Returnal is a game that blends a compelling narrative with a riveting gameplay loop, and there aren’t many games like it that bring together such elements as well as it does. With that said, there are still a lot of fantastic roguelikes that offer a similarly addicting loop, and this list features five other shooters that are worthy alternatives.
#1. RISK OF RAIN 2
I’ve talked about Risk of Rain 2 in a different post, and it’s basically a frantic and chaotic roguelike that starts off relatively chill. Don’t get fooled by its minimalist and colorful art style, as each run quickly spirals into a mad race to the end with how the difficulty progressively increases over time and forces you to find a balance between looting and blasting through the varying levels.
It’s one of my favorite games under this genre, and it features a ton of unlockable customization options, including unique characters, loadouts, and even modifiers that make runs more challenging (or easier, if that’s your thing).
#2. VOID BASTARDS
In Void Bastards, you control one of the many prisoners with randomized attributes as they navigate their way through the Sargasso Nebula. Along the way, you have to complete various objectives and are faced with all sorts of terrifying monsters and space pirates.
It has a charming comic book aesthetic and humorous dialogue juxtaposed with elements of survival and horror. It’s inspired by classic games such as System Shock and Bioshock, and it puts you in difficult situations where you must enter abandoned spaceships that are swarming with enemies to scavenge for supplies in order to reach your goal.
#3. BPM: BULLETS PER MINUTE
BPM is unique in that it’s a rhythm-based dungeon crawler where you have to shoot, reload, and even use abilities to the beat. Although its filtered art style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it makes up for it with its kickass soundtrack and wide variety of characters and weapons to try out.
This is another entry that I absolutely adore, as I am also a fan of a completely different rhythm-based roguelike called Crypt of the NecroDancer. BPM is an exceptionally challenging game, and once you’ve gotten used to its mechanics, it only becomes even more addicting and satisfying to play through.
The developers even added an option to import custom songs, so you’re not limited to the game’s already banging music.
#4. CRAB CHAMPIONS
Developed and regularly updated by the guy behind the viral “Crab Rave” song, Crab Champions is a simple to understand yet deceptively challenging game wherein success is heavily reliant on one’s ability to aim at fast moving targets and dodge enemy projectiles.
It features a wide range of guns to unlock, as well as skins rewarded for reaching certain milestones or achievements. Runs can be customized through the incredibly impactful perks that you get after every level, which range from flat damage upgrades to various other boosts that may also have negative effects to balance them out.
#5. ZIGGURAT 2
This entry has gunplay similar to a lot of old school FPS games like DOOM and Heretic, but with a heavier emphasis on casting spells using a vast arsenal of weapons and amulets.
I’ve actually covered the first game in a much older list, and this sequel largely takes place outside of the eponymous structure. Players must go on quests to recruit other playable wizards in an effort to restore the Ziggurat, which was destroyed some time ago according to the intro cutscene.
Each run is a fast-paced romp where you’re swarmed by varying enemy types in almost every room, and there are so many perks, weapons, and characters to unlock that you’re guaranteed to get lots of hours out of this one.