Void Bastards! A Roguelike Shooter That Will Leave You Begging for Mercy

Prepare yourselves, fellow gamers, because we’re diving into a world of neon-drenched dystopia and delightfully chaotic gunplay with Void Bastards. This roguelike shooter throws you onto the dilapidated spaceship “The Faraday” with a mission to liberate the remnants of humanity from the clutches of the tyrannical “Ark”. But don’t expect a straightforward heroic journey; this game is a deliciously unforgiving blend of strategy, resource management, and twitch reflexes that will test your mettle (and sanity) at every turn.

Void Bastards unfolds in a decaying sector of space ruled by ruthless corporations and populated by genetically engineered minions with a penchant for violence. You are one of many “Bastards” – convicts resurrected with questionable technology to serve as expendable pawns against the oppressive regime.

A Comic Book Aesthetic Meets Brutal Realism

From the moment you step onto the rusting hull of The Faraday, Void Bastards grabs your attention with its distinctive comic book art style. Panels explode with vibrant color, stark outlines accentuate the grim setting, and onomatopoeic bursts add a layer of visual humor to the brutal action. Think Borderlands meets Sin City in space; a gritty, futuristic landscape rendered with an almost cartoonish charm.

But don’t be fooled by the quirky visuals – Void Bastards is a ruthless roguelike shooter at its core. Every encounter requires careful planning and execution. You’ll scavenge for weapons, resources, and upgrades while navigating labyrinthine spaceships, dodging relentless enemies and cunning traps. Death is a constant companion, and your character’s demise resets you to the beginning of your journey with new skills and knowledge gained from your previous attempt.

The Core Gameplay Loop: Scavenge, Shoot, Survive (and Repeat)

Void Bastards revolves around a cyclical gameplay loop that encourages strategic thinking and adaptability. Here’s a breakdown:

• Exploration: Navigate procedurally generated spaceships filled with loot, enemies, and hidden paths.

• Combat: Engage in fast-paced shootouts utilizing a diverse arsenal of weapons, from classic pistols and shotguns to more unorthodox tools like the “Void Cannon” and the “Bio Sludge Launcher”.

• Resource Management: Carefully ration ammo, health items, and other vital supplies while scavenging for upgrades and blueprints.

• Permadeath: Death sends you back to the starting point with randomized upgrades, forcing you to learn from past mistakes and adapt your strategies accordingly.

• Progression: Unlock new skills, weapons, and character traits that carry over between runs, slowly building your arsenal and enhancing your survivability.

Beyond Gunplay: The Power of Choice

Void Bastards is not just about blasting your way through hordes of enemies; the game encourages strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. You can choose to engage in direct confrontations, but stealth and cunning often prove more effective.

• Hacking: Disable security systems and manipulate machinery to gain an advantage over your foes.
• Distraction: Use noisemakers and environmental hazards to lure enemies into traps or divert their attention.
• Traversal: Navigate air vents, crawl through tight spaces, and utilize alternative routes to avoid encounters altogether.

Weapons: More Than Just Tools of Destruction

Void Bastards boasts a surprisingly diverse arsenal that caters to various playstyles. From the trusty “Blunderbuss” shotgun with its wide spread and satisfying thud, to the “Pulse Rifle” for long-range engagements, and even the bizarre “Void Cannon” capable of teleporting enemies into oblivion, each weapon has its own unique characteristics and tactical applications.

Unlockables: Building Your Bastards’ Arsenal

Between runs, you can unlock permanent upgrades that enhance your Bastard’s abilities and arsenal. These include passive bonuses like increased damage resistance or faster movement speed, as well as active skills such as hacking turrets or deploying decoys to distract enemies.

The upgrade system provides a sense of progression and allows you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. Do you prefer direct combat or stealthy maneuvers? Invest in the appropriate upgrades and watch your Bastard evolve into a formidable force in the decaying void.

Table: A Glimpse at Void Bastards’ Arsenal

The Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelike Enthusiasts and Shooter Fans Alike

Void Bastards is a refreshing and exhilarating roguelike shooter that masterfully blends humor, brutal action, and strategic depth. Its unique comic book aesthetic, diverse arsenal, and unforgiving gameplay loop will keep you coming back for more, begging for mercy with every death while craving the thrill of conquering the void. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding experience that will test your mettle and leave you breathless, Void Bastards is a game you shouldn’t miss.