Review: Lost in Random: The Eternal Die — A Rewarding Roguelike that respects your time
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a not-so-direct sequel to the original game that expands its universe with a radically different approach. While a few familiar faces return, the connection to the first title is mostly superficial. This time around, players take control of Aleksandra, the villain from the first game, now trapped in a mysterious world and sporting a new appearance. To escape, she must rely on her combat skills and unlock new abilities along the way.
Gameplay is the star of the show. Drawing inspiration from titles like Hades, the game adopts a fast-paced roguelike structure. Levels and enemies are procedurally generated, and while death resets your run, progress feels meaningful thanks to a system that lets you retain your level and some abilities. The currency you earn can be spent on upgrading weapons or purchasing permanent skills. With four visually distinct areas to explore, every run feels fresh and rewarding.
Combat is fluid and primarily melee-based, featuring swords, hammers, spears, bows, and magical powers. However, it’s in the narrative department where The Eternal Die stumbles. The roguelike format pushes story elements to the background, with brief narrative flashes between fights or during occasional ally encounters. The story lacks the emotional weight of the original, and Aleksandra, as a protagonist, doesn’t evoke much empathy. Watching the former villain try to escape the consequences of her past feels somewhat anticlimactic, especially considering her role in the previous game.
Visually, The Eternal Die is stunning. It retains the original’s signature stop-motion style with clear influences from Tim Burton’s work, reminiscent of films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. The isometric perspective gives you a clear view of the chaos during combat without sacrificing visual clarity. The soundtrack is equally impressive, keeping the pace and energy high throughout the action.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die may not deliver a compelling story, but it excels as an accessible and engaging roguelike. With stylish visuals, satisfying combat, and a sense of constant progression, it’s a solid experience for fans of the genre or newcomers looking for an entry point.
FINAL SCORE: 4/5
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