EvilUP | PS4 Review

Ratalaika's "EvilUp" is a rock solid RPG adventure presented in a board game fashion with a turn based, and roguelike focus. It features nine unique class specific heroes or heroines with distinct playstyles, and skill sets dependent upon the class archetype. Each of which have embarked on a journey across the lands to conquer dragons, and save the local townsfolk. Ultimately harvesting the winged serpents' power so that they can face off against the mother of all dragons. Through enemy clearing, looting, and survival these would be heroes, and heroines will be well suited for the challenges ahead. 

EvilUP, as a roguelike RPG, features the back and forth traversal of two main points of interest with which the nine characters do their bidding in the war against the dragons. One point being the town center, and the other a map filled with named locales that are there for the conquering and looting. At the town center wares, and additional warriors are for sale at the cost of gems. Gems, being the carry over currency that they are, are earned through making it far into a playthrough. They can be spent at the town square on both starter equipment and items as well as other end game content options. Thus opening up the game's content more and more as you try, and fail at your end goal. 

In the way of exploration, and combat you gain access to a map of named locations with different themes and monsters dwelling within. There's the Dreadful Forest, the Damned Rock, and the Grim Castle, among others. Each location is filled with multiple levels of randomly generated mazes that contain hazards, enemies, treasure chests, helpful NPCs, vendors, and pop-up side quests that are optional yet rewarding. 

Within each location the ideal goal is to clear out all enemies while maintaining a healthy pool of health and mana. All while equipping collected equipment, and weapons to help survive for the long haul. Leaving the leveling up to be the means by which you grow more powerful, statistically. By engaging in turn based combat against stationary enemies with hit point markers on display your hero or heroine will level up and, in turn, will be able to apply the earned skill points after a successful victory towards upgrading base stats or unlocking additional skills.

Depending upon the selected hero or heroine combat, and enemy approach will differ in playstyle. You start off being able to select from a spellcasting wizard, a melee centric warrior, an agile female thief, or a tanky paladin. With each characters' innate abilities, or skills also comes complimentary stats that balance out their capabilities versus survivability. The paladin, for example, has the skill that allows for healing at the expense of mana. Allowing him to persist longer against the damage dealing enemies he encounters on each given level. The interesting thing about all heroes or heroines is that they come with their own randomized stat, and skill upgrade trees. By leveling up you can improve upon health, mana, evasion, damage dealing, and durability. You can even unlock new skills which will help when facing off against the enemies, and dragons. Leveling happens as you defeat so many enemies, and rewards one skill point at a time. For the needed quick fix towards health, and mana there's also a quick access menu where four potions or spells can be assigned and used at a pressing of a button. 

In the way of vendors EvilUP offers the usual item, and equipment options. Both of which are placed randomly throughout each locations' layer of levels. By accessing their shops you can spend gold looted from chests, and enemies on their wares. You can even sell unused items, and treasures back to them for coin as well as repair worn gear that you want to continue using. The equipment, specifically can only take so many hits before it's sent back to your inventory, and while in the inventory it can be stolen by some enemy types. All armor, accessories, and weapons each come with additional stat boosts, and added bonus effects according to rarity. Further adding to your hero or heroine's ability to survive as they make their way to the dragon. 

Alongside vendors there also exist NPCs that will offer up lucrative opportunities of their own if helped. Their offered tasks are sometimes a risk and reward kind of offer. There's even gambling type NPCs such as the jackpot, or the match 2 card dealer that can steal all your sh*t if you lose. You'll even find the occasional optional side quest which will have you trying to collect keys to unlock a chest while not having access to single use items. If you lose there it's not GAME OVER though.

As far as playthroughs go each location the map is made up of multiple levels or mazes with enemies, looting opportunities, and an exit to the next level. All leading to a dragon boss fight. You do not have to fully clear all enemies on each level, but doing so will help you level up, and be more ready for the stronger enemies to come. Plus you will earn a bonus loot chest filled with premium items if you do. Fully completing each location requires fulfilling the listed feats that are showcased prior to entry. With each location also comes a difficulty rating letting you know if you're ready to take it on or not. Supposing you do clear a location your character progress and gained levels will be saved. 

The Verdict ...

EvilUP is a very challenging roguelike that requires multiple playthroughs just to be able to be fit enough to complete the game. With each death the gems earned help you to improve upon starter options, and thus make what should be possible from the start possible later on. While this works I feel this kind of replay system creates an artificial difficulty that voids the very premise of doable gameplay early on. It's near impossible to win on the first try, and thus replay is a have to. That being said, gameplay is fun enough, and the presentation inviting enough. The developer definitely does things different, and creates an experience within the genre that is befitting of it. I can definitely recommend it as it is a budget buy, and won't set the gamer back to much in the way of cost.