Review: Leap of Fate (PC)

January 4th, 2016 at 2:13 pm -

Leap of Fate is a unique roguelike that incorporates the best elements of the genre with the action of a bullet hell shooter. The game is very similar to Overture, which is another roguelike shoot’em up.

What really sets Leap of Fate apart from other games in the genre is its story; this is where other games in the genre seem to fall short. Every time you start a new game or advance to a new chapter, the game maps it out by using tarot cards.

This guarantees a new experience every time the game is played. The tarot card concept is a fresh idea that offers you incentives to continue playing long after your character has died. The more you play Leap of Fate, the more characters, perks and goodies that will unlock to enrich the gameplay experience.  For example: once you start unlocking perks that can be used for starting a new game, the game becomes a lot easier.

The game also includes additional, unlockable character classes. But until those are unlocked, you must play as the main character, Aeon. Once the game has been completed with the main character, a new ‘Hard’ mode will unlock with different challenges.

The stages you fight in can feel rather claustrophobic at times, but they’re never the same since they constantly change. Each stage has a plethora of items that can be destroyed, along with a set number of enemy waves that must be eliminated before you can progress any further.

Once the special battle markers on the map are selected, the action becomes relentless and fast-paced, as wave after wave of enemies attack. When the first wave of enemies are defeated, you must active additional markers (if more are available) to fight additional ‘waves’. After the stage has been cleared, you will return to the Tarot Card screen to select a new card from the activity list. This process repeats itself for every stage that is completed.

Defeated enemies drop soul orbs that can be used for purchasing power-ups and skills to enhance your character. And if you’re lucky, they will sometimes drop a random chest (which requires a key) at the end of the stage. While uncommon, the game will sometimes require you to backtrack through previous stages to find the treasure chest key.

Leap of Fate has some of the best music ever heard in a roguelike. The sound track combines alternative rock ‘n roll into an unforgettable musical score that is not only catchy, but it stays with you long after you’ve finished playing. Music plays an important role in games, and Leap of Fate’s soundtrack is no exception.

Don’t let Leap of Fate’s Early Access status on Steam deter you;  it’s a rock-solid game that plays as good as any final version. In fact, it runs flawlessly with no glitches, lockups or downtime whatsoever.

James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC

System Requirements:
•    Minimum:
◦    OS: Win XP
◦    Processor: Core 2 Duo
◦    Memory: 4 GB RAM
◦    Graphics: Discreet video card
◦    Storage: 1300 MB available space
◦    Sound Card: Yes

Developer: Clever-Plays
Publisher: Clever-Plays
ESRB: N/A
Price: $15.99

Leap of Faith Official Website: http://www.leapoffategame.com/