Code provided with many thanks to Hooded Horse.
He is Coming – A Retro Roguelike With a Sinister Charm
He Is Coming is an atmospheric and deceptively intense roguelike that’s just launched into Early Access on Steam. With its stark retro visuals, permadeath tension, and clever loot mechanics, it immediately evokes the old-school spirit of early PC games, while layering in modern roguelike complexity. This is a game that welcomes you in with a simple stick and a dark forest, and then punishes your optimism with ruthless bosses and tough choices. And yet, when you fall, it’s hard not to hit “New Run” and dive straight back in.
Darkness in the Trees
The premise of He Is Coming is straightforward: a dark force is returning, and you have just three in-game days and nights to explore the woods, gather items, and prepare to face a monstrous boss. You start with almost nothing, just a stick and your will to survive, as you hunt down loot, gold, and upgrades hidden in chests or sold by vendors tucked away across the map.
I was immediately pulled in by the setting. The game’s minimalist, single-color sprites and eerie silence give the woods a sense of unease that few modern games manage. Despite the retro visuals, the atmosphere plays tricks on you, teasing paranoia and dread as you explore deeper into the unknown.
Time Is Ticking
Each run unfolds over a three-day cycle. You explore during the day, gathering resources and unlocking better gear, while night-time brings stalking enemies. Interestingly, certain doors and areas can only be accessed at night, which makes those darker hours more dangerous but also more rewarding.
You’ll encounter a helpful campfire where you can rest to recover health, but doing so costs precious time. As the final night approaches, you’ll receive a subtle but ominous warning: the ground begins to shake, signaling that the boss is on its way. When the final moment hits, the boss descends immediately, forcing a tense confrontation based on whatever gear and strategy you’ve managed to cobble together.
A Different Kind of Combat
Combat in He Is Coming is automatic. Your character and their enemies trade blows turn by turn, based on stats like attack power, armour, and speed. Status effects like freeze and thorns add complexity, and equipment choices can drastically alter the tide of battle. If you’re paying close attention, you can even scout bosses stats in advance and work toward a loadout that specifically counters them.
I appreciated that some gear sets come with synergy bonuses, if you manage to collect matching items, you’ll gain powerful passive effects that reward keen observation and long-term planning. There’s real depth here, hidden beneath the simplicity of watching numbers tick.
Death Is Just a Beginning
Most runs end in failure, usually in a boss fight. But He Is Coming does a great job of incentivizing replay. Exploration is a joy thanks to a fog-of-war system that slowly reveals the forest with each step, turning each new direction into a mystery worth chasing.
Each run also contributes to your overall progress. Completing certain achievements or challenges unlocks new gear and items for future playthroughs, making every failure feel like a stepping stone rather than a waste.
Kingmaker Mode
Perhaps the most unique aspect of He Is Coming is its multiplayer mode, Kingmaker. Here, your final build at the end of a run can be uploaded into the game’s system and used as a boss-like opponent for other players. Likewise, you’ll occasionally face enemy champions based on other players’ successful builds.
It’s a creative twist that adds unpredictability and challenge without interfering with the core single-player experience. Better still, it’s completely optional, fab for players who prefer to test themselves against other humans or who want to avoid that entirely.
Retro Terror Done Right
Despite its simple visuals and basic animation, He Is Coming delivers an impressive sense of atmosphere. The lo-fi look, reminiscent of old microcomputers, shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s a creeping tension that comes not from jump scares, but from a constant feeling of being watched, or not quite alone.
The visual limitations serve the game well, letting your imagination fill in the shadows while the game’s eerie tone builds around you. There’s something chillingly effective about the game’s simple but effective soundtrack as you explore the woods.
Final Thoughts – A Promising Path Into the Dark
He Is Coming makes a strong impression in its Early Access debut. With its roguelike loop, unique build strategies, and haunting presentation, it’s a must-play for genre fans looking for something a little different. While the retro visuals might turn some away at first glance, those who stick with it will find a rewarding and surprisingly deep experience hiding beneath the pixels.
Whether you’re looking for a roguelike you can play in short bursts or something to really sink your teeth into, He Is Coming is worth watching, and playing, throughout its development. A free demo is also available on Steam now. Do you dare enter the woods?
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