Summary

Release Year: 2015
Genres: Arcade, Indie, Shooter, Tactical
Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Rogue Snail
Publishers: Zueira Digital

Relic Hunters Zero: A F2P Roguelike Gem

Introduction

Relic Hunters Zero is a free-to-play, open-source roguelike action game developed by PixelNAUTS and released in 2015. The game has been praised for its charming pixel art, frantic gameplay, and deep customization options.

Gameplay

Relic Hunters Zero is a top-down roguelike shooter in which players control one of six unlockable characters as they battle hordes of alien enemies through procedurally generated levels. The game’s four areas, each consisting of three stages, are filled with a variety of enemies, traps, and obstacles. Players must use their weapons, abilities, and relics to survive and progress through the levels.

Characters

There are six playable characters in Relic Hunters Zero, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles:

Duke Dashington: A well-rounded character with a balanced mix of speed, damage, and health.
Raz Raz: A fast and agile character with a focus on mobility and dodging.
Penny Pistolero: A ranged character with a high rate of fire and a variety of elemental attacks.
Bolt Volt: A tank character with a powerful shotgun and a shield that can absorb damage.
Dr. Caca: A support character with healing abilities and a variety of gadgets.
Ace Ventura: A pet-summoning character with a focus on crowd control.

Relics

Relics are powerful artifacts that can be collected and equipped to enhance the player’s abilities. There are eight relics in total, each broken into three parts. Players can find relic parts randomly at the end of stages or purchase them from checkpoints. Only three relics can be active at a time, so players must choose carefully which ones to equip.

Progression

Relic Hunters Zero features a unique bounty system that allows players to permanently upgrade their characters and starting base. Bounty is collected from defeating enemies and can be used to purchase items from checkpoints. These items can include new weapons, abilities, and passive bonuses.

Multiplayer

Relic Hunters Zero can be played solo or with up to four players in online co-op. Co-op mode is a great way to experience the game with friends and tackle the challenging levels together.

Community

Relic Hunters Zero has a dedicated and passionate community of players. The game’s open-source nature has allowed the community to create a variety of mods and custom content. There are also active forums and Discord servers where players can connect with each other and share their experiences.

Conclusion

Relic Hunters Zero is a fantastic roguelike action game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. With its charming pixel art, frantic gameplay, and deep customization options, the game is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The free-to-play model and active community make it a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and engaging game to play.

Tips for Playing Relic Hunters Zero

Here are a few tips to help you succeed in Relic Hunters Zero:

Learn the different characters: Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. Experiment with different characters to find one that suits your preferred playstyle.
Use cover: The levels in Relic Hunters Zero are filled with traps and obstacles. Use cover to avoid taking damage and to get the drop on enemies.
Manage your relics: Only three relics can be active at a time. Choose carefully which relics to equip based on your current needs and the level you’re playing.
Upgrade your base: Use bounty to purchase items from checkpoints to permanently upgrade your characters and starting base. This will make future runs easier and more rewarding.
Play with friends: Relic Hunters Zero is a great game to play with friends in co-op mode. Team up with others to tackle the challenging levels and share the loot.

Review Score

8.5/10

Developer: Rogue Snail

Relic Hunters Zero (2015)