Shape of Dreams seemed like a soft launch, but that’s a fair assessment for a genre that’s overflowing with options. That genre is, of course, the humble rogue-like. In 10-20 years from now, gamers will be looking back at this as a fad, like zombie-themed games that have (thankfully) died out. Still, it’s a hugely popular genre, so how does one stand out?
Make the characters stark naked. That’s likely to increase views, although it won’t enhance the gameplay. No, what we need is some sort of unique mechanic that borders on gimmick and blows you away. Or, perhaps some outstanding visuals or roping in someone famous to do voiceovers? Shape of Dreams has none of that, though it has the perfect rogue-like loop.
Choosing to do the tutorial was a little silly. I know how to play a game – who needs instructions?! Natually, a twin-stick shooter needs no introduction, nor does it need any handholding, though there might be something to learn about here. A little bit of lore and the dreamscape, sure, but when accessing it, I wasn’t in the mood to learn and wanted to shoot.
This initially proved to be ok, as a twin-stick shooter should be crystal clear. It’s the power-up system and skill tree that appeared initially overwhelming (and boring) when playing on the Steam Deck. The writing was too small, there was too much reading, and so much juggling of weapons, I couldn’t be bothered. This eventually got the better of me, as going through a series of optional paths, I reached a boss and was obliterated. Dammit.
Shape of Dreams is a rogue-like, so it’s a case of dusting oneself off and heading back in. With two early characters to choose from – one ranged, the other melee – it was evident that this would need a few runs to get the engine and tyres warm. Melee is often my go-to, but from a Diablo-like perspective, it’s easy to get swarmed and stuck in the scenery, so taking a crackshot from the rear is recommended. To begin with.
The right stick pushed in the direction of aggro will shoot a basic, infinite weapon, but it’s the shoulder buttons that make Shape of Dreams a star. With the triggers reserved for cooldown-based attacks, storming through an area will award potential power-ups that you can equip on the other shoulder buttons. Some are hit and miss, others devastating. In fairness, I’d have to say that Lizard Smoothie’s game has some of the best power-ups for the genre, and they are incredibly satisfying when you find those that suit your playstyle.
These, in turn, can be upgraded through star dust, increasing the damage, lowering the cooldown, or improving the range. Can’t find enough dust? Simply press up on the d-pad, and you can drop and dismantle a power-up for dust. Better still, as you’re discovering the very many skills, you can swap them around to whichever button you’d prefer. For example, I’d use a shotgun attack less than I would a dark arts orb, so I assigned the latter to the left trigger as more likely to press that.
Coming back to the introduction, I have to say that Shape of Dreams does actually look really good, too. It’s crisp and vibrant, and while hectic, it’s usually clear what you are aiming at and evade enough to get that little bit further on your next run. Most important is always the gameplay loop, and having got bored with how it all works with enhancements and managing power-ups, being able to invest in skill ‘load-outs’ that focus on damage, survival, and flexible skill points was amazing.
Additional characters can be unlocked by levelling up your preferred character, beating certain enemies, or reaching a milestone. Surprisingly, these characters do feel very different, and the melee/range divide is unique. Again, my preference is typically the former, but it’s ranged all the way in this game. At least, for now.
So while we do have far too many rogue-likes to choose from these days, each trying to stand out with something unique, Shape of Dreams is much more nuanced and isn’t so much of a try-hard. Instead, it’s a very competent twin-stick shooter, the power-ups genuinely are some of my favourites in both this Diablo-esque action RPG, but also better than many shmups. The real takeaway point is this is great on the Steam Deck (aside from the small text). Depending on your skill levels, runs aren’t going to be too hasty, so expect this to be your go-to for a while.
