Risk of Rain (2013)

Listen its great but just buy Risk of Rain Returns. Unless you want the mods for this game, the mods are great and honestly kind of make it worth buying this seperately from returns but like that's about it

You'd think it would rain more but there's hardly any rain. Besides that it's a fun little roguelike

Gearbox

The goat. Can never say enough good things about this. Love it to bits, warts and all.

after the EULA changes this is basically spyware

Risk of Rain (2013), developed by Hopoo Games, stands as a compelling and influential entry in the roguelike platformer genre, delivering a tense, fast-paced experience that balances chaotic action with strategic depth. From the moment you drop onto the alien planet’s mysterious surface, the game plunges you into a relentless battle for survival against increasingly dangerous enemies, crafting an atmosphere that is both punishing and rewarding. Its minimalist pixel art style and haunting soundtrack set the tone perfectly, evoking a sense of isolation and urgency that persists throughout every run. One of the defining features of Risk of Rain is its unique time-based difficulty scaling. As you linger on a level, the threat level escalates, spawning tougher and more numerous enemies. This mechanic creates a constant tension between exploration and progression: do you spend more time searching for items and upgrading your character, or do you push forward quickly to avoid being overwhelmed? This dynamic encourages diverse playstyles, where risk and reward are constantly weighed, making each playthrough feel fresh and challenging. Character variety adds another layer of complexity and replayability. The game offers several unlockable survivors, each with distinct playstyles and abilities—from the versatile Commando to the elusive Huntress or the brute-forcing Engineer. Each survivor feels unique, demanding different approaches and strategies to survive the increasingly brutal onslaught. Their abilities synergize with the randomized items you collect, which stack multiplicatively to create powerful and sometimes unpredictable effects, encouraging experimentation and adaptation. The item system itself is a highlight, offering hundreds of possibilities to customize and empower your character. Some items boost raw damage or survivability, while others alter gameplay mechanics—adding explosive effects, healing on kill, or crowd control abilities. Because items can stack, the combinations can become explosively potent, often turning the tide of a run. This randomness keeps players on their toes, ensuring no two runs feel identical and rewarding those who can creatively leverage their loot to survive. Visually, Risk of Rain embraces a pixelated, retro aesthetic that complements its fast gameplay rather than detracts from it. The environments—ranging from barren wastelands to alien jungles—are simple yet atmospheric, with subtle details that reinforce the desolate mood. Enemy designs are varied and imaginative, reflecting the alien world’s hostile ecology. The game’s sound design is equally effective, with a dynamic, eerie soundtrack that intensifies as the difficulty rises and the action heats up, helping to immerse players in the frantic struggle. Multiplayer, while limited to local co-op in the original release, adds an enjoyable layer of chaos and camaraderie. Playing with friends increases the challenge but also the fun, as coordinating item synergies and survival tactics becomes crucial. The sense of shared victory or defeat in a brutal environment makes the multiplayer mode a memorable experience, though the lack of online multiplayer can be a drawback for some. One potential criticism is the steep difficulty curve and somewhat opaque mechanics that might deter newcomers. The game doesn’t hold your hand, and early runs can feel punishing as you learn enemy behaviors, item effects, and optimal strategies. However, this challenge is part of its appeal for players who enjoy mastering difficult games and learning through repeated attempts. The sense of progression—both personal and through unlocking new survivors and items—provides motivation to keep returning despite setbacks. In summary, Risk of Rain (2013) is a masterclass in blending roguelike elements with fast-paced platforming action. Its escalating difficulty, wide variety of characters, and deep item synergy system create a tense, rewarding loop that keeps players engaged for hours. While its difficulty and minimal guidance may pose a barrier for some, those who invest the time find a richly satisfying game that balances chaos and control in a way few others do. It remains a beloved classic that influenced many subsequent roguelike titles and continues to captivate players with its relentless challenge and addictive gameplay. Rating: 8/10

Gearbox has tainted it with new EULA