I know it might feel like Steam is drowning in Hades-like games, but that just means we’re spoiled for choice. Supergiant’s roguelike was a landmark moment for the genre, and it seems like everyone has been trying to emulate that success ever since. To me, Realm of Ink is one of the few Hades-inspired games that comes close to that original greatness. Much like Hades 2, this painterly spin on the formula is currently in early access, so if you can pull yourself away from the latest update to Melinoë’s adventure, Realm of Ink’s new November patch makes the promising game even better.
If you’ve played Hades, you know what to expect with Realm of Ink. You’ve got multiple weapons and upgrades to forge your build, heavy and light attacks, a dash on cooldown, passive and active enhancements, and fast-paced isometric combat. This is the roguelike formula Hades popularized in the last few years, and it’s incredibly easy to pick up and play. Realm of Ink throws plenty of new ideas into the Hades mold, however, and its current early access launch keeps getting bigger and better.
If you’re a returning Realm of Ink player, the November update offers you another level of challenge. Difficulty level six is now in the game, which features increased enemy stats, changed opponent layout from room to room, and enhanced mini-boss attack mechanics. Called Wyrm Hair Brush difficulty, keep in mind that you’ll need to have completed a run on Bear Hair Brush to unlock it, but that’s perfect if you’re itching for a new challenge.
You can also now spend all of your Jade Ink currency at the Jade Ink store, so your run-to-run progression just took on a whole new element. Your Jade Ink can be used on more ability refreshes and a plethora of other enhancements, so be sure to check the shopfront out.
Realm of Ink also now has a new Ink Gem system, which you can use on each of the game’s character forms for exclusive effects and skills. All you need to do is sacrifice two Rare+ Ink Gems to get their primordial version, which nets you the new perk. Speaking of, there are eight more perks in the game that you can get from defeating bosses or collecting fragments, further enhancing all your run possibilities.
The Realm of Ink major November update is available now, but there’s also a free Steam demo if you want to try the game out for the first time. You can learn more here.
If Realm of Ink isn’t enough for you we’ve also got all of the best indie games and single-player games you need to try alongside it.
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