Wendigo Blue: A New Must-Play Beat-'Em-Up with Roguelike Elements!
0Wendigo Blue is a game that immediately stands out as an ambitious and intricate beat 'em up with deep combo mechanics, RPG elements, and a unique difficulty curve. Even in its Early Access state, it impresses with its fluid combat, multi-layered level design, and engaging gameplay systems. While there are some rough edges—such as occasional UI inconsistencies, sound mixing issues, and a steep learning curve—the core experience is already compelling. If you're a fan of challenging, mechanically rich beat 'em ups, Wendigo Blue is well worth your time.
#WendigoBlue #NewBeatEmUp #FightingGames
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, Wendigo Blue plays like a blend of classic beat 'em ups and fighting games, incorporating a complex combo system, aerials, grapples, supers, parries, and evasions. It features multiple playable characters, each with distinct playstyles, and encourages players to experiment with different abilities and skill tree unlocks. Unlike traditional beat 'em ups, where death means starting over, Wendigo Blue allows players to keep skill points and money earned, making each failure an opportunity to grow stronger—though the game's "god influence" mechanic ensures that enemies also become tougher over time, creating an interesting tug-of-war dynamic.
While the game can be punishing, once the mechanics click, combat becomes incredibly satisfying. Chaining combos, executing perfect parries, and learning each character’s unique abilities bring a rewarding depth that rivals some traditional fighting games. Though some AI quirks exist—such as NPC allies occasionally stealing health pickups—these are minor inconveniences rather than game-breaking issues.
Art and Presentation
Visually, Wendigo Blue is a treat. The pixel art is beautifully detailed, and animations are fluid, enhancing the impact of each attack. However, the sheer amount of on-screen effects can sometimes make it difficult to track the action, especially during chaotic fights with multiple enemies launching attacks simultaneously. A slight refinement in visual clarity would go a long way in making the experience even better.
Replayability and Content
One of Wendigo Blue’s strengths is its replayability. With different paths, secret rooms, and multiple final bosses depending on player choices, there's a lot to explore. Permanent unlocks and side stories further enrich the experience, ensuring that each run feels fresh. The game currently supports only local co-op, but given that it’s still in Early Access, online multiplayer could potentially be added in future updates.
A True Successor to Valdis Story
For fans of Valdis Story: Abyssal City, Wendigo Blue feels like a spiritual successor. The same deep combat, rewarding difficulty, and layered progression systems that made Valdis Story a cult hit are present here. While the character roster is smaller than something like Shredder’s Revenge, the combo depth and combat mechanics more than make up for it. This is a game that demands mastery, and for those willing to invest the time, it delivers a combat experience unlike most beat 'em ups on the market.
Room for Improvement
As with any Early Access title, there are areas where Wendigo Blue could improve:
Controls & UI: Some button mappings feel unintuitive, and refining the UI would improve overall usability.
Balance Adjustments: Certain mechanics, like the dodge meter, could benefit from tweaks to make movement feel more fluid.
Online Multiplayer: The addition of online co-op would greatly enhance the experience.
Bug Fixes & Polish: While mostly stable, occasional crashes and bugs are to be expected in Early Access.
Final Verdict
Even in its current state, Wendigo Blue is a standout in the beat 'em up genre. It combines deep mechanics, rewarding progression, and stunning pixel art into an experience that is as punishing as it is exhilarating. While it requires patience and learning, those who embrace the challenge will find one of the most engaging beat 'em ups in recent years. As the developers continue refining and expanding the game, it has the potential to become a true classic.
For fans of beat 'em ups, 2D fighting games, Valdis Story, or roguelite elements, Wendigo Blue is a must-try. It's an impressive title already—and with continued updates, it could very well be one of the best in the genre.
Read the latest full patch notes here:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3359390/view/515196931452962546
Wendigo Blue - Early Access Launched on January 27, 2025!
Platform: PC (Steam) Price: $9.99 USD
Link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3359390/Wendigo_Blue/
Action-packed 2D beat-em-up with intense boss battles and a large variety of customizable equipment and skills. Up to 4 players with local co-op.