I was browsing Ye Olde Steam last night, looking for things that were super cheap but possibly interesting enough for a good time waster, and I stumbled across this little Rogue-Lite ARPG called The Rangers in the South.
It's actually quite good! I've played for a few hours now. My first character reached the max level of 20 and then died, so now I'm onto my second character.
Being a rogue-lite, this new character has access to the gold and divine currency that my previous character had, and also has had the map explored and previously-activated shrines and boss-kill-imparted gifts upon this second character.
The game is pretty easy, but then faces a stark difficulty curve in what I think is the last zone. I was annihilating everything with ease, not a death, no real fearful moments, na-da... when, BAM! Last zone. Demons everywhere. My entire health-bar disappeared. My very glass-canon mage had no chance.
It's only recently been released and is currently undergoing that phase where the dev releases daily updates, so I'm hoping that difficulty is tweaked somewhat in the near future - make it a little more difficult in the earlier zones to ease the transition to the last zone.
Regardless! It's a fun little game. If you'll allow me...:
When starting the game, you begin with some starter items. This does not dictate any classes or anything, it's just what you want to start the game with. You'll find all other weapons and armour types, there are no restrictions except what level you are. 😊
There are magical stones throughout the zones to find, which will impart permanent bonuses to all characters of your save-file.
When you level up, you can set up a campfire and gain some random perks and abilities! These choices can be rerolled for 2 divine currencies, which you get from killing bosses found in dungeons and out in the world.
From what I've seen so far, there are quite a few different passive abilities to choose from as well as abilities you activate. Once you have 5 activatable abilities, only passives are offered to you so choose your 5 actives wisely!
Also, you can change your keybinds thank goodness! For skills, I like to use 1-2-3-4-side mouse button for area effects so I was pleased to see I could change the keybinds.
There are several dungeons in each zone to find and loot.
Unfortunately, at this point in time, all the dungeons are a bit 'samey' but it's something the dev reckons he'll be working on.
There are traps, lots of mobs, and levers you need to find so you can unlock doors to get to the boss room, where, after you kill what's in there, you can loot some chests! Woo!
Gear comes in the typical coloured different rarities... however, they're all randomly generated. I found this Legendary Robe that was level 14... but my lower level Rare was clearly better.
Just luck of the draw!
As you approach the last region, there is a giant altar that you can pray at!
With 15 divine currencies, you can get a special item "Divine" item that is more powerful than normal gear.
I had just over 30 currencies, so I rolled twice... I got a ring which was pretty decent, and a bow... which I do not use, so I popped it in the stash for a future character.
Soon after I got my divine items... I faced the Demons of The Last Zone, The Crater of Hell, and got one-shot for the first time in the game. Hence my raised eyebrow at the difficulty curve. Easy-mode for hours, then, BAM, insanity. So I really hope he adjusts the curve a little.
Overall though, this game is pretty good! It's a nice little time waster, the dev is actively working on improving it and has a large 2025 roadmap written up, and I'm enjoying my time in it. It was also cheap!! XD
It's $5.95AUD so probably like, $2.50-$3 or something in USD?
Check it out and have a looksie!! 😊
Until next time!! ⚔️😊
