Rounds, a roguelite shooter, has recently made it to Xbox's Top Paid Games list since its release on February 21. The Xbox version of Rounds is priced at $8.49, but gamers have the option to try out a free trial of this unique shooter.
Roguelite games are a popular subgenre of roguelike games, offering a twist on the original concept by allowing certain items to carry over between gameplay runs or having a shorter game format. While Rounds is not categorized as a cooperative game like many other strong roguelite titles, players find it to be a fantastic option for enjoying with friends due to its player versus player (PvP) gameplay.
Rounds is a 1v1 rougelite shooter that can be played locally or online. Two users are pitted against each other in various 2D platformer stages, where the loser of each round is given a new upgrade. As a match progresses and more rounds pass, the fights get more hectic and unique as both users unlock powerful upgrades that can be combined to create new scenarios. Developer Landfall explains that Rounds features more than 70 different arenas and over 65 powerups, which can be combined to create over 11.2 million different powerup combinations. Both users take on the form of a blob-shaped humanoid as they jump, block, and shoot their way around the arena.
Rounds Xbox Trailer
Rounds has received high praise from players, with a four-star review on Xbox and an impressive 95% rating on Steam from over 21,000 reviews since its release in 2021. Fans of FPS roguelikes will likely discover a new favorite in Rounds, thanks to its fast-paced, skill-based gameplay and a variety of power-ups that add depth to the experience. A recent update on February 21 brought exciting additions such as achievements, crossplay between PC and Xbox, and more.
rounds-game - Xbox fans who enjoy the overarching roguelike genre have a great lineup of games to choose from thanks to Game Pass' best roguelikes
Xbox fans who enjoy the roguelike genre have a variety of great games to choose from on Game Pass. Titles like Slay the Spire, Dead Cells, Vampire Survivors, and more offer unique twists that enhance the already addictive gameplay, just like Rounds does.
Roguelikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, leading even PlayStation's biggest franchises to join in on the trend. Players who own The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered or God of War Ragnarok can experience what AAA studios have brought to the genre.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the success of the roguelite shooter Rounds on Xbox, praising its unique PvP gameplay, diverse arenas, and vast array of powerups. It also acknowledges the game's critical acclaim, with high review scores on both Xbox and Steam. As a fan of action-packed shooters and the roguelite genre, I am intrigued by the concept of Rounds and its potential for intense and varied gameplay. The prospect of unlocking powerful upgrades and combining them to create unique scenarios adds a layer of strategy and replayability that I find particularly appealing. I am eager to try out the free trial to experience the game's fast-paced and skill-based combat firsthand.
Moreover, the article's mention of the growing popularity of roguelikes, including their adoption by major franchises like PlayStation, suggests that Rounds is riding a wave of interest in this subgenre. While the lack of cooperative gameplay may differentiate it from other strong roguelite titles, the PvP focus of Rounds offers a refreshing alternative for players seeking competitive challenges and the thrill of outmaneuvering their opponents in a dynamic and evolving arena. I believe that Rounds has the potential to captivate both seasoned roguelite enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre, providing a unique and exhilarating gaming experience.