PREVIEW – Combining the action of Diablo-style RPGs with roguelike elements, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel boasts a demo on Steam with a stellar 95% positive rating, showing clear ambitions to become a standout in its genre. This unique blend merges the appeal of Vampire Survivors with the depth of ARPG mechanics.

In 2024, an astonishing 18,949 games have hit the market so far—a daunting figure that makes it nearly impossible to track every release, especially for mid-range or indie titles. To complicate matters further, countless games remain in limbo, vying for attention in stores even before they officially launch. Many promising projects slip through the cracks, overshadowed by the flood of annual releases. That could have easily been the fate of Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, a game I only stumbled upon by pure chance. Without that twist of luck, I might never have discovered this roguelite survival title—and what a loss that would have been.

A Hidden Gem Among Giants

Developed by the duo of Games Farm and ARTillery, this title isn’t new to Steam’s catalog of free trials. Even during showcases like Next Fest, this bullet hell adventure inspired by Diablo and Vampire Survivors struggled to gain visibility. It’s a tough break for smaller games trying to navigate Steam’s elusive algorithms. But as fate would have it, I got the chance to dive into its fantasy world through both the demo and the nearly complete version (scheduled to launch in January as an Early Access title). While I can’t discuss everything about the final game just yet, I can confidently say that the demo’s overwhelmingly positive reception sets the stage for an exceptional experience.

Steam’s recent changes, splitting game demos into their own section, make it easier than ever to gauge interest in a title. Hordes of Hel aims to make its mark in the increasingly saturated dark fantasy roguelite genre by leveraging its most obvious asset: visually stunning graphics reminiscent of Diablo.

Gameplay That Outshines Expectations

A game’s visual appeal can only take it so far, particularly in the case of a bullet hell. Thankfully, Jotunnslayer delivers where it matters most: gameplay. At first glance, it borrows heavily from Vampire Survivors, but its mechanics feel more polished, incorporating well-defined ARPG elements and distinct character classes. While it doesn’t stray far from genre conventions, its three initial classes—Berserker, Seer, and Revenant (with a fourth class planned for Early Access)—offer a refreshing variety that keeps the roguelite formula engaging.

The Berserker specializes in powerful area control attacks, making it perfect for the chaos of bullet hell. The Seer channels long-range magical attacks, maintaining distance from enemies, while the Revenant embraces a high-octane, fast-paced style typical of rogue-like gameplay. Each class brings its unique flair to combat, though there are areas for improvement. For instance, some character animations feel stiff, slightly detracting from the overall immersion.

Unique Mechanics with Familiar Foundations

So, is this just another over-the-top ARPG? In some ways, yes. However, despite the familiar mechanics, Jotunnslayer stands out with its expertly executed Vampire Survivors-like loop. True to the roguelite genre, every session starts from scratch, with objectives ranging from capturing territories to scavenging for items on expansive maps like Midgard and Jötunheim. One of the game’s standout features is its leveling system: each time you advance, you align with one of three Norse gods—Thor, Freya, or Loki—who grant you random active and passive abilities.

Players can only select one ability per level, adding strategic depth to each session. Options range from Thor’s Mjolnir, which deals devastating area damage, to Static Charge, a passive ability with a 20% chance to unleash a lightning strike when hit. This mechanic injects variability and excitement into the gameplay, blending flashy, screen-filling abilities with solid foundational combat. While not entirely groundbreaking, the developers have managed to refine and innovate on well-loved ideas.

A Narrative That Could Use More Depth

From a storytelling perspective, Jotunnslayer leans closer to Vampire Survivors than Diablo. While some players may appreciate this minimalist approach, a more fleshed-out narrative could help the game differentiate itself in a crowded market dominated by mechanically driven titles.

Rather than simply being another fantasy roguelite, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel sets out to carve its own niche in the genre. If the developers continue refining the gameplay and expand the content significantly, this game could become a benchmark for others to follow. Until then, the demo serves as an excellent introduction, offering enough intrigue to justify a closer look. So, if you’ve got 20 minutes to spare and are curious about what it brings to the table, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

-Herpai Gergely „BadSector”-