How do you create an expansion on a widely celebrated co-op mining classic that features four procedurally generated classes, multiple maps, and endless replayability value? Well, you throw out most of the safety nets, add loads of gunplay, and turn the whole thing into a fast-paced roguelite!
The Gameplay: Scrapyard Survivalists
There is no question about it: Rogue Core does not involve playing as miners like in the base game. Instead, you play as the elite corporate security force called Reclaimers. All mining operations have stopped after the occurrence known as "The Grayout", during which the barrier disabled all technology in close proximity.
Because of this, you have nothing except a simple pickaxe and a basic sidearm. All other gear and weapons have to be found during gameplay.
- On-the-Fly Arsenal: While exploring the randomly generated cave systems, you'll gather additional resources and craft your upgrades using a wunder-mineral known as Expenite.
- Five Classes: Speaking of classes, those have been totally redone in the game. Now you can play as a Guardian (essentially, a living wall), a Falconer (an operator of drone swarms), a Retcon (a time-warping fighter), a Spotter (a deadly sniper), or a Slicer (a melee specialist with mobility).
- Upgrade Negotiation: When finding upgrade stations in the caves, you have to distribute randomized pool of upgrades to your teammates, forcing you to reach an agreement with your group of players as to how those should be shared.
A New Experience: Time is of the Essence
Where Deep Rock Galactic was primarily about the exploration and terrain manipulation, Rogue Core is focused around combat and time management. In fact, every single map you play has a countdown. If you spend too much time trying to squeeze out every bit of Expenite, completing optional side objectives and such, the threat levels will eventually rise to the critical.
Thus, you always have to decide whether you'd like to risk exploring yet another part of the dungeon to get yourself that sweet weapon upgrade, or rush to the exit while the horrible new faction, known as the Corespawn, tries to kill you dead.
Besides, you are severely limited with resources, making health points and ammo incredibly scarce. No more resupply pods; now, you have to find every item yourself.
Undergo the Evolution Process: Get Updated
Being an Early Access game, Rogue Core still has quite some work to be done. For example, the community has suggested several fixes for the upgrade negotiation process and the ammo economy.
Nonetheless, when it comes to Early Access games, there is very little that could go wrong. This is because Ghost Ship Games knows how to treat their fanbase. The original game was made based on user suggestions, and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core seems to be taking the same direction as well. The developers are already providing regular updates according to the player feedback and roadmap for Version 1.0.
No Loss in Playing: Try Out
Thanks to the convenient Steam Early Access distribution, the game utilizes a great customer service policy. You can return the game within two weeks from purchase and up to two hours of play. Thus, trying out this innovative spin on the genre is fully risk-free. Furthermore, if you already have Deep Rock Galactic, you can enjoy the discount for your new game, which is included in a "Complete the Set" bundle.
Are you ready to jump into the depths, craft your weapons on the fly, and fight off the horde of Corespawn? Grab yourself a copy right here!
Conclusion
Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core dares to take a risk and change almost everything from the original game, but that pays off handsomely. The new gameplay mechanics introduce even better combat experience, more interesting characters, and that roguelite feeling that pushes the gamer forward. Once the developers balance out the multiplayer negotiation system, this game is going to become a Titan of its genre.