ODDCORE

I initially loved ODDCORE's aesthetic, then briefly wrote it off as a lazy attempt to cash in on the trending "liminal space/anomaly" hype, but I eventually locked in and stopped overthinking and started appreciating the game for what it is. It's got smooth movement, great power scaling, high run variety, and unique enemies. The whole "countdown to purge" mechanic adds a brilliant sense of urgency that I wouldn't normally get in any other roguelike shooter. I sometimes stream it for my friends, and they can't process what's happening. TLDR: Definitely takes a little getting used to, but I highly recommend it.

Being a recent college graduate also doing research as a way of life lately, it has been hard for me to find time to enjoy one thing I've always loved growing up: video games. I've played many games (formerly a PlayStation user), enjoyed many, particularly roguelike games. I was browsing the most recent summer steam sale and ended up finding Oddcore. It is truly hard to precisely annotate just how much of everything this game brings to me. My jaw dropped. I have never gave a game a formal review, but Oddcore deserves it. The last game I played that I remember having this similar feeling was when ELDEN RING came out, albeit different type of game. I love roguelikes, and this seriously just hits the spot for that and beyond. Embracing the Oddcore may seem simple initially, but every decision you make effects your gameplay, and your loadout before you even boot up a run matters to how you personally want to play. I've seen some people complain about the movement being sluggish. It may initially seem like that, but equipping the right gadgets and also the correct weapon layout can change that. For example, the primary fire (not the alt fire) of the sniper is a AOE that does not do much damage but is incredible for lifting you off the ground and helping with sticking on the walls momentarily. You can create many synergies with this and use this time to give your gadgets an extra second or so to recharge. For example, I mainly use the SMG and the Sniper, so I try to upgrade my dash and teddy bomb gadgets, along with the SMG alt, to create a method I have to clear variants. It goes without saying: *You* create your own run. There is so much to say about this game that is limited by how I cannot fully transcribe my emotions. If you enjoy roguelikes and unique takes on retro shooters, with a beautiful take on the visuals embracing liminality with its characters as well, please give this game a try. As a statement from me personally, you will not regret this. I will support this game indefinitely.