Tripwire Presents and Ice Code Games have teamed up to bring us an intriguing escapade with Rogue Waters, a mature-rated, turn-based, tactical roguelite RPG that puts you in the rugged shoes of a pirate with supernatural elements woven into the narrative. Let’s delve into the high seas in our review of Rogue Waters!
Imagine stepping into the boots of Captain Cutter, caught smack in the middle of a power and revenge-fueled drama. After unearthing the Temple of the Goddess, a place filled with sought-after treasures, your journey takes a paranormal twist. Captain Blackbone is eager for riches and commands you to seize the treasure. But as you oblige, you start hearing an eerie voice, and in a startling turn of events, you lose an eye from the cursed crystal unleashing a blue glow. Captain Blackbone, far from pleased with this complication, considers chopping it out of your skull. Needless to say, you won’t simply stand by. You make your escape, embark on recruiting a crew, and set your sights on a vengeful return to take down Blackbone. Oh, and P.S., you’re re-emerging 14 years later, meaning the world you return to may feel quite different!
Your seafaring adventure begins with a choice among four difficulty levels: Story, Normal, Hard, and Heroic I. If you’re here for the storyline without too much resistance, Story mode will suit you best, with enemies dealing minimal damage. For a balanced challenge, Normal is your port of call, offering a decent test plus bonuses like a 10% increase in XP, Blueprints, and Glass. Looking for more? Hard mode invites you into tougher confrontations with a 20% bonus, while Heroic I cranks it up another notch, inviting you into even more grueling challenges for a 30% bonus.
Throughout Rogue Waters, expect a series of intense skirmishes between your crew and foes. Each round sees you and the enemy taking turns to outmaneuver the other. Eliminate all threats, deploying your crew carefully in battle. Movement is restricted to two cells unless affected by boosts or debuffs. You can strategically bump opponents against each other or objects for extra damage, introducing a tactical layer to each combat scenario.
When arranging your pirates for battle, deploy up to four units. Control them using the analog sticks while tweaking your view for optimal tactical awareness. Units are equipped with a "Prepare" ability to negate bleeding, regain health, and fortify armor, especially useful when opposing long-range attackers. Explore new tactics with onboard elements like ropes, enabling extended movement once grabbed. Victory comes either by defeating all opponents or maxing out the fear gauge through excess damage.
The Region Map acts as your nautical navigation interface. Plot your next destination, mindful of the various challenges and opportunities: battleships to conquer, ports to stock up on essentials, and event nodes offering unforeseen trials.
Engage with enemy ships in sea battles that test your strategic Command Points management. Consider the potential benefits of tackling larger vessels at significant risks, and plan your attacks against specific quarters of enemy ships for tactical advantage. In Raids, utilize both your crew and mythical sea creatures, unleashing beasts like the Kraken to wreak havoc.
Your Pirate’s Cove serves as headquarters. Here, manage your ship’s gear and develop your roster. Spend your well-daerned loot and Glass on ship, crew, and monster upgrades. As typical for roguelites, randomness grants varied skill trees for added depth in playstyle customization.
For trophy hunters, Rogue Waters presents a rewarding challenge, featuring a full array of trophies culminating in a prized Platinum. Completing various milestones, like maxing out character levels and securing all upgrades, stands between you and that shining achievement.
On PS5, Rogue Waters sets sails at $29.99, offering an enthralling RPG with a ghostly twist. You’ll command Captain Cutter’s quest to avenge his betrayal—seizing every ounce of nautical strategy and supernatural advantage to bring down Blackbone. Get ready to savor the pirate life, supernatural style, whether you’re obliterating foes or braving the high seas. It’s an adventure ripe for anyone seeking a fresh burst of pirate-themed action!
Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 version of the game provided by Tripwire Presents.
