Soulash

Bought Soulash on July 4, 2022 Bought Soulash 2 on June 23, 2024 My purchase predates the drama but after seeing that the dev is getting review bombed I felt the need to come back and finally review this game.

Based.

I honestly debated with myself whether or not to do this, after seeing the dev's true colours, I fear this will only invite more trouble. (Edit: I was right. I have unfortunately had to turn off the comments Due to the extreme harassment. I have received in response for this. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but telling a reviewer to unalive themselves is not okay.) But there's one thing I can conclude safely, this game is bad. When this was just starting out I was drawn to the concept of playing a resurrected villain seeking to regain power. Back then, I had little to no knowledge of traditional roguelikes, so a lot of the issues that came up, I thought were my own fault. But after playing other games of the genre like Golden Krone Hotel, Midboss and of course Dwarf Fortress. I can now say this game took a cool concept and utterly flubbed its execution. You'd think being a resurrected evil god, you'd be raising minions, seeking powerful relics and when you're ready, decimating villages, but the game instead expects you to focus on crafting mundane items and attacking villages all on your own. The map isn't even randomly generated. The only time I had any fun was playing the Necromancer because that's the one class that had actual minions. It's the only time you actually feel like a newly revived Dark Lord. No wonder the focus on being the villain was ditched in the sequel. Artur had no idea how to utilise it. Speaking of whom, I highly recommend avoiding him at all costs. This guy is just the worst. Someone asked him about the possibility of same sex relationships when he introduced marriage in the sequel, and the guy launched an all out online crusade on Twitter against the gay community, going so far as to liken them to Nazis. According to Artur, this was provoked by harassment he and his family received, and I was willing to believe him on that front. It's the internet after all. I sympathised but stated it did not justify what he did in response. Well he didn't like that and he immediately accused me of joining those people even after I stated multiple times I do not endorse such behaviour. Artur claims games should be for fun and not political mouthpieces, so what does he go and do? Make his game a political mouthpiece! He claims he's being harassed online so what does he do? He harasses anyone who objects to his actions online. Nowadays most of his sales and positive reviews are from people looking to "own the libs" (actual statement on one such review), make no mistake, any sucess this man has gained isn't from making quality games, but from hate buying and boasting about being a "cancel culture survivor". Play KeeperRL instead, it nails the concept way better than this game ever could by mixing Traditional Roguelike gameplay with elements of Dungeon Keeper.

Really good introduction to roguelite sandbox. Tons of variation in choice and ways to approach combat and (often) merciless slaughter of innocents. 10/10 Had this on my wishlist for months. Was on my list of things to buy if I ran out of games to play. Saw the DEI drama and applauded the dev for standing his ground and not cave in to woke brain rot pressure. Bought both Soulash 1&2 immediately the day after. Completed my first Soulash run a couple of days ago after about 3 or 4 misadventures. Turned the entire world to ash, very satisfying. Now early into my second run. Very fun and replayable rouguelite. The premise that you are a god escaped from your eternal captivity really captures your progression from start to finish. At first you can barely beat a peasant to death with your bare hands. Later on you are levelling entire city districts to the ground with powerful spells and abilities. Your thirst for revenge against your sons and daughters is ever present. I will criticise the dialogue you have with yourself in regards to understanding the drive of humanity from the perspective of a god. It's accurate for the most part but lacks nuance and is poorly worded. It doesn't sound like anything close to the wisdom of a god in understanding a world created as such. This doesn't affect gameplay, but may affect immersion. Other than that, a solid journey from chains to conquest.

Great Game. Would recommend if you like rogue-like games. Re-playable with many customizable options.

BASED AF

Honestly, I never would have even heard of this if it weren't for all the irrational rage surrounding the creator at the moment. I suppose I have to thank them, this has been a wonderful experience thus far (even if I have died thrice).

Game is slept on, lots to do and can easily lose 5hrs in a night. Everything between skinning a sheep and killing a god. Worth the buy and looks better that SoulAsh2. Hope to find more games with this amount of freedom.

Really cool unique open world turn based roguelike/rpg