Vagante, developed by Nuke Nine, is an indie game that has captivated players since its release in 2018, blending elements of rogue-like, platformer, and RPGs into a challenging and rewarding experience.

Visually, Vagante’s pixel art style adds to its charm, providing a nostalgic feel while still offering modern gameplay. Pixel art not only looks good now but will continue to look good even in the future, as it ages much better than 3D games.

Zelda Minish Cap, which came out 20 years ago, still looks amazing today, due to the nature of pixel art.

Vagante’s gameplay is where it truly shines, offering a challenging experience that rewards skill and perseverance. Players must navigate through the game’s dungeons, using a variety of weapons, armor, and magical items to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, requiring players to carefully time their attacks and dodges to succeed. The game’s dungeons are filled with traps, enemies, and boss battles that provide a tough but fair challenge for players.

One of the most impressive aspects of Vagante is its deep progression system. As players explore the dungeons, they will discover a wide array of items and equipment that can be used to customize their character.
Additionally, the game features a unique skill tree system that allows players to tailor their abilities to suit their playstyle. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully choose which skills to unlock in order to succeed.

Despite its strengths, Vagante is not without its flaws. As it is immensely challenging, (especially on keyboard and mouse, due to unique key binds) some players may find the game’s difficulty to be too punishing, especially in the early stages.

It’s safe to say there is quite a large learning curve when just starting out.

Additionally, the procedural generation can lead to repetitive gameplay, as players may encounter similar layouts and challenges in each playthrough. This can be especially frustrating if you die due to the same traps over and over.

The development of Vagante began in 2014 as a passion project by a small team of developers. They struggled to make ends meet in the early days, they did an Indigogo campaign, but even then, they were not able to raise enough money. A few years later, through dedicated fans’ support, they made the game a success through Steam Early Access.

Overall, Vagante is a challenging and rewarding indie game that is sure to appeal to fans of the roguelike genre. Its engaging gameplay, deep progression system, and charming pixel art style make it a standout title that is well worth checking out. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for a fresh challenge, Vagante is a game that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a good rogue-like adventure.