Risk of Rain Returns: The Sensational Storm of Pixels
Taking a whirlwind trip down memory lane with a modern spin on a classic rogue-like.
last updated Dec 07, 2023
It's a symphony of chaos where every note is meticulously tuned to keep your adrenaline pumping as if you were actually dancing in this pixel rain.
Climbing the Pixelated Ladder of Fun
Revel in the nostalgia as 'Risk of Rain Returns' takes us back to its roots, amping up the iconic 2D gameplay with a few spicy modern enhancements. You'll quickly notice that the control scheme dances between the fine line of homage and frustration: like trying to twirl an umbrella in a downpour. The survivors shimmy with a tad more gusto, though some might argue it's more like a grandmother's cautious stepping than a sprinter's dash. Moving through levels can feel like a contemplative chess game; some platforms are just a pixel out of reach, and the ladders... oh the ladders, let's say they have become your frenemies. Yet, as any rogue-like aficionado knows, overcoming these quirky challenges only sweetens the taste of victory.
Acoustic Aromas Amidst the Storm
When it comes to audio, 'Risk of Rain Returns' serves an auditory banquet loud enough to wake up your landlord. The remastered soundtrack sizzles through your speakers like bacon on a Sunday morning. The sound effects have also gotten a facelift like they've just returned from a spa weekend. Everything from the gunfire to the pitter-patter of oversized alien feet has been dialed up, sometimes to ear-splitting decibels, but hey, isn't life all about those rich experiences? It's a symphony of chaos where every note is meticulously tuned to keep your adrenaline pumping as if you were actually dancing in this pixel rain.
Dripping Pixel Paint
The graphic overhaul in 'Risk of Rain Returns' punches through the screen with an elegant ferocity like a ballerina with a shotgun. The handcrafted pixel art is simply divine, showering every stage with so much detail that you'll probably stop mid-battle just to admire a particularly pretty puddle. Performance is more stable than your vegan friend's tofu lasagna, with the only real hiccups coming from the rare overloading worm shenanigans—a testament to the developers' sorcery. As for the new Survivors, I'm happy to report that they rock their pixels with the swagger of an 80's action hero while slinging abilities that pack a satisfying punch.
Thunderous Multiplayer and Torrential Content
Indulge in the multiplayer experience that now smooth as a sea after the storm, thanks to Steam's integration - say goodbye to the arcane rituals of port-forwarding. 'Risk of Rain Returns' reigns down content like it's its job (and, well, it is), with new items, enemies, skills, and even Providence Trials that give players a chance to unlock abilities by mastering specific challenges. Although, let's be real here, some of these trials feel more like tests of patience than skill—but the rewards are usually worth the tantrum.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Hopoo Games
Publisher
Gearbox Publishing
Release Date
November 08, 2023
The Final Deluge
With its blend of original charm and refreshing updates, 'Risk of Rain Returns' is a rogue-like masterpiece that deserves every byte of your hard drive. At a modest price point, it's a wild, pixelated ride that reminisces the days of its forebear while pouring on delightful new features. Don't let a few moments of clunky movement deter you; the delicious cycle of 'just one more run' awaits.
