Rogue Zodiacs

[h1]Concise Game Reviews: "Rogue Zodiacs"[/h1] [i](Scroll down for the longer version)[/i] [table] [tr] [th][b]Game Value:[/b][/th] [th]✅ Highly recommended for fans of turn-based roguelikes and deep strategic gameplay, "Rogue Zodiacs" immerses players in a meticulously crafted universe where the fate of the cosmos is intertwined with ancient Zodiac lore. In this epic saga, celestial forces and enigmatic Zodiac signs dictate not only the ebb and flow of battle but also the unfolding narrative. As you traverse a universe filled with shifting alliances and cosmic mysteries, every decision—whether harnessing the potent powers of the stars or confronting evolving adversaries—drives a story of destiny and conflict. This turn-based roguelite boasts truly endless replayability—every run is a fresh experience thanks to an ocean of unique content, including over 250 abilities, 200 relics, 16 distinct locations, 40 hazards, 90+ unique enemies, and the formidable 12 Zodiacs. Delve deep into a narrative where myth and strategy merge, and discover how your mastery over the Zodiac not only shapes your team but also alters the grand cosmic tale.[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Game Tags:[/b][/td] [td]✔Roguelike ✔Turn-Based Combat ✔Strategy ✔Hero Building ✔Team Management ✔Single-Player[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Genre Classification:[/b][/td] [td]A deep, turn-based roguelite blending strategic hero management with infinite replayability, featuring over 250 unique abilities, 200 relics, and a host of tactical challenges set in a cosmic universe.[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Game Length:[/b][/td] [td]Indefinite; enjoy countless hours of gameplay with procedurally generated adventures.[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Challenge Level:[/b][/td] [td]High; the game demands careful planning and adaptability with a steep learning curve that rewards strategic play.[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Graphics:[/b][/td] [td]Stylish and thematic visuals that capture the cosmic and zodiacal atmosphere, enhancing the strategic experience.[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Technical Stability:[/b][/td] [td]Highly stable with only a brief loading time.[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][b]Replay Value:[/b][/td] [td]Exceptionally high; procedural generation and dynamic encounters ensure every run is unique.[/td] [/tr] [/table] [b]For further insights, feel free to join my [url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/MaverickGameVault]Steam group[/url] or follow my updates on my [url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/MaverickGameVault/]curator page[/url].[/b] [h1]Detailed review:[/h1] [table] [tr] [td][b]Key Features:[/b][/td] [td] 🔮 [b]Vast Hero Customization:[/b] Over 250 abilities and 200 relics offer countless strategies and build combinations. 🌌 [b]Dynamic Tactical Combat:[/b] Engage in strategic battles that challenge your tactical acumen with each encounter. ♾️ [b]Endless Replayability:[/b] Procedural generation ensures every run is fresh, with unpredictable challenges and rewards. ⭐ [b]Evolving Enemy System:[/b] Enemies grow stronger and gain new abilities as you progress, requiring players to adapt their strategies. 🛠️ [b]Deep Strategic Gameplay:[/b] Every choice—from team composition to battle tactics—has a significant impact, demanding thoughtful decision-making. [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]🌟[b]Overview:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td] "Rogue Zodiacs" is a turn-based roguelite that combines clear strategic gameplay with an immersive cosmic narrative. Set against a backdrop of ancient Zodiac lore, every decision—from choosing a portal to battling dynamic enemies—shapes your destiny in an ever-changing universe. [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]🎮[b]Gameplay:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]🎲 Complex Decision-Making: Every choice counts—from selecting a portal that leads to various worlds (each named and rated for difficulty) to building your team. Study your heroes' stats and plan carefully. ⚔️ Strategic Combat: Upon entering a world, combat begins immediately with all enemies present. After winning, you can explore the map until you reach the next portal. Resources are scarce; HP/MP are not restored automatically. 👥 Team Synergy & Hero Specialties: Control four fixed heroes with distinct roles: • Selene (Invoker): Provides summoning support. • Jirah (Ability Thief): Steals enemy skills, swapping out less useful ones. • Other Heroes: Serve offensive or defensive roles to complete your strategy. 🗺️ Uniform Map Structure: All procedurally generated maps share a common layout with a fixed number of statues and chests. However, some statues are corrupted and do not restore HP/MP. This makes it essential to stock up on healing items from the shop and use healing skills judiciously, provided you have enough MP. 💰 Resource & Item Management: Chests offer items (weapons, armor, accessories) for one character only. Use gold to reroll or sell items, but note that shop stock is limited. 🏛️ Hub & Upgrade System: Losing a battle sends you back to a hub—no permadeath. Statues flanking the central mirror let you upgrade relics and unlock benefits using Red Orbis, which are converted from Red Granules earned after victories.[/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]📖[b]Story and Depth:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td] The narrative weaves through the cosmos, with each Zodiac sign bringing unique challenges and lore that enrich the game's strategic gameplay. The overarching story of ancient myth and celestial conflict provides a compelling backdrop that elevates every battle. [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]🏆[b]Verdict:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]I was genuinely impressed by "Rogue Zodiacs"—a game that not only challenges your tactical skills but also invites you into a richly detailed cosmic saga. Every decision matters, from choosing a portal that leads to uniquely themed worlds (each with its own name and difficulty rating) to managing a fixed team of heroes, each with distinct abilities and roles. The learning curve is steep, but that’s part of its charm: invest the time, and you’ll be rewarded with a gameplay experience that feels both deep and personal. What truly sets this game apart is its elegant blend of strategic combat and resource management. The procedurally generated maps maintain a consistent structure with statues and chests, yet throw in delightful surprises—like corrupted statues that don’t fully restore your HP/MP—forcing you to plan your healing and upgrade strategies with care. This careful balance between predictability and unexpected challenge creates a satisfying rhythm that keeps you engaged run after run. I highly recommend "Rogue Zodiacs" to anyone who loves a game that demands thoughtful planning and rewards strategic ingenuity. If you’re looking for a roguelite that goes beyond surface-level fun and offers a meaningful, immersive experience, this is the game for you. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite challenge.[/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]✅[b]Good:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]👍 Innovative Gameplay: Fresh mechanics and strategic choices. 👍 Diverse Worlds: Unique, themed procedurally generated maps. 👍 Deep Customization: Four fixed heroes with distinct roles and a robust upgrade hub. 👍 High Replayability: Vast unique content ensures every run is different. 👍 Immersive Atmosphere: Striking visuals and rich cosmic lore. [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table] [tr] [th]🛠️[b]Ways of Improvement:[/b][/th] [/tr] [tr] [td] 👎 Steep Learning Curve: Minimal guidance may overwhelm newcomers. 👎 Complex Interface: A simpler UI could ease navigation. 👎 Custom Character Creation: Allowing players to create their own character would add a personal touch to the experience. [/td] [/tr] [/table]

First of all, I’m [b]so happy[/b] this game is finally on Steam! I’ve been waiting for such turn-based roguelike for a lot of time, and [i]Rogue Zodiacs[/i] delivers everything I could have dreamed of in a game like this. I’ve been following the game since its days on itch.io, but the price there was... well, let’s just say a bit [i]itchy.[/i] Thankfully, regional pricing on Steam saved the day, and now I can finally enjoy this gem. [hr][/hr] The game might feel [b]overwhelmingly complex[/b] at first because so much is unlocked right from the start. However, this complexity quickly becomes its charm! Each run you see new stuff, and for example I love how gear provides different skills depending on the hero, which makes experimenting more exciting. There’s a lot to figure out, but the sheer amount of content and the way game elements combine with one another makes the learning curve worth it. I know some people might hesitate because the game uses RPG Maker, but honestly, the gameplay is so well-crafted and detailed that it completely overshadows any concerns about graphics or engine. The mechanics and depth make it stand out far above any typical RPG Maker game. If I had to point out a downside, it would be... [i]balance[/i]. The numbers feel a bit over the top early on. Having thousands of HP and dealing massive damage right from the start feels overwhelming and confusing. It might be easier for new players if the numbers were smaller initially, in my opinion. I hope game will get some attention here, on Steam. This is truly an underrated gem and I’m looking forward to future updates!

There's something so riveting about it. At first it's a bit overwhelming, but learning how everything works is part of the fun! It could use some QoL and UI improvements, but I assume it's partially a limitation of the engine and partially the fact that it's just not an easy task to make the UI for such a game. It's already impressive enough that the UI manages to effectively display so much important information. It has a really solid and fun foundation for sure, and the developer has already said that they're going to make necessary improvements. That's definitely enough for me to recommend!

This is a very deep game, but also very overwhelming. After each fight, you're given a handful of new equipment, some of which gives different abilities depending on the character you give it to. It's a build optimizer's dream, but it almost feels like more time is spent comparing equipment than actually fighting. There's no exploration. I'm not even sure why there's a movement system, each map starts immediately with a fight and then has some chests, a statue and a portal on it. So you fight, collect your loot, then move on. The maps do look nice, but there doesn't seem to be a point to them. Survival mode seems pretty similiar to adventure mode, except it's all one big battle, so there's no changing equipment, but you do get random perks after defeating each enemy. This feels more streamlined, and a bit more fun. But the game encourages playing both modes as they offer different kinds of rewards.

This game is probably incredible. But a $20 asking price for a game that is all stock rpgmaker assets thrown together in a very eyebleeding fashion makes me hesitate

Don't be swayed by my short playtime on here; I played this while it was on itch.io, hence why I graciously got the game for free on steam. This is an incredibly deep and complex rpg. The rogue elements are strong, as each run feels distinct. Sure, the UI could use some cleaning up, and there have to be over 100 different effects, buffs and debuffs to learn, but I still highly recommend just diving in and accepting that you won't know everything the first time you play, otherwise you'll just get overwhelmed. It's WAY more enjoyable when you pick an actual specialty for each character, and stick to that, rather than picking what equipment boosts their stats the most. Each character can fill the role of tank, support or dps, so plan and experiment. For fans of Timebreak Chronicles, and other difficult turn-based rpgs and roguelites. Have fun killing the Zodiacs!

Rogue Zodiacs é um RPG roguelike com batalhas por turnos, que mescla estratégia e mitologia dos signos do zodíaco. Oferece grande profundidade, com mais de 250 habilidades e 200 relíquias, além de 16 locais e 90+ inimigos únicos. A cada partida, o jogador enfrenta desafios táticos enquanto constrói e adapta sua equipe com base em escolhas estratégicas. A narrativa é interessante e imersiva, mas o jogo pode ter uma curva de aprendizado íngreme, o que pode ser desafiador para iniciantes. Apesar disso, é uma experiência gratificante para fãs do gênero roguelike que buscam complexidade e variedade e falta ai um tradutor PT-BR. <3

Excellent game and a fun upgrade from the game’s initial iteration on itch (previously known as Zodiac Hunters). There are a number of changes since then that I’m still getting to grips with in my early playtime, but the challenge is fun and the systems are deep. The UI still has some clunkiness to it (for instance, checking for party member’s status & buffs brings up the first party member in line instead of the party member you might have currently selected) but honestly it’s easy to forgive with how solid the rest of the game is. If you enjoy theorycrafting and deep combat systems in a turn-based format, you can’t go wrong with this game.

Rogue Zodiacs, developed and published by QueL Games, is a turn-based roguelike that immerses players in a richly layered strategic experience. From the moment you start, the game reveals its depth through a vast array of abilities, relics, and enemies that keep each playthrough unpredictable and engaging. It stands out in the roguelike genre by combining classic turn-based tactics with a hefty dose of customization and variety, making it a rewarding challenge for players who appreciate both strategy and replayability. One of the most compelling aspects of Rogue Zodiacs is its expansive roster of abilities and relics. With over 250 unique abilities and 200 relics to discover, the game encourages experimentation and creative builds. Players control a party of four heroes, each with their own distinct skill pools. Three heroes come with predefined abilities, while the fourth offers a unique twist by stealing skills from enemies, allowing for a dynamic and adaptive playstyle that shifts with each encounter. This mechanic, paired with a wide range of relics that provide passive enhancements, means that no two runs ever feel the same. The combination of skills and relics enables intricate synergies, making strategic planning a key element to survival and success. The game offers multiple modes that cater to different kinds of players. Adventure Mode is the heart of the experience, delivering a traditional roguelike journey through various procedurally generated locations, each populated with unique hazards and enemies. This mode is a test of endurance and tactical acumen as players must adapt to evolving threats and make critical decisions about which paths to take and how to develop their characters. Survival Mode, introduced later, shifts the pace by focusing on wave-based combat, challenging players to fight off relentless enemies and ultimately confront one of the twelve formidable Zodiac bosses. Endless Mode pushes this even further, putting players' endurance and adaptability to the ultimate test against infinitely spawning foes, while providing competitive global leaderboards for those seeking to prove their mastery. Beyond combat, Rogue Zodiacs offers a complex system of status effects, equipment, and weapons that enrich the tactical layer. With over 600 status effects and nearly 50 types of equipment and weapons, players can tailor their party’s strengths and weaknesses to suit their preferred strategies. The game also features a tiered upgrade system where duplicate items can be combined to create more powerful versions, adding an extra dimension to progression and resource management. This depth ensures that players are continually rewarded for thoughtful experimentation and attentive play, as the interplay between abilities, relics, and status effects can turn the tide of battle in unexpected ways. Despite its strengths, Rogue Zodiacs faces challenges in building a large player community. Its player base remains relatively small, which can impact aspects like multiplayer engagement and community-driven content creation. However, for solo players and strategy enthusiasts, this does little to diminish the game's value. The developers have supported the game with updates and new modes, showing a commitment to expanding and refining the experience. Additionally, the game’s accessibility is notable, running smoothly on modest hardware while supporting convenient Steam features such as achievements, cloud saves, and family sharing. In summary, Rogue Zodiacs is a thoughtfully crafted roguelike that combines deep strategy with extensive content variety. Its complex mechanics, wide array of abilities and relics, and multiple gameplay modes provide a rich and engaging experience for players willing to invest time in mastering its systems. While its niche audience may limit its visibility in the broader gaming landscape, those who dive into Rogue Zodiacs will find a challenging, rewarding, and highly customizable adventure that stands as a strong offering within the indie roguelike community. Rating: 5/10

CONTROLS TIP: Most actions you need to Left Click twice to select/confirm the action (1st click to see description or enemy resistances, 2nd click to confirm using ability/potion or attacking the enemy). To cancel an action or get out of an info/menu screen, Right Click. The game has 3 modes: Survival, Adventure, & Endless. I started in Survival & there's some clear meta-progression with Star Marks (upgrades you can acquire with the game's currency) + as you discover Relics, can bring in 1-4 of them each run. There's different Survival areas, as you clear each you unlock extra abilities for each of the 4 characters, can change equipped abilities before starting a run. 1+ hour a run, didn't see a Save & Quit mid-run. As you defeat enemies during a run, there's 4 randomized rewards (5 stats + item/potion/counter/augment), select 1 to add to a Hero. Can inspect enemies to see what they are strong/weak against + what attacks they have, there's different elements & a variety of de-buffs (descriptions appear when you hover over them). There is a LOT to figure out with this game. Haven't even checked out the Adventure mode, where you can gear up characters & probably stat progression. Maybe even a tutorial too? Survival puts you right smack in the action, figure it out as you go. I'm going to come back to this game when I can really focus on it. Liking the wide breadth of content I'm seeing, but feels like a game i want to spend minimum 50+ hours getting familiar with to understand the different builds I can go far (character stat sheets at the main area, there tips for each on suggested builds, which helps a bit).