**A Bold New Direction**
When it comes to sequels, especially those that veer significantly from their predecessors, I often embrace the change with enthusiasm. My fondness for titles like *Banjo-Kazooie Nuts N Bolts* serves as proof. However, after just one day with *Hyper Light Breaker*—a spiritual successor (but not a direct sequel) to the beloved indie gem *Hyper Light Drifter*—I find myself echoing the sentiments of Vito Corleone, lamenting how they have tarnished something I cherished. With only six hours invested in this challenging co-op roguelike, it’s evident that beneath the surface lies the potential for a captivating action RPG. Unfortunately, this potential is currently obscured by frustrating combat mechanics, tedious exploration, and a lack of content that quickly grows repetitive.
**Early Access: Room for Improvement**
As with many early access titles, there remains hope that this rough-around-the-edges experience can evolve into something extraordinary over time. However, based on my initial experiences, I’m left feeling profoundly disappointed.
**The Objective: A Challenging Hunt**
The primary aim in *Hyper Light Breaker* is to scour a procedurally generated map for improved gear and essential items before confronting three formidable bosses lurking in each area. After defeating a couple of these bosses—who summon relentless minions and attack erratically—I have yet to complete a single map. It appears that a full completion won’t be possible until I reach the end of the current early access content.
**Combat: A Frustrating First Impression**
Unfortunately, the combat system makes an unfavorable first impression. The melee hack-and-slash mechanics lack any excitement, while the third-person shooting option is hampered by limited ammunition. To add to the frustration, the movement and dodging controls feel unresponsive, and the lock-on feature tends to disengage at critical moments, leading to untimely deaths.
**Difficulty Without Clarity**
The game presents an immediate and punishing difficulty level, which is particularly disheartening for players like myself, who have mastered challenging titles like *Sekiro*. *Hyper Light Breaker* fails to adequately explain its mechanics, leaving players vulnerable to relentless enemy assaults that often feel unfair. To make matters worse, players start with no healing items, receiving them only at high costs and very sparingly. This design choice effectively forces players to face insurmountable odds during the learning process, creating a frustrating experience right from the outset.
**Visuals and Navigation: A Mixed Bag**
Despite the numerous challenges, the game does boast stunning visuals with a unique art style that successfully translates *Hyper Light Drifter* into a 3D environment. However, the procedural maps can be confusing to navigate, filled with awkward cliffs and uneven terrains that make exploration feel frustrating. Thankfully, players are provided with a hoverboard for traversal and tricks, offering a small respite from the otherwise cumbersome navigation—though the controls leave much to be desired.
**Looking Ahead: Hope for Improvement**
With much still to explore and experience, I remain open to the possibility of *Hyper Light Breaker* improving as I delve deeper into its mechanics and potentially unlock more healing items. However, my current experience has been far from enjoyable, and this is not what I anticipated from such a highly anticipated title, especially considering its early access status. As I continue my journey, I hope to uncover the hidden gems within this game that might redeem it in my eyes.
