Yet another roguelike graced our platforms as Ruiga Pirates released on 5th April 2024. Taking heavy inspiration from other bullet hell roguelikes such as Vampire Survivors, Sea of Survivors, and more. With the game in particular being very similar to Sea of Survivors. Only RP doesn’t breath as much ingenuity to the sub-genre like SoS. Instead choosing to implement more roguelike faithful gameplay, combat, and upgrade systems. But before we out right call Sea of Survivors the best pirate roguelike, let’s take a deeper look at Ruiga Pirates…
Details of Ruiga Pirates
Developer: Valentware Games LTD
Publisher: WValentware Games LTD
Platform: PC, Windows (Steam), Steam Deck
Release Date: 24th May 2024
Price: £4.29
Gameplay of Ruiga Pirates
Gameplay takes on the usual roguelike formula, with players choosing a character, a ship, map, and difficulty when starting a run. There is a wide variety of weapons and characters on offer to the player. With all being available from the start, this is something that does make a pleasant change but at the same time limits replay ability as there is not much to keep playing for. As with a game like Vampire Survivors you’ll keep playing to unlock the vast roster of characters. The ship and character you select dictates what weapon and support item you start with.
As for actual gameplay it plays a lot like Sea of Survivors with players free to roam the vastness of the seven seas. Taking on different ships and ghosts as they collect crates and chests to gather more support items and weapons.
Analysis of Ruiga Pirates
Pros
Having all characters and ships from the get go, allows players who are not particularly skilled have the same amount of the game available to them as other players. Which sometimes are stuck behind a certain skill level or a lot of hours. The variety of weapons is also impressive, with each one feely distinct from the last. Having various effects and attacks styles.
Cons
The game, although fun to play, doesn’t do much, if anything, to vitalize the roguelike genre. Unlike the most similar roguelike, Sea of Survivors, the game just doesn’t have much creativity behind it. SoS used an inventory system that took inspiration from RE4 adding a unique take on the played out traditional roguelike formula.
Summary
To summarize Ruiga Pirates is a fun, action packed roguelike bullet hell adventure set on the seven seas. Rammed filled with a roster of different characters, arsenal filled with weapons, and a dock filled with galleys for the player to choose from. Customizing each run to their fancy. Providing a ocean sandbox for players to experiment with different buffs and combinations to find the one that will allow them to survive the vastness of the seven seas whilst being bombarded by ships, ghosts, and mermen creatures!
Overall Rating: 7.5 – Good!
Recommendation: YES!
Platform Played On: Steam Deck
