- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Release Date: Mar 4, 2021
- Also On: Switch
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
- Unscored
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Mar 17, 2021There is much more to praise this game for: the complexity of it’s deckbuilding and tile placements and how these can be a test of knowledge to maximise their potential; the superb blend of gameplay mechanics intertwined with the theme of entropy and destruction as well as the open-design methodology towards accessibility with a series of optional aids. But to talk about these more would be a disservice to the rewarding experience of discovering these mechanics for yourself, so here’s where I’ll leave it...I can think of no higher praise than to admit that even as I write this review, I have Loop Hero playing in the background. My adventurer, step by step, ticking away at his sisyphean struggle to restore the world.
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Mar 17, 2021Regardless of whether or not you enjoy the sound of a “top-down rogue-like deck & dungeon-building auto-battler”, Loop Hero will graciously guide you along its path - only to ensnare you in its devilishly addictive short gameplay loops.
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Mar 9, 2021There are many reasons why Loop Hero is an amazing game, such as the combination of different mechanics from different genres, setting up the road and your camp as if it were a strategy game, building our hero as if it were an RPG and the story, very similar in storytelling to graphic adventures of yesteryear. All of this makes a combo that everyone should enjoy.
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Mar 26, 2021Under the roguelite hood, Loop Hero serves as a perfect analogy of an everyday person's daily routine: wake up, face the obstacles, reach your (almost unattainable) goal, set a new goal, measure your losses. Rinse and repeat. Besides all that, Loop Hero is a stellar example of gameplay design ingenuity, meshing different elements in an addictive pixel-art nod to the 80s.
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Mar 22, 2021Loop Hero is a textbook example of how a strong singular vision can create something truly incredible. It’s a game that is unlike anything I’ve played before and has occupied every spare thought I’ve had since I began. It’s unique gameplay blends many familiar mechanics from a variety of gameplay genres to create an exceptionally satisfying and compelling experience. The fantastic visuals and audio design masterfully complement the gameplay mechanics to feel like an authentically retro product with modern sensibilities. Do yourself a favour and check this one out.
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Mar 16, 2021I've tried roguelikes. Tried deck builders. Tried auto-battlers and tile-placers. But playing Loop Hero makes me wonder what all those others were missing.
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Mar 16, 2021Behind the appearance of an idle game with a weird palette lies a deeply strategic title, which requires a careful management of resources and the ability to foresee the moves of our hero in advance. Its simplicity makes it a game for everyone, while its complexity will make it a real challenge for veteran adventurers and RPG players. The camp management, the gathering of materials, the weapons and enemies statistics, the unlockable classes and the combinations of memory cards make Loop Hero one of the best strategy games of recent times.
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Mar 12, 2021Loop Hero is yet another stunning gem that fans of the rogue-lite genre will enjoy. It’s a blend of so many different types of games that it becomes a completely unique entity on its own, and it’s hard to think of anything else that offers an experience quite like this one. It’s a game that forces you to trust in your own decisions, commit to them, and either reap the rewards or face the consequences. There’s no control, and that’s the beauty of this game.
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Mar 10, 2021Loop Hero is something truly unique: you could fairly describe it as a sort of reverse tower defence roguelike deck-building strategy RPG, but that doesn’t really do it justice. It’s a game that takes all those pieces and combines them into something that isn’t quite like anything else out there. Sharp writing and a story that moves effortlessly between morbid humour and murky existentialist musing tie it all together nicely, but its in the fascinating experience of exploring the little details of its web of intertwined systems that Loop Hero finds its true brilliance.
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Mar 9, 2021Loop Hero blends together familiar mechanics and tropes into something that feels totally refreshing, and it's worth sinking some time into.
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Mar 8, 2021I was a little bit skeptical of this game when I first started it, despite being published by Devolver, whom I know to have put out some excellent games recently. But Loop Hero delivers, both for retro and roguelike/lite gamers alike. It is clearly a lovingly crafted game that compromises on nothing. It offers creative story, game, and progression mechanics, and a wonderful overall aesthetic.
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Mar 7, 2021I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for an original indie experience. I tend to criticize games when they make me run around in circles, but I'm more than willing to make an exception for Loop Hero.
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Mar 5, 2021Thought it seems simplistic at first, it doesn't take long to see the true depth of Loop Hero. Thanks to its very approachable design and killer gameplay hook, this is the kind of addicting and engrossing experience that can steal whole weeks from your life. Just don't say we didn't warn you!
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Mar 4, 2021The developers have nailed the sense of progression and the tension that the genre is built around. The presentation is very old-school, which can be a problem for players who have never interacted with MS-DOS titles. It is also integral to the spirit of this game. Loop Hero is a great game for fans of its genre and has plenty of cool mechanics and hooks for those who want to try it out for the first time.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero is a brilliant piece of work that plays and succeeds with the idea of repeating gameplay loops via gameplay, story and even meta angles. It’s an absolute beast that will easily rip players to shreds, but thanks to simple gameplay that makes great use of deck-building, automatic battles and experimentation, it ensures that everyone will have a blast trying to design the best world possible for each run. Throw in a gorgeous presentation that perfectly channels classic early-era RPGs and you easily have what could wind up being one of the year’s best games. A fresh twist on roguelikes, it truly is a loop that you’ll gladly want to explore again and again and again and again…
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero is a dense and dangerous journey that puts you in full control, merging deck building and the rogue-like genre brilliantly. With tons of options to choose from, and lots of surprises along the way, it would be a mistake to miss out on Four Quarters' wonderful indie title.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero succeeds as an adventure game by blending together elements of strategy and roguelikes in a way that feels clever and fresh. Giving players agency on the adversaries they encounter, and the frequency of said encounters, is an exciting spin on the genre, and one that forced me to strategize in a unique way. Couple the outstanding mechanics with a gorgeous and well-executed visual design, and you’ve got yourself one satisfying gameplay loop.
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Mar 8, 2021I can understand why someone would be a little hesitant to try a game that leaves its movement and battles completely hands-off – personally, I prefer to actively play games than to passively watch them. Don’t let the idle aspects of the game fool you, though. There’s a surprising amount of depth and strategy to the game that goes well beyond what you’d expect from it. Loop Hero is the kind of game that will have you telling yourself that you’ll play “just one more loop” while the clock hands make a surprising number of circuits of their own.
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Mar 7, 2021Loop Hero is a meta video game that shows the force of the core loops in the player experience.
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Mar 4, 2021I had a great time with Loop Hero. I just wish I’d been able to unlock the Necromancer class sooner. Smashing my enemies with an army of summoned skeletons is amazing.
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Mar 8, 2021Loop Hero is one of those games that can be described as perfect, with the meaning of achieving just what it wants without flourish. It will hook you, and you'll can't say no to one more loop.
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Mar 5, 2021Loop Hero was a great surprise for me. The idea of a game just going in circles had me hesitant at first. It turned out to be a wonderful little treat. The story and art style are solid and the music is fair, but the meat really lies in the gameplay. The world-building allows you to personalize it, but also to develop your own strategy. It becomes addicting and enticing to anyone. Even someone like me who struggles with in-game strategy began to just stop, think, and develop the plan for a long game even in the first run of a loop. These mechanics are really what help bring the game to a higher level and pull it up than just a normal 16-bit Adventure/RPG game. While a simple concept on the face, Loop Hero has mountains more depth behind it.
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CD-ActionNov 15, 2021It looks like a simple little game, but give it some time, acquire more cards and it will surprise you with its unfolding complexity and addictiveness. Admittedly, initial loops are boring, but ultimately I spent hours on end with Loop Hero and had tons of fun. [05/2021, p.38]
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Mar 10, 2021Loop Hero is a creative and clever little game that should be on your radar if you enjoy strategy, RPGs, deckbuilders, roguelikes, or all of the above. While its novelty begins to wither the further you get away from your opening hours, the journey is worthwhile and engaging.
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Mar 10, 2021Loop Hero is a combination of many genres to create one of the best games we’ve ever played. Deceivingly simple, incredibly deep and very, very addictive.
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Mar 8, 2021Refreshingly simple and original genre mix. Impresses with its scope, accessibility and an immensely captivating gameplay loop.
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Mar 4, 2021The Groundhog Day of tile-based fantasy RPGs, Loop Hero is a unique, highly addictive and well-crafted roguelike that will have you saying, “just one more loop.” If this mix of genres intrigues you, I highly recommend you check the game out.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero has all the right ingredients for an adventure management game with roguelike systems. There’s a learning curve to tackle, but after a few runs, you’ll be piecing together the world in no time. The entire experience is cathartic in a way as you watch the world evolve from your actions and overcome its obstacles with a little skill and luck. Unlike what Devolver Digital advertised at the announcement, it may not be game of the year material, but it’s still worth giving it a try.
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Mar 4, 2021This is the sort of smart, focused resurrection of old games I want more of, something that feels old and new with every expedition step. I managed to put more than 40 hours into this quote-unquote small game.
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Mar 18, 2021A rich, disruptive and worthy of discovery experience. Devolver Digital has hit the mark again.
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Mar 9, 2021Challenging, intelligent and a superbly designed game full of surprises.
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May 29, 2021When it comes to card games, Loop Hero brings a unique and refreshing take to the table. While initially its format may take some getting used to and its graphics may appear simple, the game’s mechanics pack a surprising punch. With cards generating complex enemies, resources, and terrains, no two playthroughs in Loop Hero will be the same. Through this impressive degree of variety and replayability, Loop Hero offers a unique challenge for card game newbies and veterans alike.
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LEVEL (Czech Republic)Apr 12, 2021Beneath old school pixelart coat lies surprisingly komplex game, which takes the loop factor to another level. It's simple, it's hard to beat, it's fun to play and maybe too addictive to try. But once you try Loop Hero, you'll be hook for a long time. [Issue#310]
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Apr 12, 2021Loop Hero is an interesting combination of genres with a very own flavour. This deck builder or roguelite or tower defense game goes deeper than you might think.
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Mar 26, 2021The thrill of learning in Loop Hero is the driving force of its procedural gameplay, with each small discovery and minute change in approach producing outcomes you might not have imagined. Its opening hours are a punishing hurdle to overcome, but once you've found the rhythm of Loop Hero, you won't want to break from its beat.
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Mar 26, 2021While Four Quarters’ title operates under the trappings of casual gaming, I’d say that Loop Hero works for quick sessions, and also as a more dedicated experience that might keep one up for long hours into the night. It cherrypicks the right elements from each of the genres it takes inspiration from, and gives back a completely fresh experience with oldschool appeal.
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Mar 25, 2021Loop Hero is essentially a constant game of risk versus reward that quickly takes hold of you. And once you're in that loop, it's hard to get out again.
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Mar 22, 2021Loop Hero is a highly addicting roguelite gaming, that strikes with its originality and complex game system. Game after game, loop after loop the mere concept of time will vanish, and it will leave you craving for more.
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Mar 17, 2021Loop Hero's cleverly stripped-down RPG concept demands attention for as long as it takes you to work out the clear "best" way to guide each hero class, and its fantastically dark story setup stands out as one of the best in years.
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Mar 17, 2021Loop Hero is a unique and different proposal that brings a fresh approach, with character and capable of engaging anyone who approaches it with an open mind. One of those titles that must be approached with restraint if you don't want to end up compromising the rest of your responsibilities.
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Mar 17, 2021Despite the repetitiveness inherent to the genre, the player is constantly hooked by the depth of the game, filled with subtleties and hidden features. Indeed, Loop Hero encourages him to experiment new approaches in order to gather more and more loot or to confront the four bosses of the game, the latter being no mean feat.
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Mar 12, 2021An interesting almost-idle game with a pair of nice twists in a 16 bit dress. If it catches on you it may turn into a huge time-waster.
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Mar 9, 2021Loop Hero may not be for everyone, but once you get the hang of it, you will find an experience that feels unique, relaxing and unreasonably addictive.
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Mar 9, 2021Don’t let Loop Hero‘s simple appearance fool you; a dense and addictive game, unlike anything else you’ve played, lurks under its retro veneer, waiting to get its claws into you. And once you’ve fallen into the loop, it’ll be hard to get back out again. Building up your character and creating the world around him is gloriously rewarding, and not even death is going to stand in your way.
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Mar 8, 2021Loop Hero functions as a statement of persistence in the face of the seemingly insurmountable.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero successfully borrows from a surprising range of genres to create a refreshing new twist on some very old RPG ideas.
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Mar 4, 2021If its aesthetics appeal and the gameplay style grabs you, then Loop Hero will take over your gaming life until you finish it or are drag yourself away. It reminded me strangely of the allure of Football Manager but with a more fantasy setting. The combination of auto combat and strategic choices, with resource management and settlement development on top, makes this a unique and captivating indie game.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero does what it sets out to do, making for a fun and compelling roguelike that deck builder fans will love.
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Mar 4, 2021Loop Hero is a fascinating roguelike that will excite fans of the genre and entice those burned out by it to come back and fall in love all over again. Its beautiful art style and addictive core loop will cause players to lose track of time, not realizing hours have passed between loops as they slay the day away. Loop Hero could use a few tweaks to make certain aspects more understandable, but in its current state, it is absolutely worth your time and money. Still unconvinced? Download the Loop Hero demo from the game's Steam page. Don't make me keep talking in circles -- be sure to check out Loop Hero as soon as possible.
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Mar 4, 2021Blending roguelike elements with deck building and auto-battling feels like a combination that shouldn't work, but Loop Hero pulls it off in magnificent style. It might not be for everyone, but the core gameplay is entertaining, forces important decision making, and keeps players coming back for more.
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Mar 23, 2021The core gameplay mechanics of Loop Hero are exceptional. There's something that is devilishly interesting about it, drawing you back into every run. It's the kind of game that you always want to play again. However, the grind can get tiresome and playing on PC is not an ideal setting for the late campaign marathon sessions.
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Mar 5, 2021While the automatic aspect of clashes isn't meant to tie us to our seat, it makes it an app of choice for multitasking and alt + tab enthusiasts. If we regret that the start of the run was not the most thrilling and that grind is necessary to achieve the real fun of the game, it is nonetheless a good game for those who like to be in the oven and the mill.
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Apr 12, 2021Loop Hero is not a perfect game and its learning curve is very high, especially if you don't usually play Dungeons and Dragons. However, the most addictive feature is that in each game you get the idea that you could have done better, extending its replayability for weeks.
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Apr 20, 2021Loop Hero is a fresh indie success that’s more interested in your time than skills. Maybe you’ll be able to kill hours upon hours in its repetitive loops. And perhaps you’ll lose your patience halfway through.
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Mar 5, 2021It fulfills a certain niche not just with being a roguelite, but a create your own adventure sort of way while doing so. Most games of the genre have this appeal somewhat by having things like weapon variety and perks; Loop Hero takes it to a whole other level of customization with not only just the classes and weapon types, but the entire terrain is your playground.
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Mar 11, 2021Loop Hero delivers an entertaining flow, has a certain esprit and the card placement is a neat idea. But the visuals are bland, there is too little tactical impact and the constant repetition gets tiring.
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Mar 30, 2021Loop Hero is exceptional at what it does. It's an addictive game that steals your free time with the same ease as only Minecraft can match. It's perfect for some, but for others it can be a dissatisfying experience as it never feels like you've achieved anything until it's actually over. No little win feels worth it. If you're into roguelikes then this is potentially a great game for you, but it's not for everyone.
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Edge MagazineMar 25, 2021Once you let go (or are forced to), it all seems a little empty, like perhaps the only thing compelling you onward was the hypnotic effect of watching something go round and round. It doesn't take too many repeats before the theming rubs away, leaving only the exposed machine beneath. How much do we need to feel like we're on an adventure? A little more than this, it turns out. [Issue#357, p.120]
| This publication does not provide a score for their reviews. | |
| This publication has not posted a final review score yet. | |
| These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation. | |
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Mar 9, 2021Loop Hero is one of those surprises that the independent calendar reserves for us every year. An addictive title from start to finish, the combination of strategy with cards is tremendously rewarding both in terms of evolution and discovery of new classes of characters as well as buildings in our camp that add new layers of depth with each turn. Despite its simple appearance, behind Loop Hero is an original proposal that does not neglect its narrative section which is gaining in intensity and interest as we progress through the game. The only downside is that it takes a good number of hours to begin to appreciate all that it has to offer, however, the work of Four Quarters exudes great care and care in each and every one of its sections. A roguelite that you cannot miss. [Recommended]
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Mar 4, 2021For a so-called "automatic" game, Loop Hero sure presents enough questions and choices to get me invested in its missions, its accumulation of city structures, and its organic lessons about how to max out a particular loop. I haven't felt this surprised and engaged by a mix of new and familiar in a game since Slay the Spire. That description should terrify anybody who is not in need of another unique gaming obsession, because if my addiction is any indication, Loop Hero could very well burrow into your brain for the next few weeks. You've been warned. [Ars Technica Approved]
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Mar 9, 2021By placing the focus squarely on the need to craft a world and set of equipment that will give your autonomous hero the best chance of success, Loop Hero created one of my favorite metaphors for being a good parent. I want my hero to save the world, and I can’t do it for them, so I better figure out the best way to get them ready to handle it themselves when the time comes.
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Mar 12, 2021It’s all enjoyably compulsive in a way that makes me genuinely wonder why the game’s not getting a big mobile push, too.
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Mar 5, 2021One of the most appealing things about Loop Hero is in the way it allows you to discover its parts. The game is as complex as you want it to be, and can become extremely complicated indeed as you gain more and more cards. Some of the interactions between cards can only be discovered by placing them in certain combinations, sometimes transforming them into entirely new tiles.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 122 out of 171
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Mixed: 37 out of 171
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Negative: 12 out of 171
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Mar 11, 2021
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Mar 9, 2021Beautiful, original, simple and extremely repetitive and grindy Skinner box. For those who love to kill time!
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Mar 30, 2021