Peglin (PS5) | REVIEW | A Pachinko Roguelike With Heavy RNG

Peglin, developed by Red Nexus Games and published by Blitworks Games for consoles, is a creative fusion of pachinko-like mechanics and roguelike RPG mechanics. Soon to be released on PS5, it offers a unique spin on the addictive ball-bouncing gameplay popularized by Peggle, blending it with turn-based combat and randomized progression. 

At it's core, Peglin tasks you with controlling a small goblin-like creature (the titular Peglin) on a quest to reclaim stolen gold from dragons. The gameplay revolves around firing orbs onto a peg-filled board, where each peg hit increases damage dealt to enemies. This pachinko-inspired mechanic is paired with roguelike staples such as randomized maps, enemy encounters, and a variety of orbs and relics that modify gameplay. Think of it as Peggle meets Slay the Spire, where strategy comes from choosing the right orbs and aiming shots to maximize damage.

Runs are relatively short, typically lasting 20-40 minutes, making it easy to pick up for quick sessions. You'll navigate branching paths through biomes like forests and fortresses, facing enemies, bosses, and events that offer rewards or risks. The game's difficulty scales through "Cruciball" modes, which introduce modifiers to ramp up the challenge.

Peglin shines in it's accessibility and addictive loop. The core mechanic that is aiming and firing orbs, is simple to grasp, yet satisfying when you land a high-damage shot by hitting critical or bomb pegs. The variety of orbs, from explosive boulders to chain lightning spheres, encourages experimentation, and relics can drastically alter strategies, like boosting crit damage or automating aim for multiball effects. This keeps runs feeling fresh, especially early on.

For players who enjoy casual roguelikes, Peglin strikes a nice balance. It's less punishing than Hades or Slay the Spire, and completing a run within the first few hours is achievable, making it approachable for newcomers. 

Despite it's charm, Peglin also has notable flaws. The heavy reliance on RNG can frustrate. Success often hinges on luck depending upon whether you get favorable peg layouts, useful orbs, or avoid brutal enemy encounters. While skill in aiming helps, some runs feel doomed from the start due to poor relic or orb synergies, which can sap motivation. The lack of permanent progression (beyond unlocking new classes) means you're at the mercy of each run's randomness, unlike other roguelikes where meta-upgrades ease the grind.

Content variety is another sticking point. The game's three biomes and handful of bosses grow repetitive after a dozen runs, and peg board layout recycle too quickly. While the developers have added post-launch content  like new difficulty levels, the core experience feels thin compared to genre giants like Balatro or Rogue legacy. Audio design is also underwhelming, with forgettable music and minimal sound effects for peg impacts, making the game feel oddly quiet. Playing with a podcast or music in the background almost feels necessary.

Replay Value ...

Peglin offers decent replayability for fans of roguelikes or Peggle-style games. Unlocking new classes, and tackling higher Cruciball difficulties provides incentive to return, but the repetitive boards and RNG-heavy design may deter players seeking deeper strategy or long-term progression. A single run can be a blast, but the lack of variety limits it's staying power compared to more robust roguelikes.

For $19.99, Peglin is fairly priced for it's scope, especially of you enjoy bite-sized gaming sessions. However, those expecting a sprawling RPG or a content-packed roguelike might find it light. It's best suited for casual play or as a palate-cleanser between heavier titles.

The Verdict ...

Peglin on the PS5 is a fun, quirky hybrid that nails it's pachinko-roguelike premise with accessible gameplay and a satisfying core loop. It's vibrant pixel art and smooth performance make it a solid pick-up-and-play option. However, it's heavy RNG, limited content variety, and lackluster audio hold it back from greatness. If you're craving a fresh take on Peggle with light RPG elements, Peglin delivers a good time in short bursts. For players seeking depth or longevity, it may feel like a near miss.