Game: Soul Stalker
Genre: Action, Roguelike
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows) & PS5)
Developer|Publisher: Radhood
Age Rating: EU 7 | US E10+
Price: US $7.49 | UK £6.49 | EU 7,49
Release Date: October 24th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Radhood.
Soul Stalker: A Cute-Looking Bullet Heaven Roguelike
The roguelike genre saw a surge of innovation with Vampire Survivors, which simplified the formula by filling the screen with endless waves of enemies for players to dodge and survive. The addictive nature of its simple yet intense gameplay quickly influenced developers, some of whom pivoted away from traditional 2D action roguelikes to experiment with this “bullet heaven” formula. Soul Stalker is one of the latest to embrace this style, delivering all the addictive appeal of the genre but with its own unique flair. While it may not revolutionize the genre, Soul Stalker offers a well-crafted entry point for newcomers, though seasoned players may find it lacks enough to set itself apart from the competition.
Light on Plot, But Lovely Graphics
Soul Stalker isn’t heavy on plot. The basic premise is that you’re a spectral steward, tasked with ridding the world of troublesome ghosts. This boils down to a fun, arcade-style game focused on defeating waves of enemies and levelling up in the process. While storytelling isn’t the main focus, the game does offer a hub area where you can interact with various ghost NPCs, many of whom have quirky, witty dialogue that adds some charm to the experience.
Visually, Soul Stalker stands out with its charming, storybook-inspired graphics. It carries a lighthearted, almost Paper Mario-esque vibe, where characters appear as paper-like sprites in a colourful, layered world. This friendly, children’s book aesthetic extends to the enemies, who, despite being “bad ghosts,” look cute and non-threatening. There’s no blood, gore, or intense violence, making it suitable for a wide audience, and the whimsical art style and gentle animations make it an inviting game for all ages.
Bullet Heaven Roguelike Formula
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of game, the objective is simple: you enter an arena and face waves of enemies that spawn from all sides, your character attacking automatically. All you need to do is manoeuvre around the map to avoid enemy collisions while monitoring countdown timers in the top-left of the screen that indicate when a wave will end. There’s also a dash move for last-minute escapes, which adds a small layer of strategy. Surviving each wave rewards you with coins and upgrades, allowing you to grow progressively stronger. Though the mechanics sound basic, the formula is deceptively addictive and surprisingly accessible, even for players unfamiliar with roguelikes or bullet heaven games.
A Different Take on the Genre
What makes Soul Stalker different from its counterparts is its level progression. Instead of a single, open arena where you fight endless waves, Soul Stalker divides gameplay into multiple stages. Each level requires you to survive for a short time, usually under a minute, before advancing. Between stages, you’ll encounter vendors where you can buy weapons, trinkets, and upgrades. Occasionally, the path will branch, giving you a choice: play it safe by resting at a campsite to recover health or take a risk by facing elite enemies for bigger rewards.
At the end of each stage, you’ll face a boss battle that requires more strategy and skill, adding a sense of progression and accomplishment. This format encourages you to think about each upgrade and item choice carefully, as they can significantly impact your survival as the stages grow more challenging. Rather than testing how long you can last in one giant arena, Soul Stalker rewards players for their strategic planning as they push through increasingly difficult levels to reach the end.
Plenty to Unlock
Like many roguelikes, Soul Stalker doesn’t expect you to win on your first try. Each time you’re defeated, you return to the hub area with souls you’ve collected during gameplay, which can be used to unlock new starting weapons and trinkets. Over time, you’ll also unlock new playable characters, each with distinct stats and difficulty levels. This customization lets you choose a character and starting loadout that best suits your playstyle, offering a refreshing layer of personalization.
To further encourage replayability, Soul Stalker features a job board where you can take on preset character builds and tackle shorter, challenge-based stages. Completing these jobs opens up new areas in the hub, revealing fun surprises and additional lore. The game’s flexibility allows you to play casually or dive deeper into unlocking every character and ability. Whether you’re here for a lighthearted, casual experience or aiming for completion, Soul Stalker caters to different types of players. That said, if you’ve tried similar games before and weren’t hooked, Soul Stalker may not sway you. Its formula will feel familiar to genre fans, but it’s not a revolutionary departure.
Mild Bugs
Soul Stalker performed smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, and the handheld mode feels especially well-suited to its bite-sized gameplay sessions. It’s ideal for quick gaming sessions, even if you only have a few minutes to spare. During my playthrough, I encountered a minor bug when interacting with a new area in the hub; a large vegetable in the environment froze the game momentarily. Fortunately, this was a small issue that didn’t interfere with the overall experience and will likely be resolved in future updates.
Conclusion: It’s Got Soul
Soul Stalker is a fantastic pick-up-and-play experience, particularly for players who prefer games that are easy to jump into and enjoy in short sessions. With its endearing art style, accessible mechanics, and an impressive variety of unlockables, it offers a compelling option at a budget-friendly price. While it may not convert sceptics of the bullet heaven genre, it serves as an excellent introduction for new players or a relaxed, low-stress alternative to more intense roguelikes. Soul Stalker has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a charming, low-commitment gaming experience.
Final Verdict: I Like It
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