions.

Once it dies, you can start another fort in the same world or an adventure playthrough from any saves. Functionally the game is as "endless" as any game, but many people consider the end of a fortress the end of a story, closing the pages on that world in favor of the next epic "run."

My longest living fort was 400 hours of person time, many generations of dwarves. (Actually, I'd modded myself a kobold fortress.)

Speed Settings

Mostly "real time with pause", there is also a great degree of freedom overclock speed. The game works through frames, so limiting your FPS to 1 or 2 frames greatly slows down the time. Of course, my computer could only do 7 FPS max at the end with my fort.

This isn't actually the graphical refresh rate, it's the amount of frames the game is generating for you to see.

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

There are no skill trees or level up dialogs for individual members of your fort, but they do increase in skill and opinion of things in many many different ways. Much of the mystery and appeal of Dwarf Fortress is figuring out how to increase the overall prosperity of your Fort and skill of your citizens without much in the way of set goals or information about what would do what next.

It's about as complex a system as you could possibly get in a game, but it also doesn't force decisions in a classical sense so it's easy to just end up watching how things hash out and crossing your fingers. While you can spend a long time simply building a lovely fort.

Meta Progression

Dwarf Fortress in its most "pure" style according to many is a true roguelike, with the history of the world unique and death permanent, all drillable down to a turn based system in "adventure mode".

However, DF has many features that may feel similar to metaprogression. When everyone at your fortress dies, you can start another in the same world or even reclaim it with a new set of settlers. You can play adventure mode by importing an old fortress save. There's no way to have 'advancement' that unlocks for a new world, all options are there when generating. But death is perhaps not the end of your story.

[edit]

Rogue

Free Available

Extremely Different. The original mid-eighties game which named the rogue-like genre. Yes, it's on Steam! For 2.99! Rogue-lites have metaprogression, this game does not. Traditional Rogue-likes are also turn based among many other hotly debated features. Included to test the scale and out of curiosity. Turns out Vampire Survivors is totally a Rogue-lite but Rogue is nothing like a Vampire survivors-like. Well worth checking out if you want to experience videogame history.

Dungeon Crawler Top Down or Isometric Traditional Roguelike
4.8 Combined Ranking Score
62/72 Ranking Position
1017/1600 Total Points
8.5 Final Review
96% Steam
8.0 Scale
8.0 Vibes
340 Steam Reviews
356/400 Review Points
1.0 Similarity Score
55% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
661/1200 Comparison Points
44% Genre -0.9/8 genre
44% Simple Controls -0.8/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
38% Power Progression -1/4 level
43% Buildcrafting Depth -0.7/5 build
71% Stage Features 3/7 stage
69% Content Breadth 3.5/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.7/6 style
71% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.1/10 vibe vibe

Rogue Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/20/2023

There are many different versions of Rogue, but this one is on Steam! This is a pretty interesting one to compare since obviously it's the namesake for now two hotly debated genres with hopping sales! Rogue-Likes and Rogue-Lites both share some similarities with Rogue, and now we can see how it lines up with Vampire Survivors.

Run time highly estimated. Many people play on and off for decades without managing to beat it. As an old game, it can be very unforgiving. It's also turn based, so can highly vary with the player. Plus there is the randomization element, which is much broader in this game than many on the list. Anecdotally it takes "several hours" if you actually manage to get down and then back up.

It's not likely the developers thought of "run time" the way we do these days after 40 years of iterating on this game.

We'll be rating based on the steam release. I think some versions did have music, but this one does not. Loses a bit on our review scale for lack of modern controls / UI, but that's just how that scale works. 10/10 on vibes. I haven't put in nearly enough time to be an expert on this game so please let me know if you have corrections or adjustments!

This is another one included to kind of demonstrate how games fall on the scale. And because the debate about if game is a rogue-like is also never ending.

You could make a scale like this with Rogue as the example game but the people who talk about this non stop are exhausting. That's why I do my best to endorse multiple terms through this document. The evolution and use of language is interesting, but it's kind of nuts to sit around and pretend it hasn't evolved when it's already moved past you. I didn't like survivors-like at first either.

Rogue Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.0 Similarity Score
55% Diagnosis:
661/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time -1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.2/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0.3/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music -1/1
Fun Writing 0.9/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top -1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Rogue Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.5 Final Review
96% Positive Steam Reviews
340 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
8.0 Review Scale
356/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0/1
Controller and Deck 0/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Rogue Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree Available

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerTop Down or IsometricTraditional Roguelike

Aesthetic Tags

AsciiLofiSerious

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractDungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Keyboard 1 HandedKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown240m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

EpyxInc.Pixel Games UK

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Experience the commercial port of the game that spawned a thousand 'Rogue-likes'. Venture into the Dungeons of Doom in search of the legendary Amulet of Yendor, and hopefully escape with your life! Randomly generated dungeons await you, full of nasty monsters, insidious traps, and glittering loot."

"In the early 1980s, a computer game emerged that changed the world of fantasy gaming forever. Randomly generated rooms meant that each journey into the infamous Dungeons of Doom was unique. "

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 240m

Run Time Notes

Run time highly estimated. Many people play on and off for decades without managing to beat it. As an old game, it can be very unforgiving.

It's also turn based, so time varies highly with the player. Plus there is the randomization element, which is much broader in this game than many on the list. Anecdotally it takes "several hours" if you actually manage to get down and then back up.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Hero Siege (2.0)

DLC Released

Very Different. Recent reviews are very negative, a 1.9, likely due to shift to paid unlockables. It used to be more like a Rogue-Lite. An interesting one - inspired by the same classics and with a similar retro pixel vibe, instead of distilling and extrapolating from the ARPG gameplay into tight Rogue-lite runs, it shows what happens if you bog down a little game with complex Diablo style systems and clog the menu with transactions. No quick in and out - it does not scratch the Survivors itch.

Action RPG Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Top Down or Isometric
4.8 Combined Ranking Score
63/72 Ranking Position
1095/1600 Total Points
6.2 Final Review
72% Steam
6.5 Scale
4.8 Vibes
28687 Steam Reviews
285/400 Review Points
3.5 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
Very Different
810/1200 Comparison Points
60% Genre 1.6/8 genre
11% Simple Controls -5.5/7 move
38% Survival Modes -1/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
96% Stage Features 6.5/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
85% Aesthetics 4.2/6 style
64% Gameplay Vibe Check 2.8/10 vibe vibe

Hero Siege (2.0) Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 3.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/22/2023

Tagged as a Rogue-like but it's really not, besides some buff items dropped. Very Diablo-inspired isometric pixel art Action RPG. Came out before Vampire Survivors or many of the games on this list, but sometimes is mentioned. It's not a wave survival game and doesn't share most other features. Like Diablo, sometimes the enemy count can get a little Horde-ish and the moves can get a little over the top. Lovely little graphics and vibe though the UI is a bit hard on steam deck or TV. Graphics look GREAT on steam deck though. You can no longer attack while moving as quickly, also different.

Let's call the jump a dodge. Seems at some point the game got a 2.0 full of microtransactions or DLC at some point though, clogging the unlock menus full of confusing purchase options. Loses out on "low price" and lofi charm due to all the DLC, inventor tabs, etc. survivors-likes seem like a very distilled version of this kind of gameplay, speed running and streamlining the leveling while throwing all the enemies at you at once. Vampire Survivors has basically one control - the movement stick - and ARPGS are defined by almost the opposite, by the huge amount of move and menu options during play.

There was like an earlier version of this game that was much different and I admit I didn't put in the time to research where that went. I think they just replaced it?

Hero Siege (2.0) Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.5 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
810/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.8/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.3/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0.7/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.6/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.4/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price -1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Hero Siege (2.0) Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

6.2 Final Review
72% Positive Steam Reviews
28687 Steam Reviews
4.8 Pure Vibes
6.5 Review Scale
285/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.6/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 0.5/1
Unique Twists 0.4/1
Vibe Check 0.7/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.8 Converted 10 Point Score
2 Number of Critic Reviews

User

6.5 User Review Average
75 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.2 Direct Average
6.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Hero Siege (2.0) Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSitch.ioLinuxMacPS4Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknownn/a

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Panic Art Studios Ltd.

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 2 (Local) 4 (Online)
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 59
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Bandcamp YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Hero Siege is a Hack N Slash Roguelike RPG with randomly generated zones, loot, randomized enemies, bosses and more! 4 Player Online Multiplayer!"

"Annihilate hordes of enemies, grow your talent tree, grind better loot and explore up to 7 Acts enhanced with beautiful Pixel Art graphics!" "Hero Siege has an Loot/Inventory system. Loot drops can be of several different rarities such as Normal, Magic, Rare, Legendary, Mythic and Satanic"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: n/a

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Beat Hazard 3

EA

Very Different. A top down twin stick shooter that uses "your music" (or at least your spotify) to generate arcade style levels. Or at least effects. Certainly over the top and similar in that it's top down and a shooter, perhaps if you're looking for more top down shooters it's an interesting option. Reviewed because it was in the Steam Bullet Heaven festival. It's not really a typical bullet heaven, more like a typical top down shmup. Which makes sense as the Beat Hazard series has existed since long before the term bullet heaven did. Perhaps will appeal to some of the same impulses but it's generally very different and not a survivors-like. Low review almost entirely due to UI and illegibility in both menus and gameplay. May improve!

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Hell Isometric or Top Down Music Twin Stick Shooter
4.7 Combined Ranking Score
64/72 Ranking Position
1053/1600 Total Points
7.1 Final Review
92% Steam
6.1 Scale
6.0 Vibes
280 Steam Reviews
313/400 Review Points
2.3 Similarity Score
62% Diagnosis:
Very Different
740/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.9/8 genre
29% Simple Controls -3/7 move
65% Survival Modes 1.2/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
54% Buildcrafting Depth 0.4/5 build
50% Stage Features 0/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
58% Aesthetics 1/6 style
74% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.7/10 vibe vibe

Beat Hazard 3 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

The default mode is level based, I suppose, with levels based on your songs. This makes it time based, in vibe, more than the average level based shooter. We'll call that a partial positive score.

Collecting the score bubbles feels enough like collecting XP or gold, so we'll call it that. We're mostly concerned with the collecting mechanic in gameplay on that metric. It has unlockables like an arcade game has unlockables, and it's procedurally generated. So is it a rogue-lite? It's an interesting question, and we'll give it a partial score there for sharing some features, but ultimately it doesn't feel like a roguelike because there's no making a build within the game, just arcade style power ups.

It does have waves within the levels, for sure, and they're fairly organic. But it's not a horde nor attempts to be. There are a ton of different ships and weapon stuff and unique customization options, I'm going to call all those menus a bestiary as well.

"Generating a galaxy" looks really pretty and felt cool, but I wasn't really sure if it was more than just a very visually hi fi menu.

This was actually a special experience to review because I directed it to a folder of old MP3s I'd ripped from weird bands my friends were in during college, lofi electronic and experimental stuff that I think worked pretty well. Hearing all my old friends haunted voices over beats was honestly something.

That being said I wish it really synced up the action more and slow songs had little action - perhaps that would feel like you weren't playing the game but with long intros it would have been cool to pick things knowing how they'd amp up. As it is, the very metallic ships that show up can feel pretty off topic with certain twangy folksy vibes. That's honestly a skill issue, though, and we can assume you're going to put on a "beat" for Beat Hazard.

Unfortunately, with the strobing down, which I eventually had to set lower for my eyes, it didn't feel like much really had to do with my music. And due to how much was going on always, I couldn't really tell what upgrading my ships did too easily either.

Honestly I found myself kind of confused in the menus. There are so many game modes, so many options, I didn't really know what to do at any given time. Something I normally like about this genre is how simple it is to get in and out. But I understand the reason for some of the complexity given the music focus. Just don't know if the ship/ability upgrade stuff needs to be too.

The biggest thing that holds me back from playing more is how complicated all the menus and modes are - it seems silly, but I suffer easily from decision fatigue. And the font is too close together and hard to read. It's Early Access so maybe I can hope there's a UI overhaul and much of this is tidied up and hidden away. It's honestly overwhelming.

Beat Hazard 3 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.3 Similarity Score
62% Diagnosis:
740/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.3/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.6/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.4/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.2/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.2/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price -0.5/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.2/1

Beat Hazard 3 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.1 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
280 Steam Reviews
6.0 Pure Vibes
6.1 Review Scale
313/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.5/1
Good UI -1/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.7/1
Fun Feel 0.7/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Beat Hazard 3 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HellIsometric or Top DownMusicTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3D

Setting / Story Tags

Sci-fiShip (Air/Space)Space

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown5m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Cold Beam Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op Versus
  • Online: Co-Op Versus (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 45
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Are you ready to explore your music collection mapped as a stunning galaxy of wonders? Experience your music collection as never before with this intense music driven twin stick shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music."

"All new 3D procedural ship generation system. Introducing a new 'fold' ability used to dodge enemy fire and focus your weapons into a tight beam of destruction."

"Beat Hazard 3 is compatible with music streaming services via an improved 'Open Mic' system that can listen in to any music source."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Grim Horde

Abandoned EA Free Available

A summoning survivors-like that unfortunately never "made it past the concept stage" according to one steam reviewer I agree with. Contrasting it with Boneraiser Minions which is a zippy and fun game full of content, it's an unfortunately also ran. There's some nice aesthetics and animations, but the gameplay is unfortunately quite slow and feels just too non-interactive, even for an auto battler. I hope the devs try again with a different project and in some ways I respect them for feeling it was "done" if it just didn't seem fun. It's hard to justify the price on it in this state, even at three dollars. Suffers heavily on the latter half of our scale for lack of depth, breadth, and gameplay.

Auto-Battler Horde Survival Rogue-lite Summoning Game Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
4.0 Combined Ranking Score
65/72 Ranking Position
1056/1600 Total Points
4.0 Final Review
58% Steam
2.7 Scale
3.5 Vibes
55 Steam Reviews
220/400 Review Points
3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
Similar
836/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3/8 genre
73% Simple Controls 3.2/7 move
80% Survival Modes 2.4/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
55% Buildcrafting Depth 0.5/5 build
75% Stage Features 3.5/7 stage
64% Content Breadth 2.6/9 stuff
71% Aesthetics 2.5/6 style
62% Gameplay Vibe Check 2.4/10 vibe vibe

Grim Horde Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Kind of similar to Boneraiser Minions on the face of it, but you're raiding villages instead of defending your crypt. I did my best on feature details but since it's abandoned and hard to get through I'm not sure about a couple.

I know starting off feels slow in many of these games but it feels really slow in this demo. Maybe I'm missing something, likely. Ok, coming back with the full version basically to just check for the review and it still feels really slow. I think, though, it's not really about speed of the character but how non-interactive the gameplay feels even for an auto-battler.

Let's compare it directly to Boneraiser minions. Your only real button here is to summon towers which summon creators. But it's not a direct amount and placement of the towers hardly seems to matter. They go away quickly and you keep replacing, but not really too strategically. In Boneraiser minions your main button is a dodge, but the game keeps you on your toes while the summons just happen.

Here it feels I'm really detached from it somehow.

Let's compare it directly to Boneraiser minions. Your only real button here is to summon towers which summon creators. But it's not a direct amount and placement of the towers hardly seems to matter. They go away quickly and you keep replacing, but not really too strategically. In Boneraiser minions your main button is a dodge, but the game keeps you on your toes while the summons just happen.

Here you're trying to coax your mob towards houses as you kind of explore a map. You break the houses to get meta upgrade materials, and enemies killed by your horde drop souls, basically. But then you have to bring the souls to a place to level up and buy upgrades, which means there's no kind of zen like loop in terms of just circling for resources. You have to move (very slowly) across a map. Later stages seem smaller or more arena-like, at least in pieces, but the gameplay doesn't feel to change much. The upgrade feel incremental, never drastically changing the action regardless of the percent.

Most enemies seem to come from houses so it doesn't exactly feel like organica waves either.

The 'souls' or whatever fade away quickly so you can't wander away to a goal and come back and get them, you're constantly trying to drag this horde of creatures that won't come quickly with you, so you're constantly having to wait for them while enemies stream at you from the spawns.

You don't get to upgrade your minions in interesting ways every level, it doesn't seem like you really unlock other minions either. None of the 'create a minion in a way that I personally like' aspect is there.

Frankly, it was a slog to try and play enough to review, though I put in a solid effort across the demo and main game. I'm disappointed because I love playing a necromancer, for example, in games like Diablo and the idea of a horde is great.

Finally, there isn't much content. I was told by someone associated with the devs it's kind of a prematurely finished product, maybe not outright abandoned but I think they realized it wasn't that fun either. As another reviewer on steam put it, "didn't make it past the concept stage."

Grim Horde Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
836/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 0.7/1
Top Down or Isometric 0/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -0.7/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.2/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.3/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.3/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0.1/1
Fun Check 0.1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Grim Horde Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

4.0 Final Review
58% Positive Steam Reviews
55 Steam Reviews
3.5 Pure Vibes
2.7 Review Scale
220/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0/1
Not Janky 0.3/1
Good UI 0.7/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content -0.5/1
Good Theme 0.6/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel -1/1
Unique Twists 0.1/1
Vibe Check 0.7/1

Grim Horde Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

itch.ioLinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCAbandonedEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerHorde SurvivalRogue-liteSummoning GameSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

2DPixel Art

Setting / Story Tags

Demon SummoningFantasyNecromancer

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 Handed

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Red Koi Box

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 36
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Gather your minions, conquer the lands and become the Darklord! Grim Horde is a fast arcade game with rogue-lite elements, where you lead your armies through the lands of the mortals, raze villages and claim souls. Die and rise again from your ashes and learn new summoning spells."

"Grim Horde is a fast arcade game with rogue-lite elements, where you lead your armies through the lands of the mortals, raze villages and claim souls.Die and rise again from your ashes and learn new summoning spells." (I'm honestly not sure how they arrived at the fast conclusion. Maybe in an endgame I'll never get to?)

And from discord quite some months ago: "Grim Horde is pretty dead (no pun intended), we have to decide what to do with it."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Elden Ring

Released

Extremely Different. Perhaps you'd like leveling up and challenge with a horror fantasy setting but prefer a drastic change in format to AAA 3rd person and want to always progress one character. I thought it might be interesting to include a very different game I've got a lot of hours in and see what's similar. Included to test the scale. A souls-like technically has some similarities to a rogue-lite - there is a similar "one more run" feeling after death at least, but Elden Ring is totally focused on permanent progression. It's a very good game but even high review scores can't bring a game this different above the 5.0 threshold that I internally think of as separating the "recommended" games from the ones that likely won't satisfy your search for another game similar to Vampire Survivors.

3rd Person Adventure Action RPG Content Rich Open World Soulslike Story Rich
3.9 Combined Ranking Score
66/72 Ranking Position
879/1600 Total Points
9.7 Final Review
92% Steam
10.0 Scale
10.0 Vibes
537133 Steam Reviews
392/400 Review Points
-1.9 Similarity Score
41% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
487/1200 Comparison Points
31% Genre -3/8 genre
0% Simple Controls -7/7 move
9% Survival Modes -3.3/4 modes
25% Power Progression -2/4 level
25% Buildcrafting Depth -2.5/5 build
73% Stage Features 3.2/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.3/9 stuff
50% Aesthetics 0/6 style
50% Gameplay Vibe Check 0/10 vibe vibe

Elden Ring Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 283.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/17/2023

I've put an insane amount of hours into all the From Software Souls-Likes and thought it might be interesting to use one to test the scale. Souls-likes have a slightly similar feel in that their "one more try" dynamic after dying feels a lot like the "one more run" addiction of rouge-lites.

It also has a lot of exploration, levels, depth, and technically the XP is on the ground sometimes. Great game! Will it scratch your VS itch? Almost definitely not... but maybe.

I love Soulslikes but I wouldn't put most of them on this list. I just picked the latest one and I think it was the most widely played as well, The mechanics in most of them are very similar. The FromSoft games, anyway.

Elden Ring Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

-1.9 Similarity Score
41% Diagnosis:
487/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
-0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" -1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy -1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground -0.8/1
Health on Ground -1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers -1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.2/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm -1/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -1/1
Difficulty Ramp -1/1
Fun Ramp -1/1
Low Price -1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Elden Ring Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.7 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
537133 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
10.0 Review Scale
392/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

9.4 Converted 10 Point Score
60 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.1 User Review Average
5931 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.3 Direct Average
7.1 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Elden Ring Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

PS4PS5Steam DeckWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

3rd Person AdventureAction RPGContent RichOpen WorldSoulslikeStory Rich

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasyHorrorHorror Themed

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknownn/a

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Bandai NamcoFromSoftware

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op Versus
  • Player Count: 3 (Co-Op) 6 (PVP)
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 42
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Spotify Apple Amazon YouTube Bandai Namco (LP)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The New Fantasy Action RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between."

"A vast world where open fields with a variety of situations and huge dungeons with complex and three-dimensional designs are seamlessly connected.""In addition to customizing the appearance of your character, you can freely combine the weapons, armor, and magic that you equip. You can develop your character according to your play style, such as increasing your muscle strength to become a strong warrior, or mastering magic."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: n/a

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Godstrike

Released

Extremely Different. Isometric shmup but while it's listed alongside over a hundred survivors-likes in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest it's actually a very demanding boss rush twin stick shooter that feels quite unlike Vampire Survivors. Most games like this aren't on this spreadsheet, but we'll keep it on here as an example of the genre since it's currently suggested alongside the rest of these games. Personally, I think a twitch reaction bullet hell boss rush game like this is unlikely to fulfill your desire for a game like Vampire Survivors.

Arena Shooter Boss Rush Bullet Hell Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
3.3 Combined Ranking Score
67/72 Ranking Position
899/1600 Total Points
6.4 Final Review
70% Steam
6.2 Scale
6.0 Vibes
120 Steam Reviews
292/400 Review Points
0.1 Similarity Score
51% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
607/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.9/8 genre
22% Simple Controls -3.9/7 move
25% Survival Modes -2/4 modes
25% Power Progression -2/4 level
46% Buildcrafting Depth -0.4/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
72% Content Breadth 3.9/9 stuff
54% Aesthetics 0.5/6 style
69% Gameplay Vibe Check 3.7/10 vibe vibe

Godstrike Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.1

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

This one was part of Steam's "Bullet Heaven" Fest. Personally, it doesn't seem to be a bullet heaven, rather it's a textbook bullet hell boss rush with some upgrades and equipping between rounds. It has a lot of movement and action controls possible with unlockable and applicable abilities. While it's isometric and a shooter, the gameplay feel and loop doesn't really feel like Vampire Survivors.

It's a little confusing in the menus with the top option being a mode where you can seemingly select any ability you want to challenge yourself, then a campaign mode that seems like a roguelite run, kind of, and then daily challenges and other challenge modes.

I found the menu set up, navigation and way the gameplay loop works unintuitive considering how simple it turned out to really be. Roguelite mode is called "story mode". You can only attempt the daily challenge once which feels sad.

-1 for timed survival since it's all about you running out of time, not trying to run out the clock. Regardless of the mode picked you'll always be trying to defeat the same run of bosses without much in between. Bosses spit out a ton of bullets which I personally found hard to see with the games graphical style. (Edit: Turns out this was because graphics are bugged on my high end gaming PC, it looks different on steam deck.)

While I appreciate "tilt to fire" twin stick controls, it complicates them with a lot of possible special moves, dodge, etc.

Overall it doesn't feel like it gains from these complicated controls, since the boss attack patterns and strategies don't feel that special compared to hundreds of other bullet hell bosses out there. Not memorable cutscenes but won't let you skip them. At this price point, it's hard to say there's a lot here compared to many of the amazing games on this list.

Godstrike Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

0.1 Similarity Score
51% Diagnosis:
607/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0.1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.2/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.3/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.4/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.7/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Godstrike Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

6.4 Final Review
70% Positive Steam Reviews
120 Steam Reviews
6.0 Pure Vibes
6.2 Review Scale
292/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.7/1
Good UI 0.4/1
Controller and Deck 0.9/1
Lots of Content 0.4/1
Good Theme 0.5/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.6/1
Fun Feel 0.6/1
Unique Twists 0.5/1
Vibe Check 0.6/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

6.8 Converted 10 Point Score
7 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.0 User Review Average
1 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.4 Direct Average
7.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Godstrike Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBoss RushBullet HellRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3DCell ShadedSerious

Setting / Story Tags

Fantasy

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Freedom GamesOverPowered Team

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Yes
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Spotify Bandcamp YouTube Apple Amazon

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Godstrike is a twin-stick shooter where time is your health and currency. Face off against ruthless bosses in tense, 1v1 showdowns as Talaal, the last Herald."

"Godstrike is a 3D boss rush bullet hell where time is your health and currency. Face and defeat powerful bosses before time runs out. Taking damage and using abilities drains your remaining combat time, so watch out!"

"Customizable ability loadouts, allowing the players to optimize their game style.
Competition focused gameplay so you can challenge your friends and beat the highscores.
Multiple game modes, including Roguelite-style mode!
"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Call of Duty 2

Released

Extremely Different. If you don't want to play Vampire Survivors at all! This WWII campaign based first person shooter is nothing alike! Yes, it's a 'shooter' but it's completely different! Included to test the scale. Our use of a negative-shifted measurement within categories allows us to get a low ranking for a very different game, and it still be a functional game sharing basic features. It's mostly an aesthetic difference, but a lower score is easily understood at a glance. Otherwise a game like this might get around a confusingly high score! It may be a little confusing now, but as we fully rank more games, these different ones will stay near the bottom.

First Person Shooter Story Rich
2.1 Combined Ranking Score
68/72 Ranking Position
711/1600 Total Points
8.0 Final Review
93% Steam
7.2 Scale
7.5 Vibes
6842 Steam Reviews
340/400 Review Points
-3.8 Similarity Score
31% Diagnosis:
Extremely Different
371/1200 Comparison Points
37% Genre -2.1/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
6% Survival Modes -3.5/4 modes
0% Power Progression -4/4 level
5% Buildcrafting Depth -4.5/5 build
48% Stage Features -0.3/7 stage
56% Content Breadth 1/9 stuff
38% Aesthetics -1.5/6 style
40% Gameplay Vibe Check -2/10 vibe vibe

Call of Duty 2 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 20.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/14/2023

Included here to test/show the scale - kind of demonstrating that to properly show a game is nothing like VS you gotta use a lot of -1 scores. In theory you could go all the way negative to -60, but most games would share some features! Our scale is heavily designed to be useful for differentiating very similar games, so if very different games earned a 5.0 it would be less clear. This shifting allows us to clearly differentiate from the very similar games up top.

Some random scoring notes: It does away with the healthpack drops from the first game, so no more "health on ground." Call of Duty 2 also has no sprint! So full score in "no dash", basically. We use this one a lot in the scoring guide so check out if you're curious about the numbers!

Matter of the scale being -1 to 1 is mostly a matter of aesthetics really, it's just a 20 point range that allows you to see easily what is just a lack of a feature and which is an intentional difference in design philosophy.

Call of Duty 2 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

-3.8 Similarity Score
31% Diagnosis:
371/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode -1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting -1/1
-1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" -0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy -1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 0.7/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground -1/1
Health on Ground -1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run -1/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm -1/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -0.5/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -1/1
Difficulty Ramp -1/1
Fun Ramp -1/1
Low Price -1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Call of Duty 2 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.0 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
6842 Steam Reviews
7.5 Pure Vibes
7.2 Review Scale
340/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0/1
Lots of Content 0.6/1
Good Theme 0.6/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.5/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.5/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.6 Converted 10 Point Score
64 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.5 User Review Average
1033 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.6 Direct Average
8.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Call of Duty 2 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCXbox 360Released

Sorting Categories

Extremely Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

First Person ShooterStory Rich

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

HistoricalMilitaryWWII

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknownn/a

Features and Extras

Soundtrack

Dev/Publisher

ActivisionInfinity Ward

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube Retail (CD)

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The sequel to 2003's Call of Duty, winner of over 80 Game of the Year awards, Call of Duty 2 offers more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before"

"All-new, unprecedented enhancements from stunningly realistic graphics to seamless gameplay, thanks to the revolutionary COD2 engine"

"The dozens of Allied soldiers surrounding you are fully aware of the changing situations around them, and will let you know using an all-new, context-sensitive battle chatter system." etc etc

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: n/a

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Bowerwhelm

Released

Different. First person bow arena shooter.. honestly more of a game design proposal than an actual game. Gets a 0 in price despite being cheaper because.. the content isn't actually there, like they built part of the engine and half the weapon and then put it up. I would like to see them finish it, but I'm worried they won't. This should be free at least until they fix the bow shooting and hire an artist. Low score is overall due to missing many basic features.

Arena Shooter Enemy Hell First Person Shooter Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Survival
1.8 Combined Ranking Score
69/72 Ranking Position
811/1600 Total Points
3.5 Final Review
80% Steam
1.6 Scale
0.9 Vibes
11 Steam Reviews
205/400 Review Points
0.1 Similarity Score
51% Diagnosis:
Different
606/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3.1/8 genre
23% Simple Controls -3.8/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
65% Buildcrafting Depth 1.5/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
39% Content Breadth -1.9/9 stuff
24% Aesthetics -3.1/6 style
40% Gameplay Vibe Check -2/10 vibe vibe

Bowerwhelm Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/16/2023

Feels like this is a proposal for a game and not a game. I'm really surprised money is being charged. The basic concept is fine. The enemies are still overwhelming and terrible.. just because I hate that there are a lot of them, damn you big red orbs, damn you.

They are literally just a big red orb with a number in it. It could be literally any cute enemy sprite and have some charm. But it's not. The arena is a white untextured space. This gets pretty boring pretty quickly.

Weapon upgrades tend to not feel that impactful since "more shots" just goes to the same place, bounces to the same next enemy, etc. The way you avoid and shoot doesn't seem to change much with upgrades or progression.

But the real issues is the bow controls are perfectly wrong (no pull on left trigger aim right trigger to release so it's basically a slow gun.) I love bow games and after amazing stuff like the latest Horizon or Zelda games or all the VR ones I was expecting gameplay totally built around shooting a bow. And that's not what I got. With my hands, it honestly hurts to hold down the right trigger exactly like this, so I had to play in short bursts.

It kind of works with works with a steam controller profile but then you get stuck in menus, a frustrating experience on steam deck. At least, it forced me to quit out of the game at least once at the gear menu. Generally the UI and overall feel of the game isn't too buggy but also feels fairly uninspired, again unfinished like a wireframe or mockup.

In terms of content there's only the one weapon, one enemy, one visual style of map for two maps. It has incremental meta upgrades and challenge based upgrades. Gets a -1 for "multiple characters" for being first person with basically no character and no unique character build related features.

It's definitely a survivors-like, clearly inspired by the upgrades style, horde gameplay, but it's like a note someone made to remind themselves to make a game later. Then they packed it full of 'unlocks' and charged for it. It's frustrating because I would like more very simple first person arena shooters in this format. I don't have a problem with small games, if they're tightly designed and fun. Maybe something more will come from this, one can hope.

Bowerwhelm Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

0.1 Similarity Score
51% Diagnosis:
606/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.9/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.2/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety -1/1
Bosses / Elites -1/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0.1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore -1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.8/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm -0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.2/1
Fun Writing -1/1
Subtle Humor -1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -0.5/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check -1/1
Controls Check -0.5/1
Fun Check -0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Bowerwhelm Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

3.5 Final Review
80% Positive Steam Reviews
11 Steam Reviews
0.9 Pure Vibes
1.6 Review Scale
205/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.8/1
Not Janky 0/1
Good UI 0/1
Controller and Deck 0.2/1
Lots of Content 0/1
Good Theme 0/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0/1
Fun Feel 0.1/1
Unique Twists 0.5/1
Vibe Check 0/1

Bowerwhelm Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterEnemy HellFirst Person ShooterRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DLofi

Setting / Story Tags

Abstract

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

UnknownUnknown

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Nash Equilibrium

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 36
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Bowerwhelm is an FPS Rogue-lite game. Kill until you die, get new skills, evolve and combine them to make powerful builds, and KILL MORE!!!" "Your reflexes alone won't save you. You will need to choose your skills wisely throughout the game or you will get BOWERWHELMED!"

"You will have the opportunity to create a powerful deck of skills that can be combined for maximum impact. With a wide variety of skills available, you'll have the chance to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect strategy for your play style."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

GROSS

Free Available Released

Very Different. FPS / Tower Defense Hybrid. This zombie shooter was in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest so we checked it out. It's definitely not a survivors-like or a bullet heaven. It's a more oldschool wave defense game, with a really frustratingly obscure and tutorialized set of features instead of a way to easily drop into action. It probably won't satisfy survivors-likes fans, but you could check it out if you liked older games like Orcs Must Die. I had a lot of quibbles around this one that kept me from putting more time in, but I think it's ok since it's not as related as other games anyway. Correct me if I missed any features!

Base Building First Person Shooter Story Rich Tower Defense Wave Survival
1.8 Combined Ranking Score
70/72 Ranking Position
775/1600 Total Points
4.5 Final Review
85% Steam
2.1 Scale
3.0 Vibes
131 Steam Reviews
236/400 Review Points
-1.0 Similarity Score
45% Diagnosis:
Very Different
539/1200 Comparison Points
50% Genre 0/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
69% Survival Modes 1.5/4 modes
25% Power Progression -2/4 level
47% Buildcrafting Depth -0.3/5 build
61% Stage Features 1.6/7 stage
61% Content Breadth 1.9/9 stuff
47% Aesthetics -0.4/6 style
42% Gameplay Vibe Check -1.6/10 vibe vibe

GROSS Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.7

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

This is an FPS Horde Shotter / Tower Defense hybrid we're comparing here relatively early in our process because it's listed in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest sale. (In the long run I'd like to add more horde shooter and tower defense games in general, but we're still usually focusing on survivors-likes until we get those filled out.) I don't think it's a bullet heaven though. I don't think it's a rogue-lite either.

A lot of fans mention Sanctum in reviews as similar, but I haven't played that. It leans more on the FPS side, according to reviewers as well and I might agree. Early game it's best to just use barriers and kill them yourself. But the first person view makes making paths annoying especially since and instant refund costs you half for a mistake. The "You Must Leave A Path" limitation is janky and weirdly applied.

The main event is a "story" mode and honestly has quite a lot of text story. Pretty long winded but honestly I thought it was fairly well written for something like this. This one certainly tasks you to survive waves, but don't expect as simple an arcade gameplay loop since you need to pick them out and install them from a menu, run round prepping a bit in first person between fighting.

You pick from and unlock things through play, but there doesn't seem to be randomization or any sort of meta progression in the roguelite sense.

Controller navigation for building leaves a little to be desired, it says on screen "press E" to start instead of the controller button etc. Didn't realize I had to literally point at the RV etc. So much trouble trying to figure out where weapons are to equip after accidentally switching a slot during the tutorial. Incredibly time wasting and frustrating. Visually it feels like a less interesting Plants Vs Zombies (the 3D spin offs) with kind of similar gameplay too. Much more confined map, though, and the grid to construct on. Once into the match the gunplay is fine but the enemies aren't really visually or gameplay distinct for the first while at least.

You start with three guns already equipped which was nice, I don't love how some of these FPS zombie games make you hold a single one at a time. But then how to select them is totally crazy requiring in game walking. Overall the time I spent was mostly frustrated, often incredibly frustrated. It tells me to make a path of barricades and then tells me I have to leave a path while there are 4 openings and won't let me place more. It tells me to switch guns by finding them then doesn't tell me where my old guns went. Totally unclear and unexplained UI elements.

Much of this hidden or unavailable to use during the tutorial, which is a pet peeve for me, because when you have a long and unskippable tutorial and then some of the buttons don't work, you spend the early game simply confused as hell. Often the tutorial asks me to press a keyboard button while using controller. It made me go through the tutorial twice, again after selecting the second mission. And there's another tutorial in the menu. And tutorial bits during a plot segment. And it gives you a mini tutorial and shows you training dummies at your "house."

Devs enabling buttons and menus one at a time during a tuturial has got to stop imho. Stop changing the UX around at the start of the game when it's most confusing! Just let me jam the buttons and figure out what they do! Don't make a tutorial that takes place with limited access to game function through an entire full survival session and definitely don't spread it accross multiple long stages. These games should be hop in hop out imho. If valheim can be you can be.

I'm not really sure how it has so many positive reviews, the basics are just frustrating. It gets easier to find your guns and figure out the menus of course, maps open up a bit, but it still just felt very awkard and janky to me. In any case, it's not a survivors-like and there are better horde shooters out there too.

GROSS Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

-1.0 Similarity Score
45% Diagnosis:
539/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.8/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 0.3/1
BIG Maps -0.5/1
XP on Ground 0.8/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 0.2/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.5/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.5/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.1/1
Fun Writing -1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -0.5/1
Over the Top -0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp -0.5/1
Fun Ramp -0.5/1
Low Price -0.2/1
Technical Check 0.2/1
Controls Check 0.2/1
Fun Check 0.2/1
Feels like VS -0.8/1

GROSS Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

4.5 Final Review
85% Positive Steam Reviews
131 Steam Reviews
3.0 Pure Vibes
2.1 Review Scale
236/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.8/1
Not Janky -0.4/1
Good UI 0/1
Controller and Deck 0.3/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 0/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.4/1
Fun Feel 0.2/1
Unique Twists 0/1
Vibe Check 0.1/1

GROSS Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Base BuildingFirst Person ShooterStory RichTower DefenseWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DCell ShadedLow Poly

Setting / Story Tags

ContemporaryZombies

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

hangry owl gamesHawthorn Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 56
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"In GROSS, you are tasked with defending your base against waves of enemy attackers in classic tower defense fashion. You have the freedom to build barricades and turrets to create mazes and launch attacks on the enemy, as well as place traps on the ground for added defense.

During the construction phase, you can experiment with different combinations of turrets and barriers to come up with the most effective obstacle course for your attackers. And don't worry about time limits or wasted resources - you can sell everything you build for a full refund until the next combat phase begins. So if you love the strategy and satisfaction of building the ultimate tower defense setup, GROSS is the game for you!
"

"Once you are done building your defenses, get ready for intense, fast-paced combat! With a huge arsenal of guns at your fingertips, each featuring different ammo types, you'll have to make split-second decisions to take down waves of zombies."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

IDIOTIC (The Game)

Free Available Released

Very Different. Reviewed since it's included in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest, this first person arena shooter with parkour elements shares some features with the genre like power increase choices on level gain and currency based metaprogression between matches but overall won't satisfy most fans. It's not that it's in first person, some excellent related games are, but that it's also more movement than build focused and really lacking in the content area. And very very janky and unfinished feeling. I respect it's a first project from a learning dev, and I think it's technically a survivors-like, but seems very unlikely that this is the game you're looking for in our database.

Arena Shooter First Person Shooter Parkour Survivors-like Wave Survival
1.6 Combined Ranking Score
71/72 Ranking Position
808/1600 Total Points
2.9 Final Review
75% Steam
0.3 Scale
1.0 Vibes
16 Steam Reviews
188/400 Review Points
0.3 Similarity Score
52% Diagnosis:
Very Different
620/1200 Comparison Points
63% Genre 2.1/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
70% Survival Modes 1.6/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
48% Buildcrafting Depth -0.2/5 build
54% Stage Features 0.6/7 stage
47% Content Breadth -0.6/9 stuff
41% Aesthetics -1.1/6 style
55% Gameplay Vibe Check 1/10 vibe vibe

IDIOTIC (The Game) Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.3

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/5/2023

Another game that's been suggested to fans of this genre, but our examination shows it's pretty far from what most will be looking for. This is a wave survival game listed in the Steam Bullet Heaven Fest, but it's hard to say it's a bullet heaven or a survivors-like though it shares some elements.

It has in game abilities to pick from as you level, meta unlocks for some power progression between game modes and procedural generation so it could be called a rogue-lite as much as many of these other games. No damage numbers but the scoring pop up text feels a little like it, so tiny partial score. Knocking it for no controller support in controls check, though not to the negative since the KB+M controls seem fine. It's very action focused so basically the opposite of an auto shooter. Has crouch, run, wall running, climbing, double jumping and so on, alongside aiming and firing controls, challenging you to use a large amount of dexterity to survive.

But some of the controls (especially the "Warp" ability that switches "realities") doesn't make it more fun for me personally, it's just more controls. Overall the combat mechanics and controls are the best (and kind of only) part though, and lead to some fun moments.

There is the "arena" mode and then procedurally generated "destruction." I wasn't able to play much of destruction since the generated levels often had janky wall-run/platforming sections that seemed to have clipping issues. It's interesting because with the meta power creep it certainly has a gameplay mechanic difficulty ramp many arena shooters do not, which has some appeal.

No controller support so had to do some work to play on Steam Deck, which wasn't fun, so played at my desk (and not the TV either) which I don't enjoy as much (reflected with a 0 in the associated column in the review scale.)

I saw some people on YouTube complain about the music but I like it. Overall though it feels like it's missing sounds, enemy variety and weapons, Half Life era graphics (but with less detail) for a relatively high price and the gameplay is cumbersome compared to many other wave survival / horde shooter FPS games. And no real "horde" either. Again, only 3 guns? Where are the weapons?

It's made by a learning solo developer so I don't want to be too hard on it, but it's hard to justify the price point with what's here. Feels like it should be early access for 99 cents, maybe would even make more in sales. But if you can get into it with keyboard and mouse and don't mind the price, some compare it to titanfall and seem to be having fun with it. I wanted to like it since I enjoy simple arena FPS games and will play against CS bots for hours on a tiny map. But it didn't let me, due to bugs and janky implementations. This unfortunately seems to be the finished state of the game. I feel for the newbie dev as this likely sounds harsh, they show promise if they keep learning.

IDIOTIC (The Game) Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

0.3 Similarity Score
52% Diagnosis:
620/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.3/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.3/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0.1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.4/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.2/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges -0.3/1
Multiple Stages 0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 0.2/1
Lofi Charm -0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing -0.5/1
Subtle Humor -0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.3/1
Fun Ramp 0.3/1
Low Price -0.5/1
Technical Check 0.1/1
Controls Check 0/1
Fun Check 0.3/1
Feels like VS -0.5/1

IDIOTIC (The Game) Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

2.9 Final Review
75% Positive Steam Reviews
16 Steam Reviews
1.0 Pure Vibes
0.3 Review Scale
188/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0/1
Not Janky -0.5/1
Good UI 0/1
Controller and Deck 0/1
Lots of Content 0.1/1
Good Theme 0/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0/1
Fun Feel 0.5/1
Unique Twists 0/1
Vibe Check 0.2/1

IDIOTIC (The Game) Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterFirst Person ShooterParkourSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

3DLofi

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractAlternate Reality

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Emanuel N.M

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Switch between alternate dimensions at will in this fast-paced single-player FPS game. Wreak chaos and improve your character as you move at break-neck speed."

"In every combat game mode you can find coins as a reward, either for your speed or ability to survive long enough. Use them to buy permanent boosts and improve your chances of survival."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Beach Invasion 1944

Released

Very Different. First person wave shooter where you play as the wrong side at the battle of Normandy. WARNING I got the code for this game to review as part of a press package for many games in a sale and didn't realize what it was. This game will put n-zi Medals on your profile earning a previously unconceived -1 in achievements due to the unique gameplay loop of panicking and contacting support to remove them. Much more detail in notes. Probably don't try this one. I feel dirty sharing the link even for academic purposes. I didn't originally expect games to really go below 0, but I guess it's useful to have some outlier examples for a scoring guide.

First Person Shooter Malware Tower Defense Wave Shooter
-0.4 Combined Ranking Score
72/72 Ranking Position
562/1600 Total Points
2.9 Final Review
86% Steam
0.2 Scale
0.0 Vibes
568 Steam Reviews
188/400 Review Points
-3.8 Similarity Score
31% Diagnosis:
Very Different
374/1200 Comparison Points
41% Genre -1.5/8 genre
22% Simple Controls -3.9/7 move
61% Survival Modes 0.9/4 modes
18% Power Progression -2.6/4 level
30% Buildcrafting Depth -2/5 build
55% Stage Features 0.7/7 stage
37% Content Breadth -2.4/9 stuff
10% Aesthetics -4.8/6 style
15% Gameplay Vibe Check -7/10 vibe vibe

Beach Invasion 1944 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 0.7

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

Wow holy shit! Avoid haha

Was given a review key for this game as part of a press bundle for an event. Just installed all of them and started working my way into the list. I was a half hour into this game, mostly just making notes, before I realized what beach I was on, what the tank near me was named, and what the popups rushing by on the left were.

The game is kind of subtle. No n-zi flags. You have to actually think back to war photos to realize what side of the beach means what, you have to know the logos on the trucks, etc. I should have recognized it sooner, I'm Jewish, had family who fought for the American forces and family in the camps. I was mostly thinking about how dark it is to throw you in on this side to start (I don't know if there are other levels, functionally) but then it gave me the Iron Cross, I realized it was an actual achievement and quit the hell out.

This is the first game that gets a negative score in achievements for having achievements so bad I'm classifying them as malware. Literally had to contact support to try and have them removed. That's a first for me. It's 10 dollars and what is here is relatively unique in terms of being in this genre, but not in terms of being a poorly made world war II game.

It's janky, aiming is buggy as hell, controller support hardly works in the menu at all. In fact I feel it flat out doesn't. And it already has paid DLC out. It feels like it's a way for n-zis to just pay ten dollars and then put the Iron Cross on their profile.

At the same time I will say it was a unique gameplay experience. If the n-zi awards weren't there for funsies it could even be worth experiencing. Felt very dark. Music is not there or bleak. Gamification aspects just made it feel darker, like slow mo zoom kills and powerups popping up in the middle of the endless meatgrinder of one of the all time worst moments in mankind's history. Run feels like it goes on forever and I just wanted to die but for some reason I couldn't. Ctrl alt deleted to get past a bugging menu and closed the app with a feeling of absolute horror. Then had to contact tech support. The vibes on this one are positively otherworldly bad.

But hey it's nice to have something firmly at the bottom here. Worst vibe yet!

Beach Invasion 1944 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

-3.8 Similarity Score
31% Diagnosis:
374/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only 0.1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.4/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting -1/1
-1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0.3/1
Health on Ground 0.7/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.7/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.5/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.3/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages -1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements -1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm -0.8/1
Bumpin Music -1/1
Fun Writing -1/1
Subtle Humor -1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -1/1
Difficulty Ramp -1/1
Fun Ramp -1/1
Low Price -1/1
Technical Check -1/1
Controls Check -1/1
Fun Check 0/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Beach Invasion 1944 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

2.9 Final Review
86% Positive Steam Reviews
568 Steam Reviews
0.0 Pure Vibes
0.2 Review Scale
188/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.3/1
Not Janky 0/1
Good UI 0/1
Controller and Deck 0/1
Lots of Content 0.1/1
Good Theme -1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.5/1
Fun Feel 0.7/1
Unique Twists 0.6/1
Vibe Check -1/1

Beach Invasion 1944 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

EpicSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

First Person ShooterMalwareTower DefenseWave Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

3DRealisticSerious

Setting / Story Tags

HistoricalMilitaryWWII

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Alx2 Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 40
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Critic Review Excerpt

- +

Here's another perspective to evaluate the game.

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Beach Invasion 1944 is a WWII FPS game where you defend the fortified beach against invading forces who will attack you with troops, tanks, planes and more! Use the iconic WWII weapons such as MG42, Flak 88 and Panzers, prepare your defenses with mines, explosives and bonuses!"

I should have thought hard about exactly what that is saying there in the tagline. But you can see on the page yourself, it's like.. well, Steam allows a series of games called "Sex with Hitler" so maybe they already know.

Their promo for their new game on reddit says "Don't show this game to grandpa: Pacific Edition" so they know what they're doing. Actually, the account posting history is absolutely fascinating. They 'accidentally' promoted it on veterans day? "Not all german soldiers were n-zis?"

Finally found a mechanics related quote: "if it makes you feel better, you can't win in this game but play till you eventually lose." I try to research the game designer's philosophy for every game, btw, it's just not usually this dramatic. (Censoring n-zi to save me some brigading.)

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

Dev Scores Submitted via Score Card (Reviewing in Progress)

This section includes mostly upcoming games where devs themselves submitted a score card or filled the web form. Tags sugggested by devs.

They'll be moved up top after I've checked it all over and adjusted the feature scores to be in line with how other games are scored.

[edit]

BloodDome Classic

Free Available Released

Totally sick retro styled free arcade shooter, with survivor-like style leveling and oldschool difficulty and trappings. Light on 'extras' but that makes it feel more nostalgic - just one player sprite, one enemy type, one black screen stage. Twin stick mode and auto-aim/fire mode are unlockable. Note: Scored based on submitted scorecard. (Tweaking)

Arcade Arena Shooter Enemy Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.1 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
1290/1600 Total Points
8.7 Final Review
83% Steam
8.9 Scale
9.0 Vibes
62 Steam Reviews
362/400 Review Points
5.5 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Similar
928/1200 Comparison Points
91% Genre 6.6/8 genre
79% Simple Controls 4/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
85% Power Progression 2.8/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
57% Stage Features 1/7 stage
50% Content Breadth 0/9 stuff
75% Aesthetics 3/6 style
94% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.8/10 vibe vibe

BloodDome Classic Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 0.5

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Default is an arcade style control - shoot where you are facing. You can unlock a twin stick mode (control aim) and a "bullet heaven" mode (auto-fire and auto-aim).

Currently playing this one, love it. Has only one level (black screen), one player sprite, and one enemy sprite - but that all feels great since it's part of the oldschool arcade vibe.

BloodDome Classic Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.5 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
928/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.3/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0.5/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty ?/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety -1/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers ?/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

BloodDome Classic Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.7 Final Review
83% Positive Steam Reviews
62 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
8.9 Review Scale
362/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.2/1
Good Theme 0.7/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

BloodDome Classic Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterEnemy HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DMonochromePixel ArtRetro

Setting / Story Tags

AbstractDeadly Game

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Halftone Gaming

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: 6
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Totally Free
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The Bullet Heaven arcade classic that started it all! Create unique builds, kill ever-growing hordes of contestants and beat your friends' high scores in the retro-futuristic gladiator arena BLOODDOME"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time:

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Breakout Survivors

Free Available Upcoming

Very Different. Concept mashup with the classic blockbreaker pong-like genre. I dig it. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting.)

Arcade Auto-Shooter Breakout Bullet Heaven Puzzle Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Wave Survival
7.4 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.1 Final Review
-% Steam
8.9 Scale
8.5 Vibes
16 Steam Reviews
274/400 Review Points
5.6 Similarity Score
78% Diagnosis:
Very Different
934/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.8/8 genre
99% Simple Controls 6.8/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
78% Buildcrafting Depth 2.8/5 build
49% Stage Features -0.2/7 stage
57% Content Breadth 1.3/9 stuff
75% Aesthetics 3/6 style
85% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.9/10 vibe vibe

Breakout Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

The timed based run ending mechanic gives it a high partial score in that column.

I really like block breaker games, so this one is very fun to encounter, but I'm also pretty bad at them, so will be reviewing it kind of slowly.

Dev Note: "Based on content ~1 month prior to release, some points will evolve slightly"

Breakout Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.6 Similarity Score
78% Diagnosis:
934/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.7/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.2/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.4/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.2/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.2/1
Bosses / Elites 0.4/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0.2/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Breakout Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.1 Final Review
-% Positive Steam Reviews
16 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
8.9 Review Scale
274/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.6/1
Good Theme 0.5/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Breakout Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeAuto-ShooterBreakoutBullet HeavenPuzzleRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DRetro

Setting / Story Tags

Abstract

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown25m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Axel Born

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Planned

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Breakout gameplay meets Survivors-like mechanics. Use your balls to destroy bricks, level up and pick upgrades to hold your ground against waves of incoming bricks and try to high score in this roguelite breakout."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Dev note: "20-30 mins for a full run (endless but difficulty keeps increasing while your upgrades are capped)" so technically endless but designed to push the run to an end around 25m, hence the score in the average run time column.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

GunDeck(100)

Free Available Released

A Little Different. Twin stick arcade style arena shooter roguelite perhaps a little bit like Brotato meets Nova Drift - notably not auto-fire or auto-aim. Unlocks seem to be for ships, but not currency power progression so it still heavily favors hands on action. Very unique stacking attack and reload mechanic. I'm not very good at it, but working to progress a bit to evaluate. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard. (Currently Tweaking)

Arcade Arena Shooter Brotato-style Bullet Heaven Deckbuilding Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
6.7 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
1221/1600 Total Points
9.5 Final Review
100% Steam
9.6 Scale
8.9 Vibes
6 Steam Reviews
385/400 Review Points
3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
A Little Different
836/1200 Comparison Points
90% Genre 6.4/8 genre
34% Simple Controls -2.2/7 move
58% Survival Modes 0.6/4 modes
75% Power Progression 2/4 level
72% Buildcrafting Depth 2.2/5 build
36% Stage Features -2/7 stage
72% Content Breadth 4/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
87% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.4/10 vibe vibe

GunDeck(100) Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

It's hard to know where to scale the interesting reload mechanic where each of your weapons fires in turn. For now I'm calling the reload a special move button and bumping the trigger and aim mechanics down to full -1 for how important it feels to the gameplay. Technically, I don't think there's a movement penalty but I keep playing like there is one.

It seems like a very simple game but there is a good amount of content and depth here actually, in my review scale score I'm giving it full points for fulfilling what I want from it.

First impressions are VERY strong. I like the simple arcade vibe, the music is great, choices like being able to move though the upgrades to select the "card" are fresh and fun feeling.

I respect the difficulty but do find myself wishing for auto-aim/auto-fire under accessibility options and don't think it would actually make things easier, just different. I also could personally benefit from some currency based metaprogressoin like rerolls/extra heart but am glad it's not bogged down with them also. I appreciate the stripped down straight to the fun philosophy and so far it's pretty addictive and exciting.

GunDeck(100) Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.9 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
836/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.4/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -0.5/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.9/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets ?/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.3/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

GunDeck(100) Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.5 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
6 Steam Reviews
8.9 Pure Vibes
9.6 Review Scale
385/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

GunDeck(100) Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

A Little Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBrotato-styleBullet HeavenDeckbuildingRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

2DCuteGeometricPixel ArtRetroVector Inspired

Setting / Story Tags

Abstract

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Dos Jamones

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 11
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"GunDeck is a lightning-fast twin-stick shooter where you'll build your arsenal from randomly-dealt cards. Weapons fire in a rainbow of elements with unique effects. Dart and dodge to survive the fireworks unleashed against you, and retaliate with your own display! Can YOU survive to wave 100?"

From discord: "We've been told it's like brotato in space". Dev notes: "If I feel I have a winning run, chances are I'm just about to lose."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

Dev Scores Submitted via Score Card (Released)

This section includes mostly upcoming games where devs themselves submitted a score card or filled the web form. Tags sugggested by devs.

They'll be moved up top after I've checked it all over and adjusted the feature scores to be in line with how other games are scored.

[edit]

Swarmcade

EA

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
9.2 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
94% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
19 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.9 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
Similar
1135/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
82% Stage Features 4.5/7 stage
92% Content Breadth 7.5/9 stuff
96% Aesthetics 5.5/6 style
98% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.5/10 vibe vibe

Swarmcade Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "Vendor and some sort of endless/looping mode are planned. Soundtrack release TBC"

Swarmcade Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.9 Similarity Score
95% Diagnosis:
1135/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run Planned/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Swarmcade Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
19 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Swarmcade Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Holiday EventSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Giggles Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 69
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive the relentless swarm in this arcade take on the Bullet Heaven'/Survivors-like Action Roguelite. Slay 1000s of foes, level up, loot chests and make your character more powerful than ever. Unlock perma-upgrades and more heroes, so you can even the odds on future runs."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

BloodDome 99

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Arcade Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
9.0 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
10.0 Final Review
100% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
25 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.9 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1075/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7/8 genre
57% Simple Controls 1/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
96% Aesthetics 5.5/6 style
100% Gameplay Vibe Check 10/10 vibe vibe

BloodDome 99 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

BloodDome 99 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.9 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1075/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0.5/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

BloodDome 99 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

10.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
25 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

BloodDome 99 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Halftone Gaming

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"80s arcade meets modern horde-survival roguelike. Create unique builds, master dozens of weapons, and kill ever-growing hordes of contestants in this retro-futuristic gladiator gameshow"

"Have fun mixing and matching by simultaneously wielding as many weapons as you can afford"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Its score based. You earn money (mostly by getting kills) and when you earn a certain amount you win, but you also need to spend money to buy weapons/perks throughout the run. On average it’s probably around 15 minutes for a successful run."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Elewar: Fused Survivors

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score based on dev submitted scorecard.

Action RPG Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
8.8 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
93% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
33 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
Similar
1092/1200 Comparison Points
95% Genre 7.2/8 genre
95% Simple Controls 6.3/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
77% Aesthetics 3.2/6 style
97% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.4/10 vibe vibe

Elewar: Fused Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Game currently available in closed beta, Dev states will be totally free on upcoming Early Access release.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Elewar: Fused Survivors is a game similar to VS, enriches it with more player choices and hardcore difficulty. Enemies each have their own attacks, and there might be lots of enemy shots, if you don't overpower them with your build."

Dev Scorecard notes: "The map is fixed sized, but features different events spawning on it all the time, making exploring it well worth it"

Elewar: Fused Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
1092/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0.5/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.3/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Elewar: Fused Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
33 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Elewar: Fused Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGArena ShooterAuto-ShooterRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeTimed SurvivalWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

AL3xMKElewar Gaming

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 21
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Totally Free
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Slay, evolve and overcome! Packed with challenging events, deep ARPG-like systems and a hardcore difficulty! In this bullet heaven roguelite you use elemental powers to defeat terrifying monsters, while trying to become a godlike magician. 15+ spells, 70+ unlocks, over 30 random events and much more!"

Control Style Notes

- +

Primarily a single stick auto shooter, with a special move button.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

"Some special rare utility spells may require one to press a trigger, everything else, especially offense oriented spells are automatic"

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Partial
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Endless Survival

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "There are several maps, to clear them one needs to reach 20 minute mark. Additionally there is a complex trial system, which changes monster moves/changes game rules and provided rewards for players. Clearing one game mode's objectives unlocks the next."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

"20 min clock timer, which realistically becomes about 25 min per run, when including the times players need to think of making their builds"

Speed Settings

"You cannot set clock speed, but there is a special blessing that can be enabled before a run, which can halve the run length if used strategically"

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

"Player can level up in a run. There are Relics to choose from on special occasions. Player can choose between different events, which come with different difficulties and rewards. So they have to decide if they can handle hard but rewarding challenges or go for easier and safer ones."

Meta Progression

"There are several layers of progression: Upgrades to buy for Gold, Unlocks for Challenges and Achievements, and Item crafting for gold. Those include new content unlocks, more events, more game systems as well as stat boosts. In Elewar once you clear the first map, you are not likely to instantly be able to clear the second as its much harder."

[edit]

Fantasy Survivors

EA

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard. All other meta / additional notes via Daemonbound from Discord.

Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
8.4 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
93% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
46 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.5 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
Similar
1048/1200 Comparison Points
95% Genre 7.2/8 genre
99% Simple Controls 6.8/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
71% Buildcrafting Depth 2.1/5 build
87% Stage Features 5.2/7 stage
83% Content Breadth 6/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.7/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.8/10 vibe vibe

Fantasy Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Full metaprogression notes by Daemonbound, possible spoiler warnings: "The player's goals is ever changing as there are numerous things to work towards that will increase the player's options and overall power. To start off the player will initially work towards finding chests on the map to unlock new armor sets, artifacts, weapons and characters."

"They will also be looking for means of getting gold, which is used to purchase unlocked items and to upgrade their stats, via the upgrades menu. Player's goals might shift then to finding the exit on a map to unlock the next one, so they can further increase their arsenal and selection of characters."

"Each character has their own unlockable main weapon and secondary weapon, which can be unlocked by finding a gold chest on any map. Furthermore, these characters all have a primary and secondary stat bonus, which can be increased by reaching higher levels in a run past level 100. Players can later through the collection of marbles, increase the base damage of weapons in their stash to further increase their power too."

"As the player collects more achievements, their Survivor rank increases too, which unlocks numerous other hidden features, such as a new tier of upgrades, the workshop, where some of your unlocked characters offer their services as artisans, that can craft weapons and offer many other services. There is also the tavern, where adventurers you have found and saved on maps, can be hired to aid you with their skills. Lastly there is also the Auras feature, where the player's characters now can have unique auras to further enhance their and other player's stats."

Dev Scorecard Notes: "The game has elements of Diablo 2. Over 100 updates released since the game's launch."

Fantasy Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.5 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
1048/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.9/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.4/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.8/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.8/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.6/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.9/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 0.3/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 0.9/1
Secrets 0.3/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.8/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.7/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Fantasy Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
46 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Fantasy Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard Only

Game Mode Tags

Difficulty ModesTimed SurvivalWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

ButtonSoft

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 100
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A rogue-lite where you fight hundreds of creatures to unlock more characters, weapons, artifacts and armor to challenge deeper levels. Team up with friends or go solo; all drops are instanced so you don't have to share. Casual gameplay combined with smart choices makes "one more run" a no-brainer."

Control Style Notes

- +

Single Stick Shooter

The game is single stick, you only use direction inputs and occasionally either button press or mouse for choice selection or other inputs you can bind.

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

"Most attacks are auto aim, some are direction you are facing. All attacks are auto-fire."

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: Yes (outside of menu)
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Difficulty Modes
(Rush Mode, Runners,
Blood Moon, Grim Reaper)

Game Mode Notes

There are currently 4 game modes.

Rush mode - Reduces the overall game time by making waves come sooner.
Runners - Which doubles all enemy movement speed, except for bosses
Blood Moon - Which doubles the enemy spawn rate and slightly increases their movement speed.
Grim Reaper - Mini-bosses are replaced by a slow moving Reaper that progressively gets faster and harder to kill as the player levels.

Game modes are available for all maps. The feature however must first be unlocked for that map, by unlocking everything that map has to offer.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

The runtime is determined by the selected game mode. All modes take up a little over 30 minutes except for Rush mode, which takes up to 20 minutes.

There are no rounds and there is a constant shift between the spawn rate of groups of mobs and mini-bosses as time progresses. There is always a guardian spawn at the 30 minute mark. When all of them are defeated the spawn stops and the map is empty. The run technically continues indefinitely, until the player either leaves via a exit or uses the portal, but is functionally complete at this point.

Speed Settings

You cannot set clock speed. But the Rush game mode affects the time at which mobs spawn and when guardians show up, which allows quicker completion of the map, around 20m instead of 30m.

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Players start with one weapon, defeat enemies, pick up xp gems and level on xp gain event. Streamlined level options (3 random choices) are determined by available slots and loadout.

Each map offers unique weapons. Lastly players can also increase their power through the act of "armor fusion", which is to have a full armor set equipped and the corresponding artifact for that set, fully upgraded. This moves the artifact over to the armor slots, leaving a new slot available and also further increasing their overall damage reduction stat.

Meta Progression

There are both currency and find/goal based unlocks. Found chests on each stage unlock new armor sets, artifacts, weapons and characters. Map "exits" unlock the next map once found.

Currency gathered, gold, is used to purchase unlocked items and upgrade their stats. A later game currency, marbles, can increase base damage of weapons.

Reaching high level in run with a character earns permanent bonuses. Achievements unlock numerous other hidden features and upgrade mechanics - for full spoiler details see the review notes.

[edit]

Survivor Mercs

EA

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter
7.8 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
7.4 Final Review
74% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
47 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.1 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
Similar
1088/1200 Comparison Points
96% Genre 7.3/8 genre
77% Simple Controls 3.8/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
96% Power Progression 3.7/4 level
85% Buildcrafting Depth 3.5/5 build
92% Stage Features 5.9/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.8/9 stuff
99% Aesthetics 5.9/6 style
94% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.7/10 vibe vibe

Survivor Mercs Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Devs note they have a lot of planned features and currently feel the game is in ok shape in early access, but not meeting their full 'fun check' expectations. Some features planned to be added or expanded (notes made in columns)

Dev Scorecard notes: "Dash, trigger, action buttons: we have certain Commander heroes with active abilities and twin-stick shooting, but the main part is moving and auto-shooting. Active abilities and twin-stick shooting may become slightly more prominent features in the future."

Survivor Mercs Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.1 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
1088/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.2/1
Move Only 0.7/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger 0.6/1
No Special Move 0.5/1
No Aiming 0.7/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.9/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.9/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.6/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.9/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.9/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers Planned/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.9/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Survivor Mercs Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.4 Final Review
74% Positive Steam Reviews
47 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Survivor Mercs Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Workshop

Dev/Publisher

Wandering WizardWolpertinger Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 26
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: Planned
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Planned
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Planned

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survivor Mercs is a squad-based bullet heaven and extraction shooter. Survive the onslaught of a robot army on each Operation, including dangerous mini-bosses. Explore the map to capture objective ... and extract or try to survive to meet the unique final boss in each of the various maps.Complete missions to unlock more Mercs (weapons) and Gear (squad-wide modifiers)."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood

Released

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on game designer submitted scorecard

Arcade Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.7 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
7.8 Final Review
78% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
549 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.5 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1050/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7/8 genre
71% Simple Controls 3/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
75% Stage Features 3.5/7 stage
96% Content Breadth 8.3/9 stuff
98% Aesthetics 5.8/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.4/10 vibe vibe

Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/19/2023

dracula-from_renfield-bring-your-own-blood.gifScale scoring from scorecard submitted by the publisher. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

teddy-lobo-from_renfield-bring-your-own-blood.gifDesigner note: "It's a lighter Vampire Survivors Game w/ tuned up pixel graphics. If you're looking for an affordable game with a survivors-like feel, then Renfield is one of many options you can pick up on Steam."

Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.5 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1050/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.8 Final Review
78% Positive Steam Reviews
549 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerController 1 HandedController Move OnlyKeyboard 1 HandedKeyboard OnlyMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Auto-AimAuto-FireBoss EndedCustom ModeEndless SurvivalLevel BasedUnintrusive Tutorial25m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Mega Cat Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: Yes

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 93
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Slash and survive a typical workday as Dracula's overworked and underappreciated servant! You'll have a bloody good time as you rampage through New Orleans to find fresh victims for your narcissistic boss."

Control Style Notes

- +

"It's currently a movement only game."

Automated Features

Auto-Aim
Auto-Fire

People can toggle manual aim in the menu.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: Yes
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: Yes
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes

Accessibility & Tutorial

- +

Accessibility Notes

Colorblind mode in options

Tutorial Notes

Skippable in game popup during first run

"They plan to add a Tutorial Menu in the game soon."

Game Modes

- +

Boss Ended Survival
Endless Survival
Level Based

Custom Mode

Game Mode Notes

Designer: "Nightmare Mode is our Custom Mode where players can add difficulty modifiers during their run.

The New Orleans Apartment is our stage for the Endless Mode where players can go through waves of enemies and aim to survive.
"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Designer: "Every level has around 13-15 stages except for the "Endless Mode". It may take around 3-5 minutes to accomplish per stage unless you enter a Challenge Room which makes it around 5 minutes - 7 minutes to accomplish but with better rewards."

Speed Settings

No

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Designer: "They need to gather an xp resource and then level-up. They only have 3 randomized options and those options are either a weapon or a talent. You can only have a set number of weapons and talents, so players must choose carefully. There is an unlockable re-roll and Banish feature to allow players more chances to get the weapon/talent they want."

Meta Progression

Designer: "You can buy more stages in the 'store' along with features and stats. You can also buy weapons and talents in the in-game store. These need to be first unlocked by fulfilling a condition then buying using the in-game currency."

UI Walkthrough: Main Menus

- +

Any other accessibility or menu options not mentioned already in the game modes. Instead of deciding what to list here, I'm going to just list it all. This should make for a pretty interesting UI study, actually, but probably won't be needed by most players. These are all likely missing late game unlock options! Please comment in corrections! From top left, back or close buttons are assumed. Spoiler Warning! Menu unlocks often happen later in play. See also meta unlock menu walkthrough.

Main Menu

Designer Note: "When you enter Renfield, the Main Menu houses most of what you need. You can access the Store, Settings, Compendium, and the Stages. Before you start with a stage, you select a character first. After that, you are flung into the first room of the stage and start your run."

Display & Sound

?

Gameplay / Input / Other Options

?

[edit]

Raining Blood: Hellfire

EA

Top down "COD Zombies inspired bullet Hell." Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.6 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
10.0 Final Review
100% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
13 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
Similar
907/1200 Comparison Points
80% Genre 4.8/8 genre
0% Simple Controls -7/7 move
91% Survival Modes 3.3/4 modes
79% Power Progression 2.3/4 level
91% Buildcrafting Depth 4.1/5 build
86% Stage Features 5/7 stage
87% Content Breadth 6.7/9 stuff
92% Aesthetics 5/6 style
86% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.1/10 vibe vibe

Raining Blood: Hellfire Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Raining Blood: Hellfire Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
907/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -0.2/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.4/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.2/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.7/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.7/1
XP on Ground 0.6/1
Health on Ground 0.7/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.7/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Raining Blood: Hellfire Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

10.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
13 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Raining Blood: Hellfire Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenHorde SurvivalSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

INDIECNMr Granade

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Annihilate countless hordes of enemies while unraveling the mysteries of the demonic invasion in this COD Zombies inspired bullet Hell. Kill, upgrade, explore, die, repeat."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Nebula

Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard and follow up interview. (currently tweaking)

Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
7.3 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.2 Final Review
92% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
98 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.5 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Similar
929/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.7/8 genre
76% Simple Controls 3.6/7 move
68% Survival Modes 1.4/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.4/7 stage
66% Content Breadth 2.8/9 stuff
68% Aesthetics 2.1/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.4/10 vibe vibe

Nebula Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/28/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Nebula Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.5 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
929/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 0.5/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.7/1
Move Only 0.3/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0.6/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.8/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.6/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.7/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.2/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.6/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.8/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.4/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.4/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.9/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0.6/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.6/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Nebula Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.2 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
98 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Nebula Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

JuTek Pixel

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 26
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive in the deep void of the galaxy against thousands of invaders! Nebula is a challenging bullet hell, twin stick shooter where you have to face endless waves of space enemies. Additional map resources and space drones can provide you a support but be wary..."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

Dev note on average run time: "I would say 15-20 minutes."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

HaHa

EA

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.4 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
10.0 Final Review
100% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
24 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.8 Similarity Score
74% Diagnosis:
Similar
888/1200 Comparison Points
54% Genre 0.6/8 genre
55% Simple Controls 0.7/7 move
53% Survival Modes 0.2/4 modes
73% Power Progression 1.8/4 level
85% Buildcrafting Depth 3.5/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
97% Content Breadth 8.5/9 stuff
79% Aesthetics 3.5/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.6/10 vibe vibe

HaHa Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/19/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

HaHa Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.8 Similarity Score
74% Diagnosis:
888/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.3/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 0.3/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -0.1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.2/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.8/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.7/1
BIG Maps 0.6/1
XP on Ground 0.7/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.4/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.2/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.6/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.7/1
Bumpin Music 0.6/1
Fun Writing 0.6/1
Subtle Humor 0.6/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.4/1
Fun Ramp 0.4/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.6/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0/1

HaHa Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

10.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
24 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

HaHa Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedDungeon CrawlNo TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival5m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

2E

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Direct from Dev

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Are you ready for an adventure in a visually appealing, arena shooter roguelite style where you can survive against hordes of incoming enemies? You can bravely engage in battles against the oncoming enemies alone, or if you prefer, you can play cautiously."

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival
Boss Ended Survival
Dungeon Crawl

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Each level in the game has different mechanics."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Game duration depends entirely on the player's gameplay, maybe 10m, maybe 3m"

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Talented

EA

A Little Different. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Top Down or Isometric Wave Shooter Wave Survival
7.2 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
94% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
92 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.1 Similarity Score
75% Diagnosis:
A Little Different
905/1200 Comparison Points
85% Genre 5.6/8 genre
54% Simple Controls 0.5/7 move
79% Survival Modes 2.3/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
51% Stage Features 0.1/7 stage
74% Content Breadth 4.3/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
98% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.5/10 vibe vibe

Talented Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/15/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Talented Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.1 Similarity Score
75% Diagnosis:
905/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.5/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0.3/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Talented Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
92 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Talented Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEA

Sorting Categories

A Little Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Horde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterTop Down or IsometricWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

TurtleFox Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 52
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Ragnarok Survivors Valhalla

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven City Builder City Management Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
7.0 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.3 Final Review
83% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
6 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.7 Similarity Score
78% Diagnosis:
Similar
941/1200 Comparison Points
90% Genre 6.4/8 genre
93% Simple Controls 6/7 move
75% Survival Modes 2/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
75% Buildcrafting Depth 2.5/5 build
64% Stage Features 2/7 stage
75% Content Breadth 4.5/9 stuff
64% Aesthetics 1.7/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.5/10 vibe vibe

Ragnarok Survivors Valhalla Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Ragnarok Survivors Valhalla Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.7 Similarity Score
78% Diagnosis:
941/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.7/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Ragnarok Survivors Valhalla Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.3 Final Review
83% Positive Steam Reviews
6 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Ragnarok Survivors Valhalla Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenCity BuilderCity ManagementHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Koding Nights

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 34
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Prove to Odin that you deserve a place at the table in the afterlife and survive Ragnarok. Or die, and leave your worldly belongings to the next Viking. Unlock new characters and buy new weapons and abilities to improve your chance of survival."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Mutagenic

EA

Bullet heaven with pretty deep potential builds, currently in development. "A mashup of survivors and Path of Exile style systems." Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Action RPG Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.0 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
93% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
33 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.7 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
Similar
879/1200 Comparison Points
80% Genre 4.8/8 genre
70% Simple Controls 2.8/7 move
75% Survival Modes 2/4 modes
71% Power Progression 1.7/4 level
100% Buildcrafting Depth 5/5 build
66% Stage Features 2.2/7 stage
67% Content Breadth 3/9 stuff
56% Aesthetics 0.7/6 style
76% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.2/10 vibe vibe

Mutagenic Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes from scorecard: "The game is a mashup between Path of Exile and Survivor-style gameplay, borrowing elements from both game/genres."

Mutagenic Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.7 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
879/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash -0.4/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move 0.4/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.7/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.7/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.6/1
BIG Maps 0.6/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.4/1
Bosses / Elites 0.6/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0.6/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.9/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.7/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music -1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -1/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Mutagenic Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
33 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Mutagenic Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown5m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Zediven

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 15
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Mutagenic: A mashup of ARPG and Survivor gameplay, bridging the best of both genres. With unrivaled depth to character customization, Mutagenic has the depth of high-budget ARPG games with the simplified controls of a Survivor-style game. Can you craft a build to outdo everyone else?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "It kinda depends which content you’re doing. I’d say between 30s and 10 minutes"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Crimsonland

Released

A Little Different. This classic wave shooter is credited with being highly influential on the survivors-like genre. We got some survey data from the dev, who tagged it as a survivors-like themselves! Dev: "The game is old! It was originally released in 2002 (freeware), then 2003 (shareware), then 2014 (remastered with very little gameplay changes)!"

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Score Attack Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
6.7 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.3 Final Review
93% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
1868 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.1 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
A Little Different
848/1200 Comparison Points
71% Genre 3.4/8 genre
60% Simple Controls 1.4/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
74% Power Progression 1.9/4 level
68% Buildcrafting Depth 1.8/5 build
62% Stage Features 1.7/7 stage
75% Content Breadth 4.5/9 stuff
55% Aesthetics 0.6/6 style
79% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.8/10 vibe vibe

Crimsonland Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/20/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev: "The game is a horde shooter very much like VS, but you have to aim and fire yourself. The game is older than VS, so no major inspirations, HOWEVER, there is a new version (currently in Steam beta) coming some time in the future and it does have an option for auto-firing, and there may be one new game mode which is auto-fire only."

Crimsonland Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.1 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
848/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -0.6/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -0.7/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0.2/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.9/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.6/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.9/1
Explorable Map -0.7/1
BIG Maps -0.9/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.3/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.9/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.8/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm -0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.7/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price -0.5/1
Technical Check 0.6/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Crimsonland Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.3 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
1868 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

6.8 Converted 10 Point Score
8 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.6 User Review Average
47 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.2 Direct Average
7.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Crimsonland Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSLinuxMacPS3PS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchVitaWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

A Little Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalScore AttackSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedCampaignDifficulty ModesEndless ModeLevel BasedScore AttackSpeed UpTimed SurvivalWave Survival8m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

10tons

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 22
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes."

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival
Boss Ended Survival
Endless Survival
Level Based
Campaign
Score Attack / High Score
Difficulty Modes

Game Mode Notes

"Campaign/Quest mode with six chapters with 10 levels each (each ending with a boss level). Completing levels (and some achievements) unlocks more weapons. Five different survival modes."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 8m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "There are several game modes with different run lengths."

Speed Settings

1.5x
In Menu

"There's also a Blitz game mode that runs faster by default."

[edit]

Mage Lords of Brams

Released

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Summoning Game Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
1 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.3 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
977/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.8/8 genre
64% Simple Controls 1.9/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
99% Power Progression 3.9/4 level
68% Buildcrafting Depth 1.8/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
86% Content Breadth 6.4/9 stuff
72% Aesthetics 2.6/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.8/10 vibe vibe

Mage Lords of Brams Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/19/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes: "The concept is a traditional fantasy VS clone. The base gameplay is mostly the same, build up powerful attacks and kill lots of monsters on a timed level.

It differs on some things: There are lots of summons (which have their own health and fight with enemy monsters), and the levels are small with solid borders, in some cases intentionally made to add to the difficulty. The mana (equivalent to vs experience) also gets vacuumed up by the player by default, mostly to avoid late game clutter, and because I hate the way VS did it. Give me my levels and leave me alone!
"

Dev Notes: "Best played with mouse & kb. The controller gameplay is ok but some players have complained about the interface being annoying to navigate (in part because the cursor will stop on stat symbols since you can toggle tooltips). I'm fine with it but I'm also not a typical controller user so they're probably right."

Mage Lords of Brams Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.3 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
977/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.7/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.9/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0.2/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.7/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.9/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.4/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0.7/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.2/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.7/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.6/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.8/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.3/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

Mage Lords of Brams Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSummoning GameSurvivors-likeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedLevel BasedNo TutorialSpeed ModifiersWave Survival25m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Justinian

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 25
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Mage Lords of Brams is an action roguelite where you slaughter countless fantasy enemies with your powerful spells, powers and artifacts while gathering scrolls to improve future runs between levels. Secrets to be found and thousands of race/class/ability combinations allow for endless variety."

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "WASD/mouse or twin stick (controller). only 2 attacks are mouse aimed by default, although you can activate trinkets that add it to some or remove it from them."

Automated Features

Auto-Attack

Some attacks auto-aim.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: No
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Boss Ended Survival (Ends when boss shows up and is defeated, usually on timer), Level Based

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Secret levels may have special win conditions: IE kill a certain number of enemies. The main levels all end when the second boss is defeated."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "~30 minutes on hyper 1, can go up to hyper 3 where timer passes 3 times faster. timer pauses when upgrading skills"

"20 minute base run time, time runs 2/3 times faster on hyper 2/3 + whatever time you spend on buy or level-up menu."

Speed Settings

"You can increase hyper level, which will decrease experience gain, speed up timer, and greatly increase the speed at which monster numbers ramp up to maximum. It also increases boss health considerably."

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "You gain new armaments/skills/stats via level-ups from mana gathered after you kill enemies. You can also gather gold to buy trinkets, stat upgrades and an ultimate spell from the genie merchant that wanders around each level."

Meta Progression

Dev: "You find scrolls (currency) and use them to unlock/upgrade stats in the Library."

Content By The Numbers

- +

"12 playable regular races (Human, Dwarf, Orc, High Elf, Wood Elf, Dark Elf, Naiad, Troll and Vampire) with unique abilities
6 Monster Race/class with unique weapon and abilities
40 Armaments (weapons, spells, artifacts and powers) from meteors, spectral axes and lightning bolts to undead and elemental armies
40 Classes (Paladin, Valkyrie, War Wizard, Battlemage, Necromancer, Hierarch, Spirit Guide, Pyromancer, Illusionist, Lunar Knight, Alchemist and many many more)
18 passive skills
Use the Library to improve 35 stats with scrolls dropped randomly by enemies
Cards of various qualities show up every level-up, adding an additional layer of complexity: the one you want might not offer the best attribute boost.
6 Main Levels + 6 secret mini levels
Genie market and trinket system allowing further customization every run
10 Ultimate spells. Give enemies a soul scorching Glimpse of Hell, pacify them into near uselessness with Love and Peace or tear coins out of their writhing bodies with Midas' Envious Gaze.
"

In Game Lore & Extras

?

[edit]

Highway Rampage

Released

Different. Vertical scrolling shmup with a large array of unlockable characters and varied ways to complete. Early version was endless, not sure if endless mode is in the current version. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard (Currently adjusting.)

Arcade Dungeon Crawler Horizontal Scrolling Shmup Shoot 'Em Up
6.3 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
90% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
10 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.6 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
Different
814/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.8/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
63% Survival Modes 1/4 modes
46% Power Progression -0.3/4 level
78% Buildcrafting Depth 2.8/5 build
84% Stage Features 4.8/7 stage
75% Content Breadth 4.5/9 stuff
87% Aesthetics 4.4/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.6/10 vibe vibe

Highway Rampage Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "While it's definitely more of an homage to SHMUP games rather than survivor-likes by design, there's definitely some survivors DNA in there."

Highway Rampage Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.6 Similarity Score
68% Diagnosis:
814/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.3/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.5/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.2/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.3/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.1/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0.3/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.3/1
Multiple Stages 0.7/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.2/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0.9/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.1/1

Highway Rampage Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
10 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Highway Rampage Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeDungeon CrawlerHorizontal Scrolling ShmupShoot 'Em Up

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Lasso Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Highway Rampage is a high speed, action packed SHMUP with tons of variety and replayability. Choose your vehicle, equip and upgrade new weapons and choose your path in this arcade style roguelite shoot em up."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Dev Notes: "In testing an average (successful) full game run was between 30 and 40 minutes - I see 30 being around the minimum on the shorter paths (not accounting for time spent in the garage customizing your build.)"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Missiles Away

EA Free Available

Very Different. First Person helicopter spin on the survivors-like formula? Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting.)

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven First Person Shooter Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
6.3 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
10.0 Final Review
100% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
22 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.5 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
Very Different
750/1200 Comparison Points
74% Genre 3.8/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
69% Power Progression 1.5/4 level
78% Buildcrafting Depth 2.8/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
58% Content Breadth 1.5/9 stuff
76% Aesthetics 3.1/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.6/10 vibe vibe

Missiles Away Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Missiles Away Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.5 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
750/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -0.2/1
Real Time 0.9/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.7/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks ?/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks ?/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.6/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map -0.8/1
BIG Maps -0.2/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.7/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check -0.1/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

Missiles Away Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

10.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
22 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Missiles Away Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenFirst Person ShooterSurvivors-likeTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Soundtrack

Dev/Publisher

KızılejderhaNext in Game

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Humanity faces its darkest hour as an alien force launches a relentless invasion. As a skilled pilot, you must take control of a powerful combat helicopter and engage in a fast-paced, high-octane first-person shooter experience."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Zombie Admin

Released

Pretty Different. Top down shooter door to door room clearing zombie survival roguelite. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
6.1 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.5 Final Review
95% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
45 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.6 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
Pretty Different
758/1200 Comparison Points
81% Genre 4.9/8 genre
36% Simple Controls -1.9/7 move
79% Survival Modes 2.3/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
30% Buildcrafting Depth -2/5 build
69% Stage Features 2.6/7 stage
62% Content Breadth 2.2/9 stuff
61% Aesthetics 1.3/6 style
80% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.9/10 vibe vibe

Zombie Admin Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Zombie Admin Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.6 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
758/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.4/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.3/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting -1/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.3/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.4/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.4/1
Multiple Stages 0.4/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.3/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.5/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.4/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.6/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.3/1
Fun Ramp 0.1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Zombie Admin Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.5 Final Review
95% Positive Steam Reviews
45 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Zombie Admin Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Pretty Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown60m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Hastily Assembled

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 16
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"It's the zombie apocalypse, but you can't miss a work day! Scavenge for weapons, survive... and don't forget to restock the toner cartridges over at accounting. This humorous top-down shooter has you working your way up the corporate ladder, all the way to the rescue helicopter on the rooftop."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 60m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

TYPECAST

Released

Very Different. Like Mavis Beacon Teaches Bullet Heaven. Probably you're too young to get that. What I mean is you have to type to fight in this one, making it pretty unique. May not be intended to be a Survivors-like but perhaps worth checking out if you want a change of pace and still enjoy some other elements. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Arcade Bullet Heaven Top Down or Isometric Typing Wave Survival
6.1 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
10.0 Final Review
100% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
27 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.3 Similarity Score
61% Diagnosis:
Very Different
735/1200 Comparison Points
75% Genre 4/8 genre
39% Simple Controls -1.5/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
0% Power Progression -4/4 level
30% Buildcrafting Depth -2/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
69% Content Breadth 3.5/9 stuff
71% Aesthetics 2.5/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 9/10 vibe vibe

TYPECAST Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

This one looks really cool and I can't wait to have time at my PC desktop for a review, since I won't be able to steam deck it.

Not created to be like Vampire Survivors but sharing enough features that people mentioned the game in reviews and sparked an interest on including it here. Dev kind enough to fill out a survey and chat about it a bit.

Soundtrack will be available soon and free.

TYPECAST Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.3 Similarity Score
61% Diagnosis:
735/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks -1/1
Build Crafting -1/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

TYPECAST Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

10.0 Final Review
100% Positive Steam Reviews
27 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

TYPECAST Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeBullet HeavenTop Down or IsometricTypingWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown5m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Gutter Arcade

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 20
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Planned

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"TYPECAST is a bullet hell where you type to shoot. Get swarmed by enemies, manage the chaos, and climb the leaderboards in this unique arcade experience."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Avg runs are like 3 minutes. Good runs can be 20-30 min. One time a guy did a 35 minute run and I had to ban him."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Soundodger 2

Released

A movement focused game but about dodging sound synced bullet hells. There aren't a lot of single stick shooters out there and the dodge em up subgenre is an interesting one. Worth exploring if you are looking for other movement focused shooter inspired games. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard (Currently adjusting.)

Arena Shooter Bullet Hell Dodge Em Up Music Game Single Stick Shooter Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
5.8 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.7 Final Review
97% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
122 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
1.9 Similarity Score
60% Diagnosis:
Similar
715/1200 Comparison Points
49% Genre -0.1/8 genre
76% Simple Controls 3.6/7 move
61% Survival Modes 0.9/4 modes
60% Power Progression 0.8/4 level
40% Buildcrafting Depth -1/5 build
36% Stage Features -1.9/7 stage
64% Content Breadth 2.5/9 stuff
58% Aesthetics 1/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.6/10 vibe vibe

Soundodger 2 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Like Soundodger+, this one I solicited a dev scorecard on because I was very curious to have more movement focused and especially pacifist games on here. I look forward to doing a whole review soon.

Soundodger 2 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.9 Similarity Score
60% Diagnosis:
715/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.9/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.9/1
No Dash 0.8/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0.9/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.3/1
Build Crafting -1/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -0.9/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.9/1
Bosses / Elites ?/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges ?/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.6/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art ?/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.9/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.9/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS -0.9/1

Soundodger 2 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.7 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
122 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Soundodger 2 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HellDodge Em UpMusic GameSingle Stick ShooterTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Custom Mode/ScenarioLevel BasedSpeed Up4m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Studio Bean

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 27
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Spotify Itch.io

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Dodge the music and weave through an endless ballet of bullets in an all-new collection of hand-crafted levels set to the music of an award-winning cast of international musicians. Turn any song into an amazing experience with the robust Level Editor and never run out of things to dodge."

Game Modes

- +

Dev: "There are full levels, challenge levels, main content, and user content, but there is only 1 mode for the game: dodge the bullets."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 4m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Each level is usually the length of a full song, ~3-6m in the main game. However, challenge levels are subsections of a song and are ~25-90sec long."

Speed Settings

Dev: "Using in-game "mods" doesn't save your score, so they're purely for fun. A game speed mod allows changing the level/song between 0.10x to 2.00x speed.

[edit]

Soundodger+

Released

Very Different. A movement focused game but about dodging sound synced bullet hells. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard (Currently adjusting.) There aren't a lot of single stick shooters out there and the dodge em up subgenre is an interesting one. This game came out a little while ago but I think is a good example.

Arena Shooter Bullet Hell Dodge Em Up Music Game Pacifist Single Stick Shooter Top Down or Isometric
5.2 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
90% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
662 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
1.5 Similarity Score
57% Diagnosis:
Very Different
687/1200 Comparison Points
50% Genre 0/8 genre
89% Simple Controls 5.5/7 move
56% Survival Modes 0.5/4 modes
55% Power Progression 0.4/4 level
40% Buildcrafting Depth -1/5 build
36% Stage Features -2/7 stage
56% Content Breadth 1/9 stuff
63% Aesthetics 1.5/6 style
70% Gameplay Vibe Check 3.9/10 vibe vibe

Soundodger+ Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/3/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

This one I solicited a dev scorecard on because I was very curious to have more movement focused and especially pacifist games on here. I think there's a lot of experimentation to do there and this game came out some time ago and could be of interest to players. I've started tweaking it already.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "This is a mouse-only game strictly about dodging lots of bullet patterns, but the games really separate from there, as it was made 10 years ago and with different intentions"

Soundodger+ Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.5 Similarity Score
57% Diagnosis:
687/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) -1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming ?/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.4/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting -1/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers ?/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art ?/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0.2/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp -0.6/1
Fun Ramp -0.3/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.9/1

Soundodger+ Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
662 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.8 Converted 10 Point Score
5 Number of Critic Reviews

User

6.9 User Review Average
13 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.4 Direct Average
7.2 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Soundodger+ Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HellDodge Em UpMusic GamePacifistSingle Stick ShooterTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown3m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Adult Swim GamesStudio Bean

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 19
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Spotify Itch.io

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Soundodger+ combines the twitchiness of bullet hell shooters with the sonic thrills of rhythm games to create a wholly unique experience. Studio Bean has updated the original Adult Swim Games title with all-new tracks, controller support, and a fully-featured level editor. "

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 3m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Shoot 1UP

Released

Very Different. Vertical Scrolling Bullet Heaven. This game is included alongside the others here for being a bullet heaven that might appeal to many survivors-likes players. It's also an interesting example of how a game can be a bullet heaven and not a survivors-like! It shares the Bullet Heaven Fest with many survivors inspired games but also came out much earlier. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Bullet Heaven Shoot 'Em Up Vertical Scrolling Shmup
4.8 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
7.7 Final Review
77% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
107 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.0 Similarity Score
60% Diagnosis:
Very Different
717/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.9/8 genre
29% Simple Controls -2.9/7 move
54% Survival Modes 0.3/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
50% Buildcrafting Depth 0/5 build
56% Stage Features 0.8/7 stage
62% Content Breadth 2.2/9 stuff
78% Aesthetics 3.4/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.4/10 vibe vibe

Shoot 1UP Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/31/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

I think it's likely they've given themselves too low scores (plenty of absent features could just be 0 instead of -1) but once I've gotten a chance to play myself I'll adjust.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Traditional vertical scrolling shmup with a cool twist (this NOT a Survivor-like)!"

Dev note from interview: "There is a special mode you unlock after the main, regular shmup mode (8 levels, but there are two branching paths), the special mode is an infinite mode, that keeps basically the same level layouts, but uses some procedures to make them tougher. So very different in a lot of ways from a survivor, but it has a bit of randomization and generation in it."

Shoot 1UP Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.0 Similarity Score
60% Diagnosis:
717/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.8/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 0.1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.2/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.1/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.4/1
Secrets 0.3/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.6/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.4/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Shoot 1UP Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.7 Final Review
77% Positive Steam Reviews
107 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Shoot 1UP Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

PS4Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenShoot 'Em UpVertical Scrolling Shmup

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

UnknownUnknown

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Mommy's Best Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 17
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!"

"1UPs INSTANTLY ENTER THE ACTION!
Command up to 30 ships at the SAME TIME!
2 PLAYER LOCAL CO-OP play for 60 SIMULTANEOUS player ship INSANITY!
"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

Dev Scores Submitted via Score Card (Upcoming, Unreviewed)

This section includes mostly upcoming games where devs themselves submitted a score card or filled the web form. Tags sugggested by devs.

They'll be moved up top after I've checked it all over and adjusted the feature scores to be in line with how other games are scored.

[edit]

Orc Survivor

EA

Not to be confused with "Orc Survivors" with an "s." Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.7 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
Similar
1120/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.6/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
97% Buildcrafting Depth 4.7/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
72% Content Breadth 4/9 stuff
100% Aesthetics 6/6 style
100% Gameplay Vibe Check 10/10 vibe vibe

Orc Survivor Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Game focuses on bright colors and quick runs. A large depth of customization becomes available with the Armory system, which lets players edit the level-up options for any weapon as they rank up.

Scoring was done on current Early Access features, but will change with full release, which adds multiple classes and maps.
"

Orc Survivor Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.7 Similarity Score
93% Diagnosis:
1120/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.8/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Orc Survivor Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Difficulty ModifiersTimed SurvivalWave Survival20m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

TitanCrestGames

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Orc Survivor catapults you into a harrowing world where the roar of the crowd is deafening, your adrenaline is pumping, and every step taken could be your last. Survive as an orc warrior imprisoned and thrust into the merciless Colosseum. Will you conquer or become just another forgotten casualty?"

Game Modes

- +

"20 minute timed survival. There are difficulty modifiers to turn on at the start of the run, which increase enemy health and add additional enemy types."

Game Mode Notes

"Unlock the next tier of difficulty by successfully completing a run on the previous difficulty."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Every run is 20 minutes on the clock, with one minute waves. The clock time runs 30% faster than real timer, so a run is completed in only 14 minutes, despite the 20 minute clock timer."

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Pesticide Not Required

Free Available Upcoming

Designed around auto aim, optional twin stick mode. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.1 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1085/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
99% Simple Controls 6.8/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
74% Stage Features 3.3/7 stage
78% Content Breadth 5/9 stuff
92% Aesthetics 5/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.8/10 vibe vibe

Pesticide Not Required Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Gets a full point for movement only, since there is a twin stick mode but it's optional and dev noted it's designed around VS-style movement.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Option for move only or twin-stick aiming. Game currently in demo form."

"Designed around auto aim, optional twin stick mode."

Pesticide Not Required Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.1 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1085/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.9/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.9/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.3/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

Pesticide Not Required Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Jampacked Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Mow down countless crops and corrupt critters while crafting game-breaking builds! Pesticide Not Required is a bullet heaven, horde survival roguelite with farming elements that offers a myriad of stats and special character traits to create wildly diverse run possibilities."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Heroes and Redemption

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Battler Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
Similar
1081/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
98% Simple Controls 6.7/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
87% Buildcrafting Depth 3.7/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
78% Content Breadth 5.1/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.6/6 style
90% Gameplay Vibe Check 8/10 vibe vibe

Heroes and Redemption Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/15/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Heroes and Redemption Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.0 Similarity Score
90% Diagnosis:
1081/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.7/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Heroes and Redemption Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Observer Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Heroes & Redemption is a rogue-lite bullet-hell where you face hordes of enemies, annihilate them, learn new abilities and enhance your skills. Explore different regions, acquire new companions and embark on adventures again and again."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Clawed Cult

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Bullet Heaven Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.5 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1050/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.8/8 genre
82% Simple Controls 4.5/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
91% Stage Features 5.7/7 stage
88% Content Breadth 6.8/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
80% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.9/10 vibe vibe

Clawed Cult Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/18/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Clawed Cult Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.5 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1050/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.8/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.2/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.7/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.5/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.3/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Clawed Cult Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Soundtrack

Dev/Publisher

Cotton Cat Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Clawed Cult is a bullet heaven with cute cultist animals invoking their elder god, Catchulhu. Guide them through challenging battles with powerful abilities and strategy to emerge victorious. With intense action and stunning art, it's a must-play for fans of survivors games who love a challenge!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Noxious Weeds

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Top Down or Isometric Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
Similar
1040/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.6/8 genre
79% Simple Controls 4/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
74% Power Progression 1.9/4 level
80% Buildcrafting Depth 3/5 build
78% Stage Features 3.9/7 stage
93% Content Breadth 7.7/9 stuff
91% Aesthetics 4.9/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.2/10 vibe vibe

Noxious Weeds Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/18/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Noxious Weeds Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
1040/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.9/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.9/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.9/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.3/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.7/1
Build Crafting 0.6/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0.3/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.6/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.9/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.7/1
Bumpin Music 0.7/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Noxious Weeds Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterTop Down or IsometricWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Difficulty ModesNo TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival25m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Solar Eclipse Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Face the corruption that poisons your harvest! Noxious Weeds is an action rogue-lite where you slay hordes of creatures with the help of cute veggies and a combination of your favorite tools. The harvest is power. Choose wisely!"

Game Modes

- +

"Difficulty levels are subdivided in seasons, due to the farming theme. Each season includes Standard and Hard mode with stronger enemies. An endless mode is also in the making but won't likely be present during Early Access."

Game Mode Notes

"Run modes can be selected before starting a new run. Hard mode is unlocked after beating a Season in standard difficulty."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "20-30 minutes runs (depending on how fast is the player during the level up)"

"Day/Night cycle Wave based runs. Wave timer increases with each wave cycle."

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Feisty Fauna

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard. Features are based on full game, not demo.

Bullet Heaven Female Protagonist LGBTQ Roguelite Story Rich Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
Similar
1039/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7/8 genre
95% Simple Controls 6.3/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
65% Buildcrafting Depth 1.5/5 build
86% Stage Features 5/7 stage
81% Content Breadth 5.5/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 4/6 style
95% Gameplay Vibe Check 9/10 vibe vibe

Feisty Fauna Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev notes plot is optional and the following features are in the full game: endless mode, goal based unlocks, weapon evolution, advanced synergy, broken/invincible builds, chests, vendors, bestiary, achievements and secrets. And it will be a low price.

Feisty Fauna Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.3 Similarity Score
87% Diagnosis:
1039/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks Planned/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" Planned/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy Planned/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible Planned/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events Planned/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run Planned/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore Planned/1
Achievements Planned/1
Secrets Planned/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price n/a/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Feisty Fauna Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenFemale ProtagonistLGBTQRogueliteStory RichSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Atas Fun

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Ridiculously cute survivors-like / bullet heaven with an engaging storyline, where you're a mom rescuing her kidnapped chicks. You'll have to survive as you hunt other cute animals in this eat-or-be-eaten animal world, and learn the backstories of the other characters."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

20MTD: Emberpath

Upcoming

Tie in game to 20 Minutes Till Dawn Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.2 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
Similar
1034/1200 Comparison Points
88% Genre 6/8 genre
71% Simple Controls 3/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
53% Power Progression 0.2/4 level
86% Buildcrafting Depth 3.6/5 build
89% Stage Features 5.5/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
96% Aesthetics 5.5/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.5/10 vibe vibe

20MTD: Emberpath Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Upcoming game by the dev of 20 Minutes Till Dawn

20MTD: Emberpath Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.2 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
1034/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.2/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.6/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.8/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.8/1

20MTD: Emberpath Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

flanne

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"20MTD: Emberpath is a spin-off of the acclaimed 20 Minutes Till Dawn. In this roguelike, you combine different abilities and artifacts to create an almighty character that can mow down waves of Lovecraftian creatures. Can you hold out against the horde, until the night is over?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Arcadium - Space Odyssey

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.2 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
Similar
1032/1200 Comparison Points
89% Genre 6.3/8 genre
55% Simple Controls 0.7/7 move
99% Survival Modes 3.9/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
94% Stage Features 6.2/7 stage
87% Content Breadth 6.7/9 stuff
85% Aesthetics 4.2/6 style
90% Gameplay Vibe Check 8/10 vibe vibe

Arcadium - Space Odyssey Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes: "The scores I gave are based mostly on the open beta version available on November 6th to November 13th. The demo has many characteristics in common, but more limited content."

Arcadium - Space Odyssey Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.2 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
1032/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.8/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0.8/1
No Dash 0.4/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0.7/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.9/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.6/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.6/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.9/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 0.9/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.6/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.7/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.6/1
Bumpin Music 0.7/1
Fun Writing 0.6/1
Subtle Humor 0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.9/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 0.9/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Arcadium - Space Odyssey Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Luciano Bercini

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Arcadium is a survival roguelite shooter set in a procedurally generated universe. Battle relentless alien hordes, strategically enhance your build, and journey across the vastness of space to harvest planetary resources and conquer formidable challenges."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Core Devourer

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.1 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
Similar
1028/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
54% Simple Controls 0.5/7 move
75% Survival Modes 2/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
98% Buildcrafting Depth 4.8/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
58% Aesthetics 1/6 style
94% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.8/10 vibe vibe

Core Devourer Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Core Devourer Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.1 Similarity Score
86% Diagnosis:
1028/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.2/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move -0.5/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Core Devourer Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown12m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Hawthorn GamesHubber Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 58
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Core Devourer is a sci-fi action-packed roguelite where you hunt down huge hordes of droids and absorb their cores to become the strongest cybernetic being on the planet. In this game, you unlock weapons with unique effects, craft powerful gear and create endless combinations of upgrades for your character. Explore the procedural environment and discover the secrets of this apocalyptic world. Make your choice and break the game."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 12m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

NeuroSquad - Slay the Horde

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting score looks low)

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.0 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
Similar
1021/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.7/8 genre
65% Simple Controls 2.1/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
82% Stage Features 4.5/7 stage
83% Content Breadth 5.9/9 stuff
71% Aesthetics 2.5/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.1/10 vibe vibe

NeuroSquad - Slay the Horde Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/8/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Endless mode, weapon evolutions, ""bestiary"", achievements, and a number of other features are coming with the release (not in the demo). The core idea of NeuroSquad is that weapon upgrades are not tied to specific weapons. Instead, you can choose which weapon you apply your chosen modifier to. So this way you can build up your attacks modularly (and swap the weapon from underneath your upgrade stack to a different one)."

NeuroSquad - Slay the Horde Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.0 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
1021/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.9/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.8/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" Planned/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.9/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore Planned/1
Achievements Planned/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.9/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

NeuroSquad - Slay the Horde Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireControllerController 1 Handed

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedTimed SurvivalWave Survival25m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Matt Nemori

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"NeuroSquad is a "Bullet Heaven" Roguelike where you can combine any weapon with any upgrade. Assemble a squad and build up their attacks modularly! Redesign your weapons and embrace game-breaking synergies!"

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "Twin-stick shooter with automatic shooting. With auto-aim turned on it plays like a single-stick shooter."

Automated Features

Auto-Fire
Auto-Aim

The game has auto-fire by default and optional auto-aim.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: Yes
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: Yes
  • Keyboard One Handed: Yes (Mappable)

Game Modes

- +

Timed / Boss Ended Survival

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Defeating the final boss ends the run. The final boss spawns when the timer reaches 0"

"Endless mode coming in full release"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

"Run time depends on the level (different levels have different timers), the average will likely be around 25 minutes. But this is subject to change as the game is still in development."

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "When players level up, they can choose between upgrades of different types: Squad members, Weapons, Weapon mods, and Augmentations. Players can place these in slots to combine them in different ways (upgrades act on the given stack they're placed in). (Except augments, which modify the gameplay in different ways.)"

Meta Progression

?

[edit]

Don't Die, Collect Loot

Free Available Upcoming

Vertically Scrolling. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arcade Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Vertically Scrolling
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.9 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
Similar
1014/1200 Comparison Points
84% Genre 5.5/8 genre
73% Simple Controls 3.2/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
93% Buildcrafting Depth 4.3/5 build
71% Stage Features 3/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
85% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.9/10 vibe vibe

Don't Die, Collect Loot Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Don't Die, Collect Loot Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.9 Similarity Score
85% Diagnosis:
1014/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.7/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.6/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0.7/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Don't Die, Collect Loot Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeBullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterVertically Scrolling

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Dan Makes Video Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Don't Die, Collect Loot is an arcade roguelite where you guide your hero through a series of infinite retro worlds, attempting to stay alive, collect loot, and grow in power. Grow in power and live the ultimate Action RPG fantasy!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Roboom

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Bullet Hell Roguelite Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
Similar
999/1200 Comparison Points
74% Genre 3.9/8 genre
97% Simple Controls 6.6/7 move
73% Survival Modes 1.8/4 modes
85% Power Progression 2.8/4 level
60% Buildcrafting Depth 1/5 build
63% Stage Features 1.8/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 8/9 stuff
94% Aesthetics 5.3/6 style
99% Gameplay Vibe Check 9.7/10 vibe vibe

Roboom Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard notes: "While carrying some similarities to VS in basic mechanics, Roboom is something else. In Roboom, core staples of the bullet heaven / horde-survival genre act as a means of storytelling, giving the player the atmosphere and feeling the Robocon story wants to convey."

Roboom Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
999/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.8/1
Arcade Style -0.4/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.8/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -0.5/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.6/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.9/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.9/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.6/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.3/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events -0.9/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run -1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.8/1
Damage Numbers 0.5/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Roboom Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HeavenBullet HellRogueliteTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Robogame Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Roboom is an arena shooter roguelite where you blast your way through hordes of evil Robocons. Are you ready to face the challenges of the Robocon War and ascend to become the best in the Multiverse?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

What the HELL

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
Similar
999/1200 Comparison Points
98% Genre 7.7/8 genre
27% Simple Controls -3.2/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
87% Stage Features 5.2/7 stage
86% Content Breadth 6.4/9 stuff
79% Aesthetics 3.5/6 style
94% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.8/10 vibe vibe

What the HELL Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/15/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

What the HELL Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.7 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
999/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.2/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.4/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.3/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

What the HELL Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown25m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Red Goat Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"What the HELL is a rogue-lite top-down shooter. A terrifying future awaits the modern world under the influence of demon lords. Choose varied features to create your own skill set and determine your gameplay style. Collect demon's souls and never stop until you become stronger than they are."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "20-30m"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

TH3-M15 GUILD

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Scores on current private Early Access, see dev note. Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Bullet Hell Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
Similar
996/1200 Comparison Points
91% Genre 6.6/8 genre
36% Simple Controls -2/7 move
85% Survival Modes 2.8/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
86% Buildcrafting Depth 3.6/5 build
89% Stage Features 5.4/7 stage
90% Content Breadth 7.2/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.7/10 vibe vibe

TH3-M15 GUILD Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/22/2023

gravebot-from_th3-m15-guild.gifScale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

stealthbot-from_th3-m15-guild.gifDev Notes: "These scores we're based on what we will be releasing on early access and not representative of the small portion we put on the free demo."

"I would say the game is a lot harder than Vampire Survivor. The core mechanics are the same like being able to upgrade as you level up during your runs."

t1n4-from_th3-m15-guild.gif"But there are also many things that make the game different and way harder, examples are:

- Maps have hazardous zones
- Enemies are more tankier than typical survivors-like games and they all have different mechanics.
- Your able to use points gained from your hundreds of kills to unlock new paths and buy consumable items
- Consumable items: Your able to buy things like turrets or slow fields and set them up on any spot you want. Can totally set up the room your in full of traps to give yourself an advantage.
"

TH3-M15 GUILD Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.6 Similarity Score
83% Diagnosis:
996/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.2/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.7/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.7/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 0.4/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.7/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.7/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.4/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

TH3-M15 GUILD Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenBullet HellHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-like

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedDifficulty ModesEndless ModeIgnorable TutorialTimed SurvivalWave Survival25m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Capybara Forge

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Deadly missions for a deadly group! TH3-M15 Guild is a bullet hell survival game with rogue-lite elements. Undertake assignments, fighting off against armies of robots and creatures alike. Use an arsenal of unique skills, weapons, and items! Do you have what it takes to finish the job, mercenary?"

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "Attacks are automatic, some attacks are auto aiming while others you have to aim manually. There is also skills and ultimate which requires a manual button press to activate."

Automated Features

Auto-Attack

Some attacks auto-aim.

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: No
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Timed/Boss Ended Survival
("Defeat boss and escape")

Endless Survival

Difficulty Modes

Game Mode Notes

There is the standard mode at "normal" difficulty with an endless option.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Run time is about 20-30 minutes per stage."

"On standard mode, after 20 minutes on a stage a final boss will appear and you will have to beat that boss."

"Beating the final boss isn't the end of the stage though. You will have 3 minutes to escape the map after and the stage will only be successfully finished after escaping."

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "A player gets stronger during their runs by leveling up and choosing the skills, weapons, and armor they like."

Meta Progression

Stage, Mode, Mechanics, and Character Unlocks: Can unlock new stuff through achievements and shops.
Upgrade System: Upgrade options, like permanently more xp gain or more weapon/armor/item slots.
Rank System: Each character has their own ranks and the higher the rank, the higher the stats each character have.

Note: Metaprogression is currently locked in the demo.

[edit]

Towerful Defense: A Rogue TD

Free Available Upcoming

Tower defense inspired. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Tower Defense Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
969/1200 Comparison Points
90% Genre 6.4/8 genre
64% Simple Controls 1.9/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
91% Power Progression 3.3/4 level
93% Buildcrafting Depth 4.3/5 build
54% Stage Features 0.6/7 stage
85% Content Breadth 6.3/9 stuff
77% Aesthetics 3.2/6 style
88% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.5/10 vibe vibe

Towerful Defense: A Rogue TD Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Towerful Defense: A Rogue TD Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
969/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.7/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.5/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.6/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0.9/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.4/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.5/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.8/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.6/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.6/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.6/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.5/1
Damage Numbers 0.8/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Towerful Defense: A Rogue TD Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

AndroidiOSLinuxMacSteam DeckWindows PCXboxFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTower DefenseWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Mini Fun Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A roguelite horde survival game with a tower defense theme and a twist: you don't have to move to avoid enemies but must use skills actively. Pick your tower, equip up to 4 skills, and choose from a variety of traits and items to craft unique builds that can survive waves of hostile aliens."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Artifact Seeker: Legend of Aurorium

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting. Minor edits to grammar in various survey responses to fit them to our column layout better.)

Auto-Battler Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Hack and Slash Roguelike Roguelite Summoning Game Survivors-like Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.1 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
966/1200 Comparison Points
83% Genre 5.3/8 genre
59% Simple Controls 1.2/7 move
90% Survival Modes 3.2/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
87% Buildcrafting Depth 3.7/5 build
86% Stage Features 5.1/7 stage
82% Content Breadth 5.8/9 stuff
61% Aesthetics 1.3/6 style
86% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.2/10 vibe vibe

Artifact Seeker: Legend of Aurorium Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/20/2023

stella-from_artifact-seeker-legend-of-aurorium.webpScale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Artifact Seeker: Legend of Aurorium Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.1 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
966/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 0.8/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.8/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0.8/1
Arcade Style 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.8/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -0.3/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -0.3/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.8/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.7/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.9/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.3/1
Explorable Map 0.8/1
BIG Maps 0.3/1
XP on Ground 0.8/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.8/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.8/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.3/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.8/1
Achievements 0.8/1
Secrets 0.8/1
Retro / Pixel Art -1/1
Damage Numbers 0.8/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0.2/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.6/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Artifact Seeker: Legend of Aurorium Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHack and SlashRoguelikeRogueliteSummoning GameSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Auto-AimAuto-FireController

Game Mode Tags

Boss EndedDifficulty ModesLeaderboardsLevel BasedNew Game PlusStory Mode Base/Colony BuildingTimed SurvivalWave Survival45m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Altair LiBD GamesLynkpin Game

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: Yes

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 20
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"On the continent of aurorium, which was invaded by the Demon King of the Void, the heroes obtained artifacts through various ways, defeated a large number of enemies, and continuously improved their power to finally defeat the Demon King and save the world."

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "B to dash and Y to cast character's special skill"

Automated Features

Auto-Fire Only

Optional Auto-Aim

Auto-Aim is manual by default

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: No
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival
Boss Ended Survival

Level Based
New Game +
Story Mode
Base/Colony Building

Difficulty Modes

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Story Mode contains 3 map (1 still being made) and 5 difficulties. After playing it, you unlock endless survival (still under design)."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

Dev Note: "short run battle from 1m to 3m tops"

I have to check what they mean by that

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "
1. Skills and artifacts both have synergy. You can choose your own synergy to build up your in game run.
2. Skill can evolve when reaching a full level
3. Weapons you carry in game have their own upgrade system. You can choose your upgrade from two different options every 5 levels.
"

Meta Progression

Meta progression via: "
1. Traditional upgrade buying
2. Bringing equipment into game runs, getting equipment affixes rerolled, then bringing them back to base.
3. Weapon upgrades which will give you an upgrade choice in game run every 5 levels.
"

UI Walkthrough: Main Menus

- +

Any other accessibility or menu options not mentioned already in the game modes. Instead of deciding what to list here, I'm going to just list it all. This should make for a pretty interesting UI study, actually, but probably won't be needed by most players. These are all likely missing late game unlock options! Please comment in corrections! From top left, back or close buttons are assumed. Spoiler Warning! Menu unlocks often happen later in play. See also meta unlock menu walkthrough.

Main Menu

Dev: "We have a lot of custom settings to fit your own visual and fight style."

Display & Sound

?

Gameplay / Input / Other Options

?

[edit]

Power Fantasy

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting.)

Hack and Slash Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.9 Similarity Score
80% Diagnosis:
Similar
956/1200 Comparison Points
68% Genre 2.8/8 genre
43% Simple Controls -1/7 move
94% Survival Modes 3.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
86% Buildcrafting Depth 3.6/5 build
89% Stage Features 5.5/7 stage
81% Content Breadth 5.5/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.5/6 style
85% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.9/10 vibe vibe

Power Fantasy Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes: "Survive hordes of blood hungry enemies and hope for the best upgrades while you level up! Power Fantasy is a fresh rogue-survivors-like with unique heroes and tons of customization. Still in Early Access, but the community is growing and giving great feedback. There is much to come (meta progression, other game modes and 50+ unique heroes), but the core gameplay is already here, with over 50 achievements already."

Power Fantasy Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.9 Similarity Score
80% Diagnosis:
956/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.6/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.9/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.7/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Power Fantasy Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Hack and SlashHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Lava Lamb

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 56
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Free
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive hordes of blood hungry enemies and hope for the best upgrades while you level up! Power Fantasy is a fresh rogue-survivors-like with unique heroes and tons of customization."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Path of Survivors

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Battler Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.9 Similarity Score
80% Diagnosis:
Similar
955/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7/8 genre
32% Simple Controls -2.5/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
64% Stage Features 2/7 stage
83% Content Breadth 6/9 stuff
75% Aesthetics 3/6 style
90% Gameplay Vibe Check 8/10 vibe vibe

Path of Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Note: The game makes use of open source assets from Duelyst

Dev Notes: "My goal with Path of Survivors is to bring build complexity by incorporating Path of Exile mechanics. Another goal was to be able to build a team of characters that all play at once in the map (up to 6 player units all going off). The last goal was to make everything fully idle if the player wants to idle the game for farming, etc."

"I hope that I am on the path to make a game well received by the fans of survivors-likes."

Path of Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.9 Similarity Score
80% Diagnosis:
955/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Path of Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Limited Input

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 34
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Path of Survivors is a multi-class auto-battler survival game with roguelite elements. Plan your path in the 1000+ nodes passive tree and craft gear to help your battlers survive in this world. You can have up to six units on your team auto-battling their way through hundreds of mobs on the screen."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "There is no must end at X time. There is a mechanic in the game (Sanity Time) that if you play well, the runs goes on for at least 30 minutes and if you play bad then it could be fairly short like 5 minutes."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Need for Cheese

EA Free Available

Different: A lot is similar but the game goes through dungeons instead of waves and plays more like an ARPG according to the devs. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Mowing Game Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.9 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
Similar
951/1200 Comparison Points
77% Genre 4.3/8 genre
29% Simple Controls -3/7 move
76% Survival Modes 2.1/4 modes
91% Power Progression 3.3/4 level
99% Buildcrafting Depth 4.9/5 build
93% Stage Features 6/7 stage
90% Content Breadth 7.2/9 stuff
81% Aesthetics 3.7/6 style
85% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.9/10 vibe vibe

Need for Cheese Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

A game we checked out for being in the Steam Bullet Heaven fest - not a survivors-like but some similar features!

Dev Convo: "We plan on having endgame game modes, one which will be a wavelike (similar to Brotato model i.e.) where you defeat waves and choose upgrades for each one, and another which will be more roguelite (similar to hades i.e.) where you go through limited or endless strain of dungeons. In both you choose upgrades which work only in that specific run - but they add up and count on top of your char's build which you already have."

"So imagine if you played Diablo to a certain degree, lets say lvl 75. Then the endgame unlocks, and you can play a bullet heaven / survivor like game with that character over and over again, and unlock new stuff."

Need for Cheese Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.9 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
951/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -0.5/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move -0.5/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.5/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.6/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0.3/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.9/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.7/1
XP on Ground 0.7/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.9/1
Achievements 0.6/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.5/1
Damage Numbers 0.9/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 0.9/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.7/1
Over the Top 0.4/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.1/1

Need for Cheese Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerHack and SlashMowing GameRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Green Goo Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 100
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Crawl through countless dungeons, fighting hordes of monsters in this unique, fast-paced Action RPG. Class-up, mutate, and survive as you loot, shoot, upgrade, and repeat. Descend into the depths of a strange and dark world filled with mysteries and uncover its secrets"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Quotes from Dev convo: "Our game plays like an arpg , or diablo-like.. (so upgrading your character leveling up is your metaprogression) - so if we count dungeons as a single run then depending on the difficulty they last around 15-30 minutes"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Boons and Burdens

Upcoming

Upcoming action rogue-like from the Gunlocked dev, includes an optional single stick mode. The dev calls it "brotato-style."" Scores were weighted toward the twin-stick mode because it is the primary mode, but there is a single stick mode with full auto-aim. Most abilities in both modes auto-aim, regardless." Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard

Brotato-style Bullet Heaven Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.9 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
Similar
951/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7.1/8 genre
51% Simple Controls 0.1/7 move
75% Survival Modes 2/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
71% Stage Features 3/7 stage
85% Content Breadth 6.3/9 stuff
87% Aesthetics 4.4/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.5/10 vibe vibe

Boons and Burdens Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/4/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes: "Certain features won't be implemented at launch (secrets, endless mode, leaderboards, for instance), but are planned. Other planned features MIGHT not make it in by Early Access but are currently planned for it (Bestiary)."

"May need to update closer to launch. Scores were weighted toward the twin-stick mode because it is the primary mode, but there is a single stick mode with full auto-aim. Most abilities in both modes auto-aim, regardless."

Boons and Burdens Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.9 Similarity Score
79% Diagnosis:
951/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.8/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -0.5/1
No Trigger 0.5/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode Planned/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.3/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore Planned/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets Planned/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0.3/1
Lofi Charm 0.6/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Boons and Burdens Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Brotato-styleBullet HeavenRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

FromLefcourt

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 20
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Boons & Burdens is a single player action-roguelike set in the depths of hell. Battle hordes of demons through 13 levels, collect gems to purchase powerful boons, and choose from deadly burdens that alter the game's difficulty. Will you be the paragon of power or the architect of your own defeat?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Less than 30 minutes on average. 13 levels that take roughly 2 minutes each, but can take more or less time depending on randomized game elements and player skill."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Test Lab Inc.

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Similar
922/1200 Comparison Points
94% Genre 7/8 genre
79% Simple Controls 4/7 move
69% Survival Modes 1.5/4 modes
69% Power Progression 1.5/4 level
98% Buildcrafting Depth 4.8/5 build
84% Stage Features 4.7/7 stage
58% Content Breadth 1.5/9 stuff
60% Aesthetics 1.2/6 style
80% Gameplay Vibe Check 6/10 vibe vibe

Test Lab Inc. Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/13/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Test Lab Inc. Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
922/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.5/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.4/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.3/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.3/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Test Lab Inc. Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsDungeon Crawl30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Zaru

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 11
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Customize your skills and rain hell upon the endless hordes of robots. Test Lab Inc. is a fast-paced game where you'll be constantly tweaking your abilities until you become the ultimate weapon of mass destruction and crush all the puny robots that dare cross your path."

Game Modes

- +

Branching Paths, Dungeon Crawl

Game Mode Notes

"we have a progression style similar to Slay the Spire where you have you have a map with combat and other types of nodes"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "A Run is composed of multiple maps, a single map usually won't be longer than 5 minutes, and a full run will usually last 30 minutes."

"The normal combat nodes usually don't last longer than 5 minutes, the boss at the end of the run will vary with the difficulty you're currently running and how much dps you can do with your build, but we've seen it last between 2-10 minutes, and a full run will vary a lot as you can choose shorter paths, skip combat options, and your build and how fast you can clear will impact on your timer, but what we aimed for was 30 minutes runs."

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Kritter

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Base Defense Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Similar
925/1200 Comparison Points
75% Genre 4/8 genre
43% Simple Controls -1/7 move
78% Survival Modes 2.2/4 modes
56% Power Progression 0.5/4 level
85% Buildcrafting Depth 3.5/5 build
96% Stage Features 6.5/7 stage
82% Content Breadth 5.8/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 4/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.8/10 vibe vibe

Kritter Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Kritter Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
925/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0.5/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 0.6/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.4/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.7/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.7/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.7/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.4/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

Kritter Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Base DefenseBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

LJF Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

""Your spaceship crashed on a hostile planet. Monsters are flooding towards you. There is no hope. Unless... you miraculously landed on a mysterious time warp zone. Fight hordes of monsters. Rewind time. Repair your ship. Rewind time. Play solo. Rewind time. Player with your friends! Be a Kritter in this explosive-colorful-friendship-killer roguelite game!""

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Psychofinger

Upcoming

An FPS survivors-like! Looks fun. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven First Person Shooter Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
Similar
906/1200 Comparison Points
65% Genre 2.4/8 genre
25% Simple Controls -3.5/7 move
81% Survival Modes 2.5/4 modes
100% Power Progression 4/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
71% Stage Features 2.9/7 stage
90% Content Breadth 7.2/9 stuff
86% Aesthetics 4.3/6 style
86% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.1/10 vibe vibe

Psychofinger Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Psychofinger Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.1 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
906/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style ?/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.4/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.5/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.9/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.5/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.1/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

Psychofinger Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenFirst Person ShooterHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-like

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

martingor

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive hordes of ghosts in this FPS-roguelite. Become an agent at the Department of Metaphysical Investigations and unveil the mystery of an old church. Choose Aberrant Items that will upgrade your character, fight bosses and unlock new hand gestures."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

BORE BLASTERS

Upcoming

Upcoming game in early form by the Void Scrappers dev. Described as "Super Motherload meets Vampire Survivors". Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game.

Roguelite Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.6 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
Similar
874/1200 Comparison Points
73% Genre 3.7/8 genre
57% Simple Controls 1/7 move
56% Survival Modes 0.5/4 modes
90% Power Progression 3.2/4 level
67% Buildcrafting Depth 1.7/5 build
76% Stage Features 3.6/7 stage
71% Content Breadth 3.8/9 stuff
82% Aesthetics 3.8/6 style
80% Gameplay Vibe Check 6/10 vibe vibe

BORE BLASTERS Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/30/2023

gyrocopter-from_bore-blasters.gifScale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

BORE BLASTERS Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.6 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
874/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 0.9/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.3/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.2/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.4/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.3/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.7/1
XP on Ground 0.9/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.2/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.8/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.3/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.4/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.7/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.9/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

BORE BLASTERS Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxMacSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

RogueliteSurvivors-likeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

CampaignLevel Based10m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

8BitSkull

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam YouTube Bandcamp Spotify

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Blast through rocks with your machine gun drill. Collect rare gems, ores and ancient artefacts, upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Uncover the mysteries of the deep and the dangers that lurk below."

Game Modes

- +

Level Based Campaign

"Quickplay"
(Demo Only)

Game Mode Notes

"Campaign consists of multiple levels, gradually increasing in length and difficulty."

"Quickplay in demo launches a representative level from about the midpoint of the campaign, showcasing later stage gameplay"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "Game is still WIP but the intended range is 2-20 mins" and "10" is kind of an average/intended run time.

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

M.O.O.D.S.

Free Available Upcoming

An action focused shooter with more visceral gunplay, it still has roguelite elements that may be of interest to survivors-likes fans! Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Roguelite Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.5 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
Similar
871/1200 Comparison Points
71% Genre 3.3/8 genre
21% Simple Controls -4/7 move
60% Survival Modes 0.8/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
90% Buildcrafting Depth 4/5 build
71% Stage Features 3/7 stage
100% Content Breadth 9/9 stuff
70% Aesthetics 2.4/6 style
79% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.7/10 vibe vibe

M.O.O.D.S. Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

M.O.O.D.S. Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.5 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
871/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style -1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.3/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.7/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.7/1
Controls Check 0.7/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.1/1

M.O.O.D.S. Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenRogueliteTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown45m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

StickyStoneStudio GmbH

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: Yes
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Blast robots to bits in this action rogue-lite shooter which focuses on satisfying gunplay and thousands of fun builds! Modify your weapon, find armor parts and try to survive the endless onslaught of hostile mechs!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "I would say 5-60 minutes for the Early Access."

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

BeatPunk!

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard and follow up interview.

Arena Shooter Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Music Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.5 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
Similar
867/1200 Comparison Points
85% Genre 5.6/8 genre
74% Simple Controls 3.4/7 move
76% Survival Modes 2.1/4 modes
83% Power Progression 2.6/4 level
79% Buildcrafting Depth 2.9/5 build
69% Stage Features 2.6/7 stage
49% Content Breadth -0.1/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.8/6 style
72% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.3/10 vibe vibe

BeatPunk! Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/8/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

BeatPunk! Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.5 Similarity Score
72% Diagnosis:
867/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.4/1
Move Only 0.6/1
No Dash 0.2/1
No Trigger 0.8/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -0.6/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.4/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.3/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.3/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.3/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map -0.7/1
BIG Maps -0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.3/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.7/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.8/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.4/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.6/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

BeatPunk! Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMusicRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Digi GamesReçel Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"BeatPunk! is a top-down arena shooter roguelike where you play as a musician trying to survive a horde of robots by composing deadly songs. Choose from a variety of weapons, traits and sounds where each choice results in a different song and playstyle, making each playthrough unique."

Dev Scorecard Note: "The player gets to create their own gameplay soundtrack in each run with 16 different instruments!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Cozy Space Survivors

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.3 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
Similar
857/1200 Comparison Points
89% Genre 6.2/8 genre
75% Simple Controls 3.5/7 move
66% Survival Modes 1.3/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
56% Buildcrafting Depth 0.6/5 build
79% Stage Features 4/7 stage
55% Content Breadth 0.9/9 stuff
67% Aesthetics 2/6 style
72% Gameplay Vibe Check 4.3/10 vibe vibe

Cozy Space Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/8/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "Meet cute NPCs, solve small quests, and fight quirky enemies with satisfying weapons. A short experience for people who don't have much time but love playing (and finishing) games."

Cozy Space Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.3 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
857/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.2/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.3/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0.2/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.2/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.3/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0.1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.2/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.4/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.4/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Cozy Space Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Browseritch.ioMacWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

simonschreibt

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"A cozy time survival roguelite in space. You steer the shippy while the shooting happens automatically. Meet cute NPCs, solve small quests, and fight quirky enemies with satisfying weapons. A short experience for people who don't have much time but love playing (and finishing) games."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "10 minutes per run, aimed to be fun so that people want to play at least 3x"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Midnight At The Disco

Free Available Upcoming

Intense action movement mechanics make it fairly different, but it might be just what you're looking for! Perhaps if you like the difficulty of Binding of Isaac! Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard and interview.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Mowing Game Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.2 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
Similar
853/1200 Comparison Points
84% Genre 5.4/8 genre
25% Simple Controls -3.5/7 move
63% Survival Modes 1/4 modes
85% Power Progression 2.8/4 level
84% Buildcrafting Depth 3.4/5 build
74% Stage Features 3.3/7 stage
74% Content Breadth 4.3/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 3.9/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.5/10 vibe vibe

Midnight At The Disco Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Remember, a lower similarity score isn't a judgement. This one looks to have much more emphasis on action button presses, according to the dev. Some people want exactly that!

Midnight At The Disco Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.2 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
853/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0.5/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.4/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.6/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.7/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.7/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.4/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 0.6/1
Secrets 0.1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.2/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.6/1
Bumpin Music 0.6/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.8/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.9/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0.4/1
Technical Check 0.6/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Midnight At The Disco Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalMowing GameRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Taphouse Games LLC

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Annihilate massive hordes of evil alien eyeball monsters as you struggle to survive a full day on the dance floor. Choose from a diverse set of character traits, weapons and upgrades to create unique builds on each run to blast the baddies into oblivion."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Slime Slayer

EA Free Available

Rogue-lite top down dungeon crawler with modular spell building, something which is pretty interesting to me! Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Dungeon Crawler Hack and Slash Roguelite Spell Crafting Top Down or Isometric
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.2 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
Similar
852/1200 Comparison Points
78% Genre 4.4/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
75% Stage Features 3.5/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.3/9 stuff
66% Aesthetics 1.9/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.6/10 vibe vibe

Slime Slayer Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/15/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Rogue-lite dungeon crawler with modular spell building, something which is pretty interesting to me!

Slime Slayer Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.2 Similarity Score
71% Diagnosis:
852/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.3/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 0.5/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS -0.5/1

Slime Slayer Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerHack and SlashRogueliteSpell CraftingTop Down or Isometric

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown50m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Boosted Bytes

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Slime Slayer is a Modular Spell-Building Action Roguelite focused on the destruction of ALL SLIMES! Craft unique spells and character builds with mechanically and functionally distinct elements and modifier runes to conquer a slime-infested world"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 50m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "A Full run can be consistently completed in 45min-1hr for an experienced player"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Rift Saviours

EA Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.0 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
Similar
840/1200 Comparison Points
89% Genre 6.2/8 genre
54% Simple Controls 0.6/7 move
91% Survival Modes 3.3/4 modes
84% Power Progression 2.7/4 level
63% Buildcrafting Depth 1.3/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
69% Content Breadth 3.4/9 stuff
63% Aesthetics 1.5/6 style
57% Gameplay Vibe Check 1.3/10 vibe vibe

Rift Saviours Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/16/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Rift Saviours Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.0 Similarity Score
70% Diagnosis:
840/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.2/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -0.3/1
No Dash 0.9/1
No Trigger -0.8/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.2/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.9/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.9/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.8/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.4/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.3/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.4/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.6/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music -0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor -0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe -0.2/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs -0.2/1
Difficulty Ramp -0.3/1
Fun Ramp -0.4/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.4/1
Fun Check 0.1/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Rift Saviours Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEAUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-like

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

UnknownUnknown

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

YYakoDev

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Rift Saviours is a bullet heaven type of game, that enhances the genre with survival elements. In this game YOU become the bullet hell by crafting your own build in order to survive the never ending hordes of enemies that appear through the different rifts in the world. Will you become the Saviour?"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Saikyo Robots

Free Available Upcoming

RTS hybrid ("pikmin" style). Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Bullet Heaven Real Time Strategy Roguelite Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.9 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
Similar
832/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.7/8 genre
21% Simple Controls -4/7 move
78% Survival Modes 2.2/4 modes
75% Power Progression 2/4 level
73% Buildcrafting Depth 2.3/5 build
72% Stage Features 3.1/7 stage
62% Content Breadth 2.1/9 stuff
80% Aesthetics 3.6/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.3/10 vibe vibe

Saikyo Robots Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/8/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Notes: "Tutorial can't be skipped as it's woven into the levels.
Level 1 has a short section to teach some controls to the player. Then it throws them into a special mode that is like vampire survivor. I designed it to last only 2 to 3 minutes in total. It gives a little time to just play the game after the short intro tutorial section.
Level 2 has a short section at the start to teach more controls to the player. Then the player plays the game normally.
Level 3 teaches one more thing.
Level 4 teaches the final thing, since in it the player has a new goal. It is no more just about survival. Instead the player can at any point try to destroy the cloud kings base.
"

Saikyo Robots Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.9 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
832/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.2/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.3/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.4/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.3/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.3/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.8/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.1/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.3/1
Subtle Humor 0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

Saikyo Robots Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenReal Time StrategyRogueliteSurvivors-likeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Level BasedTimed SurvivalWave Survival5m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Flying Koi

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Real time strategy meets Roguelike. Pikmin meets Vampire Survivor. Command your robot army to fight, gather, produce. Upgrade your base and robots to make them the strongest army there is! Explore the wasteland during the day and survive the king's relentless attacks at night"

Game Modes

- +

Timed Survival

Level Based

Game Mode Notes

Most game modes are timed survival, however after level 4 the player can try at any time to destroy an enemy base.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

From dev notes about run time, it's level based:
Lvl1: 3m
Lvl2: 6m
Lvl 3-14: 16m
Lvl 5-16: 32m
Lvl7-18: 32 or 48 - TBD

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Bullet Bunny

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.9 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
Similar
831/1200 Comparison Points
74% Genre 3.8/8 genre
4% Simple Controls -6.5/7 move
86% Survival Modes 2.9/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
84% Buildcrafting Depth 3.4/5 build
51% Stage Features 0.1/7 stage
78% Content Breadth 5.1/9 stuff
83% Aesthetics 3.9/6 style
86% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.1/10 vibe vibe

Bullet Bunny Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Bullet Bunny Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.9 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
831/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -0.7/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.8/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.7/1
Endless Mode 0.9/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.2/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.8/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.9/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -0.8/1
BIG Maps -0.9/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.8/1
Enemy Variety 0.9/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages -0.4/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.3/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.9/1
Subtle Humor 0.2/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.2/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.9/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.9/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.9/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Bullet Bunny Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown9m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

penusbmic

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 30
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Bullet Bunny is a twin-stick shooter with rogue-like elements. Fend off an onslaught of enemies, level up, and create unique builds every run while trying to survive 500 seconds!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 9m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Hive Jump Survivors

EA Free Available

Upcoming Game. Available to wishlist. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.3 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
Similar
798/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.7/8 genre
36% Simple Controls -2/7 move
69% Survival Modes 1.5/4 modes
56% Power Progression 0.5/4 level
67% Buildcrafting Depth 1.7/5 build
74% Stage Features 3.3/7 stage
69% Content Breadth 3.5/9 stuff
75% Aesthetics 3/6 style
61% Gameplay Vibe Check 2.1/10 vibe vibe

Hive Jump Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

This game is probably rated a little low - devs can be very conservative when they rate their games! Tweaking in progress.

Dev Scorecard notes: "Hive Jump Survivors is a blend of Vampire Survivors like gameplay set in the Hive Jump universe. The game is in closed beta and is coming soon to Early Access. A free demo will be made available through Itch.IO while development continues on the Steam version. The unique hook for the game shows up through the backpack feature which allows players more mobility than other survivors like games."

Hive Jump Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.3 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
798/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.3/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.3/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0.5/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets -0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.2/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.2/1
Fun Ramp 0.2/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Hive Jump Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Graphite LabJoystickSonamu Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "Game is a spin off from the run and gun shooter Hive Jump which was released in 2017 on Steam and 2019 on XBOX and Nintendo Switch."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Pandora

Free Available Upcoming

First Person / VR Arena Shooter. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven First Person Shooter Roguelite
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
2 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
Similar
795/1200 Comparison Points
69% Genre 3.1/8 genre
43% Simple Controls -1/7 move
91% Survival Modes 3.3/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
58% Buildcrafting Depth 0.8/5 build
59% Stage Features 1.2/7 stage
64% Content Breadth 2.6/9 stuff
69% Aesthetics 2.3/6 style
81% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.2/10 vibe vibe

Pandora Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Pandora Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
795/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.4/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0.5/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.8/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map -0.8/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages -0.5/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.3/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.5/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0.3/1

Pandora Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacSteam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenFirst Person ShooterRoguelite

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Test ModeTutorialWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Sucurema GmbH

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 24
  • Steam Leaderboards: Planned
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Pandora is an arena shooter with a retro-style gaming experience. Engage in a relentless battle against hordes of demons. Use your magic abilities to defeat enemies and dominate the arena. Collect crystals, ascend to new heights of power and unleash devastating attacks upon your foes."

Game Modes

- +

Wave Survival

Training Mode

Game Mode Notes

Dev: "Pandora has no alternate game modes but it has something like a training mode. There you can test the different abilities and try them out."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Fallen Slayers

EA Free Available

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
Similar
795/1200 Comparison Points
91% Genre 6.6/8 genre
71% Simple Controls 3/7 move
44% Survival Modes -0.5/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
69% Buildcrafting Depth 1.9/5 build
49% Stage Features -0.2/7 stage
64% Content Breadth 2.6/9 stuff
57% Aesthetics 0.8/6 style
60% Gameplay Vibe Check 1.9/10 vibe vibe

Fallen Slayers Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/10/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Fallen Slayers Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.3 Similarity Score
66% Diagnosis:
795/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.8/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) -0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.3/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.4/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map -0.7/1
BIG Maps -0.7/1
XP on Ground 0.7/1
Health on Ground 0.3/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.2/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.8/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.2/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music -0.2/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.4/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.4/1
Fun Ramp 0.3/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0/1
Fun Check 0.3/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Fallen Slayers Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEAFree Available

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Ludomancer

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Embrace darkness, bargain with the dark gods and make unique pacts for incredible powers and skills. Combat humanity's armies and bring about the apocalypse in this dark fantasy bullet heaven action RPG. Become the ultimate Fallen Slayer and leave no Survivors."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

The Arena Pit

Free Available Upcoming

A "blend of RPG and Tower Defense". Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Hack and Slash Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
Similar
778/1200 Comparison Points
89% Genre 6.2/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
63% Survival Modes 1/4 modes
65% Power Progression 1.2/4 level
89% Buildcrafting Depth 3.9/5 build
50% Stage Features 0/7 stage
74% Content Breadth 4.4/9 stuff
66% Aesthetics 1.9/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.5/10 vibe vibe

The Arena Pit Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/9/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

The Arena Pit Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.0 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
778/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.2/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.8/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.5/1
Secrets 0.1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0.5/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.4/1
Fun Writing 0.5/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 0.5/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

The Arena Pit Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHack and SlashRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown500m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Next in GameThe Other Brick Studio

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Ready for a blend of RPG and Tower Defense in a 2D rogue-lite game? Enter The Arena Pit! Choose your hero, wield powerful weapons and skills. Strategize your moves in the arena, setting traps, obstacles, and towers against hordes of monsters in the epic battle of good versus evil!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 500m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Survivors Last Stand

EA

Side perspective arcade shooter. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arcade Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Mowing Game Roguelite Score Attack Sidescroller Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
1 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.1 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
Similar
784/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.8/8 genre
7% Simple Controls -6/7 move
64% Survival Modes 1.1/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
75% Buildcrafting Depth 2.5/5 build
39% Stage Features -1.5/7 stage
72% Content Breadth 4/9 stuff
67% Aesthetics 2/6 style
88% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.5/10 vibe vibe

Survivors Last Stand Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/22/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev: "It is more inspired by Seraph's Last Stand than Vampire Survivors whilst hopefully feeling very different to both games. It is a shooter, single screen with platform based movement and aiming. Some weapons are inspired by Vampire Survivors. Radiation is similar to Garlic and the Orbit Balls are similar to the Bible weapon in Vampire Survivors. I used the XP based levelling up from Vampire Survivors too."

Survivors Last Stand Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.1 Similarity Score
65% Diagnosis:
784/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 0/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0.5/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor -1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Survivors Last Stand Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeAuto-ShooterBullet HeavenMowing GameRogueliteScore AttackSidescrollerSurvivors-likeTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeNo TutorialScore AttackWave Survival40m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Fortcullis Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 41
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Survive waves of alien invaders. Upgrade your weapons and create insane builds. Addictive arcade roguelike action awaits you!"

Control Style Notes

- +

Dev: "It is a shooter, single screen with platform based movement and aiming."

It has AOE garlic-like style attacks, so possible this is a sidescrolling mowing game?

Automated Features

No

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Endless Survival

Score Attack

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 40m

Run Time Notes

You survive for as long as possible (only mode is endless).

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Fallen Force

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game (Currently adjusting score looks low)

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
Similar
771/1200 Comparison Points
82% Genre 5.1/8 genre
29% Simple Controls -3/7 move
31% Survival Modes -1.5/4 modes
40% Power Progression -0.8/4 level
91% Buildcrafting Depth 4.1/5 build
55% Stage Features 0.7/7 stage
62% Content Breadth 2.2/9 stuff
80% Aesthetics 3.6/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.3/10 vibe vibe

Fallen Force Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/31/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Score seems likely to be lower than it should be, will adjust after review.

Fallen Force Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.9 Similarity Score
64% Diagnosis:
771/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only -0.4/1
No Dash -0.2/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -0.6/1
No Aiming -0.8/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival -0.7/1
Endless Mode -0.6/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -0.7/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.2/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.7/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.8/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.9/1
Enemy Variety 0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0.6/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 0.3/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.3/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.5/1
Secrets -0.8/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.9/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.8/1
Fun Writing 0.7/1
Subtle Humor 0.2/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.6/1

Fallen Force Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Simon Carny

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 4
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Rogue-lite arena shooter, where you kill monsters by knocking them out of arena. Shoot them, punch them, freeze them, burn them and much more in this unique take on a genre."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Kinetic Storm

Free Available Upcoming

Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
2.5 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
Similar
752/1200 Comparison Points
79% Genre 4.6/8 genre
22% Simple Controls -3.9/7 move
69% Survival Modes 1.5/4 modes
63% Power Progression 1/4 level
75% Buildcrafting Depth 2.5/5 build
47% Stage Features -0.4/7 stage
61% Content Breadth 2/9 stuff
59% Aesthetics 1.1/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.4/10 vibe vibe

Kinetic Storm Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Looks like the dev scored themselves a little lowly on this one, but I'll do some tweaks once I've gotten a chance to play the demo.

Dev Scorecard Notes: "Inspired more by Nova Drift than Vampire Survivors, but my plan is to add a second more survivors-like game mode in the future. Steam features like achievements will be coming in the future as I get ready for early access."

Kinetic Storm Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

2.5 Similarity Score
63% Diagnosis:
752/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -0.9/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move -0.5/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.5/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.5/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.5/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0.5/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0.5/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.1/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.5/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.6/1
Feels like VS 0.4/1

Kinetic Storm Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Steam Achievements

Dev/Publisher

Broken Teapot Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: Planned
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Annihilate endless swarms of enemies with devastating weaponry, survive this Kinetic Storm by unlocking powerful skills and upgrades. This sci-fi action roguelike will test your skills like no other, with responsive twin-stick controls and unique enemy design."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Append

Free Available Upcoming

Very Different. Arena shooter from steam bullet heaven sale. Note: Feature comparison score and metadata reported based on dev submitted scorecard about early version of in progress game

Arena Shooter Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
- Final Review
-% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
0 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
1.4 Similarity Score
57% Diagnosis:
Very Different
683/1200 Comparison Points
66% Genre 2.5/8 genre
31% Simple Controls -2.7/7 move
55% Survival Modes 0.4/4 modes
33% Power Progression -1.4/4 level
91% Buildcrafting Depth 4.1/5 build
66% Stage Features 2.3/7 stage
44% Content Breadth -1/9 stuff
69% Aesthetics 2.3/6 style
64% Gameplay Vibe Check 2.8/10 vibe vibe

Append Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/22/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by Developer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Dev Note: "Not very similar, but can appeal to some of the same players"

Append Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

1.4 Similarity Score
57% Diagnosis:
683/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite -0.5/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0.3/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.2/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.2/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.9/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.9/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.9/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.8/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps -0.2/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0.9/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.9/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety -0.3/1
Bosses / Elites 0/1
Many Interesting Characters -0.8/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.4/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.4/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.2/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0.5/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.6/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.1/1
Fun Ramp 0.3/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0/1
Controls Check 0/1
Fun Check 0.2/1
Feels like VS -0.9/1

Append Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCFree AvailableUpcoming

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Custom Mode/ScenarioGoal/Find Based SurvivalIgnorable TutorialLevel BasedMultiplayer7m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Freezelance AB

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: Co-Op Versus
  • Player Count: 10
  • Leaderboards: No

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Destroy friends, strangers, or bots in this online multiplayer arena shooter. Collect powerups, combine weapons, build your defenses and obliterate the opposition. Hundreds of weapon combinations and multiple game modes."

Control Style Notes

- +

Twin Stick Shooter

Automated Features

No

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Partial
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: No
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Game Modes

- +

Goal/Find Based Survival

Level Based

Custom Modes

Multiplayer
(PVP, Co-Op)

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 7m

Run Time Notes

Dev: "5-10m, Run time varies heavily depending on the opposition"

Speed Settings

None

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

Dev: "The player gathers powerups and combines and upgrades them. The player can choose which upgrades to take, and there are mystery boxes where they can choose between 3 options. The upgrades (mostly) disappear at the end of the run."

Meta Progression

None

Games Currently Being Evaluated (Ranking in Progress)

This section includes games with fan scores submitted via score card or web form or I'm currently playing or researching or discussing with devs.

They'll be moved up top after I've checked it all over and adjusted the feature scores to be in line with how other games are scored.

[edit]

Nordic Ashes

EA

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard. Tweaking in progress.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Content Rich Hack and Slash Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Survival
8.1 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.5 Final Review
85% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
2527 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
7.7 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
Similar
1061/1200 Comparison Points
97% Genre 7.5/8 genre
75% Simple Controls 3.5/7 move
94% Survival Modes 3.5/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
85% Buildcrafting Depth 3.5/5 build
100% Stage Features 7/7 stage
94% Content Breadth 7.9/9 stuff
62% Aesthetics 1.4/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Nordic Ashes Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Scoring submitted by Silver721

Nordic Ashes Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

7.7 Similarity Score
88% Diagnosis:
1061/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0.5/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 0.5/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 1/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 0.5/1
Fun Writing 0.6/1
Subtle Humor 0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.8/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Nordic Ashes Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.5 Final Review
85% Positive Steam Reviews
2527 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Nordic Ashes Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenContent RichHack and SlashHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Noxfall Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 153
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Nordic Ashes: Survivors of Ragnarok, is a challenging Norse inspired Roguelite enemy hell game, where you'll have to survive hordes of creatures that come your way. Fight all sorts of beasts, from basic creatures to Elite monsters and Epic bosses with their own behaviour. Don’t be fooled, even minions can be dangerous! Unlock new weapons and abilities as you battle. Upgrade your characters’ stats with Constellation Ability Trees and slay your enemies before they surround you, or it may be too late…"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Halftime Heroes

Released

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard. Tweaking in progress.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Hack and Slash Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.8 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
7.3 Final Review
73% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
259 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
Similar
1093/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
100% Survival Modes 4/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
89% Buildcrafting Depth 3.9/5 build
89% Stage Features 5.5/7 stage
87% Content Breadth 6.7/9 stuff
68% Aesthetics 2.2/6 style
91% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.2/10 vibe vibe

Halftime Heroes Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Scoring submitted by Silver721, currently adjusting with other player feedback

Halftime Heroes Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

8.2 Similarity Score
91% Diagnosis:
1093/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.7/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.7/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.8/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 0.8/1
Secrets 0.6/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.3/1
Damage Numbers 0.5/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 0.3/1
Fun Writing 0.4/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.9/1
Over the Top 0.8/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.8/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.9/1
Fun Check 0.7/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Halftime Heroes Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

7.3 Final Review
73% Positive Steam Reviews
259 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Halftime Heroes Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

LinuxSteam DeckSwitchWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHack and SlashRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController 1 HandedController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

Unknown20m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Bigboot Studios

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 15
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"SURVIVE COUNTLESS HORDES, BE A ONE MAN ARMY, DIE AND RETURN STRONGER. Halftime Heroes is a Survival Rogue Action RPG game with short and intense matches where you learn spells, level up, acquire loot and fight bosses. Each time you die you may upgrade or unlock several features."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Arrival: Zero Earth

EA

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard. Tweaking in progress.

Auto-Battler Bullet Heaven Roguelite Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.5 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.9 Final Review
89% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
86 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
Similar
971/1200 Comparison Points
86% Genre 5.7/8 genre
50% Simple Controls 0/7 move
90% Survival Modes 3.2/4 modes
94% Power Progression 3.5/4 level
74% Buildcrafting Depth 2.4/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.4/7 stage
81% Content Breadth 5.6/9 stuff
85% Aesthetics 4.2/6 style
93% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.6/10 vibe vibe

Arrival: Zero Earth Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/6/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Scoring submitted by Silver721

Arrival: Zero Earth Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

6.2 Similarity Score
81% Diagnosis:
971/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar -0.5/1
Arcade Style 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only -0.5/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -0.5/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0.5/1
Build Crafting 0.7/1
0.8/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.4/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.4/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.3/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.7/1
Multiple Stages 0.7/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.8/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.4/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.2/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.3/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.3/1
Bumpin Music 0.6/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.8/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.5/1

Arrival: Zero Earth Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.9 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
86 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Arrival: Zero Earth Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-BattlerBullet HeavenRogueliteSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown30m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

jounitus

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 46
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Fight giant War of the Worlds -style aliens invading Finland during a Winter in the 90's. Build an army of local townspeople in this chaotic semi-autobattler roguelike. Navigate through different biomes to obliterate the aliens from cosmic dimensions."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Tiny Rogues

EA

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard by Thomakazi. Tweaking in progress.

Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter
7.5 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.7 Final Review
97% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
3258 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
Similar
922/1200 Comparison Points
85% Genre 5.6/8 genre
57% Simple Controls 1/7 move
54% Survival Modes 0.3/4 modes
88% Power Progression 3/4 level
79% Buildcrafting Depth 2.9/5 build
81% Stage Features 4.4/7 stage
80% Content Breadth 5.4/9 stuff
72% Aesthetics 2.6/6 style
92% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.4/10 vibe vibe

Tiny Rogues Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 78.2 (Thomakazi)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/19/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Thomakazi's scorecard notes: "This game may look like a vampy survival, but it is more inspired by Gungeon and Terraria. If I give some things a 0.1 or something like that it might mean that the feature is stated by the dev to be planned for an update" "32 painful evil achievements"

Tiny Rogues Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.4 Similarity Score
77% Diagnosis:
922/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.9/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.3/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 1/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.4/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.7/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.3/1
Explorable Map 0.1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 0.5/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.8/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.9/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.7/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm -1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.2/1
Subtle Humor 0.4/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.7/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.7/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.6/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -1/1

Tiny Rogues Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.7 Final Review
97% Positive Steam Reviews
3258 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Tiny Rogues Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

MacWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerRogueliteTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown45m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

RubyDev

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 32
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Tiny Rogues is a challenging fantasy rogue-lite bullet-hell dungeon crawler with rpg elements. Build a new unique character each run and fight one monster-infested room after another! Discover unique weapons, collect magical items and level up to become more and more powerful!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 45m

Run Time Notes

Runs around 40 to 50 minutes

Thomakazi total play time note: "I have 100% this game and have 78.2 hours in it"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Ember Knights

Released

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard by zza675 on Discord. Tweaking in progress.

Dungeon Crawler Roguelite Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
7.3 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.4 Final Review
94% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
3250 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.3 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
Similar
917/1200 Comparison Points
66% Genre 2.6/8 genre
30% Simple Controls -2.8/7 move
94% Survival Modes 3.5/4 modes
66% Power Progression 1.3/4 level
99% Buildcrafting Depth 4.9/5 build
82% Stage Features 4.5/7 stage
91% Content Breadth 7.4/9 stuff
88% Aesthetics 4.6/6 style
82% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.3/10 vibe vibe

Ember Knights Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/20/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

zza675's scorecard notes: "I would say it's fairly different from VS it as its more focused on exploring a linier dungeon with rooms instead of an open one."

Ember Knights Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.3 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
917/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.7/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 0/1
Top Down or Isometric 0.8/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.3/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.6/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.2/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0.5/1
Move Only 0.3/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty -0.6/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.3/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 1/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.9/1
Explorable Map 0.2/1
BIG Maps 0.3/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 0.7/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 1/1
Achievements 0.7/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 0.6/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.5/1
Low Price 0.7/1
Technical Check 0.5/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Ember Knights Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.4 Final Review
94% Positive Steam Reviews
3250 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.5 Converted 10 Point Score
1 Number of Critic Reviews

User

- User Review Average
- Number of User Reviews

Average

8.5 Direct Average
8.5 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Ember Knights Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Dungeon CrawlerRogueliteTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerMouse Only

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsCustom Mode/ScenarioDifficulty ModesDungeon CrawlHardcore Mode (Optional Permadeath)New Game +20m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Doom TurtleTwin Sails Interactive

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op
  • Player Count: 14
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: 45
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Ember Knights is an action rogue-lite for 1-4 players where you play as legendary knights, the last spark of hope against the mad sorcerer Praxis and his hordes of unwavering fiends. Wield weapons & skills, build synergies with game-changing relics and free the universe of Praxis’ corruption."

Game Modes

- +

Dungeon Crawl, Branching Paths, New Game +, Hardcore Mode / Optional Permadeath, Difficulty Modes, Custom Mode

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 20m

Run Time Notes

"For a speedrun 10 mins or less, for a casual play anywhere from 30-45 typically. For "doom" 90m and for "demons" anywhere from 2 seconds to 5 hours."

Speed Settings

No player speed options. "There are difficulty modifiers that buff the speed of enemies and their attack speed."

[edit]

Crafty Survivors

EA

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard. Tweaking in progress.

Auto-Shooter Bullet Heaven Hack and Slash Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Wave Survival
7.1 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
90% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
377 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.2 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
Similar
910/1200 Comparison Points
93% Genre 6.9/8 genre
14% Simple Controls -5/7 move
65% Survival Modes 1.2/4 modes
95% Power Progression 3.6/4 level
74% Buildcrafting Depth 2.4/5 build
74% Stage Features 3.3/7 stage
86% Content Breadth 6.5/9 stuff
78% Aesthetics 3.4/6 style
89% Gameplay Vibe Check 7.7/10 vibe vibe

Crafty Survivors Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/1/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Scoring submitted by Silver721

Dev quote from discord on control philosophy: "Not all characters will be auto-play friendly in the game because that is exactly the design of Crafty Survivors. I personally find the auto-play style extremely tedious, which is why I haven't played most of the games in the genre for more than 30-40 minutes and never picked them up again. There is already way too many games in this genre that is auto-play, so we don't want to be "just one more". We designed Crafty Survivors with a manual approach to the character's mechanics exactly because of this particular reason. Some characters will not be good on auto-play and that is a fact, because our approach to their mechanics is primarily designed as a manual mechanic."

Crafty Survivors Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.2 Similarity Score
76% Diagnosis:
910/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0.5/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.7/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.7/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves -0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0.6/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.6/1
0.6/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.3/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0.4/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps -0.5/1
XP on Ground 1/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.3/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.7/1
Many Challenges 0.3/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.5/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.3/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.7/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 0.7/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor -0.3/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 1/1
Over the Top 0.7/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 0.7/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.7/1

Crafty Survivors Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
377 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Crafty Survivors Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Auto-ShooterBullet HeavenHack and SlashHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown10m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

Flannel Bear Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 40
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Select from a variety of upgrades in this Action Roguelite, to create unique builds catered to each character on each run. Are you going to be a Chef focused on serving desserts or roasting your foes? A Seamstress that will patch your enemies together or massacre them with yarn balls? Which material would you choose for your statues: wood or marble? Find your own crafty way to SURVIVE!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 10m

Run Time Notes

In the beginning of the game they usually range between 5 to 8 minutes. Further stages are usually around 12 to 15. Some special stages can be a bit longer around 20. That is for normal difficulty, harder modes will have longer runs.

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Tesla vs Lovecraft

DLC Released

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard by zza675 on Discord.

Arcade Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Score Attack Top Down or Isometric Twin Stick Shooter Wave Shooter Wave Survival
6.5 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.0 Final Review
89% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
25 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
5.0 Similarity Score
75% Diagnosis:
Similar
900/1200 Comparison Points
84% Genre 5.5/8 genre
25% Simple Controls -3.5/7 move
75% Survival Modes 2/4 modes
50% Power Progression 0/4 level
95% Buildcrafting Depth 4.5/5 build
68% Stage Features 2.5/7 stage
79% Content Breadth 5.2/9 stuff
92% Aesthetics 5/6 style
94% Gameplay Vibe Check 8.8/10 vibe vibe

Tesla vs Lovecraft Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/21/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Scoring Submitted by zza675

Tesla vs Lovecraft Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

5.0 Similarity Score
75% Diagnosis:
900/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0.5/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event -0.5/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.5/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 1/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 0.5/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0.5/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0.5/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.5/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 0.5/1
Many Interesting Characters 0/1
Many Challenges 0.2/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.2/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.5/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 1/1
Subtle Humor 1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 1/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 0.8/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 1/1

Tesla vs Lovecraft Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.0 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
25 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.8/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.3 Converted 10 Point Score
12 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.3 User Review Average
10 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.3 Direct Average
7.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Tesla vs Lovecraft Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

iOSLinuxMacPS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeArena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteScore AttackTop Down or IsometricTwin Stick ShooterWave ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Branching PathsCampaignEndless ModeLevel BasedNew Game +Score AttackStory ModeWave Survival30m

Features and Extras

SoundtrackSteam AchievementsSteam CloudSteam LeaderboardsSteam Trading Cards

Dev/Publisher

10tons

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: Co-Op
  • Online: Co-Op (Remote Play)
  • Player Count: 2
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 20
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: Yes

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: Yes
  • Soundtrack Available: Steam Soundcloud YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Tesla vs Lovecraft is an intense top-down twin stick arena shooter from the creators of Crimsonland and Neon Chrome. Play as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla harnessing the static energy to power up Tesla-Mech and give the lovecraftian nightmares a lesson in horror!"

Game Modes

- +

Endless Survival, Branching Paths, Level Based, Campaign, New Game +, Story Mode, Score Attack / High Score

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 30m

Run Time Notes

"Early game 20ish minute runs; late game up to 3hr + runs. Times vary if co-op. Each zone/level takes roughly 5-10 minutes."

Speed Settings

None

[edit]

Raptor: Call of the Shadows

Released

Very Different. This classic vertically scrolling dos shooter has a little more in common with today's shmup rogue-lites than modern bullet hells. You gather a currency during runs, there are meta upgrades available between repeatable stages and while there's a lot of dodging it's not a danmaku game. This entry refers to both the 2015 steam port and the original DOS 1994 Classic Edition available. The reviews on the 2015 port on steam are low due to people, IMHO, nitpicking on details a new player wouldn't notice and recommending the original game emulated in DOSBox. Thus we're using the original game review score. This was one of my favs as a kid, so I was curious to see how it compares to the shooting games I play today, since it's on steam! Note: This game is currently being compared on the scale and notes will likely be in flux!

Arcade Bullet Hell Shoot 'Em Up Vertical Scrolling Shmup
6.4 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
1193/1600 Total Points
9.0 Final Review
93% Steam
9.1 Scale
8.5 Vibes
146 Steam Reviews
369/400 Review Points
3.7 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
Very Different
824/1200 Comparison Points
78% Genre 4.4/8 genre
44% Simple Controls -0.9/7 move
58% Survival Modes 0.6/4 modes
75% Power Progression 2/4 level
42% Buildcrafting Depth -0.8/5 build
60% Stage Features 1.4/7 stage
82% Content Breadth 5.8/9 stuff
78% Aesthetics 3.4/6 style
83% Gameplay Vibe Check 6.6/10 vibe vibe

Raptor: Call of the Shadows Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 15

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/24/2023

Scoring in progress

This classic vertical shmup was a favorite of mine as a kid for probably one of the same reasons I enjoy survivorslikes now: the ability to upgrade your ship between rounds and grind to try and get powerful enough to pass a stage and see more of the game.

While there isn't exactly buildcrafting within the runs, you can get upgrades and bring them back to sell or use tactics like repeating an earlier stage to farm a particular weapon. It's not a bullet curtain danmaku game either - Compared to many vertical scrolling shooters you can take quite a few hits before you're out. When the ship is destroyed it's game over and you have to reload from a save instead of mimicking an arcade credit system.

This is an interesting title to look at historically. I think that there is a history of "arcade game with meta upgrades" on the PC that is often less focused on when examining the shmup genre. Usually study of the genre is very focused on arcade games - and for good reason since the arcade versions often crammed a ton of amazing art and gameplay simply impossible on home computers of the eras.

However, just because Raptor is a little simpler graphically and less elegant mechanics wise doesn't mean it's not an important title. The shareware distribution model meant this game and other similar Apogee titles was played by a very wide player base, likely influencing many future developers.

The PC roots of the title also meant another thing: Save files. The meta upgrades gave a player something to invest time in while waiting for the next episodic release of stages. Doesn't that sound familiar? These DOS shareware games were already doing incremental upgrades and content releases of the sort people love today in modern survivorslikes!

Many people mention Epic Megagames' Tyrian 2000 as like this but better, though I've never played it. It's not on Steam either, so right now Raptor is our pick for classic PC shmups to compare!

Note: There are a few shareware, freeware, and unauthorized ports of this game out there. This is why there are some platforms listed as compatible not currently on the Steam release.

Raptor: Call of the Shadows Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.7 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
824/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.4/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -0.5/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash ?/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move 0/1
No Aiming 0.1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty ?/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.5/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 0/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.2/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy -1/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible -0.5/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps 0.2/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground ?/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0.2/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0.5/1
Enemy Variety 0.8/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.8/1
Many Challenges 0.2/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0.4/1
Bestiary / Lore 0.1/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 0.5/1
Retro / Pixel Art 1/1
Damage Numbers 0/1
Lofi Charm 1/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0.3/1
Subtle Humor 0.1/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.1/1
Over the Top 0.2/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.8/1
Fun Ramp 0.6/1
Low Price 1/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Raptor: Call of the Shadows Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.0 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
146 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
9.1 Review Scale
369/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 0.8/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.9/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 0.9/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

- Converted 10 Point Score
0 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.4 User Review Average
7 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
- "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Raptor: Call of the Shadows Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

iOSLinuxMacMS-DOSSteam DeckWindows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeBullet HellShoot 'Em UpVertical Scrolling Shmup

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Currency Based UnlocksLevel BasedUnknown

Features and Extras

Unknown

Dev/Publisher

3D RealmsApogee EntertainmentCyngus StudioMountain King StudiosScott Host

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: ?
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: ?
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Critic Review Excerpt

- +

Here's another perspective to evaluate the game.

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"The great action-crazed, guns blazing, shoot ‘em up game comes back straight out of the ‘90s. Raptor: Call of the Shadows and its futuristic world are ready to challenge your flying skills."

"Become a mercenary of the future and pilot the super-tech Raptor. Embark on interplanetary missions to knock off top competitors of MegaCorp, battle against hordes of relentless enemies and spend the bounty to expand your devastating arsenal"

"Discover secrets, find bonuses, and battle boss ships at the end of every wave. With each ship and ground target you destroy, you'll earn more cash to increase your ship's technology for the next wave. You'll be driven to kill and destroy until it's in your blood!"

Game Modes

- +

Level Based, Score Attack

Game Mode Notes

The game is level based, broken into "Sectors" that were originally released episodically as shareware. In each area, players destroy enemies and ground topics in order to get money, which they can spend on upgrades between the levels that persist on the player's save file.

The sectors can be repeated to get more money and the difficulty goes up when you repeat them.

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

Player Power Progression

- +

Detailed notes on progression systems.

In Run Progression

During the play

Meta Progression

You gather cash from the runs to upgrade your ship with purchases between stages.

Content By The Numbers

- +

"Hardcore Harold: Up to 16 ship upgrades can be bought from Harold's Emporium between waves.

Get Ready, Rookie: 27 killer levels, each with at least one unique boss ship to destroy.

Zero to Hero: Four insane skill levels - higher skill levels introduce new opponents!
"

In Game Lore & Extras

?

[edit]

Geometry Arena 2

EA

Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard by svkona on discord. Tweaking in progress.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Survivors-like Twin Stick Shooter Wave Survival
6.3 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.9 Final Review
89% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
158 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
3.8 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
Similar
826/1200 Comparison Points
83% Genre 5.2/8 genre
57% Simple Controls 1/7 move
88% Survival Modes 3/4 modes
75% Power Progression 2/4 level
64% Buildcrafting Depth 1.4/5 build
43% Stage Features -1/7 stage
61% Content Breadth 2/9 stuff
78% Aesthetics 3.3/6 style
78% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.5/10 vibe vibe

Geometry Arena 2 Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/19/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer - svkona on Discord. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Player scorecard notes: "The game gets updates very often, so balancing and ramping is subject to change"

Geometry Arena 2 Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.8 Similarity Score
69% Diagnosis:
826/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 0.8/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 0/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 0/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.8/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 0.6/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 0/1
Move Only 0/1
No Dash 0/1
No Trigger 0/1
No Special Move 0.5/1
No Aiming -0.5/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 1/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 1/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0.4/1
0.5/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.5/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map -1/1
BIG Maps -1/1
XP on Ground 0/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.5/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters -1/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0/1
Difficulty Modifiers 1/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.5/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.5/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 1/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0.6/1
Over the Top 0.3/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 1/1
Difficulty Ramp 0/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0.8/1
Technical Check 1/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0.8/1
Feels like VS 0.2/1

Geometry Arena 2 Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.9 Final Review
89% Positive Steam Reviews
158 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Geometry Arena 2 Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCEA

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSurvivors-likeTwin Stick ShooterWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeScore AttackSpeed UpWave Survival15m

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

011 Games

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 111
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Geometry Arena 2 is a free-form arena-shooter Roguelite game, dedicated to creating an exciting battle experience. Freely customize weapons, bodieds, modules, upgrades and challenges to create your own unique gaming experience!"

Game Modes

- +

Endless Survival
Score Attack

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 15m

Run Time Notes

Upgrades and waves are both endless, average runs take about 10-15 minutes.

Speed Settings

The challenges "fierce offensive" and "speed up" make the game go faster.

[edit]

Gunfire Reborn

DLC Released

Very Different. Popular first person shooter rogue-lite, though it's level based and many other differences it often comes up when people say they want a "rogue-lite game but first person" after playing all the top down ones. First Impressions: Personally, it feels like a good choice if I'm totally out of Borderlands to play (I'm not) or want more Risk of Rain style multiplayer options. I don't think it's really very survivors-like, even among the first person rogue-lites. If you want a horde shooter, this may not be your top pick. Note: This game is currently being compared on the scale and notes will likely be in flux!

Action RPG Dungeon Crawler First Person Shooter Looter Shooter Rogue-lite
5.9 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
1159/1600 Total Points
8.5 Final Review
93% Steam
8.1 Scale
8 Vibes
91541 Steam Reviews
354/400 Review Points
3.4 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
Very Different
805/1200 Comparison Points
56% Genre 1/8 genre
9% Simple Controls -5.8/7 move
58% Survival Modes 0.6/4 modes
69% Power Progression 1.5/4 level
88% Buildcrafting Depth 3.8/5 build
94% Stage Features 6.2/7 stage
89% Content Breadth 7/9 stuff
63% Aesthetics 1.5/6 style
79% Gameplay Vibe Check 5.7/10 vibe vibe

Gunfire Reborn Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 2

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 12/23/2023

crown-prince-from_gunfire-reborn.pngFirst impressions! Scoring subject to change as I play more - but it's not a survivors-like really so it's not top priority.

A first person shooter rogue-lite that sometimes comes up recommended to survivors-like fans looking to switch up the gameplay perspective. I'm just starting to try it out, as it seems to be one of the recent titles with a larger player base and many play hours visible in the steam reviews. However, it doesn't seem to be oriented around wave survival. It's more like a dungeon crawler.

A big draw here is the multiplayer, which allows up to 4 players co-op. As a big Borderlands/Destiny player on steam (with my partner), this one has been shoved in my face by the platform for a couple years now (It fully came out in November 2021 after a year and a half of Early Access from May 2020.)

It's not a bullet heaven - while you certainly shoot a lot of bullets and can get quite OP, the enemies are always going to be shooting a lot as well. It's not really a bullet hell either, though, since you don't weave your way among enemy shot patterns. It's just an FPS.

nospawn/crown-prince-from_gunfire-reborn.webpIt's got a low polygon cel shaded aesthetic which is overall alright for the enemies and sometimes quite cute for the characters. It can be pretty sometimes but most of the time just serves its purpose. The vibe is a kind of eastern adventure RPG, a little more cozy and definitely more furry than the Borderlands wastelands that obviously inspired it.

Translation from chinese can feel a little stilted. It's hard to say if the game has/had more personality in the writing before that. Some weapons (like literally just a brick) are funny enough to give it some positive score in subtle humor.

Overall it can feel a little underwhelming aesthetically when you focus on the details, but I think it's likely the visual style prioritizes being able to work on a wide variety of machines to enable the multiplayer aspect. And it's not a AAA studio, which of course I respect.

The controls are much more complex than most of the games on this list, which makes sense considering it's a first person shooter. Compared to other FPS games, though, it's somewhat simplified in some areas and mixed up in others. For example, the first character and many weapons use a secondary fire on the left trigger instead of an aim. There's a dodge instead of a sprint/run and so on.

I think the general gameplay and controls, along with character styles, would feel at home to Risk of Rain 2 players. It does seem to be missing some of that verticality (also from games like destiny) and to me it's also missing some of the visual depth and vibe that keeps a game on my big screen, but I'm looking forward to playing more on steam deck.

Honestly I admit kind of wanking around in first person shooters, so I tend to enjoy ones that let me die a lot in co-op.

nospawn/tao-from_gunfire-reborn.pngThe initial tutorial walkthrough makes it feel more complicated than it really is - part of why I dislike them - as overall it's got a currency unlock menu and some character upgrades. The major way you progress in game is by picking up weapons, which comparing stats on is kind of more complex than a simple 3 or 4 card level option (hence the related low score for streamlined levels). Find based unlocks exist here too.

I'm counting the elemental fusion system (synergy from attacking with different weapon elements) as a partial score for weapon combination.

It's more expensive than many of the games on this list, but given the 3D first person art style, it makes sense. It's still cheap enough to consider buying a copy for your partner or friend to play with you.

I think this is likely a great option to try if you really want an FPS roguelite, but also won't really appeal to core survivors-likes fans looking for a very similar mechanics vibe either from a bullet heaven or simplified controls/ui perspective.

Pixel sprites are from Steam emotes, not in game.

Gunfire Reborn Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

3.4 Similarity Score
67% Diagnosis:
805/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle -1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric -1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 0.5/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) -1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) -1/1
Move Only -1/1
No Dash -1/1
No Trigger -1/1
No Special Move -1/1
No Aiming -1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 0.2/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 0/1
Endless Mode 0.5/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0.1/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 0/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) -0.5/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 1/1
Build Crafting 0.8/1
1/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0.8/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 1/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0.4/1
XP on Ground 0.8/1
Health on Ground 1/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 1/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 1/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 1/1
Enemy Variety 1/1
Bosses / Elites 1/1
Many Interesting Characters 1/1
Many Challenges 1/1
Multiple Stages 1/1
Difficulty Modifiers ?/1
Bestiary / Lore ?/1
Achievements 1/1
Secrets 1/1
Retro / Pixel Art -0.1/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.1/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0.5/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0.5/1
Difficulty Ramp 1/1
Fun Ramp 1/1
Low Price 0/1
Technical Check 0.9/1
Controls Check 0.8/1
Fun Check 1/1
Feels like VS -0.5/1

Gunfire Reborn Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.5 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
91541 Steam Reviews
8 Pure Vibes
8.1 Review Scale
354/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 0.9/1
Good Theme 0.8/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.7/1
Fun Feel 0.7/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 0.7/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.5 Converted 10 Point Score
10 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.2 User Review Average
18 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.4 Direct Average
7.3 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Gunfire Reborn Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Very Different

Genre and Control Style Tags

Action RPGDungeon CrawlerFirst Person ShooterLooter ShooterRogue-lite

Aesthetic Tags

CartoonCell ShadedLow Poly

Setting / Story Tags

DungeonsFantasyFurryXianxia

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Level BasedLong TutorialProcedurally GeneratedUnskippable TutorialUnknown

Features and Extras

Unknown

Dev/Publisher

Unknown

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: ?
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: ?
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Critic Review Excerpt

- +

Here's another perspective to evaluate the game.

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Gunfire Reborn is a level-based adventure game featuring FPS, Roguelite and RPG. Players can control heroes with various abilities to experience diverse Build gameplay, use various weapons to explore procedurally-generated levels. You can play the game alone, or join 4-player coop."

"Every level is random; each new restart is a brand-new experience. You will meet different heroes and experience new weapons, items, checkpoints, and unique combat rhythms throughout the game."

Control Style Notes

- +

It's a pretty typical first person shooter, though it has a dash style move instead of sprint and many weapons have alternate fire instead of aim.

There's jumping, but it's not particularly vertically oriented (unlike Destiny, for example.)

Automated Features

None

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Yes
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: No
  • Mouse Only: No
  • Keyboard Only: No
  • Keyboard One Handed: No

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Hero Survival

Free Available Released

Released the day I put it in here, so will check back for reviews. Note: Feature comparison score reported based on reviewer submitted scorecard. Tweaking in progress.

Arena Shooter Bullet Heaven Horde Survival Roguelite Single Stick Shooter Survivors-like Top Down or Isometric Wave Survival
3.6 Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
2.5 Final Review
25% Steam
- Scale
- Vibes
4 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
4.6 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
Similar
878/1200 Comparison Points
100% Genre 8/8 genre
100% Simple Controls 7/7 move
71% Survival Modes 1.7/4 modes
85% Power Progression 2.8/4 level
56% Buildcrafting Depth 0.6/5 build
61% Stage Features 1.5/7 stage
57% Content Breadth 1.2/9 stuff
73% Aesthetics 2.7/6 style
62% Gameplay Vibe Check 2.3/10 vibe vibe

Hero Survival Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 10/29/2023

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

OneUpNerd's scorecard notes: "All levels are the same with different colors, boss is always the same. It's price is the same as VS (4.99€)." Full review here.

Steam reviews seem to negatively compare to Brotato.

Hero Survival Similarity Scale Heatmap

- +

Measured in 60 categories via likert-scale style options -1 to 1 in tenths, how does this game compare to Vampire Survivors. This allows 1200 total "points". It's easier to have a point of comparison and we just picked Vampire Survivors since it's the most popular and commonly referenced game in the subgenre. For detailed methodology read the explainer. For in depth examples at score value, see the scoring guide and for term definitions see the key.

4.6 Similarity Score
73% Diagnosis:
878/1200 Comparison Points
Rogue-lite 1/1
Auto-Fire / Auto-Battle 1/1
Real Time 1/1
Top Down or Isometric 1/1
Direct Control of Single Avatar 1/1
Arcade Style 1/1
Bullet Heaven A (Many Player Bullets) 1/1
Bullet Heaven B (Few Enemy Bullets) 1/1
One Handed Play (w Controller) 1/1
Move Only 1/1
No Dash 1/1
No Trigger 1/1
No Special Move 1/1
No Aiming 1/1
No On-Aim / On-Fire Movement Penalty 1/1
Timed / Boss Ended Survival 1/1
Endless Mode 0/1
Organic / Unannounced Waves 0/1
High Enemy Count (Horde) 0.7/1
Level Up on XP Gain Event 1/1
Streamlined Level Choices (Simple UI) 1/1
Currency Based Meta Unlocks 0.8/1
Goal Based Meta Unlocks 0/1
Build Crafting 0/1
0.4/1
Weapon Combination / "Evolution" 0.2/1
Interesting Item / Weapon / Ability Synergy 0/1
Broken / Invincible Builds Possible 0/1
Explorable Map 1/1
BIG Maps 0/1
XP on Ground 0.5/1
Health on Ground 0/1
Temp Powerups / Items on Ground 0/1
Treasure Chests and/or Loot Events 0/1
Vendor / Merchant on Run 0/1
Enemy Variety 0.2/1
Bosses / Elites 0.1/1
Many Interesting Characters 0.5/1
Many Challenges 0/1
Multiple Stages 0.2/1
Difficulty Modifiers 0/1
Bestiary / Lore 0/1
Achievements 0.2/1
Secrets 0/1
Retro / Pixel Art 0.9/1
Damage Numbers 1/1
Lofi Charm 0.8/1
Bumpin Music 0/1
Fun Writing 0/1
Subtle Humor 0/1
Panic & Zen Duo Vibe 0/1
Over the Top 0/1
"One More Run" / Short Runs 0/1
Difficulty Ramp 0.6/1
Fun Ramp 0/1
Low Price 0.5/1
Technical Check 0.2/1
Controls Check 1/1
Fun Check 0/1
Feels like VS 0/1

Hero Survival Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

2.5 Final Review
25% Positive Steam Reviews
4 Steam Reviews
- Pure Vibes
- Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy -/1
Not Janky -/1
Good UI -/1
Controller and Deck -/1
Lots of Content -/1
Good Theme -/1
Good Graphics and Sound -/1
Fun Feel -/1
Unique Twists -/1
Vibe Check -/1

Hero Survival Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

PS4PS5Steam DeckSwitchWindows PCXboxFree AvailableReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Arena ShooterBullet HeavenHorde SurvivalRogueliteSingle Stick ShooterSurvivors-likeTop Down or IsometricWave Survival

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

ControllerController Move Only

Game Mode Tags

UnknownUnknown

Features and Extras

Steam AchievementsSteam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Meridian4PigeonDev

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: 23
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: Yes
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: No

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Hero Survival is an action-roguelite where you have to shoot down hordes of monsters from classic horror movies one by one to please the Mad Time God. Choose from a variety of skills, weapons, and items to create a unique build for every bizarre character."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Atomicrops

DLC Released

Note: Review scores based on fan submitted review card by peA_sh0ter on Discord. Once the game is scaled for similarity as well, it will be reviewed and then moved up. Some review notes edited for space and clarity. I was interested in learning more about this twin stick shooter farming sim roguelite, so I sought out a very experienced player to help us out. PeA_sh0ter: "Atomicrops is like nothing else on the market. It is nothing like stardew valley or most other roguelikes, focusing on wacky art, interesting mechanics, and overall astonishing out of the box game design, anyone can easily pick up the controller, only to wake up three days later with 500 7000$ cats having been grinded in pure irradiated fever!"

Content Rich Farming Isometric or Top Down Roguelite Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.9 Final Review
93% Steam
7.5 Scale
10.0 Vibes
4587 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
- Similarity Score
- Diagnosis:
Similar
-/1200 Comparison Points
- Genre -/8 genre
- Simple Controls -/7 move
- Survival Modes -/4 modes
- Power Progression -/4 level
- Buildcrafting Depth -/5 build
- Stage Features -/7 stage
- Content Breadth -/9 stuff
- Aesthetics -/6 style
- Gameplay Vibe Check -/10 vibe vibe

Atomicrops Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4 (xoxomonstergirl) 4500ish (peA_sh0ter)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on ?

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

PeA_sh0ter: "Imagine you are peacefully farming... and throw all that garbage out the window. No dew or stars can be found here, only blood, bullets, and blooms! This top down shooter will allow you to rain botanical hell (and hoes!) on all sorts of foes, all while keeping track of time to get back to the farm before those pesky snails show up at night! Keep the cashews flowing, or else your blood will be. Grow crops in the extreme radioactive environment via super genetic engineering. Listen to them hoot and holler, and then harvest to prepare the land for the next wave of seeds. Fight wacky, mutated foes, and mash em into fertilizer before you get flown back to town!"

"This game is very much multitasking+planning oriented. You must manage your time while out beating camps to get items, while also planning out your build, and then heading back in time to fight off waves of foes coming in to eat your crops or take you down, all while frantically farming! Crops are of the utmost importance, giving you money to buy weapons, seeds, tools, etc."

"Your farm is in the middle of four biomes: desert, tundra, plains, and jungle. Each of these has some special enemies that inhabit them, with desert and plains being easier. Each biome will have a extra hard tier that is best visited later, once you have some good firepower. Camps in these biomes can hold seeds, farm animals that help with farming, gameplay altering items, and all sorts of special goodies."

"I don't want to spoil it like a rotting tomato, but the exploration part of the game is just as fun as the farming! Speaking of farming, did the sun just go down?!?? Seeing as the day was only two and a half minutes, it makes logical sense, but no time for sense or logic! Better book it to the farm, as waves of monsters will start invading, each wave about 30 seconds long."

"During night, this is the best time to harvest crops and plant new ones, all while dodging bombs and bullets. Keep the snails off your plants! Once dawn comes, all foes will vanish, including any bosses you failed to beat, along with their rewards."

"Then comes the town. Here you can buy guns to get stats and customize your build, flirt with townsfolk for items and eventually marry them, and host festivals! In order to flirt, you need roses. Roses are a special crop found in any biome, and are basically a direct currency to items. They are contrasts to heart beets, the way you heal in this game."

"Harvesting a heart beat will heal you, and partly increase your health. If you fertilize four heart beets, they will make one big one that is far better at healing and expanding you health. Fertilizing crops is actually where a big part of strategy comes in this game, as a fertilized crop is worth far more than an unfertilized one, and merged crops are worth much more, and can even by max fertilized too! All fertilizer is gained from killing foes, which is part of why exploring during the day is important."

"Each third night, a boss will appear, and they can have all sorts of patterns! Killing them will reward you, but should dawn come they will escape. Will you survive to winter to fight the final boss? You can always throw a festival after you beat a boss! These are special times when all sorts of deals, bets, and trades can be made, and the more food you made, the more rewards."

"Atomicrops is a real work of gritty, gross, and hilarious art that is sure to have you clenching your teeth, chewing your veggies, and blasting your foes to the moon! My only gripe with the game is this: there is not enough! The developers have dropped the game, and while the main dev wishes to keep on working on the game, he does not have the funding to make any more."

"The game can be played in one sitting, or in three minutes at a time. The art is special and I have only seen such a style in this game. Gameplay is far different from your generic shoot shoot shoot roguelike, as it makes you think and plan all while farming and adrenaline pumping!

"GO PLAY THE GAMMMMMMME! It gives old school difficulty with a very interesting twist a life of its own. Whether you are looking for fun, difficulty, or grinding, you will love this game from the get go, and it will grow on you, like a radioactive brain tumor in the best possible way!"

Atomicrops Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.9 Final Review
93% Positive Steam Reviews
4587 Steam Reviews
10.0 Pure Vibes
7.5 Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 0.9/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0/1
Lots of Content -0.1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 0.7/1
Unique Twists 1/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.8 Converted 10 Point Score
9 Number of Critic Reviews

User

7.5 User Review Average
17 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.7 Direct Average
7.6 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Atomicrops Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCDLCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Content RichFarmingIsometric or Top DownRogueliteTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Unknown25m

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Unknown

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: ?
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

An action-packed roguelite where you must cultivate and defend the last farm in the post-apocalypse wasteland. Farm mutated crops, marry townsfolk, and kill every mutant creature that tries to invade! This ain't no ordinary farming simulator.

PeA_sh0ter notes an active modding community: "I REALLY wish there was more content, as the game can sometimes get stale, but that is the only problem I can see in this game. Plus, I and my friends are making mods for the game so more content shall slowly seep into this somewhat forgotten field of treasure." Modding discord link.

Note: That's a person with over 4000 hours in the game saying it sometimes gets stale.

Control Style Notes

- +

Controller style is fairly typical twin stick shooter, with a few buttons to manipulate your surroundings.

Keyboard: "Movement+mouse usage, you move with arrow keys and aim/fire with right mouse. Farming is done with left mouse button which tills soil, plants seeds, and harvest is via scroll wheel. Scrolls and tractors can be activated via extra keys, starting at F and 1 respectively. All other interactions are done via F."

Supported Controls

  • Controller: ?
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 25m

Run Time Notes

"Usually 20-30 minutes, can vary, usually shorter"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Cultivation Story: Reincarnation

Released

Note: Review scores based on fan submitted review card by Thundergodeneru on Discord. Once the game is scaled for similarity as well, it will be reviewed and then moved up.

Bullet Heaven Dungeon Crawler Roguelite
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
9.1 Final Review
92% Steam
8.9 Scale
9.2 Vibes
1670 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
- Similarity Score
- Diagnosis:
Similar
-/1200 Comparison Points
- Genre -/8 genre
- Simple Controls -/7 move
- Survival Modes -/4 modes
- Power Progression -/4 level
- Buildcrafting Depth -/5 build
- Stage Features -/7 stage
- Content Breadth -/9 stuff
- Aesthetics -/6 style
- Gameplay Vibe Check -/10 vibe vibe

Cultivation Story: Reincarnation Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 240 (Thundergodeneru)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on ?

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Review Notes by Thundergodeneru: "This game is a rogue lite like many others, such as Wizard of Legend or Enter the Gungeon. The difference is how much it leans to Chinese cultivation, where it has moves and monsters that would be foreign and interesting to most people who aren't familiar with this trope."

Thundergodeneru: "The mechanics are fairly unique, taking a lot from the Chinese xianxia trope. You age one year when you enter each room, if your lifespan reaches 0 you die with there being many ways to increase your lifespan."

"This is only one mechanic as there are skills and weapons that can be matched into combos, changing their animation and how they work. A main function of this game is how you collect chi, which empowers anything that uses its element and how you can pick cards that synergize and make you much stronger like uncapping your crit rate so you can crit twice in one attack. The main focus is to synergize in this game."

"Playing this game is a blast, especially figuring out how the game works on your own as if does not tell you. The guides are scarce and figuring out a combination and obliterating an enemy with your new-found power is a very enjoyable experience." - Thundergodeneru

Cultivation Story: Reincarnation Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

9.1 Final Review
92% Positive Steam Reviews
1670 Steam Reviews
9.2 Pure Vibes
8.9 Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 1/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 1/1
Controller and Deck 0.5/1
Lots of Content 0.5/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.9/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Cultivation Story: Reincarnation Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenDungeon CrawlerRoguelite

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

UnknownUnknown

Features and Extras

Dev/Publisher

Unknown

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: ?
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Cultivation Story: Reincarnation is a top-down pixel art style action roguelike based on cultivation and Chinese mythology."

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved

Released

I played a lot of this classic back in the day on xbox. A huge number of contemporary wave survival games on rogue-lite are directly influenced by it - or they both share inspiration.

Arcade Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.8 Final Review
90% Steam
9.3 Scale
8.0 Vibes
842 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
- Similarity Score
- Diagnosis:
Similar
-/1200 Comparison Points
- Genre -/8 genre
- Simple Controls -/7 move
- Survival Modes -/4 modes
- Power Progression -/4 level
- Buildcrafting Depth -/5 build
- Stage Features -/7 stage
- Content Breadth -/9 stuff
- Aesthetics -/6 style
- Gameplay Vibe Check -/10 vibe vibe

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 4.0

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/21/2023

Scoring in progress

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.8 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
842 Steam Reviews
8.0 Pure Vibes
9.3 Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.9/1
Not Janky 0.8/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 1/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 1/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

7.6 Converted 10 Point Score
7 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.1 User Review Average
44 Number of User Reviews

Average

7.9 Direct Average
8.0 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Steam DeckWindows PCXboxXbox 360Released

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Level BasedUnknown

Features and Extras

Soundtrack

Dev/Publisher

ActivisionBizarre Creations

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: No
  • Online: No
  • Player Count: 1
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: No
  • Steam Achievements: No
  • Steam Leaderboards: No
  • Steam Workshop: No
  • Steam Trading Cards: No

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: No
  • DLC Available: No
  • Soundtrack Available: YouTube

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsors."

Control Style Notes

- +

Twin Stick Shooter

Automated Features

No

Supported Controls

  • Controller: Full
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: Unknown

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Noobs Want to Live

Released

Note: Review scores based on fan submitted review card by Minnievengo on Discord. Once the game is scaled for similarity as well, it will be reviewed and then moved up.

Bullet Heaven Summoning Game Survivors-like
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.5 Final Review
90% Steam
7.4 Scale
9.0 Vibes
3926 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
- Similarity Score
- Diagnosis:
Similar
-/1200 Comparison Points
- Genre -/8 genre
- Simple Controls -/7 move
- Survival Modes -/4 modes
- Power Progression -/4 level
- Buildcrafting Depth -/5 build
- Stage Features -/7 stage
- Content Breadth -/9 stuff
- Aesthetics -/6 style
- Gameplay Vibe Check -/10 vibe vibe

Noobs Want to Live Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 74.9 (Minnievengo)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on ?

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Review notes by Minnievengo: "Noobs Want to Live. Roguelike, Vampire Survivors like. Isometric game. It is a fast-paced roguelike featuring several characters and a large pool of skills to choose from (that synergize with one another, too!) Fight, kill, grow. Each run is a new chance to create a steamrolling build."

Review notes by Minnievengo: "Perfect animation with perfect localization that exactly conveys all the funny things that devs try to express. I do recommend this game to fans of Vampire Survivors and the survivors-like games. It features special art style and funny text, with all kinds of builds that makes you laugh for sure."

Noobs Want to Live Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.5 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
3926 Steam Reviews
9.0 Pure Vibes
7.4 Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.6/1
Not Janky 1/1
Good UI 0.8/1
Controller and Deck 0.6/1
Lots of Content 0.7/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.5/1
Fun Feel 0.8/1
Unique Twists 0.6/1
Vibe Check 0.8/1

Noobs Want to Live Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

Bullet HeavenSummoning GameSurvivors-like

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Endless ModeWave Survival9m

Features and Extras

Steam Cloud

Dev/Publisher

Unknown

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: ?

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: Yes
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: ?
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Marketing Blurb

- +

Some description of the game and its features from the creators.

"Noobs Want to Live is a fast-paced roguelike featuring several characters and a large pool of skills to choose from (that synergize with one another, too!) Fight, kill, grow. Each run is a new chance to create a steamrolling build!"

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 9m

Run Time Notes

"9m runs, and then 12m, 15m, also endless"

Speed Settings

?

[edit]

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved

Released

Review notes by ComplexPlane97 on discord! "Twin stick shooter, score based instead of progression based"

Arcade Twin Stick Shooter
- Combined Ranking Score
-/72 Ranking Position
-/1600 Total Points
8.3 Final Review
90% Steam
7.4 Scale
8.5 Vibes
1141 Steam Reviews
-/400 Review Points
- Similarity Score
- Diagnosis:
Similar
-/1200 Comparison Points
- Genre -/8 genre
- Simple Controls -/7 move
- Survival Modes -/4 modes
- Power Progression -/4 level
- Buildcrafting Depth -/5 build
- Stage Features -/7 stage
- Content Breadth -/9 stuff
- Aesthetics -/6 style
- Gameplay Vibe Check -/10 vibe vibe

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved Ranking Notes

- +

Scaling and Review Notes

Personal Hours Played: 1500 (ComplexPlane97)

Every game ranked was played, but also scaled based on research, talking to developers & your feedback. The priority with the scale's initial design was to compare similarity on relatively objective features - so it doesn't claim to include reviews of the depth and clarity you'd get at a games journalism site, nor the intensive time played you might get from player reviews on steam. We try to incorporate and link all of that along with a 'review scale' that checks for bugs. See the heatmap and breakdown! Time played noted so you can take any notes with a big grain of salt! I can't get to high level gameplay in 850+ games so I heavily research every game. Over 80 game creators let me interview or survey them! I Hope to go back and refine. Please argue or submit your own scores and reviews to be incorporated with credit into the notes and score numbers.

Added or last checked on 11/23/23

Scale scoring from scorecard submitted by player reviewer. Once evaluated after a couple hours play and some research, will be adjusted and moved up into the ranking proper.

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved Review Scale Heatmap

- +

The review scale is judged from -1 to 1 in 10 categories, with 200 possible "points" earned. Steam review positive percentage is worth another 100 points, and a "ten point" pure vibe review number adds extra subjectivity. Converted into points, that's 400 points total. The points aren't used directly in the ranking, though, which averages the three number scores for the final review score listed in the game line above.

8.3 Final Review
90% Positive Steam Reviews
1141 Steam Reviews
8.5 Pure Vibes
7.4 Review Scale
-/400 Review Points
Not Buggy 0.8/1
Not Janky 0.5/1
Good UI 0.5/1
Controller and Deck ?/1
Lots of Content 1/1
Good Theme 1/1
Good Graphics and Sound 0.8/1
Fun Feel 1/1
Unique Twists 0.8/1
Vibe Check 1/1

Metacritic Scores

- +

This title has metacritic data! The "fuck the man" score is adjusted so each person's review is equally weighted, regardless of critic or fan status.

Critic

8.5 Converted 10 Point Score
3 Number of Critic Reviews

User

8.2 User Review Average
22 Number of User Reviews

Average

8.4 Direct Average
8.2 "Fuck The Man" Combined Mean

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved Tag Cloud

- +

More sortable taxonomies and categories associated with the game (genre tags are available in the main game table line!) We've just started adding tags to enable more sorting options, this section will get more filled out as we go!

Release Tags

Windows PCReleased

Sorting Categories

Similar

Genre and Control Style Tags

ArcadeTwin Stick Shooter

Aesthetic Tags

Unknown

Setting / Story Tags

Unknown

Control Styles

Controller

Game Mode Tags

Level Based5m

Features and Extras

Steam Leaderboards

Dev/Publisher

Unknown

Game Features

- +

Listing various features we've got info on.

Multiplayer

  • Local: ?
  • Online: ?
  • Player Count: ?
  • Leaderboards: Yes

Steam Features

  • Steam Cloud: ?
  • Steam Achievements: ?
  • Steam Leaderboards: Yes
  • Steam Workshop: ?
  • Steam Trading Cards: ?

Extras, Etc.

  • NSFW: No
  • Demo Available: ?
  • DLC Available: ?
  • Soundtrack Available: ?

Control Style Notes

- +

"Twin Stick Shooter, analog stick movement and firing"

Automated Features

No

Supported Controls

  • Controller: ?
  • Controller Move Only: No
  • Controller One Handed: ?
  • Mouse Only: ?
  • Keyboard Only: ?
  • Keyboard One Handed: ?

Run Times & Speedups

- +

Average Run Time: 5m

Run Time Notes

?

Speed Settings

?

Content By The Numbers

- +

"There are 120ish stages, each with their own leaderboard"

In Game Lore & Extras

?