Discovering the Fun of Roguelikes with Friends in Windblown

Perfect Solo Experience, Enhanced by Multiplayer Adventures

Roguelike games have long been loved for their single-player experiences. Classics like Hades, Balatro, and Dead Cells have charmed many with their solo play. However, Motion Twin's latest creation, Windblown, has introduced an exciting twist—multiplayer engagement.

In the world of Windblown, you control delightful animal adventurers such as an axolotl or a bat, each launched theatrically from a cannon into a giant, swirling tornado. Your mission? Navigate through its various territories armed with up to two primary weapons. Typically, I prefer arming myself with one for melee skirmishes and the other for distant strikes. Each weapon also offers a unique combo ability known as the 'Alterattack.'

Tactical Weaponry and Exciting Combos

For instance, I favor using a crossbow to pick off foes from afar, accompanied by a formidable heavy blade. While the blade's standalone usage is limited, its Alterattack—a tectonic crack through adversaries—proves invaluable. The gameplay becomes a harmonious sequence of crossbow shots and perfectly timed Alterattacks, a routine that remains refreshingly engaging even after hours of play.

Currently available in early access, Windblown boasts a vast arsenal of over a dozen weapons and four distinct biomes to explore, promising a wealth of tactical combinations and visual variety.

The Multiplayer Element

What elevates Windblown from an enjoyable pastime to my go-to game on the Steam Deck is its multiplayer feature. This mode, accessible early in the game, allows up to three players to team up. Communication can occur through voice and text chats; however, I've managed with just four in-game emojis. I also enjoy personalizing my gaming sessions with named lobbies, like 'help me get 1st win,' which quickly attracted helpful allies—though my victory remained elusive.

In solo mode, my playstyle tends towards cautious, strategic approaches, evaluating weapon usage and positioning against the game's formidable foes. In contrast, joining a team transforms battles into vibrant bursts of visual and auditory chaos and damage, where camaraderie provides a comforting assurance.

A Unique Multiplayer Attraction

With plenty of great roguelikes on the market—some with recent updates—it takes more than Motion Twin's reputation for Windblown to stand out. However, the multiplayer mode offers a compelling draw, ensuring that this title remains a staple in my gaming lineup.