So how good is this game compared to SOTN?

[Deus Sinistro]

Is it similar or better?

[RopeDrink]

Why even compare it to SOTN? Classic RPG's are comparible to present rogue-likes? It's like comparing Dark Souls III to Tenchu on the PSX. Check out a Let's Play and make up your own mind about it.

[<:)]

They don't play anything alike so a comparison is meaningless.

[Rhal]

I'll bite -- there's plenty to compare and contrast between the granddaddy of the Metroidvania genre and a roguelite entry that's firmly grounded in the genre.

- The overarching story is _much_ more subtle. Don't expect much in the way of monologues. NPCs communicate (briefly) through text, and the hero gestures with shrugs and thumbs-ups.
- Levels are procedurally generated; although you can gain familiarity with the general layout, and the enemies you'll face in each area, the levels will be different every time.
- You don't have to go through each area in order; as you gain more traversal abilities, you can skip some levels in favor of others.
- The diversity of weapons is (I think) greater, and you can wield two main weapons (swords and such) and two skills (bombs, traps, turrets, etc) simultaneously.
- Weapon stats are dynamic; they drop with a level and random qualities attached to them.
- However, there is no other equipment to find -- no capes, armor, boots, etc. Instead, you find scrolls that upgrade health, strength, and skill power for the length of the run.
- There is permadeath – in fact, to unlock all the weapons and other features, you'll need to play through the game many times.
- As it's inspired by Dark Souls combat, rolling out of danger is more important. Reflexes are quite critical, depending on your weapon choices.

That's just a start, but there's plenty to talk about. I'd say go for it!

[ChaosSabre]

It's not at all. Those two games are diffrerent.
It's like comparing Doom to System Shock just coz they are both fps XD

[Kyle Z]

So obviously as the others are saying, you're looking at this the wrong way entirely. That said, it's an understandable mistake, and I have a good comparison for you, so maybe this will help clarify.

Comparing Dead Cells to Symphony of the Night is like:
Comparing Binding of Isaac to Zelda: Link from the Past.

Both games feel very similar in terms of style, layout, design, etc, but once you get in a little deeper you have to acknowledge that the nature of a roguelike makes one category very different from the other.

[MaximumSquid]

There is a big list of games that are in the spirit of SOTN:
https://www.giantbomb.com/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night/3030-14216/similar-games/

They are listed in the order of release date so Dead Cells is near the top

[Deus Sinistro]

oh awesome, thanks!

[Demagogue Dimension]

Judging by my big three: length of game, plot, and level design (I know we're still early on), I'd say SOTN does these better. The game will get longer as it becomes more developed, the plot will likely emerge, and level design will hopefully get very unique in upcoming levels.

[DoEFotGS]

Originally posted by Deus Sinistro:

Is it similar or better?

Completely different. Also Dead Cells is a NOT METROIDVANIA at all.

If you think that metroidvania meant 'get a key to have acces from something new in early levels', and I say 'early', not 'previous', because you can't back from level 2 to level 1 - Binding of Isaac for you also be a metroidvania.

[ChaosSabre]

Originally posted by MaximumSquid:

There is a big list of games that are in the spirit of SOTN:
https://www.giantbomb.com/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night/3030-14216/similar-games/

They are listed in the order of release date so Dead Cells is near the top

Lol that list has N+ and Megaman X3 on the list. That's the first thing I thought when playing that. Man this game sure reminds me of SOTN. Proves how good that list is XD