Yo - ho , all together …
In Rogue Waters , you rig sail as Captain Cutter , a pirate catch in a ruthless Hz of sea battles as he hunts down the Isle of Man who left him for stagnant . As with most roguelites , each run resets your progress , but the promise of mythological sea fauna , turn - based combat , and an ever - changing human race makes it a thrilling ride . Let ’s chart a path through perfidious body of water with this Rogue Waters inspection !
Story
The history in Rogue Waters pull you right in with its admixture of betrayal , revenge , and pirate vaticination . As mentioned , you play as Captain Cutter , who is set to get back at the immortal Captain Blackbone , while sailing through a sea full of rival pirate and drear secret . The traditional knowledge is deep and cryptical , and the secret plan does a great job prepare everything up early on . It feels like every encounter is part of something bigger , which keep you hooked as you research more of the Sea Shepherd prophecy .
However , where the game drops the ball is in the theatrical role interactions . You spend most of your meter hearing Cutter and Wilkes or Cutter and Shiv schmoose , but the rest of the crew does n’t get a word in . It ’s a bit of a letdown , particularly since sea robber tale are at their good when there ’s a solid dynamic between the crew . There ’s so much potency for memorable moments , but it never hits that stain . I would ’ve loved to see more meaningful conversations that brought everyone closer together .
Pirate adventure thrive on the relationships between characters , but in Rogue Waters , that element feels completely sidelined . While Cutter ’s personal journey is interesting , the lack of interaction with the eternal rest of the crew leaves you want more . With a bit more direction on building those link , the story could ’ve really shone and made triumph and betrayals hit hard .
sexual conquest : 2.5/5
Visual Design
One of the most unique aspects of Rogue Waters is its compounding of optical novel , choose - your - own - adventure , and go - found fight gameplay . The art manner is sheer , giving the characters and environments a distinct flare . It ’s a bit like flipping through a beautifully illustrated pirate risky venture Bible - if you pay attention to the portion that affect the plot rather than all of the back - and - forth grade - grinding raids , at least .
The visuals during combat are the prototype of a roguelite game , and nothing surprise me . But , nothing really stood out to me , either . The most impressive setting is the actor ’s base - the cave where you may find your Tavern , Shipyard , and Workshop .
What I ca n’t get retiring is the stock splatters that go on when you knife an foe . They appear more like someone stabbed a packet of strawberry jam . It ’s a particular that can pull you out of the chroma of battle , but at least it observe thing from get too grim ! The art direction is solid , even if it ’s not the most polished experience visually . I think the concoction of storytelling styles is what puts me off the most . The warm switch from sail to your next goal to seeing a wall of textbook is jarring , to say the least .
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I can , however , apprise the effort that has gone into the three unique art styles that you see in Rogue Waters .
Score : 3.5/5
Controls and Accessibility
If you ’ve ever want to take your time plot the utter pirate attack , Rogue Waters gives you that tactical exemption . The go - free-base combat allows you to think through every move , and if you make a mistake , there ’s a ready to hand undo feature ( up until you shank the final foe , that is ) . It ’s a system that feels forgiving without taking away the challenge , and the salmagundi of scrap styles you may employ keeps things reinvigorated .
However , Rogue Waters tilt more toward a keyboard - and - computer mouse experience . While it offers some solid accessibility features like subtitles and customizable computer graphic options , the biz does n’t diddle as well with a control - it ’s just easier to manipulate your movement with a black eye . If you ’re expect for a bland seafaring experience , you ’re unspoiled off sticking with your dependable old keyboard and mouse .
Score : 4/5
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Gameplay
This is where Rogue Waters really shine . You ’ve got an entire sea rover crew at your disposition , each member with unique abilities . From your Grapplers dispose opposition into a flak to strategically using your cannons to direct specific ship module , there ’s no shortage of way to build your bunch and wreak mayhem on the high sea . The tractability in combat is a immense plus - being capable to access specialiser with three unlike class will ensure that you get the right pieces for the teaser that is your main crew .
I also really like that there are two different forms of fighting . At ocean , you could strategically direct enemy ship modules with your cannons , like hitting their modules so their crew does n’t get any buffs or firing on their crew to take out bombers and gun users before the ship battle commences . Once you ’re aboard , you expend your crew ’s unique power and the surround to gain the upper hand . It ’s satisfy to crusade enemy into obstacle or flip them over the railing .
That say , Rogue Waters does have its scratchy eyepatch . The difficulty ramps up quickly from the start , and that can experience overpowering for neophyte . Facing down a fully crew foe ship with only two specialists on board ? Not exactly a fair fight . It ’d be squeamish if your crew develop alongside the story , letting you recruit more crew members as you get along through the plot of ground instead of just grind to unlock them . The experience system also feels sluggish - I ’ve play forhours , and my Captain Cutter is barely level six . It ’s a slow burn that might ferment off more casual participant .
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But , the replayability is massive . Between the unique maraud map , various crew builds , and sea monsters to summon ( yes , you get tounleash a Kraken ) , every outpouring finger like a new adventure . It ’s a plot that you may easily lose hr in , and the depth of customization prevent things interesting even after multiple foray .
Verdict
Rogue Waters set out to deliver a story - driven roguelite experience with a pirate plait , and for the most part , it come after . The secret plan ’s strategical combat , endless replayability , and freedom to craft your gang ’s abilities make it a hearty entrance into the genre . However , the difficulty curve and reasonably uneven pacing may leave newer players adrift .
If you do n’t listen a second of wonk and screw a good literary pirate adventure with strategic deepness , Rogue Waters has plenitude to keep you entertained . Just be prepared to replay raids , confront down waves of enemies , and deal with more than your fair part of deaths along the style . It ’s a thought-provoking plot with enough spell to make it deserving the journey .
[ revelation : A spare copy of the game was provided to PGG by the publisher for review aim . ]
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count for more Rogue Waters depicted object at Pro Game Guides ? Check out our Rogue Waters Crew guide and our usher to the Best module and cannons for your ship in Rogue Waters .
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