A group of Korean MOBA enthusiasts are developing an exhilarating new roguelike game, whose backstory bears considerable resemblance to Risk of Rain, making it the most captivating I've encountered thus far in 2023.
The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as a new title, Shape of Dreams, is about to make its grand debut. Developed by the small but talented team at Lizard Smoothie, this MOBA-infused action roguelike game is set to leave Steam early access and transition to version 1.0.
At the helm of Lizard Smoothie is Eunseop Shim, the CEO, and Kipyo Kang, the studio director, who are both computer science university students. The team's passion for MOBAs, particularly Heroes of the Storm and League of Legends, is evident in the game's design. Shim believes that a good roguelike should provide a fun experience that fits a certain fantasy, and he considers games like Hades, Slay the Spire, and Dwarf Fortress as prime examples.
Shape of Dreams takes inspiration from popular roguelike games like Risk of Rain and offers a unique twist on the genre. The game features isometric 3D action similar to League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm, but with a control scheme that includes twin-stick controls and gamepad support.
Players can choose a character, build their play style, upgrade and customize attacks and abilities, and stack passive bonuses and items. The game's modular communal trading and buildcrafting system allows players to edit and customize their character's "Memories," creating bespoke builds that influence gameplay and strategy.
One of the game's key features is the Persistent Hunters mechanic, which introduces a continuous threat on the map. Hunters pursue players through nodes, creating pressure and tension but not directly causing instant failure. This mechanic encourages players to keep progressing while managing risks.
Combat in Shape of Dreams is tactical and reminiscent of MOBA game mechanics, with players starting with two abilities and building stacks that enhance attacks. For example, gaining exotic matter stacks through ability use can fuel powerful explosion attacks.
The game's procedurally generated dream world exploration provides replayability, requiring adaptable strategies as players venture into a dream-like world with randomized maps and challenges. Shape of Dreams also offers both single-player and co-op modes, allowing shared exploration and combat experiences with up to four players online.
While the story in Shape of Dreams is light, there's a meaningful character named Jonas who functions as a trader figure and emotional anchor within the game. Players are encouraged not to harm him while navigating threats.
Shape of Dreams is set to release in 2025 for PC, and the demo is already available for download on Steam. The game promises a fresh hybrid gameplay experience, blending the strategic build customization and skill-based combat of MOBAs with roguelike exploration and progression, enriched by persistent threats and cooperative play. Get ready to dive into the dream world of Shape of Dreams!
[1] https://store.steampowered.com/app/1549320/Shape_of_Dreams/ [2] https://www.pcgamer.com/shape-of-dreams-is-a-roguelike-with-moba-inspired-combat-and-procedurally-generated-maps/ [3] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shape-of-dreams-is-a-moba-inspired-roguelike-coming-to-pc/1100-6500874/ [4] https://www.ign.com/articles/shape-of-dreams-is-a-moba-inspired-roguelike-coming-to-pc [5] https://www.pcgamesn.com/shape-of-dreams/shape-of-dreams-release-date-news-trailer-gameplay-roguelike-co-op-moba-inspired
- The latest news in the gaming world is the upcoming launch of Shape of Dreams, a MOBA-influenced action roguelike game by Lizard Smoothie.
- Shape of Dreams, set to release in 2025, offers an exciting blend of MMO, RPG, and action gameplay mechanics with procedurally generated maps and cooperative play.
- Gaming enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of Shape of Dreams, a groundbreaking game that seamlessly combines elements of MOBAs like League of Legends and original roguelike mechanics.
- Shape of Dreams promises an action-packed adventure for gamers who love building and customizing their characters, and exploring technology-driven dream worlds.
- In addition to the PC version, Shape of Dreams is also available for download as a demo on Steam, offering a sneak peek into the world of gadgets, technology, and gaming deals that await.
