Rogue Waters is a pirate-themed roguelike with tactical turn-based combat and a captivating narrative driven by revenge and ghostly retribution. Set on the high seas, players take on the role of Cutter, a former pirate resurrected after his death, seeking vengeance against his treacherous captain, Blackbone. The game is heavily influenced by classic pirate lore, dark legends, and cursed treasures.
Key Features:
Roguelike Structure with Story Chapters:
While Rogue Waters is roguelike, it’s designed to be more forgiving than typical roguelikes. You don’t restart the entire game after death, but rather return to the beginning of the chapter. The story unfolds over a series of runs, with each death advancing the plot and allowing for character progression.
Story-Driven Roguelike Gameplay:
The game unfolds as Cutter, once loyal to Captain Blackbone, is betrayed and finds himself back from the dead. The narrative focuses on Cutter’s quest for vengeance, with elements of ghostly hauntings and supernatural encounters, as he battles his way through various pirate settings like brothels, fortresses, and seedy pubs.
Tactical Turn-Based Combat:
The combat in Rogue Waters combines simple turn-based tactics with depth and strategy. Players engage in ship battles and hand-to-hand skirmishes, where positioning is key. You can use the environment to your advantage, pushing enemies into obstacles or overboard, setting them on fire, or even summoning monstrous allies like the Kraken to deal damage.
Dynamic Ship Battles:
Ship combat plays a vital role, with players using cannons to blast enemy crews during broadsides. These battles are tactical puzzles, requiring you to balance between attacking enemy ships and defending your own. The outcome of these naval encounters can affect subsequent on-foot battles.
Monstrous Allies:
Along your journey, you’ll rally godlike sea monsters to your cause, turning the tide of battle in your favor. The kraken is one such powerful ally that helps you confront enemies in thrilling cinematic battles.
Fear Meter & Tactical Puzzles:
Combat is enhanced by a fear meter, which increases as you perform dramatic kills. Fill this meter, and enemies will surrender. Each battle presents a tactical puzzle, requiring you to think on your feet and use the environment, your crew, and your abilities strategically.
Environmental and Narrative Depth:
The game explores themes of environmentalism and revenge, as you work to overthrow a tyrant exploiting the oceans’ resources. The narrative takes an unconventional turn, giving you control of powerful, all-consuming forces of nature rather than the traditional hero’s role.
