Ron Gilbert, the mastermind behind the beloved Monkey Island series, has long been celebrated for his contributions to the adventure game genre. His ability to weave intricate narratives into challenging puzzles has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, shaping the childhoods of countless players. However, in a surprising twist, Gilbert recently announced his next project, Death by Scrolling, which diverges from his signature style to embrace the roguelike RPG genre.
Exploring a New Realm
Death by Scrolling is not your typical adventure game. Set in a visually striking purgatory, players must navigate a vertically scrolling environment while battling an array of foes, including skeletons and mischievous snowmen. The objective is clear: defeat enemies and evade the relentless Grim Reaper, all while accumulating enough gold to pay the ferryman’s steep toll to the afterlife.
This bullet hell-style roguelike promises to deliver a fresh experience, encouraging players to return time and again, each time pushing their limits a little further. The unique twist of facing an invincible antagonist—Death himself—adds an intriguing layer of challenge. Yet, one can’t help but wonder why Gilbert has ventured so far from the whimsical shores of Monkey Island.
In a candid interview with YouTuber ‘CressUp,’ Gilbert shared insights into his gaming preferences, revealing a penchant for titles like World of Warcraft and Diablo. “I enjoy that visceral combat,” he noted, expressing a desire to create an RPG that marries exploration and storytelling with fast-paced, engaging combat. For Gilbert, the challenge of stepping into a new genre is invigorating, presenting opportunities to solve puzzles in innovative ways. “These are solved problems for RPG designers,” he remarked, “but not for me.”
Bridging Genres
Despite the shift in focus, Gilbert acknowledges the shared DNA between RPGs and adventure games. He aims to infuse his new roguelike with the storytelling elements that have defined his career. Most importantly, he finds this creative endeavor “interesting,” a sentiment that underscores his passion for game design.
While fans may wonder if Gilbert will return to his adventure game roots, he reassures them that he is always contemplating new ideas for the genre. In fact, he recently drafted a design for Thimbleweed Park 2, expressing a desire to innovate rather than rely solely on nostalgia. His mention of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes as an inspiration hints at exciting possibilities for the future.
As it stands, Death by Scrolling has no official release date, merely teasing players with the promise of “coming soon.” In the meantime, gamers seeking to fill the void can explore some of the best RPG titles available or dive into our curated list of top indie games.
What are your thoughts on Gilbert’s pivot towards visceral combat? Join the conversation on our community Discord server, where both readers and staff engage in lively discussions about all things gaming. A fusion of Diablo and Monkey Island was certainly not on anyone’s bingo card, but it’s a thrilling prospect nonetheless.
