ScourgeBringer | PS4 Review

ScourgeBringer is a delightful little post-apocalyptic roguelike indie. It tells the story of a tribe of people plagued by the judgment of technologically advanced invaders called the ScourgeBringer. These ships which range from obelisks to pyramids (sound familiar???) in shape house portals to another dimension which the tribe enter in search of answers as to why they are being targeted. Most of the tribe who have entered have never returned. Thus they send in their greatest warrior, Khyra and her bot companion Peppy, in a last ditch effort to see if they can find out what is going on. 

Unlike most roguelikes in the genre ScourgeBringer is one that's leagues ahead of the inspiration. It has a dynamic difficulty adjustment system that will adjust certain gameplay elements as you either get better or struggle. Making the adventure more challenging or less challenging, accordingly. In the way of mechanics the pint sized heroine that is Khyra wields a pretty large sword, and a powerful gun. Aided by air dashing, air slashing, and wall jumping she uses these weapons to dispatch the otherworldly inhabitants of the ScourgeBringer. With the sword she can both attack, and stun enemies. Attacking them with a flurry of quick strikes, or stunning them with a more powerful slash once they become alerted to her intentions. The stun slash also allows for the stopping of projectiles if timed correctly. Aside from that the gun is also a useful weapon for the more formidable foes. It has a limited stock of ammo that can be refilled by killing certain enemy types or by collecting power-ups. Firing it towards the enemy will usually make quicker work of it. Add in the homing air dash, sword play, and the ability to hover while simultaneously slashing, and Khyra is more than fit to face what lies ahead.

Gameplay ...

The adventure in ScourgeBinger is brought to the player in a 2D platforming manner. Similar to that of A Metroidvania. Each named episodic chapter of the game features randomized rooms much akin to games like "The Legend of Zelda" or "The Binding of Isaac". Rooms which house enemies, bosses, blood altars, and shop vendors. To complete any given named chapter you must fight your way through the spawning enemy mobs, collect power-ups, and gather blood droplets to spend on in-game items. With the blood altars you'll be given the choice of one of three different power-ups that buff the underlying mechanics or weapons in your possession. Beyond the blood altars enemies will sometimes also drop power-ups that add buffs to Khyra. Increasing her defense, life HP, and even damage output. By killing lesser, and greater enemies Khyra will additionally collect blood droplets that can be spent at vendors within the ScourgeBringer. One vendor in particular named Greed will take base blood droplets in exchange for the his wares. Other vendors like Lufan will ask more of Khyra in that their wares will require a sacrifice of HP. It's a risk, and reward kind of deal.

The end goal for each chapter is to first kill a guardian eye to gain access to the gated boss chamber. It is here where you'll face off against a boss Judge. Supposing you die prematurely all is not lost so long as you best the eye guardian. It gifts you a single skill point that can be spent back at the Chiming Tree hub where a village elder resides alongside a skill tree, and computer compendium. Spending points on the skill tree will unlock permanent upgrades to Khyra's stats, and abilities. Affording her a better chance at beating a playthrough the next go around. In the way of the computer compendium it houses the games creature bestiary, and a log of data that you can collect from computer terminals within the ScourgeBringer. This alongside completed challenges that tie-in to the game's mechanics and playthrough setup. 

There is no definitive end to a given playthrough until you actually reach the end in ScourgebBringer, and it is an undertaking not to be taken lightly. Even with the adjusted difficulty the challenge remains. It's all about perfecting your approach, an utilizing Khyra's tools in the best way possible. Learning how to dash, and when to add jumps/double jumps along with wall jumping will help you target enemies more precisely, and make quicker work of them in the process. It also helps to live long enough to buff up Khyra to the point she can last longer within the ScourgeBringer. 

The Verdict ...

I knew I'd like this game. I requested this game for review when it first launched, and here again when it reached the PS4. I could tell it was a gem of a game. It did not disappoint. Even with the fairly extreme challenge It gave me enough incentive to keep on going. ScourgeBringer is all about the grind, and getting to the point you are familiar with the controls, the gameplay loop, and are fit enough to face the more difficult challenges ahead. It rewards those that learn the game instead of just mash their way through it. It might take a while for it to click, but when you get it you'll be ready to see Khyra through to the end of her adventure. As far as a recommendation goes ScourgeBringer is an easy one to recommend. It's a well crafted, and visually appealing roguelike with it's own take on the genre. I do think it's worth your money!!!