Vagante is an amazingly unfair game.

While it gives you a challenging and punishing set of enemies, bosses, and 'puzzles' to go up against with rng spilled across almost every corner, there is not much to reward you for adapting to it's unforgiving mechanics. That may sound like a bad thing but that is what makes it so unique as well.

Each mechanic in this game is clunky and rigid. Your spells, ranged and even melee attacks take time to set up. Some bosses require some foresight in order to even have a chance, some you can/must rush down without a care. Potions and scrolls change colors every time, so there is no prior knowledge there that you can take from your past experiences to better your next run. Map generation can either be really interesting, really unfair, or just straight bugged. Instant death traps are always soul crushing. a LOT of bosses and enemies deal so much damage that with your limited health supply it doesnt leave much room for mistakes.

Some upgrades for characters feel absolutely useless. Whenever a stat is gained, the change is so small for how little upgrades you actually get (on average). Some bosses feel unfinished or not thought out entirely, ESPECIALLY in hard mode. (Im looking at you mushroom golem) The mage being the only one to mix potions feels unfair to the rest of the characters when you get them so often while identify scrolls can be scarce.

But i love it for all those reasons. it's in this strange spot where it feels like an old quarter-eating machine. Its brutal and unforgiving but just as fun and addicting, each time you lose you just wanna go at it again. There is no story as to why you the player must fight through creature filled dungeons with death traps around every corner. Its because YOU want to, you have the desire to beat this dungeon, to learn and prove that you can overcome any challenge it has in store.

Vagante is an incredible roguelike action platformer with lots of depth. The entire game feels very cohesive, and despite its brutal difficulty, it maintains a sense of control. Sure, there are instant-kill traps, but you eventually learn how to deal with them most of the time, and there are items that essentially turn them off. What I liked most is the endless string of hidden mechanics and little secrets. Discovering and applying them in the correct situation is where the real fun begins. I also appreciate the variety in levels (although, the procedural generation can go wrong), monsters, and bosses, each requiring distinct play styles. The game's pixel art style and atmospheric soundtrack further enhance the immersive experience.

A fair warning: The game feels unbeatable when you first start. It might take hours to beat the first boss, but as you learn the weaknesses and strengths of enemies and items, it becomes possible. It's cruel, but that's part of why it is so strangely addicting. In sum, Vagante is a lovely challenge and a true indie gem. 8/10.

Dis game ish faking epic even if I never beat it even 1 time