Summary
Roguelikes and roguelites typically feature a structure that puts players on a journey through several distinct locations, usually ina set of diverse biomes. This allows players to enjoy long playthroughs while experiencing a great deal of variance in both visuals and gameplay.
These locations typicallyfeature unique enemies, mechanics, and bosses, and more often than not build up to a climactic moment. Arguably, the best roguelikes and roguelites have final areas that provide a satisfying end to the sometimes loose narrative of the games, though endings to titles such asHadesare arguably more cathartic as they feature richer stories.
Noitais a spell-slinging game about craftingpowerful magic spellsusing a combination of unique wands and passive abilities. Every pixel inNoitais physically simulated, which can result in a great number of diverse and often hilarious interactions.Noitafeatures many areas that each pose their distinct challenges, but newcomers are quite likely to perish before reaching the latter areas of the game.
Noitais also full of secrets and, as a result, the less said about the game, the better. However,Noita’s final area, while not the most bombastic of roguelite finales, is a cathartic experience thanks to its unusual layout, brilliant music, and eerie final boss. Furthermore, the ending that this area builds up to provides a suitable climax toNoita’s weird and wonderful journey.
This iconictwin-stick shooterand action-packed roguelike is a notorious title that arguably brought the genre into the mainstream.The Binding Of Isaacis known for its many secrets and abundance of endings and bosses.
Existing and prospective fans ofThe Binding Of Isaacwill likely get more enjoyment out of the game with no prior knowledge of its endings. That said, “Home,“The Binding Of Isaac’sfinal area, is a particularly emotional ending to a game packed with dark, twisted lore. While it may not be for everyone, there’s an unsettling and cathartic experience to be had defeating the double bosses at the end of this long journey.
Hadesispacked with memorable locations, each with its unique intricacies, enemies, and bosses. While the final area may not be the best in the game, the Temple of Styx is a truly climactic final area that takes full advantage of the game’s mechanics.
Traps, poison, and a memorable interaction with the lovable three-headed dog, Cerberus, make the Temple of Styx a fitting ending toHades. However, it’s the game’s titular final boss that makes this Temple one of the best final areas in roguelites.
Streets Of Rogueis a creative combination ofimmersive sims such asDeus Ex, the gameplay loop of old-school RPGs likeFallout, and the structure of the roguelite genre. In the game, players explore small-scale cities and towns, completing quests for their denizens using a diverse set of tools and weapons.
Streets Of Roguefeatures a variety of zones, each with its own blood-pumping music track, distinct environments, and population. Mayor Village is the final area of the game, culminating the experience perfectly with a unique objective and starting the stage off by forcing players to hand over all their items, or risk dying to break into the village.
Nuclear Throneis a classic,frenetic action roguelikefrom the indie studio, Vlambeer. The game puts players in the roles of several iconic mutant characters, fighting through several distinct and chaotic areas.
The final area ofNuclear Throne, the Palace, is a climactic end to each run. In keeping with the rest ofNuclear Throne’s areas, the Palace features an array of diverse enemies and a gripping final boss - the Throne itself. While this is a fitting finale toNuclear Throne’s fast-paced madness, players are also able to loop the game and return to a harder version of the first area. Furthermore, players can reach a secret area - the IPDP Headquarters - which features its own set of three stages, ending with a unique boss. The attention to detail and efforts made to make the IPDP Headquarters feel like a real area of the game, rather than something tacked on at the last minute, are admirable.
Enter The Gungeonis a highly replayable action roguelite packed with a variety of fun weapons and secrets. One particular element ofEnter The Gungeonis that each playable character has its unique final area and boss, though the area preceding the boss is mostly set-dressing.
Enter The Gungeon’s original final area - the Forge - is a trap-filled dungeon that can be extremely tough for newcomers. The final boss, the High Dragun, is a particularly fun and thematic fight, and this area also features a merchant in the form of the Blacksmith. However,Enter The Gungeonalso features a secret final zone - Bullet Hell. This appropriately hellish area can be reached after players have defeated every character’s secret boss and features its own highly challenging boss - the Lich.
