Developer Background
Ember Paw Games is a small indie studio based in Skövde, Sweden, known for their passion for crafting vibrant, chunky games that prioritize fun above all else. With a focus on playful design and engaging experiences, the team pours heart and creativity into every project they develop.
Gameplay & Design
Odinfall is a twin-stick roguelite where you team up with Loki to battle against the other Norse gods and help restore his full strength. While the narrative isn’t what hooked me, the gameplay loop absolutely is. There’s something refreshingly unique about Odinfall that helps it stand out in a genre often crowded with copycats and overly familiar mechanics.
In the indie scene, it’s common to see games either from first-time developers still finding their voice, or titles that lean a little too heavily on “inspiration” from popular hits. Odinfall breaks that mold by doing enough to carve out its own identity.
Each run begins with a choice between three distinct worlds, and each world features a Super Mario–style overworld map where you pick your path toward the boss. Every level throws different enemies at you—some repeat, but the variety is solid—and you’ll collect new weapons and upgrades as you push forward. Occasionally, you’ll run into a Legendary enemy. Defeating them often means scoring rare weapons that make the rest of your run even more exciting.
One of the game’s more intriguing mechanics is its built-in speedrun element. There’s an actual timer you can activate, but more interestingly, the game subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) nudges you to keep moving forward. If you try to backtrack—say, to grab loot from a different path—the level begins to freeze over. This doesn’t just slow you down; it adds an indestructible crystal that shoots projectiles, raising the stakes and adding an extra layer of challenge.
Combat is where Odinfall really shines, especially in the boss fights. The variety of weapons is impressive—absurd, even—in the best way. With three attachment slots per weapon, the custom loadouts feel limitless. Want a greataxe that lifesteals and hits three times per swing? Go for it. Prefer a rocket launcher that fires three homing missiles? You can do that too. Or how about a crossbow with ricocheting bolts that tear through multiple enemies? Absolutely. The freedom to tailor your playstyle is a huge part of the game’s charm and replayability.
That said, the story feels pretty short and isn’t the main draw here. Once you finish it, the only real endgame content is speedrunning. I do wish there were a more laid-back mode that let me explore every level at my own pace. But I get it—if you could clear every node without consequence, you’d be way too overpowered by the time you reached the boss.
Feedback
I’ve got to give Odinfall its flowers—it genuinely stands out in a crowded genre. Its uniqueness, paired with a wide variety of weapons and gameplay mechanics, gives it a strong sense of identity and makes it incredibly fun to play. There's a real charm in how it lets you shape your own combat style, and that creativity goes a long way in keeping each run feeling fresh.
That said, I do think the game’s longevity takes a hit due to how short the main story is. With only three core worlds to explore, you’ll likely find yourself reaching the end fairly quickly—especially if you’re a skilled player who picks up the mechanics fast. Because the game encourages forward momentum and discourages backtracking, you breeze through those worlds even faster.
While what's there is solid, three worlds just doesn’t feel like quite enough for a game with this much potential. Expanding the core story to five or more worlds could have gone a long way in building a more satisfying, longer-lasting experience. A bit more content would give players a stronger reason to keep coming back beyond just speedruns or experimentation with different weapons.
Verdict
Odinfall is a slick, fast-paced twin-stick roguelite that stands out with its vibrant style, creative weapon customization, and a clever mix of action and speedrun mechanics. While the story is short and the content may feel limited with just three main worlds, the game’s unique identity and engaging gameplay loop more than make up for it. If you're a fan of roguelites and love experimenting with wild loadouts, Odinfall is absolutely worth your time.
Overall, Odinfall is a blast. It’s fast, fun, and full of creative possibilities. If you’re looking for a roguelite with personality and punchy gameplay, this one’s worth diving into.
Odinfall is available now in Early Access on PC via Steam
