It can get a bit repetitive after a while, but early access promises more content.
The basics are similar to most shoot-em-ups, so there's no need to go into detail. You fly from left to right, shoot at enemies, and collect numerous power-ups to improve your performance. Because the game is a roguelite, the fun factor derives from randomness.
The first thing to point out is that there is no meta-progression. This means that you always start from scratch with the most basic equipment. The only thing you can change is your ship, but you'll be stuck with the default one until you defeat a boss and unlock other ships.
Each game begins in a sector comprised of a random grid of stages. You begin on the left and work your way to the right by picking which stages to play. Depending on how you go through the sector, you will usually have a choice after each stage.
The layouts of the stages are not random. Due to the limited number of maps accessible, you may find yourself playing the same map multiple times in the same sector. A single stage can have one of three difficulty settings, which affects the number of enemies. The patterns of enemy attacks are also not random. This way, you always know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. There are several factions in the game, but this only changes the design of enemies in a stage.
What is random, however, is loot. Loot is obtained by eliminating specific enemy waves. All enemies in a loot wave will have a colored outline. When you defeat the last enemy in that wave, a random item will be dropped. This can be module, missile launcher ammo, health, or a variety of other items.
Modules are the most valuable because they improve certain aspects of the ship. Double fire, penetrating shots, and even extra attack pods that fire at adversaries are just a few them. Because modules stack, you can transform your standard fighter into a genuine killing machine. However, certain things like pods and attack pattern, can only be owned in one type. So when you collect something new, the old one is simply replaced. Weapons, on the other hand, can be picked up and swapped freely.
Modules are clarified in terms of what they do. However, if something is unclear, you have a journal that provides further information on practically everything, from weapons to modules. However, the item must be found or unlocked in a game before it appears in the journal.
It's a good idea to kill as many enemies as possible rather than focusing solely on loot waves. This is because you gain credits for each enemy you kill. If you happen to come across a shop on your way through the sector and are lucky, you might be able to spend the credits on a new weapon or something you truly need.
Aside from the repetitiousness, the game is quite standard. However, there are a few little details that detract from the overall enjoyment. Asteroid fields are one of them. Overall, the stage is fine, however the background and color of the asteroids make them difficult to see. They also shatter into smaller bits, making it incredibly easy to hit one without even realizing it. Enemies with the ability to pass through asteroids and solid areas of a stage are likewise an issue.
The worst thing that can happen is during a boss battle. One randomly triggers lasers. If you kill the boss while one of the lasers is active, the laser will remain active and you will crash into it. Because you need to reach a portal to complete a level, this can effectively end your flawless run.
