*** UPDATED 1.0 REVIEW ***

Jupiter Hell is ♥♥♥♥♥♥' awesome. This is the best turn-based, combat-focused game since XCOM 2. Don't get me wrong -- the game plays totally differently, but fans of XCOM will be right at home. In many ways, I *prefer* Jupiter Hell -- it's got a straight-forward, blood and guts approach that makes it super fun and easy to pick up. The base mechanics are simple yet deep. It's definitely going to kick your ass though, and thanks to it I've cursed at my monitor at 3AM far more than my neighbors would like. Yet, it's extremely approachable and the second you die you just want to play more to see what sort of a cool class you can build out this time, what crazy weapon you'll find or what dumbass way you'll die next (my favorite was when I got a perk that set enemies near to me on fire -- something that paired poorly with explosive barrels).

One thing that may throw some people off is the lack of meta-progression; if you die, you die, and you're back to square one. There's no grinding for higher HP or starting perks here, folks. You git ♥♥♥♥♥♥' gud or you die -- and the game itself is deep enough to make the learning process a real joy.

This is a real gamer's game. It's the sort of thing that will keep you up at night planning your next run. It's absolutely addictive. It would also be perfect on mobile or handheld (nudge nudge @ developers). It's begging to be played on a Steam Deck!

Just like Doom, the tone and setting is gloriously campy; I love the gratuitous profanity and violence as it's all delivered in an endearing tongue-in-cheek manner and doesn't take itself too seriously. The music and sound effects are also fantastic, with a rocking metal soundtrack and great ambient sound effects (sound being a particularly important aspect as enemy barks will often give away their position). The game has some hilarious voice acting as well. Of all things, there was a reference to David Fincher's "Se7en" that had me grinning like an idiot. That was when I realized I really love this ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ game! It's chock-full of personality and makes a fantastic first impression.

If there are any small criticisms I can leverage--I had to really think hard to come up with any--it's that the level design is a bit repetitive after awhile. I'd love to see more crazy maps! Ultimately though, this isn't a real mark against the game as it's so fantastically designed across the board. Also, this is coming from someone who has played it for 100 hours. ;p

The development team has also been fantastic with updates and communication; it's clear they are good at taking feedback from their fans while remaining true to their creative vision. Not an easy balance to strike.

At the current price point, the game is an absolute steal -- I would have gladly paid a full $60 for it. I highly recommend Jupiter Hell. It's truly one of the best games I've played all year. This is my new favorite rogue-like and as far as gameplay and fun factor is concerned, it's infinitely superior to games like Spelunky, Hades, etc. Highly, highly recommended. 10/10

*** UPDATED 1.0 REVIEW *** Jupiter Hell is fuckin' awesome. This is the best turn-based, combat-focused game since XCOM 2. Don't get me wrong -- the game plays totally differently, but fans of XCOM will be right at home. In many ways, I *prefer* Jupiter Hell -- it's got a straight-forward, blood and guts approach that makes it super fun and easy to pick up. The base mechanics are simple yet deep. It's definitely going to kick your ass though, and thanks to it I've cursed at my monitor at 3AM far more than my neighbors would like. Yet, it's extremely approachable and the second you die you just want to play more to see what sort of a cool class you can build out this time, what crazy weapon you'll find or what dumbass way you'll die next (my favorite was when I got a perk that set enemies near to me on fire -- something that paired poorly with explosive barrels). One thing that may throw some people off is the lack of meta-progression; if you die, you die, and you're back to square one. There's no grinding for higher HP or starting perks here, folks. You git fuckin' gud or you die -- and the game itself is deep enough to make the learning process a real joy. This is a real gamer's game. It's the sort of thing that will keep you up at night planning your next run. It's absolutely addictive. It would also be perfect on mobile or handheld (nudge nudge @ developers). It's begging to be played on a Steam Deck! Just like Doom, the tone and setting is gloriously campy; I love the gratuitous profanity and violence as it's all delivered in an endearing tongue-in-cheek manner and doesn't take itself too seriously. The music and sound effects are also fantastic, with a rocking metal soundtrack and great ambient sound effects (sound being a particularly important aspect as enemy barks will often give away their position). The game has some hilarious voice acting as well. Of all things, there was a reference to David Fincher's "Se7en" that had me grinning like an idiot. That was when I realized I really love this fucking game! It's chock-full of personality and makes a fantastic first impression. If there are any small criticisms I can leverage--I had to really think hard to come up with any--it's that the level design is a bit repetitive after awhile. I'd love to see more crazy maps! Ultimately though, this isn't a real mark against the game as it's so fantastically designed across the board. Also, this is coming from someone who has played it for 100 hours. ;p The development team has also been fantastic with updates and communication; it's clear they are good at taking feedback from their fans while remaining true to their creative vision. Not an easy balance to strike. At the current price point, the game is an absolute steal -- I would have gladly paid a full $60 for it. I highly recommend Jupiter Hell. It's truly one of the best games I've played all year. This is my new favorite rogue-like and as far as gameplay and fun factor is concerned, it's infinitely superior to games like Spelunky, Hades, etc. Highly, highly recommended. 10/10