Deadly Days: Roadtrip is A Chaotic Zombie Roguelite with Potential

Deadly Days: Roadtrip is an action-packed roguelite that blends top-down zombie combat with strategic inventory management. As a pre-playtest, this review reflects the current state of the game and will not necessarily apply to the final product. While the game showcases great potential, there is still, in my view, a lack of player guidance which, along with certain design limitations, hold the game back.


Deadly Days: Roadtrip is A Fresh Take on Roguelite Gameplay

At its core, Deadly Days: Roadtrip delivers a compelling mix of mechanics. After completing each level, players choose their next destination through a branching map system reminiscent of Void Bastards. The procedurally generated maps ensure every run feels fresh, giving players a range of paths to explore and challenges to overcome.

Combat involves slaying hordes of zombies in a chaotic, top-down style which reminds me of Vampire Survivors, with XP drops fueling level-ups. The leveling system introduces a clever twist: instead of traditional power-ups, flares summon care packages that allow players to choose between new weapons, buffs, or inventory expansions. This system adds a strategic layer, requiring players to balance immediate needs with planning for the long term.

Resource Management and Upgrades

The roguelite progression is just as well-designed. Players must manage resources like fuel to continue their journey, while rescuing survivors contributes to home base upgrades. These upgrades—such as early weapon unlocks, increased health, or improved stamina—offer tangible rewards that persist across playthroughs, enhancing replayability and experimentation.

Lack of Tutorials Hampers Early Progress

Despite its strengths, the fact that the game is a pre-playtest highlights areas that need improvement. The most significant drawback is the lack of a tutorial. Key mechanics, like the inventory system, are left for players to discover through trial and error.

For example, the game doesn’t explain that only one weapon can be equipped at a time without upgrades, which can lead to confusion. Similarly, the mechanics behind weapon buffs, movement speed bonuses, and other upgrades are poorly communicated for the moment. A dedicated tutorial or mock level would go a long way toward onboarding players and improving the experience for people who are new to the game.

Simple Visuals, Solid Gameplay, and Streamability in Deadly Days: Roadtrip

In terms of visuals, the pixelated art style is functional but not groundbreaking. It fits the game’s simple, action-focused aesthetic and allows the gameplay to shine. The zombie theme, while familiar, complements the roguelite mechanics well, creating an enjoyable (if not entirely original) experience.

When it comes to streamability, Deadly Days: Roadtrip is primarily a single-player game. While it lacks multiplayer or direct audience interaction, it offers a fun viewing experience for those interested in seeing the roguelite gameplay. Viewers can gain an understanding of the game’s mechanics and enjoy the chaotic zombie-slaying spectacle. However, audience engagement within the game itself is limited to watching, as the game doesn’t offer features to involve viewers actively. Streamers, if they wish to involve their viewers to a greater extent, will have to provide the tools themselves.



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Deadly Days: Roadtrip (PC) - 2024
Overall
2.9
  • Performance
  • Streamability
  • Audience Engagement
  • Replayability
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Summary

Deadly Days: Roadtrip is a promising addition to the roguelite genre, offering a mix of frantic action and thoughtful strategy. While it stands out with its branching paths and innovative care package system, the lack of a tutorial makes the learning curve steeper than it really needs to be. As this is a pre-playtest, it’s likely that these issues will be addressed before the final release. If polished further, the game has the potential to carve out its own niche among roguelite fans.

From the moment I grasped a controller at a young age, the world of gaming has been a constant companion in my life, guiding me through myriad worlds and stories. An avid gamer ever since, I’ve always been drawn to the immersive universes of single-player games, where rich narratives and expansive worlds offer an escape into the depths of imagination and storytelling. My passion for gaming is not just about playing; it’s about experiencing and living through the amazing stories that these games offer, each one a unique adventure that enriches my love for this digital art form.

Beyond the screen, I’m a casual streamer, revelling in the joy of sharing my gaming experiences and connecting with like-minded individuals. This platform allows me to blend my love for technology and gaming, creating a space where conversations flow, friendships form, and the shared passion for gaming thrives.

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