Progression

[**BoB_McBoB**]

First, I really like the game, it was a bargain in the sale and I have already had my monies worth.

However, i feel like something is missing from it, and I think that is a better progression system.

Other than unlocking characters, all of which have trade offs, is there a progression system at all? In other games, you unlock items/weapons that make you more powerful (even if you have to buy them). Am I any better off now then when I first played a week ago?

It seems to me that it is almost random about whether you can win a game. I appreciate that when in the arena you need to dodge etc, and you need to make the right choice with regards to purchases. However, unless I am missing something, you could easily have a run where the required items just never appear. making it impossible.

For example, I have recently been playing with the cyborg character. However several times I don't get any turrets in the shop, which makes it next to impossible to win. If i don't get the turrets before ~level 12, then its almost pointless continuing.

Now I have been playing for a week, it seems like I will soon get into a position where I simply cannot get any further, which as a casual gamer i'm not a fan. Am i missing something, or is it just a case of grind away but without necessarily getting anywhere?

[JustSmile]

Lack of metaprogression is one of this game's greatest strengths. Your skill decides your performance, not whether you spent enough hours grinding easy ♥♥♥♥ to buy +30% to all damage.

[subjenna]

You can make your own metaprogression via the difficulty sliders, but it's just not as satisfying as in other games to complete a run (or die trying for that matter). It completely lives off that shop RNG.

[That Fish Guy]

You do unlock higher tier weapons as you play? Potatoe shooter, lightning sword, an incredibly amount of non weapon items. Those are just off the top of my head

[dimm_ddr]

You can unlock new items and weapons by completing achievements, like completing a run with character. They are all also have some drawbacks though. Some are offering tradeoffs, like Fairy, that gives you more HP regen for tier 1 items but punishing your HP regen for tier IV items. Others are simply rare, being tier III and tier IV items. Especially true for unlocked rare weapons as you cannot even get them from the elite chests. Still, some of them are common and powerful. But not powerful enough to make it mandatory to unlock any particular item. Although shield comes close to it, I would say.

[dimm_ddr]

But that is the beauty of this game. Of course, not everyone must like it, but this is the game, in a way, like tetris - you go as far as possible and nothing can help you other than your skills. If it is not your thing - looks elsewhere, nothing wrong with that. I am too, often look for games that offer some progress rewards. But I do love to get back to this game every now and then.

[GeminiEclipse]

There are no required items to win though?

Also it's possible to play games just for fun instead of just to see a number go up.

[Deathraven13]

Originally posted by **BoB_McBoB**:

First, I really like the game, it was a bargain in the sale and I have already had my monies worth.

However, i feel like something is missing from it, and I think that is a better progression system.

Other than unlocking characters, all of which have trade offs, is there a progression system at all? In other games, you unlock items/weapons that make you more powerful (even if you have to buy them). Am I any better off now then when I first played a week ago?

It seems to me that it is almost random about whether you can win a game. I appreciate that when in the arena you need to dodge etc, and you need to make the right choice with regards to purchases. However, unless I am missing something, you could easily have a run where the required items just never appear. making it impossible.

For example, I have recently been playing with the cyborg character. However several times I don't get any turrets in the shop, which makes it next to impossible to win. If i don't get the turrets before ~level 12, then its almost pointless continuing.

Now I have been playing for a week, it seems like I will soon get into a position where I simply cannot get any further, which as a casual gamer i'm not a fan. Am i missing something, or is it just a case of grind away but without necessarily getting anywhere?

The game isn't very well balanced and there is no real progression after unlocking everything.

I don't use mods but those exist so maybe check the steam workshop and you'll find something that will improve the game.

[notstarboard]

Originally posted by JustSmile:

Lack of metaprogression is one of this game's greatest strengths. Your skill decides your performance, not whether you spent enough hours grinding easy ♥♥♥♥ to buy +30% to all damage.

You say that, but I cleared my first attempt and with no compelling metaprogression I no longer have any reason to play this game. I got it for free on EGS or I probably would have refunded.

[JustSmile]

Originally posted by notstarboard:

Originally posted by JustSmile:

Lack of metaprogression is one of this game's greatest strengths. Your skill decides your performance, not whether you spent enough hours grinding easy ♥♥♥♥ to buy +30% to all damage.

You say that, but I cleared my first attempt and with no compelling metaprogression I no longer have any reason to play this game. I got it for free on EGS or I probably would have refunded.

I don't see a problem with people satisfied with a win on one character on easy difficulty not having the motivation to play more. There's games that cater to your preferences aplenty.

[Mirai]

Ultimately, your understanding of the game is your progression here, the more you know about the game, the easier it becomes so in that sense, you become much stronger. But yeah, as others have said, you unlock new weapons and items which can have a pretty big impact on your runs.

[S'bass thulu]

Clearing every character on level 5 is a challenge enough. Plus there's the co-op. Cursed items keep things fun.