Welcome to the World of Guidus Zero
Steam has recently expanded its Early Access lineup with the addition of **Guidus Zero**, an engaging top-down dungeon-crawling roguelike crafted by the talented indie South Korean studio, **Izzle**. This game promises thrilling adventures and intense combat set against a backdrop of mystery and intrigue.
A Gripping Tale of War and Corruption
Guidus Zero transports players to a tumultuous world where an endless war has left the central continent in ruins. After the conflict ceased, this land was designated as a neutral zone. However, a massive sinkhole known as **The Scar** has emerged, unleashing a strange substance called **Black Blood** that gives rise to corrupted creatures. The origins of The Scar and the secrets lurking in its depths remain shrouded in mystery, and it is up to you to explore this enigmatic underground realm.
Character Selection: Your Adventure Awaits
As players venture deeper into The Scar, they can choose from a diverse roster of characters, each equipped with unique strengths and abilities. The gameplay features real-time action combat with a strategic twist: movement occurs on a grid restricted to the four cardinal directions, adding depth to the challenge.
Combat Mechanics: Stay Alert and Adapt
Combat in Guidus Zero requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. When an enemy prepares to strike, a warning exclamation mark appears above their head, and the ground is highlighted to indicate the attack’s landing zone. Different enemies possess varying attack patterns—some strike directly, while others may hit a line or target a broader area. Players must remain vigilant, dodging attacks while simultaneously planning their own offensive moves.
Rolling and Stamina Management
To evade damage, players can execute rolls that grant temporary invincibility. However, each roll consumes stamina, making it vital to carefully consider movement choices and avoid becoming cornered by enemy attacks. Strategic positioning is key, as the inability to move diagonally adds an extra layer of complexity to combat.
Level Up and Customize Your Playstyle
In classic RPG fashion, defeating enemies earns experience points that contribute to leveling up. Each run begins with the selection of a character and a starting trait, which influences gameplay. As players progress and accumulate experience, they unlock unique skill upgrades tailored to their chosen trait. This ensures that even repeated gameplay with the same character offers distinct experiences based on the selected upgrades.
Persistent Progression: Stones and Buffs
While dying resets character levels and progress, players can collect stones from ore veins encountered during their journey. These stones contribute to character stats, and reaching specific thresholds grants powerful buffs. Players can equip stones in slots, preserving them for future runs, while unequipped stones are converted into fragments used as currency or reforged by an NPC blacksmith.
Discover Artifacts and Elemental Spirits
As players navigate through The Scar, they may uncover special rooms containing treasure chests filled with artifacts. These artifacts grant unique buffs and can stack elemental effects over time. Reaching five stacks with an artifact allows players to bond with a corresponding elemental spirit, unlocking powerful abilities.
Elemental Effects and Their Impact
Each elemental spirit offers distinct advantages:
– **Ignis** (Fire): Inflicts a burn debuff that causes continuous damage.
– **Atlen** (Water): Slows down enemies and can freeze those afflicted with a wet debuff.
– **Rathorus** (Lightning): Applies a shock debuff that amplifies damage.
– **Enryl** (Wind): Boosts movement speed and enhances multi-hit attacks with a sprint buff.
– **Terrania** (Earth): Petrifies enemies, causing shards to explode upon attack.
The Thrill of the Roguelike Experience
Guidus Zero encapsulates the classic “just one more run” allure, offering a blend of permanent progression through stones and engaging character customization. With each playthrough, players can tailor their experience, ensuring no two runs are identical.
Join the Adventure Today
Curious to dive into the chaotic world of Guidus Zero? The game is currently available in Early Access on Steam, where players can take advantage of a **10% launch discount** until December 9. While there are discussions about potential future releases for Xbox and Nintendo Switch, no official announcements have been made yet. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this thrilling journey!
