Early Impressions of Oblivion Override: A Promising Roguelike Platformer
Early Access games have improved greatly in 2023, with smaller studios raising the bar. Among these studios, Humble Mill and Paleo have brought us Oblivion Override, a procedurally generated roguelike platformer that stands out. Here are our first impressions.
Engaging Combat Mechanics
After revisiting Dead Cells—another popular roguelike—I found myself more captivated by the combat and platforming in Oblivion Override. The game’s fluid combat movements and satisfying combos have already sparked excitement for future updates. The combat in Oblivion Override feels more engaging compared to Dead Cells and is easier on the eyes, unlike many other games in the genre.
Intriguing Storyline
In Oblivion Override, you start as a killer bot labeled a “virus” by Willien, the eccentric inventor you first encounter. Your mission is to explore a dystopian cyberpunk world, battling a variety of enemies, from scrap robots to gigantic titans. Along the way, other robots join your quest to uncover the origin of “Eset,” as Willien calls it. While the story relies heavily on written dialogue, adding animated cutscenes could enhance the narrative experience.
Stellar Presentation
The art direction of Oblivion Override is commendable. The color palette for environments and enemies is visually pleasing, ensuring that despite the on-screen action, it never feels overwhelming. The design has kept me more immersed than other 2D roguelike platformers I’ve played. A creative touch is the color-coded liquids inside enemies that indicate their health points, eliminating the need for traditional health bars.
The in-game interface is clean and uncluttered, offering necessary information without overwhelming the player, except perhaps in the Evolution or Upgrade menus. However, multiple save file support would be a nice addition for those interested in undertaking “no upgrade challenges” in future updates.
Thoughtful Level Design
Initially, the level design seemed straightforward, but the more I played, the more I uncovered hidden areas and mini-bosses, accessible early on if you find destructible walls indicated by small glowing red lights. These discoveries, along with friendly mech NPCs who unlock new shops, add depth to the experience. The background music seamlessly blends with the levels, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Diverse Weapons and Abilities
The variety of weapons in Oblivion Override is impressive. My personal favorite so far are the Jet Fists, which make me feel like Vi from League of Legends. This weapon allows you to hit multiple enemies in a straight line, making wave clears efficient. With 23+ weapons to master and the right Evolution Abilities, you can become nearly unstoppable. Blueprints discovered during runs unlock new weapons for future sessions, offering continuous progression.
Overall, Oblivion Override shows great promise and has the potential to become a standout in the roguelike platformer genre.