Recent game announcements at The Game Awards had gamers buzzing, particularly the surprise reveal of God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla, featuring free DLC that would transform the game into a roguelike experience. This has raised the question of whether other PlayStation franchises could also benefit from the roguelike treatment. Let's delve into Sony's extensive IP catalog to uncover potential candidates.
7 Ape Escape
Catch Those Apes
- Release Date: June 22, 1999
- Developer: Japan Studio
- Platforms: PlayStation, PSP
The forgotten Ape Escape franchise holds potential for a roguelike revival. The core games' action and puzzle platformer elements, featuring apes escaping from a lab, could be reimagined within a roguelike framework, with ape-catching becoming part of an upgrade loop in a randomized jungle setting.
6 Astro Bot
PlayStation Nostalgia To The Max
- Release Date: October 2, 2018
- Developer: Japan Studio
- Platforms: PlayStation VR
The robot protagonist of Astro Bot lends itself well to a roguelike adaptation, wherein the character could potentially undergo reform and enhancement after each run. A dream scenario might involve a nostalgia-filled journey through various PlayStation franchises, reminiscent of Astro's Playroom.
5 Dark Cloud
Piecing The World Back Together
The roguelike potential of the Dark Cloud franchise lies in its premise, which closely aligns with roguelike mechanics. With a focus on dungeon exploration and town rebuilding, a modern revival could mirror the gameplay loop seen in titles like Moonlighter, offering a fresh take on the roguelike genre.
4 inFamous
A Superpowered Trial
The inherent abilities of characters in the inFamous series make it well-suited for a roguelike adaptation. With a potential focus on gaining and losing elemental powers in an ever-expanding maze, the franchise offers exciting possibilities for a compelling roguelike experience.
3 Ratchet And Clank
Turn Enemies Into Sheep
The distinctive weaponry featured in the Ratchet and Clank series presents a natural fit for a roguelike adaptation, offering temporary bonuses and enhancing the gameplay experience. With a history of arena-style gameplay, the franchise is ripe for a roguelike iteration.
2 Resistance
World War 2 Aliens
The unique setting of the Resistance series, featuring an alternate World War 2 timeline with alien invaders, presents intriguing potential for a roguelike adaptation. This premise could lend itself well to a roguelike focused on a rotating war effort, offering varied gameplay experiences.
1 Wild Arms
A Western Trek Into The Unknown
The Western-themed RPG series Wild Arms could offer a unique twist on the roguelike genre, infusing Western elements into the gameplay experience. With a rich backdrop and potential for turn-based or action-oriented gameplay, the series holds promise for a captivating roguelike adaptation.