Heroes of Hammerwatch II Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Potential!
0Today, we’re diving into another promising new indie game in the rogue-lite action-rpg genre, now available on Steam.
The Good
Heroes of Hammerwatch II brings a nostalgic charm with its retro-inspired pixel art that evokes memories of SNES classics. The gameplay, blending elements of Gauntlet and Dungeons & Dragons, offers a mix of action and strategy. Gear progression is a highlight; finding trinkets, buffs, and secret rooms creates thrilling moments, especially in multiplayer sessions. The unlockable classes add depth and replayability, giving players a sense of achievement as they progress.
The "just one more run" addictiveness keeps players hooked, and cloud-saving, currently in development, promises seamless transitions between devices like the Steam Deck and PC. Combat offers variety, with enemies requiring strategic prioritization and boss fights delivering intense, dynamic challenges. The loot system provides satisfying combinations of gear, traits, and upgrades that cater to varying playstyles.
The Bad
Despite its strengths, Heroes of Hammerwatch II stumbles in areas that detract from the experience. Visual clarity suffers due to traps blending into the background, making them frustratingly easy to miss. While permanent health bars for enemies improve visibility, traps remain a persistent issue. Ambushes, previously tied to recognizable elements, now feel unpredictable and arbitrary, leading to cheap deaths—especially for AI companions.
Progression can feel sluggish, with upgrades spaced far apart and repetitive runs required to advance. The cooldown on dashing slows down gameplay, further exacerbating the grind. Graphically, the pixel art, while charming, can cause visual strain due to its bright, rapidly moving backgrounds. This may lead to headaches or discomfort for some players.
Community and support present mixed experiences. While the developers release frequent patches, the discussion threads are marred by toxic interactions, with little moderation to ensure constructive dialogue.
The Potential
There’s room for Heroes of Hammerwatch II to grow into a standout experience. Cloud saving is a promising addition, addressing portability issues for players on multiple platforms. The developers' ongoing updates suggest they’re committed to improving the game, though balancing player feedback with their vision remains crucial.
Future patches could address visual clarity by introducing options to soften pixel art or highlight traps. Adjustments to progression pacing and diversity in upgrades could reduce the grind and enhance the sense of reward. Engaging with the community more actively and fostering constructive discussions would create a healthier player environment.
Conclusion
Heroes of Hammerwatch II offers a solid foundation for fans of roguelikes and retro-inspired action RPGs. While it doesn’t fully meet the expectations set by its predecessors, its engaging combat, satisfying loot system, and multiplayer fun make it a worthwhile experience for the right player. For those new to the genre, the grind and design frustrations may be off-putting, but for seasoned roguelike enthusiasts, it provides hours of entertainment.
With further polish and added content, Heroes of Hammerwatch II has the potential to shine brightly among its peers. For now, it's a game worth considering—especially if you’re drawn to its nostalgic aesthetics and cooperative gameplay.
Heroes of Hammerwatch II - 1.0 Launched on January 14, 2025!
Platform: PC (Steam) Price: $17.99 USD
Link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/619820/Heroes_of_Hammerwatch_II/
A rogue-lite action-rpg that offers extensive persistent progression. Build your town, upgrade and equip your heroes, before taking on the the ever-changing Dark Citadel - either solo or with a team of friends.