How do roguelike games differentiate themselves from one another? There are a number of ways, but one way I wish to discuss is the level of variability or consistency in the game. Variable games focus on having wide differences across items that grant the character new abilities each run. Consistent games focus on having wide differences across playable characters whose abilities get strengthened throughout a run, but not widely changed. In this video I examine The Binding of Isaac and Risk of Rain 2 to showcase variability vs consistency, what the benefits and drawbacks of either style are, and then cover some of my other favorite games in the genre just for fun. This is my first video essay, if I could start from scratch I'd do a lot differently but I think this is an ok jumping off point, we all start somewhere right? Thank you to the 3 people who will actually watch this :)
Games Showcased:
The Binding of Isaac: Repentence
Risk of Rain 2
Hades
Hades 2
FTL
Into the Breach
Enter the Gungeon
Channels cited:
@SlayXc2
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLZwbRp_Ehs&list=PL0xyoc_xVzVFVhYkq3VQhutqWGGQPyJmw
@videogamedunkey
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXIewCMep64
Music:
Zoltan (Battle) - FTL
Genesis 22-10 (Title) - The Binding of Isaac Rebirth
Risk of Rain 2 - Risk of Rain 2
Sodden Hollow (Caves) - The Binding of Isaac Rebirth
The Rain Formerly Known as Purple - Risk of Rain 2
No Escape - Hades
The Painful Way - Hades
Space Cruise (Title) - FTL
Mantis (Explore) - FTL
MilkyWay (Explore) - FTL (Also my favorite)
Open a Breach - Into the Breach
Antiquity Row - Into the Breach
ENTER THE GUN - Enter the Gungeon