Stepping into the realm of roguelike gaming, PERISH has brilliantly mastered the art of combat mechanics with a unique blend of guns and melee weaponry. Its approach to combat gives players the freedom to pick their playstyle; whether that be a gunslinger or a sword-swinging gladiator, the choice is yours. The game begins modestly, gifting you only a broken sword hilt and a dose of encouragement. Gameplay encompasses advanced mechanics like the ability to block, dash, and kick enemies into a myriad of fatal situations, conjuring a sense of satisfaction as foes meet their end.
Straying from the beaten path, PERISH offers static levels with randomized objectives, adding a novel spin to the usual roguelike formula. Whether you're facing a survival challenge in a confined area, lighting up torches in a test of dexterity, or standing off against a formidable champion in a combat challenge, each level provides a unique experience. The dynamic gameplay consistently serves up fresh opposition to grapple with, from ranged magic users to flying demons, keeping players on their toes.
Firearms in PERISH pack a significant punch, but don't be fooled, they're not always your best bet. Reloading can leave players vulnerable, accentuating the need for co-op gameplay where players can compensate for each other's weak points. With a maximum of four players, the tactical dance of covering gun-wielders while they reload elevates the game's cooperative essence.
PERISH showers players with upgrade cards upon objective completion, but these bonuses only last until death, adding an element of transience and challenge. The various cards offer different perks, paving the way for complementing builds amongst players, and introducing an additional layer of strategy. Despite being tailored towards co-op play, solo runs are feasible, albeit tough, with difficulty scales independent of player count.
Apart from its intense gameplay, PERISH also shines in its visual style. Its environments are bathed in a golden hue, an aesthetic that occasionally threatens to blur levels together, but thankfully refrains from overstepping. Accompanied by a soundtrack that seems straight out of a heavy metal album, the game's overarching Roman mythology theme collides spectacularly with modern elements. Picture sword-wielding gladiators clashing with gun-toting automatons, and you've got a taste of the distinct visual feast PERISH serves.
However, no game is without its flaws. The core combat can become monotonous, particularly when playing solo, due to the single-weapon limit and static levels. Additionally, the game's narrator can be irksome with her repeated dialogue in each run-through. Yet, for players unfazed by the roguelike genre's inherent grind and replayability, PERISH proves to be a satisfying, albeit confined, experience.
