A group of self-proclaimed "nerds" are reinventing Risk of Rain and Diablo into a roguelike genre with an unconventional twist that has me intrigued and unable to shake it off
Shape of Dreams, an indie action roguelike developed by the small team at Lizard Smoothie, is making waves in the gaming industry. This unique game combines MOBA-style mechanics with procedurally generated exploration and deep character customization, offering a fresh and engaging experience for players.
The game adopts familiar MOBA control schemes and character roles such as melee, ranged carry (ADC), tanks, and mages, but transposes them into a PvE roguelike setting. This removes the competitive PvP stress often associated with MOBAs, making it accessible to both MOBA veterans and newcomers.
At the heart of Shape of Dreams is its Memory Editing system. Players build their custom characters by mixing and matching equippable and transferable spells or abilities, known as Memories, and slotting in upgradeable gems, called Essences. This system allows for dynamic, modular character builds that can be traded with friends, providing extensive freedom and variety.
The world players explore in Shape of Dreams is procedurally generated, ensuring each run is different and challenging. Hidden bosses, over 200 collectibles, and special Lucid Dream challenges await players as they delve deeper into the dream world.
Shape of Dreams also supports solo and 4-player cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to experience the game alone or team up with friends to tackle challenges together. The combat combines elements familiar from MOBAs and roguelikes, focusing on quick decision-making, build synergies, and adapting to procedurally generated threats.
Alongside roguelike progression, the game offers permanent character upgrades, making each subsequent run potentially stronger, balanced by increasing difficulty. This ensures that players are constantly growing and adapting their strategies to overcome new challenges.
Eunseop Shim, the CEO of Lizard Smoothie, and studio director Kipyo Kang, both computer science university students, aimed to capture the fun flavor of MOBA games without PvP stress, turning MOBA elements into a PvE roguelike experience.
Shape of Dreams is described as a MOBA-infused action roguelike with modular, flexible character builds, engaging cooperative play, and a dreamlike procedurally generated world. The game's control scheme has been developed to support twin-stick controls and gamepad, offering a comfortable and intuitive gaming experience.
With its unique blend of genres and engaging gameplay, Shape of Dreams is poised to become a standout title in the indie gaming scene. The demo for the game is still available for download on Steam, giving players a chance to dive into this dreamlike world and experience the fun for themselves.
- News about the indie game, Shape of Dreams, are gaining attention in the gaming industry.
- The game, Shape of Dreams, combines MOBA-style mechanics with procedurally generated exploration and deep character customization.
- The game supports both solo and 4-player cooperative multiplayer, offering a variety of play styles.
- Shape of Dreams adopts familiar MOBA control schemes and character roles, making it accessible to both MOBA veterans and newcomers.
- In Shape of Dreams, players can build their custom characters by mixing and matching spells or abilities, known as Memories, and upgradeable gems, called Essences.
- The world players explore in Shape of Dreams is procedurally generated, ensuring each run is different and challenging.
- The game offers permanent character upgrades, making each subsequent run potentially stronger, balanced by increasing difficulty.
- Alongside roguelike progression, Shape of Dreams can be described as a MOBA-infused action roguelike.
- Shape of Dreams is developed to support twin-stick controls and gamepad for a comfortable and intuitive gaming experience.
- The demo for Shape of Dreams is still available for download on Steam, allowing players to try the game before its release.
- Eunseop Shim, the CEO of Lizard Smoothie, and Kipyo Kang, studio director, aimed to capture the fun flavor of MOBA games without PvP stress.
- Among various genres, Shape of Dreams stands out with its unique blend of MOBA and roguelike elements.
- In the world of Shape of Dreams, hidden bosses, over 200 collectibles, and special Lucid Dream challenges await players as they delve deeper into the dream world.
