Dead Cells from Motion Twin, a Castlevania inspired game developer is a must-have in any discussion about the best roguelites. It’s a roguelite that has cemented its place as one of history’s best with its wide variety of biomes and massive arsenal of weapons. After seven years, the development team has moved on to a project with potential that is just as thrilling: Windblown. This isometric, three-player cooperative roguelite features bright graphics.
The game’s announcement was made with an animated trailer during the Game Awards last year. While it did show some gameplay clips, there were many things that could have been improved. Motion Twin released some brand new gameplay footage today that will give fans an even better idea of what the game is like. Game Informer also had the opportunity to watch about 8 minutes of the alpha footage, behind closed doors. This allowed them to get more details on the game.
Windblown features three characters, known as Leapers in the world of Windblown. However, the video (and alpha footage), both focus on the player who is an axolotl. Even in its first encounter with enemies, the speed of the game is the most striking feature. The axolotl is always on the go, slashing enemies and dashing to avoid their attacks. He also speeds behind his opponents for a surprise backstab. Developers placed a great deal of importance on players’ dash ability, as the gameplay reflects. Players can dashing across gaps at any time, even between battles.
In our video demo, the Leaper is using a fish knife (a blade that looks like a cleaver), but he eventually switches to a kunai. Windblown, like Dead Cells will have a variety of weapons that can be swapped in battle. However, it goes further with this feature than the predecessor. Alterattacks are possible by performing specific actions on one weapon. This allows you to score big damage using your other weapon. The axolotl can trigger Alterattack by using all of the kunai. There are powerful finishing moves called Crystallize Attacks that can do more damage if you play in sync with others. The combat system is cool because it encourages both player collaboration and weapon diversity.
You can find a variety of bonuses on your way through the Vortex. Gifts provide passive bonuses, such as bonus damage for backstabs, increased damage when dashing or a homing bow that is activated by hitting a target. The Trinkets can be used to perform special attacks like slow-moving orbs of death, poison clouds, bombs or other bonuses. Collectible Fish, on the other hand, have powerful attacks, such as one that restrains or swallows enemies. However, you will need to wait until their cooldowns are over before using these abilities again.
Windblown’s magical constructs and robots are tough. You will need to have all these skills. The demo player will eventually die and be forced to return the hub, an island collection with grassy terrain called Ark. The Ark is home to some nice-looking NPCs including an anthropromorphic wolf who provides permanent upgrades. Fans of Dead Cells will recognize many of them: a healing flask; the option to select an extra starting weapon; the choice to begin with a trinket. And a new skill, Recycling. This is similar to Dead Cells’ ability by the same name, where you can turn unwanted items into money. This is only what you can see in the demo. Many other menu options are reserved for later. The Leaper collected souvenirs for the heavy sword during the run. They can now spend money on it to make future runs possible.
Windblown is a game we’ve yet to play, but it looks fantastic. It seems like a mix of the gameplay of Hades and Dead Cells. Motion Twin will put Windblown into an early access version on Steam so that players can give feedback and help shape the game. Later this year, you’ll have the chance to play it.