Loot River

Puzzle element infused in action rogue-like genre stimulates the interest in many ways. The level design built on the core system such as manipulating Tetris-like scaffolds was also okay. However, the game gets dull pretty quick except for the puzzles because the only differentiator is just stepping stones.

Loot River is not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination; it, like many new IP’s just needs some tweaking to iron out some of its technical issues and I have no doubt that with its truly unique blend of traditional roguelikes with a dash of a block puzzler, that Loot River will quickly carve out a place for it on the ever-growing roguelike mountain.

In light of Loot River’s shortcomings, it’s still a worthwhile title to play. Flicking Tetris blocks through an astonishingly fluid river is so satisfying. And while I have issues with the combat, the weapons and spells are fun to use when they work. If Loot River gained a roadmap of good changes and content to add to the pile, it could stand toe-to-toe with some heavy-hitters leading the genre. Though, if it stays the way it is, it will remain a good entry but miss out on becoming better at implementing its inspirations.

The technical problems that surround Loot River are undeniable. Yet, it is fascinating how we keep thinking about getting back in those flooded corridors as soon as possible. Facing a game that forces you to restart your run because the boss got stuck between platforms and now is, somehow, invincible, one would think that that game will be soon uninstalled. Yet, perfection is overvalued nowadays. We prefer those who dare.

A strange mix of various different types of games. If you are looking for something unique and different you might find some solace in this little game, but beware the less than ideal graphics and enemies that are lacking in the uniqueness department.

Loot River feels like an unfinished product as some mechanics don't work probably on many occasions, and the content doesn't do much to encourage beginning another cycle.

Perhaps the game should have stayed in the early access format as long as possible, rather than rushing to release in the Xbox Game Pass collection. Probably, after a year of patches it will be a completely different game.

Moving blocks and traversing pixelated waters of Loot River is fun, and I hope the developers will show the game’s full potential in the future. But right now, they need to fix it and make the gameplay more diverse.

For all the promise that Loot River held with its amalgamation of gameplay features, they, unfortunately, don't gel together well. This is compounded by the technical issues making for an experience that is more frustrating than it is fun.