Loop Hero, the recently released strategy RPG from publisher Devolver Digital, will send players on a seemingly endless journey of discovery and combat. Walking a small loop built from hazy memories, players will need to battle the minions of an evil Lich that has cast the world into darkness. They won't get far without potions, but there is some work involved in getting access to them.
Unlike the myriad of RPGs on the market where healing is an opt-in process, in Loop Hero, it will happen automatically if players have potions in their inventory and require some healing. Reaching the end of the loop, marked by the inviting-looking camp tile, will reward the player with two more health potions, as long as they have built the Herbalist's Hut upgrade in their camp.
The Herbalist's Hut is one of the first buildings that players can construct in their camp, but it may still take quite a few loops to gather all the required resources. Players will need 2 Preserved Wood, 3 Preserved Stone, and 4 Food Supplies to build the Herbalists Hut. These resources are earned during the loops by placing down cards that drop from enemies after battles. This is the core gameplay mechanic of Loop Hero, and players will need to become adept at placing cards to gain advantages and resources.
Placing Meadow cards will earn players one Ration, and it takes 12 Rations to make a Food Supply. Placing Rock or Mountain cards will earn players Preserved Pebbles, and 10 Pebbles will make one Preserved Stone. Finally, placing Grottos on the loop will earn players a Stable Branch, and 12 of them will become a Preserved Wood.
The process can be sped up by placing down a Treasury card with clear blocks all around it, then filling these blocks with Meadow, Rock, or Mountain cards. Completely enclosing a Treasury card with these other cards will net players a windfall of resources. Players can also stack resource cards in groups, getting large amounts of rewards when they fill in a 3x3 grid.
When the Herbalist's Hut is finally built, players will begin Expeditions with two health potions and will be rewarded with two more potions at the end of every loop. Keep in mind that the use of these potions is automatic, just like combat, so players have little say in when their character will actually use the potions. Players can only hold a set number of potions at one time, and any potions earned by passing the end of the loop that exceed this number will be lost.
Loop Hero is an impressive and challenging game that is sure to end up on many top 10 indie game lists at the end of the year. The simple graphics hide a deep and rewarding game that will surprise those who dig deep into the mechanics.
Loop Hero is available on PC.