In a landscape crowded with contenders for the title of ‘best roguelike,’ Realm of Ink emerges as a distinctive entry, drawing inspiration from its predecessors while carving out its own identity. The game captivates players with a stunning art style that echoes the elegance of Chinese ink-wash painting, paired with fast-paced action that is sure to resonate with fans of Hades and Dead Cells. Currently in early access, it is a hidden gem that promises to shine even brighter upon its full 1.0 launch.
Gameplay Experience
Upon diving into Realm of Ink, players will find a familiar yet refreshing experience. You take on the role of Red, a skilled swordswoman on a quest to vanquish a Fox Demon. The gameplay involves navigating an arena teeming with adversaries, where each doorway presents a new opportunity for rewards. The thrill of building Red’s skills through randomized power-ups adds an engaging layer of strategy, as each run becomes not just a chance for victory, but also a valuable learning experience that enhances your gameplay with every resurrection.
At first glance, the game may evoke memories of Supergiant’s acclaimed title, with its similar camera mechanics and combat style. Players will find themselves dodging and weaving through enemy hordes using the spacebar, while executing light and heavy attacks through a simple left-click and right-click combination. The choices you make at the end of each run—whether to accumulate coins for powerful items or risk it all for a rare Ink Gem—significantly influence your chances of success.
However, as you progress beyond the initial runs, the unique qualities of Realm of Ink begin to emerge. The Wuxia-inspired world, setting, and characters provide a fresh perspective, distinguishing it from its genre counterparts. Developer Leap Studio introduces a compelling ‘pet’ system featuring Momo, a versatile companion that can morph into various forms based on your Ink Gem loadout, reminiscent of the beloved Eeveelutions from Pokémon.
The indie gaming scene is currently brimming with Hades-like roguelikes, including titles such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, Reignbreaker, and elements of Shape of Dreams. Yet, Realm of Ink manages to stand out with its originality, while still delivering the tight controls and impressive builds that fans have come to expect from Supergiant’s masterpieces. Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes, with its striking ink-wash aesthetic that truly captivates.
Available for purchase on Steam for PC and Steam Deck, as well as on console, Realm of Ink invites players to embark on their adventure ahead of the anticipated 1.0 release on Tuesday, May 26. For those who share a passion for roguelikes and are seeking a fresh experience following countless runs of Hades 2, this title is certainly one to consider.
