Verdict:

Liked it

Overview

Vampire Survivors clone with the barest hint of Diablo tossed in.

Some of the manic nature of Vampire Survivors is (thankfully for many) stripped out, making this entry more approachable and less straining.

Time Investment / Mental Investment

Run-based game. A short, failed run can be 5-10 minutes while ~30 is more realistic. The boss will spawn after a 30 minute timer runs out, so a completed level run is 31 or 32 minutes.

You can play spaced out. A good game for the “half hour before bed” gamer.

Fulfillment

Mainly comes from a well-made build, executed effectively.

Your character levels up every minute or so, each level-up stopping gameplay and giving you a choice of four random-ish upgrades (health, damage, attack speed, etc.) with some neat choices mixed in at certain milestones. Every level-up is a hit of dopamine and small stakes choice to shore up weaknesses or emphasize strengths.

Longer Thoughts for Anyone Still Here

Overall, it’s a well realized game that iterates on the Vampire Survivors formula with a few needed twists.

As mentioned above, a run centers on a 30 minute timer. You are incentivized to play aggressively and level as much as possible before that timer so you are adequately prepared for the progressively stronger waves of enemies and eventually the boss. This is a good mechanic; different from Skyrim et al where the environment levels up at the same speed you do, making leveling feel hollow and pointless other than customization. Leveling here is power.

I tend to find runs drag on just a few minutes longer than I want. When I do make it to the boss, I’m ready for it to just be over. I put a lot of thought into early level-up choices, and by level 40 I’m just hitting the first thing I see. YMMV.

I typically go one run and done, unlike Hades where I fell compelled to continue. But once some time has passed I’m raring to go again.