A code was provided, and many thanks to Cosmocover on behalf of Kepler Interactive.
Windblown: From the Clever Minds Behind Dead Cells
Windblown is a 3D action-adventure game with roguelike elements created by the same team behind Dead Cells. While it shares some of its DNA with Dead Cells, Windblown carves out its own identity, especially with the transition to a 3D world and the addition of cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to three players to join forces. I was fortunate enough to try an early build of the game, and I was impressed by the unique spin it takes on the hack-and-slash genre, combined with its refreshing art style and cooperative focus.
Enter the Vortex
In Windblown, players find themselves on a floating island known as The Ark, where various animal creatures live peacefully until the looming threat of a giant vortex begins to disrupt their idyllic existence. This vortex, an ominous force of nature, is slowly drawing The Ark toward its destruction, and it’s up to the island’s inhabitants to take action. The player embodies one of these brave, small animal warriors, launching themselves directly into the heart of the vortex to stop it, or at least try.
Mesmerizing Design
Right from the start, the game’s design pulls you in. You can choose from a roster of animal protagonists, including a bat, an axolotl, and a guinea pig, animals that rarely get the spotlight in gaming. At this stage, there isn’t a playable otter, but who knows what future updates might bring. Each character feels uniquely crafted, with distinct designs that make them stand out. Additionally, the hub world is populated by a variety of NPC animals that you can interact with, deepening the connection to the game’s desperate yet determined cause.
As for level design, this early build of the game only featured two biomes, but both were visually captivating. The environments resemble mysterious ruins of an ancient, long-lost civilization, giving the game an atmosphere of intrigue and hidden lore. The vortex itself feels like a malevolent force, hiding secrets that are bound to be unveiled as the game progresses. These biomes offer a refreshing change from the typical forest and desert landscapes seen in many roguelikes. Accompanying the gameplay is a mesmerizing score that complements the mysterious and adventurous vibe of the game.
A Comfortable Dash into Combat
Windblown delivers satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay, which instantly feels responsive and powerful. Even with the game’s starting weapons, there’s a sense of control and fluidity that makes combat both engaging and rewarding. You begin with one weapon, but as you progress, you can equip up to two weapons and two special abilities, all easily accessible with the press of a button. The ability to swap out weapons or abilities on the fly, depending on what you find during a run, offers a nice layer of strategy and customization. This familiar design will feel right at home for fans of Dead Cells, but Windblown sets itself apart with its 3D combat and additional depth.
The standout feature of the combat system is the dash ability, which serves multiple purposes. Not only does it allow for quick traversal through levels, but it also functions as a dodge and parry mechanic. Time your dash correctly, and you’ll parry incoming attacks, leaving enemies vulnerable to devastating follow-up strikes. This dash mechanic feels accessible, even to players new to the genre, and adds a satisfying rhythm to the gameplay. While the game makes you feel powerful from the outset, true to the roguelike formula, you’ll inevitably face challenges that test your skills. The desire to keep improving and retrying is hard to resist, especially given how comfortable and fluid the controls are.
The Roguelike Formula, Refined
At its core, Windblown follows the familiar roguelike structure, where you progress through procedurally generated levels, battling robotic enemies of various types before eventually confronting larger boss fights. Along the way, you’ll collect power-ups and buffs to strengthen your character. One of my favourite moments in the demo was unlocking a new power-up, punctuated by a delightful high-five with the spirit that granted it. It’s little touches like these that give Windblown its charm and personality.
When you inevitably fail a run, you’re sent back to the hub world, where you can retool your character, unlock new equipment, and prepare for your next attempt. The resources you collect during your run can be spent on new unlockables, keeping the roguelike loop of progression engaging and addictive. The mix of randomized levels, enemy encounters, and upgrades ensures that no two runs feel the same, and the game’s sense of progression is both rewarding and compelling.
One of Windblown’s biggest draws is its cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing up to three players to team up and take on the vortex together. Although I only played the single-player portion of the game during the demo, I can already see the potential for chaotic, fun co-op sessions. The ability to strategize and fight alongside friends adds a new dimension to the gameplay, which is likely to appeal to players who enjoy collaborative experiences. Additionally, for those interested in portability, Windblown has already been confirmed as Steam Deck verified, making it a great option for handheld gaming.
Final Thoughts
Windblown made a strong first impression, demonstrating that developer Motion Twin is onto another hit. The game hasn’t even entered Early Access yet, but it already feels polished and engaging. The transition to 3D has been handled excellently, and the combination of tight hack-and-slash combat, intriguing world-building, and a fresh art style makes Windblown stand out from other roguelike games. Whether you play solo or with friends, Windblown offers an exciting and unique experience that builds on the lessons learned from Dead Cells while offering something entirely its own.
For those with access to a PC, I highly recommend keeping an eye on Windblown or, at the very least, adding it to your wishlist. It’s shaping up to be a standout title in the roguelike genre, offering both challenge and charm in equal measure.
Windblown launches into Early Access on October 24th, and I can’t wait to see how the game continues to evolve.
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