Gui didn’t point out a particular detail about Sparklite that makes it’s roguelite structure doubly frustrating: the map rearranges each time you die, so seeking out specific spaces for certain kinds of puzzles and power ups can be a bit of a slog. I’m right there with him, though- once I started to steamroll that game, I didn’t stop until o got to the final boss… who proceeded to whoop my ass so hard I needed a fully kitted equipment grid just to take him down, and even then, I had to rely on a bit of RNG bull.

Another novel take on the roguelite Legend of Zelda clone is Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos. The dungeons are randomized and the overworld is persistent, and the game is co-op, for the Karen in your life! It’s not stellar and can also sometimes feel like a grind, but it’s in the service of building a character that you like, which is arguably the fun of the game.

Ooh, thanks for the recommendation.

Yeah, I guess I said dying was frustrating but forgot to say why outside of losing your items. Oops. Yep, the map rearranging itself is BS. Having the possibility of using precious space in your grid to reveal part of the map in a new run is just adding salt to the wound.

Karen and I are probably good for co-op games for the foreseeable future: we've got Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2 to play through once we're done with Wonder.