Roguelite and Roguelike games are so numerous these days that even many good ones can fade into obscurity among the glut of so many other exemplars in the genre. Procedural generation and incrementally unlocked upgrades are game features that were novel ten years ago but are commonplace today. Facing down the absolute mountain of competitors released in the last decade, how can a new contender from a brand-new developer fare?

One of the newest entrants into the arena is Eyes in the Dark. From freshman developer Under the Stairs and Gearbox Publishing, Eyes in the Dark is arriving soon, and I was fortunate enough to get an early release of the game’s demo. The game tells the story of Victoria Bloom who gets pulled into a battle against the creatures of darkness to rescue her grandfather. Her weapon of choice? A flashlight. Even with its unique and charming art style, can Eyes in the Dark stand up and stand out?

Gameplay

After a short introductory level where you learn the basics of controlling Victoria and vanquishing monsters with her flashlight, you are let loose to explore the ever-changing Bloom Manor. The flashlight isn’t the only tool at your disposal, however. In addition to a yet-unnamed gadget that allows her to dush a short distance with damage immunity, Victoria is also armed with her grandfather’s pocket watch, which allows her to rewind time upon defeat.

In this way, the game presents you with a linear path through the mansion, but the configuration of each section of the house changes each time you die and cycle through. Just as Bloom Manor changes, so must your approach to dealing with the many enemies within its walls.

Eyes in the Dark is not your typical twin-stick shooter. In fact, there’s quite a lot going on when it comes to controlling Victoria in your adventure through Bloom Manor. The game does a good job of combining light platforming elements with the twin-stick formula to produce something I’ve never really played before. Hopping from place to place while managing my dashes, trying to aim the slingshot, and making sure my light is all aimed in the best place was a welcome challenge.

One of the strengths of Eyes in the Dark is the varied weapon upgrades and types you’re allowed to play around with. In addition to batteries for more range, there are a great number of bulbs and other upgrades which change the way you play the game. In the video above, you’ll see me using the Bubble Lamp, which shoots a burst of bubble-like light shots instead of the usual continuous beam of light.

Expectations

Going into this game and having drifted from the genre I was amazed at how fresh it felt. It reminded me of so many other games while at the same time being indefinably itself.

The only problems I experienced while playing the game were occasional hiccups in performance when there were a lot of enemies on the screen. As for what I want from the full release, the simple answer is more. I want more enemies, more bulb types, upgrades, the whole shebang. There are so many great bones in this demo that I’m truly excited to see what the full package will offer.

Verdict

I very much enjoyed my time playing Eyes in the Dark. It’s the first roguelite game I’ve played in a long time that felt this fresh and innovative. The upgrades aren’t just different skins, they fundamentally change the way you interact with the world around you. The game looks great, controls even better, and feels like a game I could replay again and again!

Be sure to check out the demo if you haven’t already! Eyes in the Dark releases for Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 14th.