Loop Hero: Initial Impressions

Loop Hero logo screen.

I recently started playing Loop Hero, a rogue-like, game that is currently on XBOX Game Pass (although I notice it is on sale on many other platforms at the time of writing).

The general idea behind the game is that the world has been unmade by a lich of great power and the nameless player-character hero seeks to undo the efforts of the lich.

The game is run-based and largely automatic with all strategic elements being tied to RNG item collection, deck-building, placement of areas/hazards, and farming resources to create nodes that facilitate the prior elements. The game space is a closed-loop of terrain that contains foes for the player character and, as mentioned, the player character moves through this loop and conducts combat automatically.

Gameplay – note the loop that your player character (the small white knight towards the left) travels through.

Loop Hero has both its visual and its audio presented in “retro” 2D 8/16 Bit style graphics and chiptune style music. A variety of shaders and filters are included so that the exact look can be tuned to preference. I find that the graphics to have a good deal of subtlety, something that is typically lacking from many “pixel-art” ventures; the music is done well, but like its chiptune forebears, it can get repetitive.

On the topic of repetition – there is a great deal of it. From the few runs that I have done so far, there is a an aspect of déjà vu from having to repeat very similar runs and patterns. Once I have played (or largely let the game play itself..?) for a little while longer, I will be in a better position to comment on just how repetitive it is – there are numerous options that I have yet to unlock, which should add some variety.

For now, Loop Hero has been entertaining and relaxing – especially so considering the other game that I am currently playing is Elden Ring, and it is not relaxing at all in any way, shape, or form.

If you enjoy rogue-like games, you might consider checking it out, especially if you have Game Pass, since you are essentially already paying for it.

_{Screenshots from steampowered.com}