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Rogue Waters plunges players into a captivating world of tactical turn-based roguelite adventure, putting them in the shoes of Captain Cutter, an audacious pirate granted the gift, or perhaps the curse, of immortality. If you’ve ventured through Darkest Dungeon 2, you’ll notice some familiar design choices, like the branching paths at the start of each journey. Yet, Rogue Waters quickly carves out its own hallmark with a riotous pirate narrative, thrilling ship-to-ship combat, and a notably less punishing approach to challenges. Launched by Ice Code Games, this noteworthy title originally hit PC in 2024 and has now made its way to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Rogue Waters hooks you with its engaging gameplay loop. Players start their adventures from an intriguing underwater lair, where they can recruit new crewmates from a tavern, upgrade their ships, level up characters, and get ready for the next big raid. Once the preparations are complete, the real journey begins, offering three distinct types of missions. Whether continuing Captain Cutter’s story or setting out purely for adventure and loot, each choice varies in length and difficulty, visible before the mission even starts. For those struggling with the main storyline, participating in side raids for additional resources and experience points can be a helpful strategy.
As they embark on these daring raids, players will navigate a branching map, giving them insight into potential encounters. Decisions lie at every corner—whether to confront elite enemy vessels, make pivotal choices at ancient shrines, or stop at ports for repairs and trade. Each decision is strategic; players can weigh the type of enemies against the potential rewards when navigating their path.
Combat sets Rogue Waters apart, particularly when ships clash at sea. As battles ensue, gamers engage in strategic cannon fire, choosing between targeting vital ship modules or enemy crew members. These calculated decisions can shift the tide of battle, adding a layer of depth to traditional tactical combat and leading to impactful results.
Victory could come swiftly if players manage to decimate the opposing crew before boarding even becomes necessary. However, the stakes rise, as enemies can similarly target Captain Cutter’s ship, posing a real risk of reducing the crew’s capabilities. This dynamic ship-to-ship combat ensures every engagement feels distinct and invigorating.
Eventually, the time comes for crew-to-crew combat as ships draw near. Here, Rogue Waters takes a cue from tactical classics like XCOM. Pirates face off on a grid, utilizing weapons and positioning for maximum advantage. Environmental elements can be game-changers, with threats such as burning planks and blessings like health-restoring rum barrels. Clever use of these elements keeps combat lively and engaging, and players can even call upon the powers of sea monsters for an unexpected strategic edge.
Where Rogue Waters truly impresses is in its accessibility. With 15 difficulty levels, including a Story mode that prioritizes narrative over combat challenge, the game remains inclusive for all skill levels. Players can choose a difficulty setting at the outset of each raid, scaling the challenge and rewards accordingly. However, some features may detract from the depth of the challenge, such as the “undo” mechanic during boarding combat, allowing players to backtrack moves with minimal consequence. This feature, while helpful, might feel a tad too forgiving.
Similarly, Captain Cutter’s encounters along sea routes, which present the pirate with choice-based dilemmas, sometimes lack weight. Players can sail away without deciding, reducing perceived stakes. While this flexibility may detract from tension, it offers a gentler experience for those new to roguelites.
Captain Cutter’s saga forms the backbone of Rogue Waters. Although the narrative might lack surprises, it maintains a sense of piratical adventure filled with betrayal, intrigue, and supernatural touches. The story ties neatly into the game mechanics, with the crew’s immortality allowing endless retries from their underwater base, all in service of freeing ancient sea creatures from Captain Blackbone’s clutches.
Solid voice performances enrich the experience, though expect to delve into text-driven storytelling. The writing, brimming with wit and humor, keeps the narrative engaging despite occasional melodrama—a fitting embellishment for this spirited pirate escapade.
Concluding Rogue Waters took me about 21 hours, with plenty of toggling between difficulties and indulging in extra raids. While it may not resonate with every gamer, those captivated by a seafaring adventure in a roguelite setting will likely find Rogue Waters to be an exceptional and memorable journey. It successfully blends inspiration with innovation, offering a gameplay experience approachable to a wide audience without losing its distinctive charm.
