Deadzone: Rogue is a game that wants you to move fast. The problem? Your character doesn’t always agree.
This roguelite FPS throws you into deep space with one goal: shoot, die, upgrade, repeat. And for the most part, it works. The gunplay is snappy, the upgrades are satisfying, and the sheer chaos of later levels will either have you laughing or slamming your desk in frustration. But is it worth your time? Let’s break it down.
Guns, Augments, and Pure Chaos
Right off the bat, Deadzone: Rogue nails the feel of a roguelite shooter. The weapons, ranging from punchy shotguns to high-caliber snipers, all have weight and impact. Every kill feels earned, and every death feels like a lesson (usually: stop standing still).
The augment system is where the game shines. Want to turn your pistol into a lightning-charged crit machine? Go for it. Prefer a melee build that freezes enemies on hit? That’s an option too. The game encourages experimentation, and when your build clicks, it’s magical.
Co-op is another highlight. Teaming up with friends (up to three players) turns the game into a chaotic bullet ballet, though the scaling can get brutal. Still, there’s something deeply satisfying about barely surviving a room full of hyper-aggressive robots with your buddies.
You’re Too Slow, and the Game Knows It
Here’s the biggest issue: movement speed.
Early on, the pacing feels fine. You dodge, you weave, you take shots carefully. Then, suddenly, the game throws enemies at you that move like they’ve chugged five energy drinks. Meanwhile, your character trudges along like they’re stuck in molasses.
This wouldn’t be a problem if the game didn’t constantly push you to be mobile. Enemies flank, rush, and overwhelm you, yet your default movement speed makes avoiding damage a nightmare. You’ll find yourself praying for movement speed upgrades, because without them, some fights feel downright unfair.
The difficulty spike after the first chapter is brutal. One moment you’re comfortably clearing rooms, the next you’re getting stunlocked into oblivion. Is it a skill issue? Maybe. But when the game’s mechanics seem to encourage a playstyle your character physically can’t keep up with, that’s a design flaw.
It’s Barebones (For Now)
Deadzone: Rogue is fun, but it’s thin.
The levels are functional but a bit uninspired, mostly just arenas for combat rather than spaces worth exploring. There’s no hidden loot, no secret paths, just rooms full of enemies to clear. For a roguelite, that’s a missed opportunity imo.
The early access label is very apparent. There are only two zones available right now, and while the core gameplay is solid, it lacks the depth of something like Risk of Rain 2 or Gunfire Reborn. That said, the foundation is strong. If the devs keep adding content, more zones, more enemy variety, more meaningful loot, this could be a gem.
Final Verdict: Should You Play It?
Yes, but…
If you love fast-paced shooters and don’t mind a grind, Deadzone: Rogue is a blast. The gunplay is tight, the builds are creative, and co-op elevates the experience.
But if you’re expecting a polished, content-rich roguelite, wait. The movement issues and difficulty spikes can be frustrating, and the lack of exploration makes runs feel repetitive.
Deadzone: Rogue: A promising start with room to grow. Play it if you’re hungry for a new shooter, but keep expectations in check. – Tom Henry
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go pray for a movement speed augment. Again.
