Break the Loop is a tough rogue-like that breaks your spirit repeatedly. However, once you understand what the game wants you to do, you make heavy inroads are begin to feel the benefits. Yet, this took me some time, and I was close to quitting the task at hand. I’m glad I didn’t, even though it is more challenging than I first expected.
This rogue-like RPG was developed by Mastodonte and published by Samustai LTD. Moreover, it is a single-player experience with a simple structure. The rudimentary approach makes it easy to pick up and play. However, the challenging mechanics and the never-ending twists and turns will keep you guessing throughout.
Break the Loop is a silly fantasy tale.
Apocalyptic settings and a group of heroes go hand-in-hand. However, a mad time-travelling professor and a sharp tongue aren’t usually acquainted. Accordingly, Break the Loop has a witty edge that distracts you from the cruel unfolding action. Furthermore, the band of warriors is an eclectic bunch of misfits with their own agendas.
Humanity is coming to an end, and monsters rule the roost. This should signal the end, but Friedrich, a genius Chronomancer, has other ideas. He builds a time machine, prays for some luck, and assembles a rough, tough band of warriors to take down the abyssal monster. Unfortunately, things rarely go according to plan, and the team must dust themselves down and jump back into action when they inevitably die.
Brute force is not the way forward.
Break the Loop allows you to choose your approach. However, word of warning: brute force and no planning will not end well. Instead, you must study your foes, understand your strengths, and use buffs and ailments to your advantage. On top of this, you need to hope for some luck and a whole bag of “Bigcoins” if you wish to be successful.
The gameplay loop is simple. Pick your team of 4 fighters. Each represents a different skillset, and you must mix and match those that compliment your plan. After this, you must pick the talents you have unlocked. These give you permanent buffs for that run. Finally, you must pick the world you wish to defeat.
Once your selections are made, the run begins. Each world comprises 3 levels, and each level has 6 nodes of death, destruction, and reward. You must pick 3 danger nodes and at least 3 safe reward options. You may select whichever order you wish, but your decision will impact your tactics. Consequently, think wisely!
Turn-based battles.
The combat uses a tough turn-based design where energy, skills, abilities, buffs, and ailments take centre stage. Do you hack and slash each monster, or do you load them up with burning, bleeding, and blinding effects? Moreover, do you heal your team and miss out attacking your foes? Whatever you decide, it has a huge bearing on each fight.
The fighting was captivating, tough but brilliantly rewarding. Additionally, if you can work fast, you are rewarded with resources to make your run easier. Yet, this isn’t a walk in the park, and sometimes a slower and more methodical approach is required if you wish to survive.
Break the Loop looks great.
Each of the worlds has a vivid colour palette. Furthermore, the monsters look great, and there is enough variety to keep you interested. The animation is smooth, and I loved the unique attacks and the wonderful cutscenes. Every hero has special moves that deliver a comic book-style cutscene. This was fantastic to look at, and I never tired of what I saw.
The audio was remarkably quiet but great to listen to. There is a sense of fun and danger, and Break the Loop has a nice soundtrack. The sound effects are loud, and there is plenty of OTT madness that matches the zany theme. Though it isn’t the most memorable audio, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Excellent controls.
The developer has incorporated a thorough and easy-to-follow tutorial. Moreover, the UI is easy to understand, and working your way through the fundamentals was a cinch. However, mastering every layer of Break the Loop was tough, and you will be beaten black and blue before you waltz past every monster.
This genre is renowned for its replay value and high grind nature. Thankfully, it remains faithful to each of these well-trodden ideas. Additionally, there are some RNG moments and plenty of tricky events to overcome. Subsequently, one wrong step will end your run and demand that you come back for more.
Break the Loop is not a game for the faint of heart.
If you want an easy game that doesn’t break your balls, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Break the Loop is horribly tough but wonderfully rewarding. Moreover, once you understand what is required and you master your favourite characters, there will be no stopping you. Accordingly, though it is harsh, I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you defeat the monsters and save humanity? Choose your heroes, unlock new skills, and hope that luck is on your side.
